Nepal has long held a near-mythical pull for travellers drawn to mountains. Eight of the world’s ten highest peaks rise from its rugged terrain, and for decades climbers have arrived here chasing the ultimate prize—Everest. But the story of Nepal’s mountaineering landscape is far richer than the summit queues of the world’s tallest mountain.
In an effort to spread tourism beyond crowded hotspots and bring economic opportunities to remote regions, Nepal has waived climbing permit fees for 97 Himalayan peaks until 2027. Most of these mountains lie in the far-western provinces of Karnali and Sudurpaschim, regions known for pristine valleys, isolated villages, and vast stretches of wilderness that see only a trickle of travellers each year.