The tourism department has informed us that it is going to recommend that 57 mountains be opened for climbing departmental ministry to open 57 new mountain climbers. In this way, the mountains that are going to be recommended have a height of 5,000 meters to 6,500 meters. On the recommendation of the department, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation will take this proposal to the Cabinet. Once approved from there, the mountains will be open for climbing.

The Department of Tourism has said that various peaks from East Taplejung to West Dolpa and Humla are going to be opened for climbing.

According to the government’s policy of gradually opening the climbable mountains, new mountain climbing is about to be opened. It is mentioned that the government will gradually open the climbable mountains in the budget of the current fiscal year 2080/81.

This policy is included in budget item number 70. Amid complaints that the government is giving priority to climbing only on Mount Everest and not paying attention to the promotion of other mountains, 57 more mountain climbing is about to be opened.

According to Tourism Department Director Rakesh Gurung, the list has been selected to open more mountains in collaboration with Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

“The private sector has experience in mountain promotion, that’s why the mountain has been selected to be opened in collaboration with NMA,” Gurung told Online News.

He said that the first basis for this is the responsibility of completing the policy and program of 2080/81 and the program mentioned in the “milestone” of the government.

Claim protest call

The department said that these mountains are going to be opened for climbing, and has called upon the stakeholders to provide any objections regarding opening or not due to religious, cultural, and geographical adversities.

In its email, the department has also stated that the protest will be heard within a week and no action will be taken if the protest is not received within that period.

According to Director Gurung, correspondence has been sent to the relevant local level to oppose such claims. “Some religion, caste worship a particular mountain as God,” he said, “that’s why we have called for a protest through the local level.”

So far 419 peaks are open to climb

The government has so far opened 419 mountain peaks for climbing. It includes all the mountains with a height of 8 thousand meters including the highest peak Everest.

Five of the mountains that have been opened for climbing have been opened from this financial year. There are five peaks of the Jugal Himal range in the mountains thus exposed. Which is in Sindhupalchok district.

Although open, 68 mountains have not yet been climbed

Although the government has opened 419 mountains for climbing, climbing is concentrated only in a limited number of mountains. According to the Department of Tourism, human beings have not yet reached the 68 mountain peaks that are open for climbing.

On the other hand, the government has sometimes closed mountains that are geographically impossible to climb and where religious beliefs are connected. According to the department, 18 mountains out of which climbing has been opened so far have been closed again.

Frequently Asked Questions: Everest Base Camp Trek

  1. Where is Mount Everest Located? Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
  2. What is Nepal Base Camp Popularly Known For? Nepal Base Camp, also known as Everest Base Camp, is renowned for being the starting point for climbers aiming to summit Mount Everest.
  3. How High is Mount Everest? Mount Everest stands at a height of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level.
  4. How to Reach Everest Base Camp? To reach Everest Base Camp, you typically fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek through various villages over several days to the base camp.
  5. Do I Need a Guide for Everest Trekking? While not mandatory, hiring a guide for Everest trekking is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insights.
  6. How to Select a Local Agency for the Everest Base Camp Hike? Choose a local agency based on reviews, recommendations, and their safety record. Verify that they are registered and have experienced guides.
  7. Is Trekking to Everest Base Camp Safe? Trekking to Everest Base Camp is generally safe if you are well-prepared and acclimatize properly. Always follow your guide’s advice.
  8. How Long Does it Take to Hike to Everest Base Camp? The trek to Everest Base Camp typically takes about 12-14 days, including acclimatization days.
  9. What Equipment is Needed for Everest Base Camp Trekking? Essential equipment includes sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a backpack, and a first aid kit.
  10. Accommodation During Everest Trek? Accommodation during the trek is primarily in tea houses, which offer basic facilities like food, shelter, and sometimes electricity.
  11. What is Altitude Sickness in Everest Base Camp Trek? Altitude sickness occurs due to reduced oxygen at high altitudes, with symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness. Proper acclimatization is crucial.
  12. What Permits are Required for Everest Base Camp Trek? You need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
  13. How Expensive is Everest Base Camp Trek? Costs vary, but expect to spend between $1,000 to $3,000, covering permits, guide/porter fees, accommodation, and food.
  14. How Difficult is Everest Base Camp Trek? The trek is moderately difficult, requiring good physical fitness and mental endurance due to the high altitude and long walking days.
  15. Do We Need to Climb During Everest Base Camp Trek? The trek involves no technical climbing but requires trekking on rugged and sometimes steep terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions: Manaslu Circuit Trek

  1. How Difficult is Manaslu Trek? The Manaslu Trek is considered challenging due to its remote location, high altitudes, and rugged trails.
  2. How Long is Manaslu Trek? The Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 177 kilometers (110 miles) long.
  3. How High is Manaslu? Mount Manaslu stands at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level.
  4. Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Doable? Yes, it is doable for trekkers with good physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
  5. When to Plan Manaslu Trek? The best times to trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
  6. What is Special About Manaslu? How is it Different from Everest and Annapurna? Manaslu offers a more remote and less crowded experience compared to Everest and Annapurna, with rich cultural encounters and diverse landscapes.
  7. Can I Do Manaslu Trek Solo? No, solo trekking is not allowed. You must trek with a guide and obtain the necessary permits.
  8. Will I Need Oxygen on the Trek? Oxygen is generally not needed for the trek, but it’s important to acclimatize properly to prevent altitude sickness.
  9. What is the Average Group Size of the Manaslu Circuit Trek? Groups typically consist of 2 to 10 trekkers, plus guides and porters.
  10. How to Prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek? Prepare with cardiovascular training, strength exercises, and practice hikes with a loaded backpack.
  11. Where is the Starting and Ending Point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek? The trek starts in Soti Khola and ends in Besi Sahar.
  12. Do I Need Permits to Trek to Manaslu? Yes, you need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
  13. How Much Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost? The cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, including permits, guide/porter fees, accommodation, and food.
  14. What Type of Accommodation to Expect During the Manaslu Circuit Trek? Accommodation is primarily in tea houses, offering basic facilities.
  15. Why is Tea House Trekking Better Than Camping? Tea house trekking is more convenient, providing shelter and meals, and supports local communities.
  16. What are the Meal Options During the Manaslu Circuit Trek? Meals typically include Nepali, Tibetan, and basic Western dishes like rice, noodles, and soups.
  17. How are Telecommunication and WiFi Facilities in the Manaslu Region? Telecommunication is limited, and WiFi is available only in some tea houses.
  18. What Should My Insurance Policy Cover on Manaslu Circuit Trek? Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, and medical expenses.
  19. What to Pack for Manaslu Trek? Pack essentials like warm clothing, a good sleeping bag, trekking poles, a backpack, and a first aid kit.
  20. Is it Possible to Customize the Trip? Yes, many agencies offer customizable itineraries based on your preferences.
  21. Can I Apply for a Manaslu Trek Permit Individually? No, permits must be obtained through a registered trekking agency with a guide.
  22. Is There Electricity in Tea Houses to Charge My Camera and Cell Phone? Some tea houses offer charging facilities for a small fee.
  23. How Long Do I Need to Walk Per Day? Expect to walk 5-7 hours per day on average.
  24. How Busy is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Compared to the Annapurna Circuit Trek? The Manaslu Circuit is less crowded and more remote than the Annapurna Circuit.
  25. Is My Trip a Guaranteed Departure? Check with your trekking agency, but most trips depart as scheduled if minimum group size requirements are met.
  26. Will I Get Altitude Sickness on the Trek? There is a risk of altitude sickness, so it’s important to acclimatize properly and recognize symptoms early.
  27. How Do I Prevent Altitude Sickness During the Manaslu Circuit Trek? Acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and follow your guide’s advice.

Frequently Asked Questions: Climbing and Trekking in Nepal

  1. How Many Mountains in Nepal are Open for Climbing? Nepal has 326 mountains open for mountaineering expeditions, with 103 of them having never been climbed.
  2. Which Mountain is Banned from Climbing in Nepal? Machapuchare, part of the Annapurna Himalayas, is not open for climbing and remains unclimbed.
  3. Which Nepali Climbed All 14 Mountains Above 8,000 Meters? Nirmal Purja climbed all 14 eight-thousanders in just six months and six days, using bottled oxygen.
  4. Which is the Hardest Trekking Peak in Nepal? The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered the most challenging, requiring thorough organization as it is a camping trip with no basic lodges.
  5. Which Mountain in Nepal is Known as the “Killer Mountain”? Nanga Parbat is often referred to as the “Killer Mountain” due to its high fatality rate, though it is not in Nepal but in Pakistan.
  6. Who was the First Nepali Woman to Climb Mount Everest? Pasang Lhamu Sherpa became the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest in 1993.
  7. Is Annapurna Easier to Climb than Everest? Annapurna is considered less taxing due to fewer steep climbs and lower average altitude, with various trails not exceeding 2,000 meters.
  8. Can You Climb Annapurna Without Oxygen? Yes, it is possible to climb Annapurna without supplementary oxygen. Recently, Allie Pepper and Flor Cuenca summited Annapurna without using supplementary oxygen.
  9. What is the Climbing Death Rate of Annapurna? Annapurna has one of the highest fatality rates among the 8,000-meter peaks, making it one of the most dangerous mountains to climb.
  10. Govt Prepares for Opening 57 Peaks for Climbing The Department of Tourism in Nepal is preparing to open 57 new mountain climbing routes, ranging from 5,000 to 6,500 meters, across East Taplejung to West Dolpa and Humla.