The art of climbing a mountain is a hard-earned skill. It is a challenge and an adventure that takes you to one of the most remote regions of this nation and allows you great views that are unfathomable.After the first successful summit of Mt Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, mountaineering took great leaps. After this summit, the Nepalese authorities also took steps to develop mountaineering infrastructure and regulations.
When is Nepal’s climbing season?
Nepal has two main climbing seasons:
1. March to Early May: This period is considered the golden period for mountaineering adventures. The days and nights are typically warmer this time of the year. The visibility during this period is also nominal.
2. September to November: The nights during this period are more chilly than between March to Early May. The visibility is nominal with minimal weather disturbances.
How do I acquire a climbing permit?
Every climber must adhere to laws set by the Government of Nepal during their expedition. Please click on the following link to know more about the rules and regulations related to mountaineering expeditions: [Click Here]
Nepal Mountaineering Association issues the climbing permits. You are required to submit the following documents:
1. Bank Voucher from Nabil Bank of Permit Fee [Click here to find out the service charges for foreign climbers] and Garbage Deposit
2. Accidental insurance of 15 lakh
3. Medical insurance of 4 lakh and
4. Rescue insurance of Climbing Guide
(Documents 2,3&4 are required for Nepalese climbers as well)
Which peaks are open for climbers?
As per the tourism department of Nepal, 468 peaks are open and proposed to be open for climbing. You can [Click here] to view their profile.
How long is the permitted period?
The mountaineering permit is for a period of one month. The permission is open to an extension if required for two weeks. The period of permission relates to time spent climbing above base camp.
Will I also require a trekking permit on top of my climbing permit?
Yes, you need to acquire a TIMS card and trekking permit.
Where do I get mountaineering training?
The Nepal Mountaineering Association provides both basic and advanced mountaineering training in Nepal.
Top 2 beginner peaks in Nepal
1. Mera Peak
Elevation: 6470 M/ 21227 FT
Location: Province 1
District: Solukhumbu
Nearest Health Centre: Lukla 29.8 KM
Royalty Fees:
A. For Nepalese: Rs 4000(Spring) , 2000(Autumn), 1000 (Winter/Summer)
B. For Foreigners (USD): 250 (Spring), 125(Autumn), 70 (Winter/Summer)
Accessibility
From Kathmandu: Flight to Lukla
Caravan Route: Lukla-Chhatrala- Thanknak-Khare- Base Camp (BC)
Climbing Route Length: 4.2 KM
Duration: 17 Days
The Nepal Mountaineering Association provides both basic and advanced mountaineering training. Mera peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal.
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) manages the peak. Meera Peak is an expert recommendation for novice mountaineers due to its non-technical nature.
It is an eye-opener for enthusiasts of mountaineering. The summit of Mera offers a breathtaking of the world’s five highest mountains: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
2. Island Peak (Imja Tse)
Elevation: 6165 M/ 20226 FT
Location: Province 1
District: Solukhumbu
Nearest Health Centre: Namche 28.5 KM
Royalty Fees:
A.For Nepalese: Rs 4000(Spring) , 2000(Autumn), 1000 (Winter/Summer)
B.For Foreigners (USD): 250 (Spring), 125(Autumn), 70 (Winter/Summer)
Accessibility
From Kathmandu: Flight to Lukla
Caravan Route: Lukla- Namche- Khumjung- Dinboche- Chukung- Base Camp (BC)
Climbing Route Length: 2.4 KM
Duration: 18 Days
Imja Tse is also known as Island Peak. The peak got its nickname from a British Expedition en route to Mt Everest. As they looked towards Imja Tse, it seemed like an island in a sea of ice from Dingboche. The summit of Imja offers majestic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Baruntse, Lhotse and other famous summits. The climb to the summit is moreover straightforward. There are only a few sections that require technical manoeuvring.
