Synopsis
Nepal has prohibited solo climbs on mountains surpassing 8,000 meters, aiming to improve climber safety. A government official confirmed this decision, which mandates climbers have a guide. Additionally, climbing permit fees for Mount Everest are set to increase starting September 2025.Key Takeaways
- Solo expeditions to mountains over 8,000 metres are banned.
- Climbers must now hire a guide.
- Climbing permit fees for Mount Everest will increase significantly.
- The ban aims to enhance climber safety.
- Nepal contains eight of the world's highest peaks.
Kathmandu, Feb 5 (NationPress) Nepal has implemented a ban on solo expeditions to all mountains exceeding 8,000 metres within its borders, including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest or Mount Qomolangma, according to an official announcement made on Wednesday.
The government has mandated that all climbers must be accompanied by a guide during their expeditions, as part of amendments to the mountaineering regulations, stated Liladhar Awasti, Director of the Department of Tourism.
Awasti further explained, “This decision aims to enhance the safety of climbers on peaks above 8,000 metres,” as reported to Xinhua news agency.
In January, the South Asian nation revealed plans to increase climbing permit fees for Mount Everest, which lies on the border of Nepal and China. The fee for foreign climbers will rise from 11,000 US dollars to 15,000 US dollars starting from September 1 for the spring climbing season.
According to Madhav Adhikari, an official from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, “The new rate will be effective from September 1, 2025.”
For climbers from Nepal, the fee will double from 75,000 Nepali rupees (approximately $545) to 150,000 rupees (around $1,090).
Nepal is home to eight internationally recognized peaks above 8,000 metres. The climbing permit fees were last updated on January 1, 2015.
Mount Everest draws numerous climbers, including highly skilled mountaineers. There are two primary routes to the summit: one approaches from the southeast in Nepal (referred to as the “standard route”), and the other from the north in Tibet. While the standard route is not technically challenging, Everest poses risks such as altitude sickness, severe weather, and dangers from avalanches and the Khumbu Icefall.
Nepal is a premier destination for adventure tourism, boasting diverse, often intimidating landscapes, abundant with stunning natural beauty. Visitors to Nepal can engage in various outdoor activities, from paragliding near the mountains to observing Bengal tigers in the lush forests of Chitwan.
