These other majestic peaks in Nepal are free to climb (for now).

There are many popular treks in Nepal, including these 10 incredible hiking trails, but the ultimate dream of every mountaineer is to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Die-hard climbers continue to attempt to scale the world’s highest peak at 29,000 feet, despite permit fees that can reach up to $15,000 USD per person during peak season. But while Everest remains a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience, rising costs and crowds are looking elsewhere, including bypassing Nepal’s overcrowded treks for an unspoiled mountain adventure in “Pakistan’s Yosemite.” To combat these overtourism issues, Nepal has announced to levy climbing permit fees for 97 mountain peaks for a period of two years till July 17, 2027.

Even those who assume they’ve learned all about the giants often turn to interesting facts about the region they don’t know, including Mount Everest and the number of “virgin” peaks in the Himalayas. The Nepal Tourism Board is trying to generate interest in less traveled areas like Karnali and Sudurpaschim. In these remote provinces, dozens of peaks remain largely untouched by commercial mountaineering, and many have never been climbed. For those looking to immerse themselves in the authentic side of Nepal while training on high-altitude peaks, this could be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for. However, there are still costs associated with climbing, so these tours don’t come completely free.

To get to Nepal, most international travelers fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the main airport in the country’s capital. To acclimate to the Himalayan heights, it’s best to spend a few days exploring Nepal’s largest city, an affordable destination that offers delicious street food and ancient beauty. From there, guided expeditions typically involve domestic flights to remote areas, followed by rugged overland transportation to the trailhead.

Read more: The Most Dangerous Caribbean Destinations According to Research

Explore the remote trekking of the Karnali region

For the truly adventurous, consider Karnali Pradesh. Located in western Nepal, it is the largest region in the country but one of the most remote, least developed regions to visit. Home to more than 70 peaks, getting here can be challenging, but once you are there, it offers a completely different experience from the crowds found on Everest or Annapurna treks.

One notable peak is the Tripura Huen Chuli on the border with China. The mountain sits at about 21,500 feet above sea level, and, like any trek, you must hire a licensed guide if you are not a Nepali citizen. Many agencies that coordinate travel to this isolated region will fly you from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Airport, then to Dolpa Airport, a small regional airport in Jufal village. After hiking to base camp, it usually takes about two weeks to reach the summit, either outside the camp or staying in traditional teahouses. During the trek, you will cross rugged valleys and glaciers along with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Tso Karpo and other Himalayan mountains.

Another Karnali peak is Patrasi, with a height of 21,161 feet. In June 2024, a team of three Nepali climbers completed the first ascent to the summit. The guides described Everest as challenging, saying, “It was different from the fixed rope climbing we are used to. This kind of technical climbing brings real joy to mountaineering.” They had three goals in mind: “to make the first ascent of Patrasi, to promote alpinism and sustainable mountaineering in our country, and to expose the beauty of far western Nepal.” To try climbing on your own, pair up with professional expedition operators like Impact Adventures.

Discover the Far West Peaks with some careful planning

The Far West Province, which is divided into nine districts, has a national park and Gurans Himal, Sapipal Himal and Vyas Rishi Himal in the north and plains in the south. The region has a total of 20 peaks to climb, most of which are unexplored. For those looking for an off-the-grid experience where trekking routes are unusual, with some proper preparation, you can be the first to tackle some of these steep climbs and earn some bragging rights.

Api Himal and Saipal Himal on the border of Tibet and India are the best mountains in the far west. At over 23,000 feet above sea level, Api Himal is the highest peak that not many have been able to climb. Coming in second-highest is Mount Saipal, another rarely explored peak with no teahouses or lodges, so camping is your only option.

Again, due to Nepal’s official regulations for trekkers, you still need to book with a professional guide or agency although the permit is free until mid-2027. Licensed operations will organize the necessary paperwork, register you in the Trekkers Information Management System for safety, obtain National Park permits if necessary, and handle other logistics. Although royalty fees are waived, some agencies’ packages do not include things like Sherpa and porter wages, insurance for cooking staff and liaison officers, and travel and evacuation insurance. Plus, you’ll still have to pay other required permit fees, which are determined by the elevation of the mountain. Some experienced hikers estimate that it will cost anywhere from $6,000 to $9,000 USD depending on factors such as group size, time of year and what is included in the agency’s packaged deal.

Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as your preferred search source for access to the world’s best-kept travel secrets.

Read the original article on the islands.