Nepal will make climbing permits free for 97 of its Himalayan mountains to create more tourism in some of its remote provinces.

Nepal will waive climbing permit fees for 97 peaks in two of the country’s most remote provinces as it aims to encourage mountaineers and tourists to get off the beaten track.

Nepal will make 97 of its Himalayan mountains free to climb for the next two years in a bid to boost tourism in more remote areas. This comes as permit fees to summit Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, during peak season will go up to $15,000 (£11,170) from September - the first increase in nearly a decade.