Why in news?
Nepal announced that it would waive climbing fees for nearly one hundred lesser‑known peaks in its remote Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces to spread tourism beyond Mount Everest. The decision aims to attract climbers to new destinations and boost local economies.
Geographical overview
Nepal is a land‑locked country sandwiched between India and China. Despite its small size it contains eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest (8,848 metres), Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna. These peaks form part of the Himalayas, created when the Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate.
Rivers and resources
The country’s major rivers – the Kosi, Narayani and Karnali – originate in the Himalayas and flow south into India. Their steep gradients give Nepal enormous hydro‑electric potential. Terraced fields carved into hillsides support rice, maize and millet cultivation, while alpine pastures are used for yak grazing.
Significance of the fee waiver
Most expeditions currently concentrate on Everest and a handful of popular trekking routes. By waiving fees for remote peaks, Nepal hopes to distribute tourist traffic, reduce environmental pressures on overcrowded trails and generate income for isolated communities. The move highlights the importance of sustainable tourism in fragile mountain ecosystems.