Forget the Everest Crowds: Nepal Unlocks 97 “Hidden Treasure” Peaks For Free.

Pack your bags and dust off your ice axe. For anyone who has dreamed of forging a new path in the Himalayas, a massive new opportunity just opened up. In a landmark decision, Nepal’s government has waived all climbing permit fees for 97 distinct mountain peaks, hoping to draw intrepid climbers away from the well-trodden paths of the Khumbu and into the wild, lesser-explored regions of the country.

The move targets peaks ranging from 5,870 meters (19,300 feet) to 7,132 meters in the remote western Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. This comes after a bustling spring season that saw over 1,100 climbing permits issued, with the vast majority focused on the 8,000-meter giants like Mount Everest. While those peaks generate significant revenue, many of Nepal’s other stunning mountains see little to no traffic.

"We hope it will bring our hidden treasures in the limelight and diversify the mountains Nepal offers," Himal Gautam of Nepal's tourism department told AFP. The goal is clear: spread the economic benefits of mountain tourism to remote communities that have so far missed out.

This decision presents a stark contrast to the country’s policy on its most famous peak. Just this year, Nepal raised the permit fee for Everest from $11,000 to $15,000 in an effort to manage overcrowding and environmental impact. Now, they're swinging the door wide open for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

However, it’s not as simple as just showing up with your gear. Nima Nuru Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, pointed out that the permit fee is only one piece of the puzzle. "Royalty fees alone is not keeping mountaineers (away) from these areas," Sherpa said. "We need to develop the infrastructure and manpower required for running expeditions there."

For the dedicated mountaineer looking to escape the queues and write their own story in the Himalayas, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime. The challenge is real, but the reward is a chance to explore some of the most untouched and magnificent terrain on the planet. The wild, untamed west is calling. Who’s ready to answer?