Nepal’s most famous Himalayan peaks could soon be leased out to private companies to sell holidays to tourists, in a bid to cut down on the numbers attempting to conquer Everest.

The controversial new tactic would involve the Nepalese government hiring out some of the country’s 326 pristine mountainsides to private companies who would then sell them as new tourist products.

The move aims to capitalise on Nepal’s biggest tourist draws, while also combating overcrowding problems on Everest.

The country is also considering lowering mountaineering fees to attract more trekkers to the region.

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and relies on tourism for foreign revenue.

The proposal would need to get the green light from the Cabinet before it is implemented.

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