Mountaineering in Nepal

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 Thousanders 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.

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