Highest Mountains in Nepal

There are several highest mountains in Nepal. Nepal is home to the top 8 highest mountains, among the 14 tallest peaks in the world. Nepal is also home to 1310 peaks. Nepal is well-known globally as a paradise for mountaineers and trekkers. Nepal boasts a significant part of the stunning Himalayas. Nepal is often referred to as “The Land of Himalayas.” Nepal has around 800 km of the central Himalayas. 

Every year, countless adventure lovers travel to Nepal to witness the breathtaking mountains. Many travelers from all around the world want to experience the Himalayas up close, whether through trekking or mountaineering. The trans-Himalayan region has some truly stunning locations. The beautiful paths leading to the mountains pass by frozen glaciers, glacial lakes, and rushing white-water rivers. The Himalayan area has a variety of wildlife, featuring some rare and endangered species. Nepal started allowing climbing on its mountains and peaks back in 1949.

All Eight Thousand Meters Peaks in Nepal

Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) – 8,849 meters

• Elevation: 8,849 meters
• World Ranking: 1st
• Location: Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province, Nepal and Tingri County, Xigazê, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
• Co-Ordinates: 27°59′18″N 86°55′31″E
• First Ascent: May 29, 1953, by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay

Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth, located in the Mahalangur Himalayan range, with a height of 8849 meters above sea level. Everest lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Mt Everest is known by different names in local languages: Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibet. This Khumbu region is a famous destination for trekking, peak climbing, camping, and vacation.

The Everest region is well-known for its stunning mountain views, historic monasteries like Tengboche and Pongboche, and lively villages such as Lukla, Namche, and Tengboche. You can also see various rare flora and fauna in Sagarmatha National Park and the incredible sunrises and sunsets from Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. Mount Everest stands out as a globally known trekking spot. These days, the Everest mountain flight by helicopter has become quite popular in this area. The Everest helicopter tour offers a quick and easy way to experience the majestic mountains in just a few hours. 

Kanchenjunga – 8,586 meters

• Elevation: 8,586 meters 
• World Ranking: 3rd
• Location: Taplejung District in Nepal and Mangan District in Sikkim, India
• Co-Ordinates: 27°42′09″N 88°08′48″E 
• First Ascent: May 25, 1955, by Joe Brown and George Band

Mount Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world, reaching an impressive height of 8,586 meters above sea level. The Kanchenjunga Peak is the second-highest mountain in Nepal. The peak is the part of the Kanchenjunga Himal range, located on the border between Nepal and India. This range features five notable peaks: the main peak at 8,586, central at 8,505, west at 8,482, north at 8,489, and kangbachen at 7,903 meters. Mt. Kanchenjunga held the title of the world’s highest mountain until 1952. After calculating and measuring the height of Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga was declared the third highest mountain in the world.

This area is home to four glaciers: the Zemu Glacier, which is the largest in eastern Nepal, the Talung Glacier in India, the Yalung Glacier, and the Kangchen Glacier in Nepal. There are four routes to reach the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga: three starting from Nepal and one from India. The Kanchenjunga region is less explored than popular spots like Annapurna and Everest, making Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek a place of untouched beauty and natural charm.

Lhotse – 8,516 meters

• Elevation: 8,516 meters
• World Ranking: 4th
• Location: Solukhumbu District, Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal and Tingri County, Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
• Co-Ordinates: 27°57′42″N 86°56′00″E
• First Ascent: May 18, 1956, by Fritz Luchsinger, Ernst Reiss

Located on the border of Tibet and Nepal, Lhotse Peak stands tall at an impressive altitude of 8,516 meters. Lhotse is the Fourth highest mountain in the world. In addition to the main peaks, there are several other summits: Lhotse I, also known as the middle peak, stands at 8,414 meters, while Lhotse II reaches 8,372 meters, and Lhotse Shar is at 8,383 meters. Lhotse’s standard climbing routes take the classic path used for Everest south col routes, which separates from the Yellow band after Camp 3. The Everest expedition goes left, while the Lhotse expedition turns right. It is another popular mountain to climb in the Everest region.

Makalu – 8,485 meters

• Elevation: 8,485 meters
• World Ranking: 5th
• Location: Koshi Province (Khumbu), Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region, China
• Co-Ordinates: 27°53′23″N 87°05′20″E
• First Ascent: May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy

Mount Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world, standing at a height of 8,485 meters above sea level. It is located about 19 km southeast of Everest in the Mahalangur ranges of the Himalayas. Lhotse Peak looks like a pyramid in shape. The Makalu region is famous for its pristine natural beauty, diverse flora, wildlife, stunning waterfalls, caves, and ancient religious temples.

The another highlight in the Makalu region is Shiv Dhara, which local believes is Lord Shiva’s tap. To go to this special spot, you must climb the challenging rocky cliff. The Makalu-Barun Valley lies in the Makalu-Barun National Park. The Makalu Base Camp trek is a unique chance to explore the beautiful Makalu-Barun Valley and its stunning snow-covered mountains. 

Cho Oyu – 8,188 meters

• Elevation: 8,188 meters
• World Ranking: 6th
• Location: Nepal (Province No. 1) – China (Tibet)
• Co-Ordinates: 28°05′39″N 86°39′39″E
• First Ascent: October 19, 1954, by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jochler, Pasang Dawa Lama

Mount Cho Oyu stands as the sixth highest mountain in the world, situated approximately 20 kilometers to the west of Everest in the Mahalangur range. The elevation of Cho Oyu is 8,188 meters. Cho Oyu is located on the border between Nepal and China (Tibet). Cho Oyu is a name that originated from Tibetan and means “Turquoise Goddess.” Tibetan and Nepali traders used the mountain for trade, relying on yaks and mules for transportation. Most climbers take the route to Cho Oyu from Tibet, while the approach from Nepal is less common. Mt Cho Oyu is the second most popular mountain to climb after Mount Everest because it has relatively easier routes. 

Dhaulagiri – 8,167 meters

• Elevation: 8,167 meters
• World Ranking: 7th
• Location: Nepal
• Co-Ordinates: 28°41′54″N 83°29′15″E
• First Ascent: May 13, 1960, by Kurt Diemberger, A, Schelbert, E. Forrer, Nawang Dorje, Nyima Dorje

Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest peak, standing at an altitude of 8,167 meters is located in Nepal’s Gandaki province in the Himalayan Dhaulagiri massif. The name Dhaulagiri comes from two Sanskrit words. Dhawala, which means bright or white, and Giri, meaning peak. In addition to the main summit, you’ll find Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri IV. The beautiful Kali Gandaki River runs between the majestic Mount Dhaulagiri and Mount Annapurna, creating the stunning Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is known to be the deepest gorges in the world. 

Manaslu – 8,163 meters

• Elevation: 8,163 meters
• World Ranking: 8th
• Location: Gorkha District, Manang-Gandaki Province, Nepal
• Co-Ordinates: 28°32′58″N 84°33′43″E
• First Ascent: May 9, 1956, by a Japnese team

Mount Manaslu is the world’s eighth highest mountain, and it lies in central Nepal’s Gorkha district within the Mansiri Himal range. The name of the peak comes from the Sanskrit word Manasa. It means mind, soul, and intellect. People in the area called this peak “Mountain of the Spirit.”

Manaslu is often called the Killer Mountain, as over 60 climbers have lost their lives trying to reach the top. The Manaslu region has many popular attractions, such as the Manaslu Conservation Area, breathtaking views, beautiful trekking trails, and ancient traditional Tibetan villages. 

Annapurna I – 8,091 meters

• Elevation: 8,091 meters
• World Ranking: 10th
• Location: Gandaki Province, Nepal
• Co-Ordinates: 28°35′46″N 83°49′13″E
• First Ascent: June 3, 1950, by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal

Mount Annapurna I is the tenth highest peak in the world. It is located in Nepal’s Gandaki province. Annapurna I is the highest mountain in the Annapurna range, with an elevation of 8,091 meters, among 19 summits. The mountain is named after the Hindu goddess of food and harvest. The entire Annapurna lies within the Annapurna Sanctuary or Annapurna Region, also known as the Conservation Area. It’s Nepal’s largest protected area which has a variety of flora and fauna.

The Annapurna expedition has a high fatality rate due to extreme and unpredictable weather, avalanches, and terrain creation. Mt Annapurna is the most dangerous and challenging summit to climb. In addition to the stunning mountains and natural beauty, the Annapurna region has many ethnic villages where people follow their traditional culture and customs. Annapurna region also offers trekking opportunities like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Other Tallest Mountain Peaks in Nepal

Gyachung Kang – 7,952 meters

• Elevation: 7,952 meters
• World Ranking: 15th
• Location: Nepal- China
• Co-Ordinates: 28°05′53″N 86°44′32″E
• First Ascent: 1964 by a Japanese team

Mount Gyachung Kang, located in the Mahalangur Himalayan range, stands at 7,952 meters in height. Gyachung Kang, Nepal’s ninth tallest mountain, lies between Cho Oyu and Mount Everest. It is the fifteenth highest peak in the world. Because of the lesser elevation relative to the summit of 8,000 meters, Gyachung Kang is less popular with climbers and less accessible.

Annapurna II – 7,937 meters

• Elevation: 7,937 meters
• World Ranking: 16th
• Location: Annapurna Massif, Gandaki Province, Nepal
• Co-Ordinates: 28°32′9″N 84°7′17″E
• First Ascent: May 17, 1960

Mount Annapurna II is the Annapurna range’s second highest peak, following Annapurna I. This peak reaches an elevation of 7,937 meters and is distinct from the main ridge of the Annapurna range. Annapurna II ranks as the sixteenth highest peak in the world and was first climbed in 1960 by a team of British, Nepalese, and Indian climbers. They started by climbing the north face of Annapurna IV and then made their along the west ridge to reach Annapurna II. 

Best time for Trekking or Mountaineering Expeditions in Nepal

Spring Season

Spring (March to May) is the best time for trekking or mountaineering expeditions in Nepal. The weather is warmer and more stable in spring. The melting snow improves access to higher camps, making the routes less challenging than in winter. Climbers and trekkers find this season more comfortable because the temperature rises, especially at higher altitudes, where it is still cold. 

The weather in spring is also more predictable than in winter and summer/monsoon season, with fewer sudden changes, reducing the risks for climbers and trekkers. During this time, at the lower altitudes of the Himalayas, you can see colorful rhododendrons and wildflowers, adding beauty to the trails. The clearer skies offer breathtaking views of the mountains.

Autumn Season

Autumn (September to November) is another excellent time for trekking or mountaineering expeditions in Nepal. This time of the year is known for its fresh, clear skies and stable weather following the monsoon rains. Cooler temperatures make climbing more comfortable, especially at high altitudes. Dry weather is safer because there are fewer risks, like heavy rain or storms, which makes it better for climbers and trekkers.

Autumn also coincides with major Nepalese festivals like Dashain and Tihar, giving climbers and trekkers a chance to experience the local culture. The trails are usually in good condition, making reaching base camps easier. 

Conclusion

Nepal is a heaven for mountain lovers and trekkers. Nepal is home to the eight tallest mountains in the world. Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain on the earth, is located in Nepal. Peak climbing in Nepal is accessible to everyone with proper planning and preparation. Peak climbing in Nepal promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for well-prepared people. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a strong admiration for the majestic beauty of the world’s highest mountains.

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