08 Highest Peaks in Nepal
Nepal, a country nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and towering peaks, including eight of the world’s fourteen highest mountains. Dominating this majestic skyline is Mount Everest(8,848 m), the tallest mountain on earth, which has become a symbol of human endurance and exploration. Closely following Everest are other awe-inspiring giants such as Kanchenjunga(8,586 m), the third-highest peak straddling the border between Nepal and India, and Lhotse(8,516 m) known for its dramatic south face. Makalu(8,485 m), an isolated peak with an iconic pyramid shape, and Cho Oyu(8,188 m), a popular choice for climbers seeking to ascend an 8,000-meter peak, further enhance Nepal’s allure. Dhaulagiri(8,167 m), Manaslu(8,163 m), and Annapurna I(8,091 m) complete this elite group, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking vistas. These mountains not only contribute to Nepal’s reputation as a premier destination for mountaineering but also play a crucial role in the cultural and spiritual lives of the people who inhabit their shadows.
List of the 8 Highest Peaks of Nepal
1. Mount Everest Sagarmatha Region (8,848 meters)
2. Kanchenjunga Kanchenjunga Region( 8586 metres)
3. Lhotse(8,516 metres)
4. Makalu(8,463 metres)
5. Cho Oyu(8,201 metres)
6. Dhaulagiri(8,167 metres)
7. Manaslu(8,163 metres)
8. Annapurna(8,091 metres)
1. Mount Everest(8,848 meters)
Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 8,848 meters(29,029 feet) above sea level, was formed around 55 million years ago when the Indian subcontinent collided with Eurasia. Despite its towering presence, the peak remained unknown to the world until 1856, when British surveyor Andrew Waugh officially announced it as the highest point on Earth, then known as Peak XV. Initial attempts to summit Everest from the north-side (China-Tibet) in 1921, 1922, and 1924 were unsuccessful. It wasn’t until Nepal opened the South Ridge route in 1949 that climbers could approach from this side. The first successful ascent was made on May 29, 1953, by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary.
Since then, nearly 4,000 people have reached Everest’s summit, including notable climbers like Junko Tabei (the first woman to summit), Kami Rita Sherpa (record holder for the most ascents), Jordan Romero (youngest at 13), and Yuichiro Miura (oldest at 80).
Everest, located on the Nepal (Sagarmatha Zone)-China (Tibet) border, is a major trekking destination. The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, situated at an elevation of about 5,430 meters (17,815 feet), is renowned for its panoramic peaks, challenging adventures, and cultural richness. The Solu-Khumbu district, home to the Everest region, is famed not only for the mountain itself but also for its exotic Sherpa villages, monasteries, flora, and fauna.
2. Kanchenjunga(8,586 meters)
The third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga, was once believed to be the highest peak from 1838 until 1849. Although Kanchenjunga straddles the border between Nepal and Sikkim (India), the route from the northeast side has been closed by the Indian government since 2000. Consequently, Nepal is the only country offering three alternative routes to ascend Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Numerous expedition teams attempted to scale Kanchenjunga starting in 1905, but it was the British expedition members George Band and Joe Brown who officially became the first mountaineers to successfully reach the summit in 1955. The name Kanchenjunga means “The Five Treasures of Snow,” referring to its five peaks: Kanchenjunga Main (8,586m), Kanchenjunga West (8,505m), Kanchenjunga South (8,494m), Kanchenjunga Central (8,484m), and Kangbachen (7,903m). It is also considered a sacred peak, believed to be the home of the Kanchenjunga Demon, Yeti.
Located in the Taplejung district of Province №1, the Kanchenjunga massif is on the bucket list of many mountaineers and trekkers. This region offers unique features such as picturesque valleys, glittering peaks, captivating nature, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Trekking in the Kanchenjunga region provides an opportunity to explore this unexposed wonderland through less-trodden trails, making it an ideal choice for adventurous trekkers seeking a unique experience.
3. Lhotse(8,516 meters)
Lhotse, standing at 8,516 meters is the fourth highest mountain in the world. Its prominent east-west crest lies immediately south of Mount Everest, with the summits of both mountains connected by the South Col, a vertical ridge that never dips below 8,000 meters. Often mistakenly identified as the south peak of the Everest massif, Lhotse is an autonomous peak with three distinct summits: Lhotse Main (8,816m), Lhotse Shar (8,383m), and Lhotse Middle (8,414m). This impressive peak is part of the Mahalangur Himal range in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
Serious climbing attention turned to Lhotse only after Everest had been successfully ascended. It was first climbed in 1956 by Swiss mountaineers Fritz Luchsinger and Ernest Reiss. Despite its proximity to Everest, Lhotse has its unique challenges, with a route that follows the Everest path up to the Yellow Band beyond Everest Base Camp Camp 3. Known for its difficult terrain, Lhotse is rarely attempted due to its deadly rock faces, dry surface, and frequent rockfalls.
For adventurous mountaineers seeking a high-altitude challenge at a lower cost than Everest, Lhotse offers a compelling alternative. Its demanding route and perilous conditions make it one of the most difficult peaks above 8,000 meters, yet it remains a rewarding expedition for those who undertake its ascent.
4. Makalu(8,463 metres)
Makalu, standing at 8,463 meters, is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Located just 14 miles east of Mount Everest, Makalu’s impressive size is complemented by its striking structure. The mountain forms a perfect pyramid with four sharp ridges, adding to its spectacular appearance. Despite its allure, Makalu has proved to be a formidable challenge for climbers, with only five out of the first sixteen attempts resulting in success.
Before it was attempted, Makalu had been admired and studied by several Everest expeditions. Like many other giants in the Khumbu region, it remained un-climbed until after Everest was first summited in 1953. It was a French team that first successfully climbed Makalu in 1955, with Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy reaching the summit. Chomo Lonzo, a subsidiary peak of Makalu, rises to 7,804 meters (25,650 feet) just north of the main summit, separated by a narrow saddle.
5. Cho Oyu(8,201 metres)
Cho Oyu, the sixth highest peak in the world, is situated 20 km west of Mount Everest in the Khumbu sub-section of the Mahalangur Himalaya. Known as the Turquoise Goddess in the Tibetan language, Cho Oyu is a popular destination for enthusiastic mountaineers. It is the second most climbed 8000-meter peak.
The first attempt to climb Cho Oyu was made in 1952 by a British expedition as a precursor to their Everest attempt. However, the first successful ascent was achieved in 1954 by Herbert Tichy, Pasang Dawa Lama, and Joseph Jochler.
Cho Oyu offers two main routes to its summit, with the Nang La Pass being the easiest and most accessible. Due to its relatively straightforward climb, Cho Oyu is often referred to as a ‘trekking peak’ and is popular among both mountaineers and trekkers.
6. Dhaulagiri(8,167 metres)
Dhaulagiri meaning ‘White Mountain’ stands as the seventh highest peak in the world reaching an impressive altitude of 8,167 meters(26,795 feet). This colossal Himalayan massif is located in north-central Nepal. Discovered by the Western world in 1808, Dhaulagiri was initially thought to be the highest mountain on earth, a title previously held by Ecuador’s Chimborazo (6,267 meters or 20,561 feet). It retained this distinction for nearly three decades until Kanchenjunga was incorrectly identified as the highest peak.
Dhaulagiri’s majestic crest extends over thirty miles, forming a striking structure amidst a complex landscape of interwoven ridges, glaciers, and icefalls. Along its main ridge, several pyramid-shaped peaks emerge, with four of these summits, numbered from east to west, exceeding 7,620 meters (25,000 feet). This vast and rugged terrain contributes to Dhaulagiri’s reputation as a formidable and awe-inspiring natural wonder in the Himalayas.
7. Manaslu(8,163 metres)
Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, is the crown jewel of the Gorkha massif. This majestic peak, one of the 8,000-meter summits, is entirely situated in Nepal. The name ‘Manaslu is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘mountain of spirits’.
The first successful ascent of Manaslu was achieved in 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, members of a Japanese expedition. Prior to their success, H.W. Tilman and his team explored Annapurna IV and its routes during their unsuccessful attempt in 1950. Manaslu is known for its challenging conditions, earning it the nickname ‘Killer Mountain’ due to the high number of fatalities among climbers.
Trekking in the Manaslu region is prohibited for solo trekkers, as the area is classified as restricted land and requires a special permit. This restriction has made the peak a lower priority for many mountaineers. However, the Manaslu region is an unspoiled treasure hidden in the Himalayas.
8. Annapurna(8,091 metres)
Annapurna, the first ever 8000-meter peak to be successfully climbed, ranks among the world’s ten highest peaks. Named after the Hindu Goddess of food and grains, Annapurna is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Anna’ meaning food, and ‘Purna’ meaning full. Despite being the first 8000-meter to be conquered, Annapurna I is known for its high fatality rate making it the deadliest peak above 8,000 meters. In 1950, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal made history by being the first to reach its summit, three years before Mt. Everest was ascended.
The Annapurna massif stretches 55 kilometers and includes numerous peaks, all protected within the Annapurna Conservation Area. This massif is entirely located in Nepal, bordered by the Kali Gandaki Gorge to the west, the Myagdi River to the east, and the Pokhara Valley to the south. The Annapurna region gained widespread recognition after legendary mountaineer Colonel Jimmy Roberts detailed his experiences in the 1965 journal ‘Mountain Travel.’
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