MOUNTAINEERING IN NEPAL

Out of the ten highest peaks in the world, eight, including the tallest peak Mt. Everest, lie in Nepal. No wonder Nepal is the favorite destination for mountaineers, with more than 600 expeditions trudging up the Himalaya each year.
SEASONS AND PERMITS: There are four mountaineering seasons: spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November) and winter (December-February). A total of 160 Himalayan peaks are open to mountaineers. Climbing permits are issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MoTA) for mountaineering peaks, and by the Nepal Moutaineering Association (NMA) for smaller peaks, known as trekking peaks, which range in altitude from 5,587 to 6,654 m.
The following documents have to be sent to MoTA, Mountaineering Division when applying for a climbing permit: completed application, endorsement of the National Alpine Club, short biographies of all the members of the expedition (with photograph and signature), map and/or photograph of the mountain indicating climbing route and approach route map. Enlistment of the expedition’s name does not require and fee, and it should not be paid before receiving the permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
Permits to climb the trekking peaks are issued by NMA on “first come first served” basis. It is necessary to appoint a government recognized trekking agency of Nepal as a liaison for the expedition Kathmandu. The trekking agency will look after all the requirements during the expedition.
FEE
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 MoTA 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 upto four persons. Each additional member for upto eight members is charged an extra
US$ 40. For a group exceeding eight members, NMA charges US$ 510 and US$ 25 per person for upto twelve members.
CONTACT
For further information, contact Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Tourism Industry Administration, Mountaineering Division, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu; Tel: 256234
Nepal Mountaineering Association: Naxal, Kathmandu; Tel: 0977-1-443425, 0977-1-4435442; Fax: 0977-1-4434578.
E-mail: office@nepalmountaineeringassociation.com
Website: www.nepalmountaineeringassociation.com