Nepal
is the ultimate destination for any mountaineer. Amongst the
ten highest peaks in the world, eight are in Nepal, all of them
over 8000m. The crowning glory undoubtedly being Mt. Everest,
the highest peak in the world. No wonder, Nepal attracts more
than 600 mountaineers every year. Though mountaineering is a
dangerous sport, with as many tragic failures as triumphs, nothing
on earth can beat the thrill and high of successfully scaling
a seemingly impossible mountain peak.
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| Seasons |
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There are four mountaineering seasons:
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Spring |
Mar-May |
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Summer |
Jun-Aug |
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Autumn |
Sep-Nov |
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Winter |
Dec-Feb |
A total of 153 Himalayan peaks are open to mountaineers.
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| Permits
And Fees |
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A royalty (climbing fee) ranging from US$ 1,500 to US$ 10,000
(depending on the altitude of the peak) and US$ 50,000 for Everest
is charged by MoCTCA for a group of seven persons. An additional
US$ 20,000 is charged for the normal south east ridge route
on Everest. An additional US$ 200 to US$ 1,500 per person (US$
10,000 per person for Everest) will be charged if the group
exceeds seven persons. The full amount of the royalty has to
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 or bank transfer in convertible foreign
currency only.
For trekking
peaks, NMA charges a royalty of US$ 350 for a group of up
to 4 persons. Each additional member for up to 8 members is
charged an extra US$ 40. For a group exceeding 8 members,
NMA charges US$ 510 and US$ 25 per person for up to 12 members.
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| Restrictions |
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Food and equipment imported for expeditions require
an import license and should be custom cleared.
Communication equipment like walkie-talkies and transceiver
sets are controlled items in Nepal and have to have Customs
clearing.
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| Trekking
Peaks |
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These are smaller mountains ranging from 5587m to 6654m, which
are climbed by keen trekkers.
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