While Mount Everest and other 8,000-meter peaks have historically drawn climbers, a new trend is emerging in Nepal: adventurers are now exploring "hidden" 6,000- and 7,000-meter summits, seeking solitude and the challenge of first ascents.

• Nepal has 462 peaks open for climbing, and about a hundred have never been summited.
• This autumn, Nepal issued 1,323 climbing permits, with a growing number for lesser-known peaks.
• French alpinist Benjamin Vedrines, 33, completed the first ascent of the 7,468m Jannu East in true alpine style.
• The Nepali government waived climbing fees for 97 mountains in August to promote these less-explored regions and distribute tourism income.