97 Hidden Himalayan Peaks in Nepal Now Free to Climb – A Rare Adventure Opportunity

If you’ve ever dreamed of climbing in the Mount Everest but found the costs daunting, here’s news that could change your plans. Starting July 17, 2025, Nepal is opening up 97 remote Himalayan peaks for royalty-free climbing for the next two years.

These mountains rugged, pristine, and largely unexplored are scattered across the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, offering adventurers the chance to experience some of the country’s most untouched wilderness without paying government climbing fees.

The Big Picture: Everest Fees Go Up, Hidden Peaks Open Up

From September 1, 2025, the permit fee to climb Mount Everest will rise sharply from $11,000 to $15,000 per person. Fees for other popular peaks will also be adjusted based on height, location, and climbing season. dicover the

But in a surprising twist, Nepal’s government has decided to completely waive climbing royalties for 97 less-known Himalayan peaks ranging from 5,870 metres to 7,132 metres in elevation.

• 77 peaks are located in Karnali Province

• 20 peaks are in Sudurpaschim Province

Why These Peaks Are Special

“These are some of the most remote parts of Nepal,” says Himal Gautam, Director at the Department of Tourism.

These mountains lie far from the tourist trail, surrounded by deep valleys, scattered settlements, and landscapes few outsiders have seen. Getting there isn’t easy roads are scarce, trekking routes are long, and facilities are basic but the reward is raw Himalayan beauty without the crowds.

Many of these peaks are “virgin mountains” never before summited. This means you could be the first person in history to stand on their summit.

A Chance for Locals and the Economy

The initiative isn’t just for adventurers it’s a lifeline for local communities.
By bringing mountaineers and trekkers into Karnali and Sudurpaschim, the hope is to:

• Create local jobs in guiding, portering, and hospitality

• Generate income for remote villages

• Strengthen infrastructure in neglected regions

Tourism entrepreneur Rajendra Lama agrees with the potential but stresses the need for joint efforts between the government, private sector, and local communities plus aggressive promotion to make these peaks known globally.

Ideal for Everest Preparation

A new rule under the Integrated Tourism Bill means climbers must have summited a 7,000+ metre mountain in Nepal before attempting Everest.

That makes Sudurpaschim’s royalty-free giants like Saipal (7,030 m), Api (7,132 m), and Api West (7,076 m) perfect training grounds for future Everest hopefuls.

Why Now is the Best Time to Go

• Zero climbing royalties from July 17, 2025 to July 16, 2027

• Pristine routes with very few climbers (only 21 teams have visited these peaks in the past two years)

• The opportunity to explore Nepal’s most untouched regions before they become crowded

With climate change affecting glaciers and landscapes, these areas are also of scientific interest for researchers studying environmental change.

Getting There – What to Expect

Traveling to Karnali and Sudurpaschim is part of the adventure. Expect:

• Multi-day treks to reach base camps

• Minimal facilities bring proper gear and supplies

• Friendly but isolated villages, offering glimpses into traditional mountain life

• Jaw-dropping landscapes: jagged summits, deep valleys, and vast skies

Past Efforts and Missed Chances

Nepal has tried similar fee waivers before in 2008 and again for the Visit Nepal 2020 campaig but the COVID-19 pandemic cut those efforts short. This new two-year window is a second chance to put these hidden gems on the global mountaineering map.

Quick Facts – Free Climbing Peaks in Nepal (2025–2027)

• Number of peaks: 97

• Highest peak: Api (7,132 m)

• Lowest peak: 5,870 m

• Provinces: Karnali (77 peaks), Sudurpaschim (20 peaks)

• Climbing fee: $0 government royalty (other expedition costs still apply)

• Best season: Spring & Autumn

For Karnali and Sudurpaschim, the next two years could be a turning point. These regions have the mountains, the culture, and the beauty now they need the climbers.

If you’ve been searching for a Himalayan expedition that’s affordable, adventurous, and off the beaten path, this is your moment.

The mountains are waiting will you answer the call?

At ExploreAllAboutNepal, we’ll keep you updated with detailed guides, trekking routes, and travel tips for these newly opened peaks. Stay tuned for our upcoming series on each region’s best climbing and trekking adventures.