While there are many popular treks in Nepal, including these 10 incredible hiking trails, the ultimate dream of every mountaineer is to reach the top of Mount Everest. Die-hard climbers continue to attempt to scale the world’s tallest peak, towering 29,000 feet, despite permit fees that now reach around $15,000 USD per person during peak season. But while Everest remains a once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience, rising costs and crowds have many looking elsewhere, including eschewing the crowded treks of Nepal for an unspoiled mountain adventure in the “Yosemite of Pakistan.” To combat these over-tourism issues, Nepal has announced that climbing permit fees will be waived for 97 Himalayan peaks for a period of two years, until July 17, 2027.
Even those who assume they have learned everything about the giant are often caught off guard by interesting facts they don’t know about Mt. Everest and the area, including the number of “virgin” peaks in the Himalayas. The Nepal Tourism Board is trying to redirect interest to less visited regions like Karnali and Sudurpaschim. In these remote provinces, dozens of peaks sit largely untouched by commercial mountains, 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 may just be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for. However, there are still costs associated with the hike, so these excursions don’t come completely free of charge.
To get to Nepal, most international travelers fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the main airport in the country’s capital. To acclimatize yourself to the Himalayan altitudes, it is best to spend a few days exploring Nepal’s largest city, an affordable destination that offers delicious street parties and ancient beauty. From there, guided expeditions usually include domestic flights to remote regions, followed by rugged ground transportation to the trailhead.
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Explore the remote hikes of the Karnali region
Mountain range in Karnali Province in Nepal – dustyne9/Shutterstock
For the truly adventurous, consider Karnali Province. Located in western Nepal, it is the largest region of the country but also one of the most remote and least developed areas to visit. Home to more than 70 peaks, getting here can be a challenge, but once you are there, it offers a completely different experience than the crowds found on Mount Everest or the hikes in Annapurna.
A notable peak is Tripura Hiun Chuli, near the border of China. The mountain sits about 21,500 feet above sea level, and, as with any hike, if you’re not a Nepali citizen, you’ll have to hire a licensed guide. Many agencies that coordinate trips to this isolated region will fly you from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Airport, then to Dolpa Airport, a smaller regional airport in the village of Juphal. After a hike to base camp, it typically takes about two weeks to reach the summit, either camping or staying in traditional teahouses. During the trek, you will pass through rugged valleys and glaciers with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Tso Karpo and other Himalayan mountains in the distance.
Another peak of Karnali is Patrasi, with an elevation of 21,161 feet. In June 2024, a team of three Nepalese climbers was the first to complete the first ascent to the top. The guides described the summit as challenging, saying, “It was different from the fixed rope climbing we are used to. This type of technical climbing brings out the real joy in the mountains.” They had three goals in mind: “To make the first ascent in Patrasi, to promote alpinism and sustainable mountaineering in our country, and to highlight the beauty of the far west of Nepal.” To try the hike yourself, arrange it with professional expedition operators like Empact Adventures.
Discover the peaks of Sudurpaschim with some careful planning
Api Himal Base Camp in Nepal – Cellphonography/Shutterstock
Sudurpaschim Province, separated into nine districts, has everything from national parks and the Gurans Himal, Saipal Himal, and Byas Rishi Himal mountain ranges in the north to the plains in the south. The region is home to 20 peaks to climb in total, many of which are still unexplored. For those looking for an off-the-grid experience where trekking routes are uncommon, with some proper preparation, you can be the first to tackle some of these steep climbs and earn some bragging rights.
Among the prominent mountains in Sudurpaschim are Api Himal and Saipal Himal, near the borders of Tibet and India. Rising over 23,000 feet above sea level, Api Himal is the highest peak that many have yet to summit. Coming in as the second highest is Mount Saipal, another rarely explored peak without teahouses or lodging, 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 even though the permit is free until mid-2027. Licensed operations will arrange the necessary paperwork, register you in the Trekker Information Management System for safety, obtain national park permits if required, and handle other logistics. Even if 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. Also, you will still have to pay other required permit fees, which are determined by the elevation of the mountain. Some experienced trekkers estimate the costs to run at $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.
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