Nepal Drops Climbing Fees for 97 Mountains
Nepal has announced that climbers can now scale 97 remote and rarely visited peaks — between 5,870 and 7,132 meters high — without paying any permit fees. The decision is meant to draw tourists away from crowded routes like Everest and encourage adventure tourism in less-developed areas, especially in Karnali and the Far West.
Meanwhile, climbing Everest will soon become more expensive, with permit fees rising from $11,000 to $15,000 starting in September.
Kathmandu Pride March Goes On Despite Funding Cuts
Kathmandu’s LGBTQ+ community came together for their first Pride rally since major U.S. aid cuts, including reductions from USAID during the Trump era, disrupted their work. The funding loss has hurt key services like HIV prevention and counseling, but the marchers’ energy and optimism stood out. Many said they’re determined to keep moving forward and find new ways to support their community.
Oli Says Ruling Alliance Will Stay Together Until Elections
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has confirmed that the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress will keep their alliance intact until the next national elections. He said the partnership will continue to guide the government, sending a message of political stability in the years ahead.
Nepal’s Stock Market Extends Losing Streak
The Nepal Stock Exchange has slipped for the third day in a row, with the NEPSE index falling 10.50 points on Wednesday to close at 2,785.74. Trading volumes also dropped as cautious investors pulled back, adding to concerns about the market’s short-term outlook.
