The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is set to implement a new insurance system for the necessary permits to climb its 27 mountains. Following the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation’s decision to make accident insurance, medical insurance, and helicopter rescue insurance mandatory under the Mountaineering Regulations, the NMA has decided to set new fees for mountaineering services, effective from March 1, 2025.
According to the association, it will now provide insurance for Nepali professional workers (sherpas, support climbers, and senior support climbers). This includes accident insurance of NPR 1.5 million, medical insurance of NPR 400,000, and helicopter rescue insurance of up to USD 10,000.
For these services, the insurance fee will be NPR 8,500 (excluding VAT) per Nepali mountaineering guide. Additionally, a management service fee of NPR 2,000 (excluding VAT) will be charged for climbers (foreign tourists).
The association clarified that while climbers don’t need to arrange the insurance themselves, the rule requiring all three insurances at the time of issuing climbing permits remains in effect. Furthermore, the requirement for trekking companies to submit a commitment letter for helicopter rescue has been removed, according to the association.
