As the tourism season begins, Nepal has started issuing permits for mountain expeditions, with plans to gradually open 57 new climbable peaks before the Dashain festival. The Department of Tourism has confirmed that preparations are underway to allow access to these peaks, enhancing adventure tourism opportunities in the country.
According to Rakesh Gurung, Director of the Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering Section at the Department of Tourism, the government is collaborating with the Nepal Mountaineering Association to finalize the opening of these peaks. “We have submitted the final report to the Ministry of Tourism through the Department of Tourism, which will soon be presented to the Cabinet,” he said.
The report was recently returned with minor adjustments required, and Gurung stated that they are working to resolve the issues and resubmit the proposal. Once approved, these new peaks will be open for mountaineering.
This initiative aligns with the government’s policy for fiscal year 2080-81, which includes opening new mountains for climbing. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation had instructed the Department of Tourism to expedite the process of making these peaks accessible to mountaineers.
Currently, Nepal has 401 open climbing peaks, with permits for 27 of them issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, while the remaining permits are handled by the Department of Tourism.
The list of 57 new peaks is expected to enhance Nepal’s reputation as a prime destination for adventure tourism.
