Nepal is a country well known for its Himalaya Mountains. Among the 10 highest peaks in the world eight, including the highest peak Mt. Everest, crown this country. Nothing on the earth can beat the exhilaration of scaling them. No wonder Nepal is the favorite destination for mountaineers and every year more than 600 expedition's trudge up the Himalaya, including the trekking peaks. The government has opened 293 peaks for climbing although there is more than 1300 peaks have been identified in Nepal.

Seasons
There are four mountaineering seasons: spring (March-May), summer (June- August), autumn (September-November) and winter (December-February). a total of 153 Himalayan peaks are open to mountaineers. Climbing permits are issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MOCTCA) for 293 peaks known as mountaineering peaks, and by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) for 18 smaller peaks, known as trekking peaks, which range from 5,587 to 6,654 m in altitude.

Permission
The following documents have to be sent to MOCTCA, Mountaineering Division when applying for a climbing permit: completed application, endorsement of the National Alpine Club, short biographies of all the members of the expedition (with photograph and signature), map and/or photograph of the mountain indicating climbing route and approach route map. Enlistment of the expedition's name does not require any fee and it should not be paid before receiving the permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
Permits to climb the 33 trekking peaks are issued by NMA on "first com first served" basis. It is necessary to appoint a government recognized trekking agency of Nepal as a local liaison for the expedition in Kathmandu. The trekking agency will look after all the requirements during the expedition.

Fees
A royalty (climbing fee) ranging from US$ 1500 to US$ 1000(according to the altitude of the peak) and US$ 50000 for Everest is charged by MOCTCA for group of seven persons. An additional US$ 20000 is charged for the normal south East Ridge route on Everest. An additional US$ 200 to US$ 1500 per person (US$ 10000 per person for Everest) will be charged if the group exceeds seven persons. The full amount of the royalty has to be paid wit in two months of the date of issue of the permit, otherwise it may be cancelled. The royalty must be paid directly to MOTCA by bank draft or bank transfer in convertible foreign currency only.

Restrictions
food and equipment imported for expedition require an import license and should be custom cleared. Walkie-talkies, transreceiver sets and other communication equipment are controlled items in Nepal and have to be declared at the customs office at the entry point.