Trekking Peaks in Nepal — 6 Royalty-Free Peaks You Can Climb Right Now

Trekking peaks in Nepal under 5,800m are now completely royalty-free, as officially declared by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation — meaning zero government permit fees for six stunning NMA-managed Himalayan summits.

The trekking peaks in Nepal just became far more accessible to climbers worldwide. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal has officially waived royalty fees for all peaks below 5,800 m, reclassifying them as trekking peaks. This is a landmark decision for Himalayan climbing. Our team at Nepal Footprint Holiday considers this one of the best opportunities in recent years for both first-time climbers and seasoned mountaineers looking to summit a Himalayan peak without expensive government permit fees.

Six peaks managed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) now fall under this royalty-free category. However, this does not mean these climbs are without requirements. Each ascent still demands a licensed, insured Sherpa guide. Under Nepal’s 2025 mandatory licensed guide regulation, climbing without a government-registered guide is not optional — it is the law.

Moreover, climbing any of these peaks offers far more than just a summit. These routes pass through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and give you a genuine taste of Himalayan culture along the way.

 

What Are Trekking Peaks in Nepal and Why Are They Now Royalty-Free?

Trekking peaks in Nepal are mountains regulated by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) that offer Himalayan climbing experiences without requiring full expedition-level logistics. The NMA manages 27 such peaks across Nepal’s major trekking regions.

As per the official decision of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, all NMA-managed peaks below 5,800 m are now exempt from royalty fees. Therefore, climbers no longer need to pay government permit charges to attempt these six summits. This policy aims to boost adventure tourism and make Himalayan climbing accessible to a far wider audience.

In fact, the Nepal Tourism Board has actively promoted this initiative as part of Nepal’s broader tourism growth strategy. Nevertheless, while royalty fees are waived, climbers must still arrange certified Sherpa guides, comprehensive insurance, and proper climbing gear through a registered agency such as Nepal Footprint Holiday.

Which 6 Trekking Peaks in Nepal Are Currently Royalty-Free?

Here is the complete list of royalty-free trekking peaks in Nepal currently managed by the NMA:

All six peaks sit below the 5,800 m threshold set by the Ministry. Consequently, no government royalty fee applies to any of these climbs. However, guide fees, insurance, logistics, and gear costs still apply and must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.

What Is Tent Peak and Why Is It the Most Popular Royalty-Free Climb?

Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli) at 5,663 m is the most sought-after royalty-free trekking peak in Nepal. It stands proudly inside the Annapurna Base Camp Valley, surrounded by giants like Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. Our guides at Nepal Footprint Holiday have led dozens of successful Tent Peak expeditions over the years.

The climb follows the same approach trail as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, making it a perfect combination package for trekkers who want to summit while on the classic Annapurna route. Additionally, the summit views from Tent Peak are genuinely world-class — a full 360-degree panorama of some of the highest mountains on Earth. Furthermore, the technical difficulty remains manageable for fit trekkers with basic snow and ice experience.

What Is Mardi Himal and Is It Suitable for Beginners?

Mardi Himal at 5,587 m sits in the Machhapuchare region of the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is one of the most beginner-friendly trekking peaks in Nepal, offering spectacular close-up views of the iconic fishtail peak (Machhapuchare), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

The approach trail through Mardi Himal is one of Nepal’s most scenic and least-crowded routes. Moreover, its royalty-free status makes this an outstanding value option for first-time peak climbers. Our team recommends Mardi Himal as the ideal starting point for trekkers looking to transition from non-technical hiking into genuine Himalayan climbing.

What Are the Other Four Royalty-Free Trekking Peaks in Nepal?

Beyond Tent Peak and Mardi Himal, four more royalty-free trekking peaks offer outstanding Himalayan experiences across Nepal’s most iconic regions.

Yala Peak (5,732 m) — Langtang Valley

Yala Peak is widely regarded as the easiest technical trekking peak in Nepal, making it a perfect first climb. It rises above the stunning Langtang Valley Trek route, offering spectacular views of Shishapangma and Langtang Lirung from the summit. Additionally, its short approach from Kathmandu makes it one of the most time-efficient Himalayan climbing options available.

Chukung Ri (5,550 m) — Imja Valley, Khumbu

Chukung Ri sits above Chhukung village in the Khumbu region, directly en route to Island Peak Climbing. The summit ridge delivers breathtaking views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. Therefore, many climbers combine Chukung Ri with an Everest region trek for a complete and rewarding Khumbu adventure.

Machhermo Peak (5,559 m) — Gokyo Valley

Machhermo Peak rises directly above the world-famous Gokyo Lakes in the Khumbu region. It pairs naturally with the Gokyo Lake Trek and delivers a genuine summit experience at zero royalty cost. The views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and Gyachung Kang from the top are simply unforgettable.

Pokalde (5,780 m) — Khumbu Valley

Pokalde is the highest of the six royalty-free trekking peaks in Nepal at 5,780 m. It sits in the heart of the Khumbu Valley, close to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route. Although it is the most demanding of the six peaks, experienced trekkers with strong altitude fitness and a licensed Sherpa guide can reach the summit with proper preparation.

 

What Do You Still Need to Climb Royalty-Free Trekking Peaks in Nepal?

While government royalty fees are waived, climbing any trekking peak in Nepal still requires essential documentation and support. Here is exactly what every climber must arrange:

• Licensed Sherpa Guide: Mandatory under Nepal’s 2025 guide regulation. Your Sherpa must hold a government-issued climbing licence and full insurance coverage.
• Guide Insurance: Full insurance for your licensed Sherpa — including medical, rescue, and life cover — is a non-negotiable requirement.
• Trekking Region Permits: ACAP for Annapurna peaks, Langtang National Park permit for Yala Peak, or Sagarmatha National Park permit for Khumbu peaks.
• Climbing Gear: Ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, and high-altitude clothing are essential for all six peaks.
• Helicopter Evacuation Insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive rescue insurance for every climber. Our team arranges this through trusted providers.

You can review all permit requirements on our trekking permits page before booking. Additionally, first-time climbers should check our trekking grade guide to find the right peak for their fitness and experience level. Specifically, those new to Nepal should also read our Nepal trekking overview to understand the full planning process before departure.

FAQ — Trekking Peaks in Nepal

1. Which Trekking Peaks in Nepal Are Now Royalty-Free?

Six NMA-managed trekking peaks below 5,800 m are currently royalty-free: Tent Peak (5,663 m) in Annapurna Base Camp Valley, Mardi Himal (5,587 m) near Machhapuchare, Yala Peak (5,732 m) in Langtang Valley, Chukung Ri (5,550 m) in Imja Valley, Machhermo Peak (5,559 m) in Gokyo Valley, and Pokalde (5,780 m) in Khumbu Valley. No government royalty fee applies to any of these climbs.

2. Do I Still Need a Guide for Royalty-Free Trekking Peaks in Nepal?

Yes. Under Nepal’s 2025 mandatory licensed guide regulation, all climbers on NMA trekking peaks must travel with a government-licensed Sherpa guide carrying full insurance coverage. Solo climbing is not permitted. Nepal Footprint Holiday provides certified, English-speaking Sherpa guides with over a decade of high-altitude experience for all six royalty-free peaks.

3. What Is the Easiest Royalty-Free Trekking Peak in Nepal for Beginners?

Yala Peak (5,732 m) in Langtang Valley is widely considered the easiest royalty-free trekking peak in Nepal. It requires basic fitness, has a short approach from Kathmandu, and needs minimal technical climbing experience. Mardi Himal (5,587 m) in the Annapurna region is the second most beginner-friendly option, combining a beautiful scenic trail with a genuinely rewarding summit experience.