Tourism & Labour Desk | Kathmandu
In a significant move to improve the welfare of workers involved in Nepal’s mountaineering sector, the Government of Nepal has substantially increased the daily wages and insurance coverage for mountaineering personnel, including Sardars, mountain guides, and high-altitude workers.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation announced the changes through the Mountaineering (Sixth Amendment) Regulations, 2081 BS, aiming to better compensate those who play a vital role in the country’s adventure tourism industry.
Under the revised structure:
Sardars (expedition leaders) will now receive a daily allowance of Rs. 1,500, up from the previous Rs. 400.
Mountain guides and high-altitude workers will receive Rs. 1,200 per day, a significant increase from Rs. 350.
Base camp workers will earn Rs. 1,000 daily, up from Rs. 300.
Local workers ascending up to 3,700 meters will be paid Rs. 800 per day, while those going above 3,700 meters will receive Rs. 1,000 per day.
In addition to wage hikes, the government has also raised insurance coverage for workers:
Sardars, mountain guides, and high-altitude workers are now entitled to insurance coverage of Rs. 2 million, increased from Rs. 1.5 million.
Base camp workers will now receive Rs. 1.5 million in insurance, up from the previous Rs. 800,000.
According to the updated regulations, all members of a mountaineering expedition — including liaison officers, Sardars, mountain guides, high-altitude workers, and base camp personnel — must be insured with a government-recognized insurance company before embarking on an expedition. The liaison officer will now also receive Rs. 1.5 million in personal accident insurance coverage.
These policy reforms are expected to enhance the safety net and morale of climbing personnel, many of whom risk their lives to support Nepal’s globally renowned mountaineering industry.
