Group 1: Industry Overview - The autumn climbing season in Nepal, from September to November, has seen 802 climbers obtain permits, with Chinese climbers being the largest group at 100 [1] - Nepal has approved climbers from over 70 countries to ascend 42 peaks, generating over 1.9 billion Nepalese Rupees (approximately 1.35 million USD), a year-on-year increase of 150% [1] - The climbing and trekking tourism sector is a vital pillar of Nepal's economy, contributing significant foreign exchange revenue, with an average foreign climber spending over 30,000 USD [1] Group 2: Environmental and Sustainability Challenges - Nepal faces environmental challenges due to increasing climbing numbers, including high-altitude waste, glacier melting, and ecological fragility [2] - The government has intensified regulations, including organizing waste cleanup initiatives and requiring climbing teams to bring back waste [2] - A sustainable tourism plan was launched in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, focusing on improving infrastructure, enhancing talent training, and community employment [2]

Group 1 - The implementation of new climbing regulations in Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures has significantly reduced the number of climbing accidents, with Shizuoka reporting 48 incidents in the summer of 2025, a decrease of 14 from the previous year [1] - There were no fatalities reported during the climbing season this year, marking the first time in three years that the region has not experienced any deaths related to climbing accidents [1] - The increase in safety awareness among climbers due to the new regulations and pre-climb education programs has contributed to the reduction in accidents [1] Group 2 - Despite the overall decrease in climbing incidents in Shizuoka, the number of fatalities in Yamanashi increased by 4, reaching a total of 5 deaths, attributed to sudden weather changes and health issues among climbers [3] - New management measures have been implemented for the 2025 climbing season, including a permanent iron gate at the Yoshida route's fifth station in Yamanashi, which restricts access during certain hours and limits daily climber numbers to 4000 [3] - Both prefectures charge a climbing fee of 4000 yen (approximately 189 RMB) per person, with Shizuoka not setting a daily climber limit, while Yamanashi enforces strict access times for climbers [3]

Group 1 - Nepal plans to waive climbing permit fees for 97 peaks over the next two years to encourage foreign tourists to explore lesser-known mountains instead of focusing on Mount Everest [2] - The 97 peaks, ranging from 5,970 meters to 7,132 meters, are located in the remote western provinces of Nepal, which have historically attracted limited visitors due to accessibility issues [2] - Climbing tourism is a significant source of revenue for Nepal, with last year's climbing permit fee income reported at $5.9 million, over 70% of which came from permits for climbing Everest [2] Group 2 - The number of climbers for the 97 peaks has been low, with only 68 climbers in the past two years, while Everest remains highly popular, with 421 climbers permitted for the spring 2024 season and 478 in spring 2023, the highest in recent years [2] - The Nepalese government previously announced the allowance for climbing 491 peaks, but tourists primarily favor 25 peaks, including Everest, which drives tourism mainly in central and northeastern Nepal [2] - Starting September 1, the government will increase the climbing permit fees for Everest, raising the fees for foreign climbers to $15,000 in spring and $7,500 in autumn [3]

Core Points - Nepal plans to waive climbing permit fees for 97 lesser-known peaks over the next two years to encourage foreign tourists to explore these mountains instead of overcrowding Mount Everest [1] - The 97 peaks, ranging from 5,970 meters to 7,132 meters, are located in the remote western provinces of Nepal, which have historically attracted limited visitors due to accessibility issues [1] - Climbing tourism is a significant source of revenue for Nepal, with last year's climbing permit fee income totaling $5.9 million, over 70% of which came from permits for climbing Everest [1] Summary by Sections Climbing Permit Fee Waiver - The Nepalese government aims to boost tourism by eliminating climbing permit fees for 97 peaks, which have seen only 68 climbers in the past two years [1] - In contrast, Mount Everest remains highly popular, with 421 climbers permitted for the spring 2024 season and 478 climbers in the spring 2023 season, marking a recent peak in interest [1] Revenue from Climbing Tourism - The climbing permit fee income for Nepal was $5.9 million last year, with a significant portion derived from Everest climbing permits [1] - The government previously announced that tourists could climb 491 peaks, but interest is primarily concentrated on 25 peaks, including Everest, which drives tourism mainly in central and northeastern Nepal [1] Recent Fee Increases for Everest - The Nepalese government announced an increase in climbing permit fees for Everest starting September 1, with fees for foreign climbers rising to $15,000 in spring and $7,500 in autumn [2]