Nepal Liberates 97 Distant Mountain Peaks for Fee-Free Ascending, as Everest Costs Increase - Potential Impact on the Himalayas' Cartography

In a bid to diversify adventure tourism and boost economic growth, Nepal has announced that ninety-seven peaks in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces will be free to climb for the next two years. This initiative, valid until the end of 2025, has stirred excitement among mountaineers, particularly Indian Guinness World Record holder, Siddhanta, who sees it as an opportunity to reduce pressure on Everest and create new products for adventure tourism.

The appeal of the new climbing policy lies in the traditional climbing experience these peaks offer. Climbers must plan everything themselves, from routes and safety to logistics, making success a testament to skill and endurance, rather than a race against time. Among the mountains included in the initiative are Api, Api West, and Saipal.

However, the challenge for Nepal will be to balance economic ambition with the preservation of the wilderness that makes these peaks worth climbing. The risks involved are significant, with unpredictable snow and ice conditions, limited rescue options, and long approaches through rugged terrain. Siddhanta emphasizes the need for careful development to avoid problems similar to those seen on Everest moving to these regions.

Karnali and Sudurpaschim are among Nepal's poorest provinces with low human development indicators and limited connectivity. The influx of climbers could bring both opportunity and disruption to the communities that live in the shadow of these mountains. For now, the mountains stand waiting, jagged, silent, and in many cases, untouched. Somewhere among them lies the next great story in Himalayan climbing.

The government hopes that waiving fees will spur the growth of homestays, lodges, and basic tourism infrastructure in these regions. Siddhanta is cautious about a proposed regulation that would require anyone attempting Everest to first climb a peak over 7,000 meters in Nepal. He notes that the enforcement of such policies is crucial.

If managed well, the free-climb initiative could be a game-changer for the remote regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim. However, the success of Nepal's hidden peaks in attracting climbers depends on infrastructure and safety being in place. Siddhanta, who climbed a mountain called Gupt Parvat last year, a first ascent, believes that this initiative aims to create a more sustainable model for adventure tourism, reducing pressure on Everest while offering climbers a unique and challenging experience.

The draw for climbers to Karnali and Sudurpaschim will be the traditional climbing experience, where success means more than just reaching the top. The free-climb policy could have a significant economic impact on these provinces, but it could also strain communities unaccustomed to handling large numbers of foreign climbers. For climbers, the allure of the new peaks is the adventure, not speed records. The mountains are waiting, and the stage is set for the next chapter in Himalayan climbing.