Far from the overcrowded Himalayan summits, some mountaineers take on lesser-known, more remote parts of the mountain chain. To boost tourism in less-developed regions, the Nepalese government has waved climbing fees for 97 summits.

Kathmandu

Mountaineers are increasingly exploring lesser-known Himalayan peaks in Nepal, seeking solitude and adventure away from the crowded and polluted 8,000-metre summits such as Everest. Many of these climbers use alpine style techniques, carrying their own gear and forgoing supplementary oxygen and fixed ropes. 

Nepal has opened 462 mountains for climbing, with about 100 still unsummited due to their remoteness and lack of infrastructure. To encourage tourism in less-developed western regions, the government has waived climbing fees for 97 mountains for two years. Meanwhile, Everest continues to face challenges from overcrowding, environmental issues, and dangerous climbing conditions.

Mountaineers turn to lesser-known Himalayan summits

Silence and beauty all around, this untouched corner of the Himalayan mountain range is waiting to be discovered. Far from the overcrowded and polluted summits of Nepal's 8,000-metre giants, young but experienced adrenaline junkies venture into more remote parts, climbing peaks in alpine style. This means no supplementary oxygen, no fixed ropes and carrying their own gear. The adventure is way bigger. For the climbers who want more freedom, who want more wild places, you still have a lot of possibilities. Those who come for the 8,000-metre summits are either aiming for a 14-peak record or wanting to climb Everest or other high peaks. And then there are mountaineering enthusiasts who want to explore new places and avoid the crowds. They come here for unknown peaks to do first ascents or find new routes. Nepal has 462 mountains open for climbing, but 100 remain unsummited due to their remoteness and lack of nearby infrastructure. To boost tourism in less developed western regions, the government waived climbing fees for 97 mountains for two years, aiming to bring income to non-mainstream trekking areas. At over 8,849 metres, Mount Everest remains a formidable challenge due to extreme altitude, harsh weather and difficult terrain. It's recently been plagued by overcrowding, environmental concerns and fatal climbing attempts.

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