Royalty Hike May Deter Climbers

The world's tallest mountain, Sagaramatha (Mt. Everest), is 8,848 meters tall and is located in Nepal. Most individuals prefer to climb Everest because it is an adventurous journey that allows them to enjoy thrilling movements and add their name to the list of extraordinary people. Mt. Everest has frequently made worldwide news due to pollution and waste that are not managed by the Nepali government, melting snow and ice levels, climber deaths, and other issues. This time, we learned that the Department of Tourism under Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has decided to raise the royalty fee for climbing Mt. Everest from $11,000 (effective 1st January 2015) to $15,000 (effective 1st September 2025),  more than 36 per cent increase during the peak climbing season of spring. Similarly, autumn price will increase from $5500 to $7500, while winter and summer prices will rise from$2750 to $3750.  

Many developments have occurred in Nepal's economic sector over the past decade. Inflation, unemployment, and the increasing migration of young people for jobs and studies contribute to the brain drain, while the dollar price continues to rise posing a barrier to all economic activities such as imports, education costs, and other expenses, except remittances in dollars. In Nepal's current scenario, increasing the price of royalty for Mt. Everest climbing presents several economic benefits and growth opportunities. However, this decision has raised many concerns among ordinary people and stakeholders. Some argue that it will reduce the number of Mt. Climbers and lower tourism revenue as a result of this decision, while others argue that it was strategic move for long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, world knows that among the 10 highest mountains, 8 fall in Nepal. The 2nd highest K2 and Nanga Parbat falls in Pakistan. Considering royalties for climbing K2 is $ 5000, which is just 33.33 per cent of Mt. Everest's royalty, this may create opportunity for shifting Everest climbers to choose K2 instead. Nepal can use competitive strategy by keeping other top 7 mountains climbing rate comparatively lower than $5,000, which could prevent the selection of these two mountains outside of Nepal. Till this date, royalties of these remaining 7 mountains are $ 1800, which could be increased to $2500, making climbing K2 200 per cent costlier than other Nepali mountains. In this way we can even attract K2 climbers to Nepal. 

Additionally, some climbers are passionate about climbing more than one mountain, so Nepal could implement a policy for continuous climbers offering discounts on royalties for climbing different mountains, or provide superior services to encourage climbers to attempt all 8 mountains or more in Nepal. We know that climbing Mt. Everest fulfils a self-actualisation need for humans, according to Maslow's hierarchy needs. Rather than focusing on high cost, people seek the prestige and recognition they gain in the world, so they will not be dissatisfied with this increment in royalties. To encourage Nepali climbers, the government should increase royalties from Rs 75,000 to Rs 150,000. We must motivate youth to explore the experience of climbing mountains and financially support them to climb their own country's mountains, rather than charging higher fee on them.  

However, the main question that remains is this: How will tourism board mobilise excess royalties for the welfare of all mountain climbers. Are they going to provide more expertly trained and experienced guides to secure their life? As we know, death during mountain climbing in Nepal has become critical issue for Nepali prestige. There are significant people who really love to climb these mountains, but one reason their numbers are very few is because of safety hazards, delay in rescue operations, inability to find dead body for longer time period, lack of proper research and development in creating advance technology to support climbers. If Nepal cannot properly mobilise these royalties to overcome the problems mountain climbers face, it will undoubtedly have negative marking on Nepali mountaineering prestige, despite having 8 of the top mountains in world. 

Contribution 

What's more, protecting snow and ice level in these mountains and making noticeable contributions towards controlling global warming is mandatory. If the Tourism Board and the government cannot provide proper justification for their strategy in mobilising these royalties to improve safety and the climbing experience, the price increase could cause a negative impact on Nepali prestige and the number of climbers visiting Nepal. Not only that, Sherpa's and other guide must receive justifiable compensation for climbing mountains and providing safety plans. They should also be offered financial stability and security for their families and children with different schemes like life insurance, pension and other investment opportunity for their betterment and secured future.  This will help create more committed, trained and experienced guides for the future of Nepal's mountaineering. In addition, the hospitality industry, which operates through mountaineering and tourism, must be into account. 

Investments in hotels, technology, infrastructure and other sectors must be made so that not only mountains climbers but also those who dream of experiencing the mesmerizing views of Nepal's mountains are encouraged to visit Nepal.  For that, proper investment in these sectors and aggressive advertising and promotion of the mountains are necessary. The Tourism Board must come up with long-term goals and proper strategically plans. Only then will this increase in royalties be justified in the eyes of all stakeholders and future mountaineers.  Hence, this 36 per cent increase in royalties should not impact the number of mountaineers. But if the Nepali Tourism Board cannot justify it then definitely it will not help grow Nepal's tourism industry despite the opportunities, negatively impacting Nepal's reputation globally.

(The author is a freelancer)