Kathmandu: The government of Nepal has announced the opening of 57 additional mountains for climbing, as part of its tourism development strategy for the fiscal year 2024/25. This decision was made during the Council of Ministers' meeting on October 7, following recommendations from the Department of Tourism.

The newly accessible peaks range in height from 5,000 to 6,500 meters, bringing the total number of mountains open for climbing in Nepal to 461, according to Rakesh Gurung, Director at the Department of Tourism.

In coordination with the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), this initiative aims to promote adventurous tourism by expanding climbing destinations. NMA President Nimanuru Sherpa expressed optimism, stating that the opening of new peaks sends a positive message to the tourism sector and helps develop new destinations.

Sherpa also highlighted that there are over 2,000 mountains suitable for climbing and urged the government to continue opening more peaks to further boost tourism. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and communication networks around the newly accessible mountains to attract more foreign climbers.