KATHMANDU: In a move to promote adventure tourism, Nepal has officially opened 476 mountain peaks across the country for climbing.
From the remote cliffs of Humla in the far west to the iconic Pathibhara region in the east, these peaks offer an expansive range of options for mountaineers seeking both challenge and beauty.
The newly opened peaks include some of Nepal’s most visually stunning and geographically diverse summits, such as Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna (Phaktanglung) in Taplejung, as well as several lesser-known but equally majestic mountains in Dolpa, Upper Mustang, and beyond. Among them are 15 peaks in Upper Mustang alone, which are now open to climbers.
This initiative is expected to not only attract foreign climbers but also encourage domestic adventure seekers to explore the country’s high-altitude landscapes.
Local governments and tourism bodies are already taking steps to improve infrastructure, promote trekking routes, and assist mountaineers. These efforts aim to spread the benefits of tourism to remote mountain communities.
“The number of Nepali youth interested in mountain climbing is rising,” says Sandeep Gurung, President of the Mountain Guides Association of Nepal. “Opening more peaks gives climbers fresh opportunities to explore lesser-known regions while helping local economies thrive.”
While the new peaks are open, climbing remains a physically and financially demanding activity. A group climb of a 6,000-meter peak in Taplejung, for instance, can cost around Rs. 1.5 million, including guide fees, permits, equipment, and travel. Climbers are also advised to undergo proper training and consider the risks posed by climate change and unpredictable weather conditions in the Himalayas.
Guides emphasize the importance of being well-prepared and insured. With increasing interest in sustainable and safe mountaineering, this move by the government is seen as a timely step to diversify Nepal’s tourism offerings beyond Everest and Annapurna.
The decision to open hundreds of peaks beyond the popular climbing circuits is seen as part of a broader effort to decentralize tourism. As Ngada Sherpa, a mountaineer from Taplejung, puts it, “There are hundreds of breathtaking peaks beyond the famous ones. This move allows us to share the hidden beauty of our region with the world.”
With the spring climbing season already underway, the opening of 476 peaks marks a new chapter in Nepal’s mountaineering legacy — one that invites the world to scale new heights in the heart of the Himalayas.
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