The UIAA is pleased to note the recent decision to open up “new” areas and more peaks in the 6000 and 7000 metre range in western Nepal. Some 97 peaks, in the provinces of Karnali and Sudurpashchim, will be free of climbing permit charges.
Throughout recent years, and in an increased digital society, many of the more popular areas in the Nepal Himalaya have become prone to overcrowding and impacted by negative side effects such as increased pollution and lengthy and dangerous waiting times on summit attempts. The Nepalese government is to be congratulated on this initiative.
Opening up this area of western Nepal creates opportunities for true adventure climbing and exploring new routes. This initiative may also provide more employment opportunities for local communities as climbers come to visit these more “remote” regions.
Aa cited in a few media outlets, some climbers are lukewarm about this development, stating that the wavering of permit fees is somewhat inconsequential compared to tackling expensive access issues and significant infrastructure challenges. While this is undoubtedly true any initiative that attempts to relieve the pressure on the more popular areas should be encouraged.
The 2024 UIAA “Declaration on Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering” lays out the tenets for ethical behaviour in mountain regions. This initiative which encourages visiting newly opened regions may provide recreation, both physical and spiritual, for generations of climbers in the future and is supported by a number of points made in the Declaration.