Climbing fees to increase for mountains including Mt Everest

KATHMANDU, Aug 15: The government is going to increase the royalties for mountain climbing, including the highest peak Mt Everest at 8848.86 meters.

The Director and the Spokesperson of the Tourism Department, Yubaraj Khatiwada, informed that the government is going to increase the climbing fee by amending the Federal Tourism Bill along with the Mountain Climbing Regulations, 2059. 

Along with the amendment of this regulation, the approval of mountain climbing, royalty collection and regulation and supervision of mountain climbing will be delegated to the Tourism Department from the Ministry.

At present, Nepalese citizens have to pay a fee of Rs 18,250 to Rs 75,000 to climb Mt Everest depending on the season. On the other hand, foreign citizens have to pay USD ranging from 2,750$ to 11,000$.

Similarly, Nepalese citizens have to pay a fee ranging from Rs 2500 to Rs 10,000 when climbing mountains (8000-meter range) other than Mt Everest, while foreigners have to pay from 450$ to 1800$.

The royalties when climbing mountains below the height of 7,999 meters are charged depending on the range. The government is planning to increase the same royalties.

The amendments made to the Mountain Climbing Regulations have to be passed by the Cabinet meeting before it comes into practice.