Tourism in Nepal began with mountaineering. Eight of the world's 14 tallest mountains including Everest lie in Nepal while hundreds of other smaller peaks crown the country's north. The Eight Thousand may have been scaled many times over, but they continue to be a big draw year after year.

The mountains are open for climbing during all the four seasons – spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November) and winter (December-February). The ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MOCTCA) handles all the permits for the bigger mountains while the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) issues the permits for the smaller trekking peaks, rising in altitude from 5587 to 6654 m. Out of the 326 peaks open for climbing, expeditions to 121 peaks don't require liaison officers.

Anyone who is 16 years of age can apply for the climbing permit. An application addressed to the Mountaineering Division, MOCTCA for a permit should include the following completed biographies of the expedition members (with photographs and signature), map and/or photographs of the mountain showing climbing route and approach route. Climbing fees are paid in full only after the permit is issued.

The NMA issues permits to expedition to the trekking peaks based on “first come first served” basis. A government recognized trekking agency must be appointed to handle all the requirements during the expedition.

Fees:

Royalty for Mount Everest

The royalty (climbing fee) for mountaineering expeditions to Everest not exceeding seven members is US $ 50,000 for the routes other than the traditional southeast route. The charge for expeditions that use the traditional route depends on the expedition; US $40,000 for two members; US $48,000 for three members; US $ 56,000 for four members; US $ 60,000 for five members; US $ 66,000 six members and US $ 70,000 for seven members.

For other mountains

The royalty for other mountains depends upon their altitude. A seven member expedition must pay US $ 10,000 for peaks above 8000 m (except Mt. Everest ). US $ 4000 is charged for between 7501-8000 m; US $ 3000 for those between 7001-7500 m; US $ 2000 for those between 6501-7000 m; and US $ 1000 for peaks that are less than 6501 m. An additional US $ 200 to US $ 1500 per person is charged if the group exceeds seven members.

The full amount of royalty must be paid within two months of the date of issue of the permit, otherwise it may be canceled. The royalty must be paid directly to MOCTCA by bank draft of bank transfer in convertible foreign currency only.

The NMA Charges different royalties for the different trekking peaks. Read More...