NMA increases the cost of Peak Permit for its 27 Peaks from September 2025
The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has recently revised the cost of all permits that fall under its responsibility. They announced that there shall be significant changes to peak permit fees for its 27 peaks, effective from September 2025, the Autumn Season. Until now, they have fixed the Permit Cost of all 25 Trekking and Climbing Peaks that are below 6500 meters / 21325 feet.
However, out of 27 NMA peaks, 2 peaks exceed 6,500 meters in elevation: Singu Chuli (a fluted peak) at 6,501 m in the Annapurna Region and Chulu East at 6,584 m in the district of Manang, also in the Annapurna Region. To date, NMA has not declared the new rates for these 2 peaks, Singu Chuli and Chulu East.
About the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA):
Established in 1973, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is a non-governmental and nonprofit organization for mountaineering activities in Nepal. Working under the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, NMA is specifically entrusted with the responsibility of managing 27 designated trekking peaks.
NMA issues climbing permits for these peaks and makes mountaineering on these peaks legally accessible to both domestic and international climbers. These peaks are classified separate from other majestic peaks that are over 6,500, 7,000 meters, and all major 8,000-meter peaks, which the Department of Tourism of Nepal manages.
Will the New Cost of Permit affect Peak Climbing in Nepal?
Mountaineers and Travel agencies are of the notion that this sudden hike in the Peak climbing Permit Fee is sure to affect popular trekking peaks that are 6,500 meters and lower. They argue that renowned destinations such as Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche Peak, or Chulu Far East Peak are sure to be affected by this cost increase. Furthermore, they say that these peaks attract thousands of national and international climbers annually, giving job opportunities and national income that might be lessened with the price hike.
There has been a significant price hike already in the flight fares, logistics in the Everest Region, local permits, etc, that is making Everest packages expensive every year. They fear that this NEW PEAK CLIMBING PERMIT COST may result in fewer peak climbing bookings in the years to come.
What is the Revised Cost of the Peak Climbing Permit in Nepal from 2025?
Under this New Permit Fee Structure, foreign climbers will now pay USD 350 per person for the spring season for all peaks of 6,500 meters and lower. This is a significant increase from the previous rate of USD 250 per person. However, the seasonal pricing model continues to apply, with reduced rates for autumn and winter.
For Nepali climbers, the new climbing permit cost shall be NPR 20,000 for the spring season rate for all peaks that are 6,500 meters and lower. There shall be a discount rate of 50% and 25% during the autumn season and the winter season for both national and international climbers.
NMA states that the revised climbing permit cost is to ensure sustainable mountain tourism. Furthermore, they say that they want to make Nepal a premier destination for all mountaineers. On the other hand, travel agencies and local mountaineers request NMA for proper mountain management, environmental protection, and safety measures. Furthermore, they ask NMA to implement and maintain these climbing destinations, which have been overlooked for ages.
NEW PEAK PERMIT COST For all Foreign climbers Per Person:
| SN | Peaks | Spring Season | Autumn Season | Winter/Summer Season |
| 1 | 6500m and lower | $350 | $175 | $175 |
NEW PEAK ROYALTY COST For all Nepali (Local) Climbers Per Person
| SN | Peaks | Spring Season | Autumn Season | Winter/Summer Season |
| 1 | 6500m and lower | NPR 20,000 | NPR 10,000 | NPR 5,000 |
List of 27 Peaks under NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association):
The New Peak Climbing Permit Cost, which will be effective from September 2025, will be levied on all 27 Trekking peaks mentioned below that are under the NMA:
| SN | PEAK NAME | HEIGHT | HIMALAYAN RANGE |
| 1 | Chulu East | 6584m | Damodar/Manang |
| 2 | Chulu West | 6419m | Damodar/Manang |
| 3 | Ghanja-La Chuli (Naya Kanga) | 5863m | Langtang/Rasuwa |
| 4 | Hiun Chuli | 6434m | Annapurna/Kaski |
| 5 | Island Peak | 6165m | Khumbu/Solukhumbu |
| 6 | Khongma Tse (Mehra Peak) | 5849m | Khumbu/Solukhumbu |
| 7 | Mera Peak | 6470m | Khumbu/Solukhumbu |
| 8 | Kusum Kangru | 6360m | Khumbu/Solukhumbu |
| 9 | Kwangde | 6086m | Rolwaling/Solukhumbu |
| 10 | Lobuche East | 6119m | Khumbu/Solukhumbu |
| 11 | Mt. Abi | 6043m | Mahalangur/Solukhumbu |
| 12 | Mt. Bokta | 6114m | Kanchenjunga/Taplejung |
| 13 | Mt. Chekigo | 6121m | Gaurishankar/Dolakha |
| 14 | Mt Chola Tse | 6423m | Khumbu/Solukhumbu |
| 15 | Mt. Kyazo Ri | 6151m | Mahalangur/Solukhumbu |
| 16 | Mt. Langsisa Ri | 6412m | Jugal/Rasuwa |
| 17 | Mt. Larkya Peak | 6416m | Manaslu/Manang-Gorkha |
| 18 | Mt. Lobuche West | 6135m | Khumbu/Solukhumbu |
| 19 | Mt. Nirekha | 6159m | Mahalangur/Solukhumbu |
| 20 | Mt. Ombigaichen | 6340m | Mahalangur/Solukhumbu |
| 21 | Mt. Phari Lapcha | 6017m | Mahalangur/Solukhumbu |
| 22 | Mt. Yubra Himal | 6048 | Langtang/Rasuwa |
| 23 | Paldor Peak | 5903 | Ganesh Himal/Dhading-Rasuwa |
| 24 | Pharchamo Peak | 6279m | Rolwaling/Dolakha-Solukhumbu |
| 25 | Pisang Peak | 6091m | Damodar/Manang |
| 26 | Ramdong Go | 5900m | Rolwaling/Ramechhap-Dolakha |
| 27 | Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak) | 6501m | Annapurna/Kaski |
Nepal Government Raises the Cost of Everest Climbing Permit:
On the 8th of January, 2025, Nepal government announced a substantial increase in Mount Everest climbing permit fees. This new revised cost for Mount Everest will take effect from September 1, 2025.
The revised Mount Everest royalty fees are as follows:
- SPRING SEASON (March-May): For all foreign nationals, the Everest Royalty Fee has been raised from USD 11,000 to USD 15,000 Per person. This increase is almost 36% as compared to what the cost was until the Spring of 2025.
- AUTUMN SEASON (September-November): The climbing fee has increased from USD 5,500 to USD 7,500 Per Person.
- Whereas for the WINTER SEASON (December-February) and MONSOON SEASON (June-August): The Royalty fee has risen from USD 2,750 to USD 3,750.
For Nepali climbers, the royalty fee has doubled from NPR 75,000 to NPR 150,000, though this still remains lower than international climbers.
The primary motivations behind this increase include better management, safety, and limiting the number of growing climbers. Furthermore, it also has to do with environmental protection and waste management on the mountain.
Besides, the Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation have faced mounting international pressure to address overcrowding on Everest. However, this move has been largely welcomed by the international mountaineering community.
This step has been considered legitimate and a responsible step toward preserving the mountain environment.
Nepal Opens 97 Peaks for FREE Climbing:
Hello, my trekking and climbing partners, I have got exciting news to share. If you are looking for your next climbing adventure in Nepal, I have some good news for you - Nepal has opened 97 incredible Himalayan peaks in its far-western regions for Free climbing.
This amazing offer starts from July 17, 2025, and will last until 2027, giving us two full years to explore the unspoiled Himalayan routes. We may now leave behind the hassle of climbing permits or any other additional royalties and go after the thrilling climbs in the unexplored far west.
To promote the picturesque far-western region of Karnali and Sudurpaschim, the Nepalese Government came up with this incredible decision. FREE CLIMBING basically means you wouldn't require paying any climbing royalty fee or issuing any special permits to conquer these peaks.
The far-western region of Nepal, too, is equally stunning as Annapurna and Everest, with ample snow-capped mountains. However, this hidden gem remains unexposed and unexplored due to poor marketing and the popularity of Everest and Annapurna.
The far west truly offers untouched routes that give you the fun of an off-the-beaten-track experience, to witness the raw wilderness, and to enjoy the serene beauty.
The majestic peaks in the far-west, ranging from 5,870 to 7,132 meters , include stunning giants like Saipal (7,031m) and Api Himal (7,132m), which are now open for everyone for free climbing. All these incredible peaks are located in the far-wet region of Nepal that offers untouched trails, traditional local villages, genuine culture, and breathtaking mountain views.
Furthermore, this is a rare chance to explore less-crowded routes away from the busy and commercial Everest or Annapurna trails. Give yourself a chance to climb epic peaks in the far west when we have a chance to do it for free.
