Updated Royalty and Insurance Provisions in Nepal (2025)

  • Raju Gurung
  • Last Updated on Aug 27, 2025

Navigating Nepal’s 2025 Royalty & Insurance Updates

Nepal’s mountaineering regulations have seen significant revisions in 2025. As your trusted trekking partner, Yatri Trekking brings you a concise, expert guide to what’s changed so that you can plan with clarity and confidence.

Table of Contents

1. Everest and 8,000 m Peak Royalty Fees (Effective September 1, 2025)

The Nepal government has approved a substantial permit fee increase under the Sixth Amendment to the Mountaineering Regulations, taking effect September 1, 2025 

Peak / RouteSpringAutumnWinter / Monsoon
Mt. Everest — Normal RouteUSD 15,000USD 7,500USD 3,750
Mt. Everest — Other RoutesUSD 10,000USD 5,000USD 2,500
Other 8,000 m Peaks (foreigners)USD 3,000USD 1,000USD 750
Mt. ManasluUSD 1,500USD 3,000USD 1,500
Peaks 7,501–8,000 mUSD 1,000USD 500USD 250
Peaks 7,001–7,500 mUSD 800USD 400USD 200
Peaks 6,501–6,999 mUSD 500USD 250USD 200
Less than 6500USD 350USD 175USD 175

According to Mountainerring in Nepal, if a climber from Nepal wants to scale the normal route to Everest this spring, they'll have to pay double the fees, which have been raised from NPR 75,000 to NPR 150,000.  Permit validity has been shortened from 75 to 55 days to streamline the process. New environment measures include a directive that climbers bring back all their waste off the mountain in biodegradable bags.

Climber ascending a snowy ridge under Everest’s shadow, symbolizing permit and insurance context.
Everest climber ascending

2. Royalty for Nepalese Climbers (Per Person, in NPR)

S.N.Mountain / CategorySpring (Mar–May)Autumn (Sep–Nov)Winter / Summer (Dec–Feb & Jun–Aug)
1Everest – Normal Route150,00075,00037,500
2Everest – Other Routes100,00050,00025,000
3Mountains > 8,000 m (excluding Everest)50,00025,00012,500
4Peaks 7,501 m – 8,000 m40,00020,00010,000
5Peaks 7,001 m – 7,500 m30,00015,0007,500
6Peaks 6,501 m – 7,000 m25,00012,5006,250
7Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m)40,00020,00010,000
8Peaks < 6,500 m20,00010,0005,000

As defined by the Secretary-level decision dated 2065/02/22 B.S. (Nepali calendar), the seasons are:

  • Spring: March, April, May

  • Summer: June, July, August

  • Autumn: September, October, November

  • Winter: December, January, February

3. NMA Peak Royalty for Lower-Altitude Climbs (Effective September 1, 2025)

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) also updated royalty fees for peaks up to 6,500 m, and rolled out new insurance for mountain guides :

  • Foreign Climbers: USD 375 in spring; USD 175 in autumn, winter, and summer.

  • Nepali Climbers: NPR 20,000 in spring; NPR 10,000 in autumn; NPR 5,000 in winter/summer.

  • Guide Insurance (foreign climbers): NPR 8,500 + NPR 2,000 service fee, effective March 1, 2025, covering accidents, medical emergencies, and rescue. Participants may opt-out with valid heli-rescue and medical insurance proof.

Why These Changes Matter

  • Cost Planning: Everest's steep fee hike hugely impacts budgets. Lower-altitude permits are comparatively modest, but still worth accounting for.

  • Safety & Regulations: New rules limit solo or alpine-style climbs. Having reliable, insured guides is now mandatory—especially on 8,000 m peaks.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Waste management, reduced permit durations, and stricter guidelines reflect Nepal’s push toward sustainable, responsible tourism.

What You Should Do Next

  • Budget Smart: For Everest expeditions after Sept 1, 2025, expect higher royalty costs and factor in guide insurance.

  • Review Your Gear & Logistics: Ensure you can comply with waste protocols and faster climbing schedules.

  • Stay Informed: These changes are most relevant to bookings after September 2025. Earlier trips remain subject to old rates and rules.

4. Insurance Provisions: Personal Accident & Medical Coverage

A mountaineering expedition team must obtain insurance for personal accidents and medical coverage for key personnel in climbing, from one of the authorized companies by the Government of Nepal. It should cover the team for the complete duration of an expedition, starting at the time of departure and ending at the time of return. 

Yatri Trekking handles all necessary insurance arrangements—ensuring you're fully compliant with government mandates and safeguarded from base camp to summit. Reach out to us to discuss customized insurance planning for your expedition.

Personal Accident Insurance (Minimum Coverage)

PersonnelMinimum Coverage (NPR)
Liaison Officer1,500,000
Mountain Guide & High-Altitude Worker2,000,000
Base Camp Worker1,500,000
Local Worker500,000

These updated figures reflect the latest regulations introduced under the Sixth Amendment to the Mountaineering Regulations, 2081 B.S., as confirmed by recent official announcements—such as a 1.5 million NPR coverage for liaison officers and 2 million NPR for guides and high-altitude workers

Medical Insurance for Minor Injuries

All members of the expedition team, including liaison officers, Sardars, guides, high-altitude workers, base camp workers, and local workers, should be medically insured for minor injuries:

  • For duties under 6,500 m: minimum 300,000 NPR

  • For duties above 6,500 m: minimum 400,000 NPR

This modern fee scale aligns with updated safety mandates and reflects the government’s increasing focus on expeditioner welfare

Why This Matters

  • Safety & Accountability: Robust insurance coverage ensures climbers and their teams are protected against accidents and injuries—legally and morally important.

  • Compliance: Meeting government-recognized insurance thresholds is a mandatory requirement for expedition clearance and successful permit processing.

Seamless Yatri Trekking Support

We’ve updated our internal pages to reflect these changes:

Final Thoughts

Nepal’s updated royalty and insurance provisions reflect a shift toward sustainable, safe, and organized permitting—a development that helps protect both climbers and the mountains. With Yatri Trekking handling the compliance and logistics, you’re free to focus on the thrill of the climb.

Interested in planning your next expedition under these new rules? Contact Yatri Trekking today for expert guidance and a tailored itinerary designed just for you.

Raju Gurung

Raju Gurung

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