KATHMANDU: Nepal has introduced two major changes in its tourism sector: a new electronic tracking system for foreign visitors and revised climbing fees for Mount Everest.

The Department of Immigration will enforce an electronic registration and monitoring system for foreign tourists starting September 17.

In the first phase, it will be mandatory at star hotels in the Kathmandu Valley, later expanding to airlines, travel agencies, money exchanges, and eventually all hotels and guesthouses nationwide.

Officials say the system will improve tourist safety, record-keeping, and coordination during emergencies. New climbing fees, effective September under the Mountaineering Regulations issued earlier this year, require foreign climbers to pay $15,000 and Nepali climbers Rs 150,000 to scale Everest via the Southeast Ridge in the spring season.

Fees for other routes and seasons range from $2,500 to $10,000 for foreigners and Rs 25,000 to Rs 100,000 for Nepalis.

The previous Everest fees were $11,000 in spring and Rs 75,000 for Nepalis, meaning the latest revision marks a significant hike.