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Are you curious about the top 10 highest mountains in Nepal? Nepal is home to a large part of the breathtaking Himalayas. Nepal is known as the “The Land of Himalayas.” About 800 km of the central Himalayas are in Nepal. Of the 14 highest mountains in the world, 8 are in Nepal. Nepal has 1,310 peaks. So, it’s no surprise that Nepal is home to eight of the fourteen highest mountains, each over 8,000 meters tall.
Thousands of adventure lovers visit Nepal every year to see the majestic mountains. Whether trekking or mountaineering, most travelers want to experience the Himalayas firsthand. The trans-Himalayan region has some of the most beautiful places. The scenic trails to the mountains go through icy glaciers, glacial lakes, green pastures, and white-water rivers. The area also has diverse wildlife, including rare and endangered species. The best trekking and peak climbing times in Nepal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Table of Contents
List of the Top 10 Highest Mountains in Nepal
Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters)
Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, is located in the Mahalangur Himalayan range and is 8,848.86 meters above sea level. Everest is shared by two nations, Nepal and Tibet. Mount Everest is also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet. Mount Everest was first climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953. It is a popular hiking, peak-climbing, camping, and holiday location.
The Everest region is well-known for its stunning spectacular mountain views, ancient monasteries such as Tengboche and Pangnoche, charming villages like Lukla, Namche, and Tengboche, as well as the diverse plant and animal life found in Sagarmatha National Park. Additionally, the sunrise and sunset views from Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar are simply breathtaking. In the Everest region, Everest Base Camp is a popular trek in Nepal.
Mount Everest attracts climbers and trekkers from all around the world. These days, the Everest mountain flight has become quite popular in the Everest region. It is a quick and easy way to experience and explore the mountains within a few hours.
Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters)
Mount Kanchenjunga is the world’s third-highest peak, 8,586 meters above sea level. It’s part of the Kanchenjunga Himal range, which straddles the border between Nepal and India. Kanchenjunga was once considered the highest mountain in the world until 1952, when Mount Everest was measured and found to be taller. The first successful climb of Kanchenjunga was made by Joe Brown and George Band during the 1955 British expedition on May 25.
The region features four glaciers: Zemu and Talung in India and Yalung and Kangchen in Nepal. There are four routes to climb Kanchenjunga, with three starting in Nepal and one in India. The Kanchenjunga area is less explored than places like Annapurna and Everest region, making it a pristine and beautiful destination. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek offers a chance to experience this untouched part of the eastern Himalayas.
Lhotse (8,516 meters)
Mt. Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain in the world and the third-highest mountain of Nepal. It is in the Mahalangur Himal range. Lhotse is located at 8,516 meters above sea level on the border of Nepal and Tibet. Aside from the major peaks, there are three other summits: Lhotse I or Middle (8,414 meters), Lhotse II (8,372 meters), and Lhotse Shar (8,383 meters).
On May 18, 1956, Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger, the Swiss Everest/Lhotse expedition members, conducted the first Mount Lhotse expedition. Regarding the standard climbing routes, Lhotse follows the same path as the classic Everest south col routes. These routes separate from the Yellow band after Camp 3. On the Everest expedition, you’ll head left, while on the Lhotse expedition, you’ll take a right turn.
Makalu (8,485 meters)
Mount Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world and is approximately 19 km southeast of Everest. It is located 8,485 meters above sea level in the Mahalangur ranges of the Himalayas. This majestic mountain has the shape of a pyramid. The first climb attempt was made in 1954 by an American expedition team commanded by Riley Keegan. However, on May 15, 1955, French climbers Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy achieved a successful climb. The Makalu region is well-known for its untouched natural beauty, flora, wildlife, waterfalls, caves, and historic religious temples.
Shiv Dhara, which locals believe is Lord Shiva’s tap, is another attraction in the Makalu region. To reach this sacred location, ascend the risky rocky cliff. The Makalu-Barun Valley is located within the Makalu-Barun National Park. It is home to rare wildlife, birds, flora, majestic waterfalls, and rocks. Thus, the Makalu Base Camp trek provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the Makalu-Barun valley and snow-covered mountains.
Cho Oyu (8,201 meters)
Mt. Cho Oyu is the world’s sixth-highest mountain, located around 20 kilometers west of Everest in the Mahalangur range. Cho Oyu is located on the Nepal and China border, specifically between Tibet and the Koshi Province. The name “Cho Oyu” comes from the Tibetan and means “Turquoise Goddess.” Its peak is 8,201 meters above sea level. Tibetan and Nepali traders used the mountain for trading by using yaks and mules.
The first people to reach the top were Joseph Jochler, Herbert Tichy, and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama in 1954. Most climbers approach Cho Oyu from Tibet, as it is less frequently climbed from Nepal. It is the second most popular mountain climb after Mount Everest due to its relatively easier routes.
Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters)
Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), the world’s seventh highest mountain, is located in the Himalayan Dhaulagiri massif in Nepal’s Gandaki province. Dhaulagiri’s name is derived from two Sanskrit words: Dhaula means bright or white, and Giri means peak. Aside from the main summit, there are Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and IV.
A Swiss-Austrian expedition led by Max Eiselin, Kurt Diemberger, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nyima Drje Sherpa, and Nawang Dorje Sherpa made the first ascent to Mount Dhaulagiri in 1960. The sacred Kali Gandaki River flows between Mount Dhaulagiri and Mount Annapurna, making the Kali Gandaki Gorge one of the deepest in the world.
Manaslu (8,163 meters)
Manaslu is the world’s eighth-highest peak and is located in central Nepal (Gorkha district) within the Mansiri Himal range. The Japanese expedition team of Toshio Imanishi, Maki Yuko, and Gyaltsen Norbu Sherpa made the first successful climb in 1956. The peak’s name derives from the Sanskrit word Manasa, which means mind, soul, and intellect. Locals refer to this peak as the “mountain of the spirit.”
Furthermore, Manaslu is renowned as the Killer Mountain because more than 60 climbers died while ascending to the summit. Aside from the Manaslu expedition, Manaslu is popular for trekking. Manaslu Conservation Area, beautiful trekking trails, stunning views, and ancient traditional Tibetan villages are among the popular attractions in the Manaslu region.
Annapurna I (8,091 meters)
Mount Annapurna I is the world’s 10th-highest mountain. It lies in the Gandaki province of Nepal. Annapurna I elevation is 8,091 meters, the highest peak in the Annapurna massif between 19 summits. On June 3, 1950, a French expedition team led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal ascended the summit for the first time. The peak is named after the Hindu goddess of food and harvest. The entire Annapurna is located within the large protected region known as the Annapurna Sanctuary or Conservation Area. It is Nepal’s largest protected region, with a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The Annapurna expedition is known for its highest fatality rate due to intense and unpredictable weather, avalanches, and land formation. This makes Mt. Annapurna the most dangerous and difficult peak to climb. Aside from the stunning mountain and natural scenery, the Annapurna region is home to various ethnic settlements that maintain traditional culture and lifestyles. Many domestic and international tourists choose to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, Mardi Himal trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, and a variety of short treks to connect with nature and enjoy the wonderful Annapurna region.
Gyachung Kang (7,952 meters)
Mount Gyachung Kang is in the Mahalangur Himalayan range, with a height of 7,952 meters. The first successful climb was on April 10, 1964, by Pasang Phutar Sherpa, Kiyoto Sakaizawa, and Yukihiko Kato. Gyachung Kang is located between Cho Oyu and Mount Everest and is the ninth highest mountain in Nepal. It ranks as the fifteenth-highest peak in the world. Due to its lower height compared to the 8,000-meter peaks, it is not popular among climbers and is less accessible.
Annapurna II (7,937 meters)
Annapurna II is the second highest in the Annapurna mountain range, following Annapurna I. However, this summit is located at an elevation of 7,937 meters, distinct from the main ridge of the Annapurna range. This peak is the world’s sixteenth highest, first climbed in 1960 by a British, Nepalese, and Indian expedition team. They started by climbing Annapurna IV’s north face, then moved on to Annapurna II via the west ridge.
Peak Climbing in Nepal
Peak climbing in Nepal is a popular adventure activity that attracts climbers worldwide. Nepal has various peaks ranging from less technical trekking peaks to more challenging, high-altitude climbs. The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has classified 27 peaks in Nepal as “trekking peaks.” It is ideal for those who want to experience mountaineering without the extreme challenges of the highest mountains.
Climbers can experience stunning views of the Himalayas, explore remote villages, and immerse themselves in the rich culture of Nepal. Peak climbing in Nepal typically requires a combination of trekking and climbing skills, along with proper acclimatization to handle the high altitudes.
Conclusion
Nepal is truly a haven for mountaineers worldwide, with several tallest mountains. The world’s eight highest mountains are in Nepal. The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest, which also lies in Nepal. Following Nepal’s highest mountains is a diversified environment with various flora and wildlife. When combined with the mountain’s rich and pristine culture, visiting these Himalayan treasures becomes unforgettable. If you truly want to experience something unique and off the beaten path, Nepal should be on your travel bucket list. A visit to this incredible country is a must for any adventurous traveler.
FAQs
How many top 10 mountains are there in Nepal?
Nepal is home to eight of the world’s top 10 highest mountains. These include Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters), the world’s highest peak, along with other towering peaks like Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna I, Gyachung Kang and Annapurna II. These mountains are part of the majestic Himalayas, making Nepal a prime destination for mountaineers and trekkers.
What are the 10 highest mountains?
The ten highest mountains in the world are Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters), K2 (8,611 meters), Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,485 meters), Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters), Manaslu (8,163 meters), Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), and Annapurna I (8,091 meters). Eight of these mountains are located in Nepal, with the remaining two in Pakistan.
Where are the highest 14 mountains in the world?
The 14 highest mountains in the world are in the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges, located in Nepal, Tibet (China), and Pakistan. There are only 14 mountains in the world that are over 8,000 meters high. These mountains are called the “eight-thousanders.” And Interestingly, 8 of the 14 “eight-thousanders” peaks are in Nepal alone!
What is the Himalayas called in Nepal?
In Nepal, the Himalayas are called “Himal.” The word “Himal” comes from the Sanskrit words “hima,” meaning snow, “alaya,” meaning abode or dwelling, so “Himalaya” translates to “Abode of Snow.” In the Nepali language, “Himal” is commonly used to refer to the mountain ranges in the country.
Is Nepal a mountainous country?
Yes, Nepal is a highly mountainous country, home to some of the world’s tallest mountain peaks. The entire northern part of Nepal is dominated by the Himalayas, including eight of the fourteen highest mountains on Earth, such as Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The country’s diverse landscape features rugged terrain, deep valleys, and high-altitude plateaus, making it a prime destination for trekking, peak climbing, and mountaineering enthusiasts.
