Nepal has opened 97 peaks in its far-western Himalayas for royalty-free climbing under a two-year initiative running from July 2025 to July 2027. The policy targets the relatively unvisited Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, spanning elevations between roughly 5,970 metres and 7,132 metres, with options ranging from ambitious high-altitude objectives to quieter expedition climbs well off the Everest circuit.
Among the most compelling peaks now accessible without royalty fees are Api Himal (7,132 m), the tallest mountain in far-western Nepal; Saipal Himal (7,031 m), one of the country’s least explored massifs; and Bobaye Peak (6,808 m), which retains strong appeal for climbers seeking uncharted routes.
Nampa Peak (6,755 m), Fimkof Himal (6,697 m) in the wilderness of Karnali, and Surma-Sarovar North Peak (6,523 m), set above a sacred alpine lake in Humla district, round out a remarkable set of rarely attempted summits.
The initiative runs alongside a simultaneous increase in Everest permit fees, now set at $15,000, reinforcing the policy’s intent to draw mountaineering interest toward Nepal’s less-visited west. For adventure-focused travellers, the window is open until mid-2027, and the best climbing seasons are spring and autumn.
