List of Eight-Thousanders Peaks in Nepal with elevations

Nepal holds the title of a paradise for trekkers and good reason. Sitting between Tibet and India, this is the land of the Himalayas holding eight of the world’s fourteen eight-thousanders, mountains over 8,000m /26,247 ft. These mountains have enormous heights to climb and steep slopes for the climbers and every adventurer from around the globe throng to these mountains. Here’s how you can go about exploring the eight Eight-Thousanders of Nepal – peaks that are monuments to nature and the outstanding geographical heritage of the land.

1. Mount Everest stands high at 8,848.86 meters or 29,029 feet

Mount Everest or Qomolangma in Tibetan and Sagarmatha in Nepali is the highest peak in the world. With a height of up to 8,848.86 meters, it is now the final frontier for climbers.

This peak has become one of the most famous mountains in the globe with ten thousand attempting to climb it since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Nestled in the Mahalangur Range in the Khumbu region of the Himalayas, Everest is attended to by climbers annually.

2. Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft)

Located in the Himalayan range in the south-eastern part of Nepal and Northern part of India Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak on the planet. It extends up to 8,586 meters and is considered one of the holy mountains, especially for people from eastern Nepal and Sikkim. 

Because of technicality, this mountain has few successful attempts, with incredibly beautiful sceneries and paths for climbers. The five summits of Kanchenjunga also are called the ‘Five Treasures of Snow’; gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books and in many ways reflect the sacredness of the five elements.

3. Lhotse – 8,516m/27,940ft

Lhotse is yet another location near Everest which is the fourth tallest mountain in the world with a height of 8,516 meters. It translates to South Peak in Tibetan and is dwarfed by its nearby colossus, Mount Everest. However, Lhotse rewards climbers in its unique way with equally complicated adventures as other mountains in the range. 

The features of Lhotse’s massiveness and steep climbing throughout play a role in the technique besides the Lhotse Face. The main Lhotse and the two others give it extra appeal and mountaineering challenge.

4. Makalu or Maculu (8,485 m/ 27,838 ft)

Makalu rises to 8,485 meters and is the fifth-highest peak in the world that possesses a pyramid structure and sharp cliffs. Located just 19 kilometers southeast of Everest, it is not easy to climb; people are faced with sharp ridges and steep summits. Makalu requires considerable technical difficulty hence a technical achievement for climbers who wish to attempt it. 

The high altitude of the Makalu-Barun Valley in the north offers an undisturbed ecosystem conservation area for birds and mammals, as does the area in the lower reaches of the valley.

5. Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864ft)

Cho Oyu translated from Tibetan means “Turquoise Goddess”, and it is the sixth tallest in the world with an elevation of 8,188 meters. It  is situated close to the border of Nepal and Tibet and is reckoned to be one of the easier Eight-Thousanders to climb and yet is a favorite with many climbers who want to be the first to climb an 8,000-metre mountain. 

Due to its slopes being not very steep and it is close to Everest the peak of Langtang is frequently used for acclimatization and training for high altitude climbing but still it demands a lot of effort.

6. Dhaulagiri, 8167 meters / 26,795 feet

Dhaulagiri meaning ‘white mountain’, is 8,167m high and the seventh most massive mountain in the world. This is a mountain in the Western Zone of Nepal and the great slopes and ice badges make it a thrilling but challenging trail. The region Dhaulagiri is seen as among the most beautiful and isolated in Nepal. 

While the impression of Dhaulagiri against the backdrop of the Annapurna Range makes this peak a favorite among photographers, the technical outlines of the climb make it attractive for experienced climbers.

7. Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters/ 26,781 feet)

At 8,163 meters and a prominence of 2,639 meters, Mansalu is also called the “Mountain of the Spirit”. Can be found in the Gorkha District of Nepal, Manaslu shares remarkable views with another trekking area with the surrounding trails ranked as being among the best views of the Himalayas. 

People cherish the natural, geographical, and cultural values of Manaslu because of its beauty, isolation, and cultural oriented to the Tibetan way of life due to the growing influence in the region, attracting more trekkers and climbers.

8. Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft)

Annapurna I is the ten-thousandth mountain in the world with the height of 8,091 meters and is the highest in the Annapurna group of peaks. It brings high fatality rate that has branded Annapurna as one of the lethal mountains to conquer. 

Especially praised for its gorgeous views and presenting a special status as a part of mountaineering traditions, Annapurna massif is regarded as one of the most dangerous routes for its challenging climbing. 

The Annapurna Conservation Area that envelopes it is one of the most toured trekking destinations in Nepal both for trekking and cultural tours.

Difficulty of climbing these peaks 

Making a summit of Nepal’s Eight-Thousanders is an enormous challenge that is considered a great achievement in the world of mountaineering. Every summit presents different issues; technical pitches, high altitude, and unstable climber weather conditions. Here’s a closer look at the difficulty levels of these towering giants:

1. Mount Everest – 8,848.86m- A – very high difficulty

Challenges: Academic: Altitude sickness, climate, Khumbu Icefall, and summitclimb.

Difficulty Level: Everest turned into a preferable climbing mountain; however, even today it remains incredibly difficult to climb. Challenges that make it a difficult climb are hazards posed by altitude sickness, low temperatures, and traffic near the summit.

Experience Needed: Climbers are required to have prior experience in mountaineering and must be conversant with mountain equipment. Emergency oxygen is usually required when flying above 8,000 meters.

2. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) – Very Technical

Challenges: These include the remoteness of many trails and their intricacy, adverse weather, and technicality of Part of a trail.

Difficulty Level: Despite being the third highest of the Eight-Thousanders however Kanchenjunga remains one of the most challenging owing to it’s inaccessibility and the comparative lack of development. Fewer people attempt it, meaning if someone were to fall they would have little chance of being saved.

Experience Needed: It requires special mountaineering finesse and technical aptitude as well as climbing at high altitudes.

3. Lhotse (8,516 m) – High Climbing Difficulty

Challenges: Because of its nearness to Everest, the other features that characterized Lhotse as a suitable place for climbing include steep faces like the Lhotse Face and strong winds.

Difficulty Level: Even though Lhotse runs parallel to Everest up to the latter’s final climb, the final stretch entails a climber to use ropes due to steep and icy slopes; an additional division of the mountain consists of partly rock.

Experience Needed: Technical technical climbing experience is crucial but the trips are better done at high altitudes. Lhotse is also climbed by many climbers after they have climbed Everest or other large mountains.

4. Makalu (8,485 meters) – Very High Difficulty

Challenges: Steep spines, fifth-class climbing on the final pinnacle, and high elevation.

Difficulty Level: Makalu’s faces and downright ridges dominating the climb make this list one of the most technical. That is why it differs in shape and offers more rock climbing than any other peak of the same category.

Experience Needed: Specific experience with technical climbing and with ice and rock. The altitude acclimatization needs to be understood to the highest level.

5. Cho Oyu (8,188 meters) – Moderate – Highly Dangerous

Challenges: Several difficulties define this trail: high altitude, glaciers, and icy areas.

Difficulty Level: All the same, Cho Oyu is rated among the easier Eight-Thousanders based on the gradients of its slopes. However, it means that it has certain dangers, while the weather can also become a real problem in the process of climbing.

Experience Needed: While adequate for climbers seeking to achieve their first 8,000m summit, experience at high altitude is advisable. Some climbers prefer to do without the oxygen bonuses on their expedition.

6. Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) – Very High difficulty

Challenges: Severe climate, rugged and especially steep topography and terrain, and reach accessibility.

Difficulty Level: Dhaulagiri is remarkable for its sever variations in the climate and technically difficult routes. One disadvantage of this type of building is that it is usually constructed in some rather hard-to-reach area, so it is not easy to get to and evacuate people or perform other rescues.

Experience Needed: That’s why rock climbers and mountaineers require a higher level of skills targeting high altitude, technical, and ice climbing. Dhaulagiri tests the strength of a man as well as his spirit.

7. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), Manaslu (8,163 meters) – High difficulty

Challenges: Cracks, sliding zones, and effects of height.

Difficulty Level: Slightly an easier climb than those of Everest or Kanchenjunga treks, Manaslu involves the circumvention of certain risk-filled zones wherein crevasses might commonly be encountered.

Experience Needed: Wanting years of high-altitude climbing experience is necessary. It is suggested for climbers who would want to prepare to climb Mount Everest.

8. Annapurna I (8,091 meters) – Extreme Difficulty

Challenges: High mortality, possibility of an avalanche and very steep and challenging terrain.

Difficulty Level: Annapurna, is regarded as one of the deadliest of the Eight Thousanders zeroes in on a fairly high death to triumph ratio. For instance, it is ragged and steep, and skiing is very likely to be prone to an avalanche therefore it is one of the most dangerous climbs.

Experience Needed: Ice climbers require the above essential skills and should have some experience in ice, snow, and rock climbing. Additional information is essential when it comes to exposure to avalanche danger and preventive measures.

Best time to begin/ascent these peak(s)

It’s prepared to climb the eight-thousanders in Nepal is best prepared during the pre-monsoon period and post-monsoon time that is spring and autumn respectively because the climate during these periods is normally better for high-altitude climbing. Here’s a closer look at the ideal climbing seasons for each peak:

1. Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters)

Best Time: Spring – the end of April to the beginning of June and autumn: late September to early November.

Why: Much as we know that Everest is climbed all year round, spring is the best time to climb it since the weather is relatively stable and temperatures are relatively mild, resulting to less snowfalls. Autumn is also suitable but the duration is comparatively small, while the cool weather can complicate the conditions.

2. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters)

Best Time: End of April to middle of May (spring) and mid-September to middle of October (autumn).

Why: The season is the least: Spring brings clear weather which is very useful to try on formally steep routes of Kanchenjunga. Autumn has similarly stable climate conditions, although there is precipitation, and the temperature range is lower, this is why climbers should be ready.

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3. Lhotse (8,516 meters)

Best Time: Spring – late April to early June and autumn – late September to early November.

Why: Lhotse is climbed similarly to Everest, which means it’s best to climb Lhotse in the spring and autumn since the weather is less likely to turn dangerous. There are slightly fewer climbers in autumn and not as busy as the summer months so one feels quite lonely on top of Lhotse.

4. Makalu (8,485 meters)

Best Time: Late April to early June (spring) and September to October (Autumn).

Why: Makalu is particularly difficult and its steep technical climbing routes can only be undertaken when the weather is stable. Spring is somewhat selected because of moderate weather conditions, but autumn is a little cooler though the sky is clear with few climbers.

5. Cho Oyu (8,188 meters)

Best Time: Late April to May- This is the spring season and September to October- This is the autumn season.

Why: Cho Oyu is relatively easy among the Eight-Thousanders, and these two seasons have good climate and tolerable temperature for climbing at high altitudes.

6. Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters)

Best Time: Spring, which in for MOST starts at the end of April until early June, And autumn, starting middle of September until October.

Why: The climbing routes of Dhaulagiri being steep and exposures to avalanche zones it is very important that the mountain is climbed during good and stable weather. Spring is better since the snow-pack is more sound, autumn is also good but entails more preparation in terms of cold weather.

7. Manaslu (8,163 meters)

Best Time: There are two best seasons to visit this city those are spring season which is through late April to early June and the autumn season from September to October.

Why: Manaslu is climbed during spring when the snow is relatively sound and in autumn for better view. Neither season occurs in the period with heavy monsoons when crevasse conditions and avalanches become more of a gamble.

8. Annapurna I (8,091 meters)

Best Time: Every spring from late April to May and every autumn from September to October.

Why: That is why Annapurna has the highest fatality rate among the eight; it is paramount to try the climb during good weather. 

It is easier to climb during Spring since, after the winter season, there is a lot of snow therefore making it safer to climb during autumn because the skies are clear and the snow predicting is accurate.

Executive Summery of Climbing Seasons for the Eight-Thousanders of Nepal

• Spring (Late April to Early June): The best and the most trustworthy season with relatively moderate temperature, strong base, and few impacts of the monsoons.
• Autumn (Late September to Early November): Partly cloudy to cloudy sky and good conditions but relatively cooler than the previous days. Not as busy as in spring for some tops and here you can refine the results by region.

Conclusion

These gigantic peaks of Eight-Thousanders are among the core areas of the Nepalese Himalayas and the heaps of them make the country as adventure-freak mountaineer’s paradise. These mountains are also not only as physical barriers but also as powerful images representing the actual appearance and potentiality of the Nepalese landscape and people. 

Despite the risks involved, there are numerous enthusiasts of heights especially when the peaks are associated with Eight-Thousanders in Nepal; adventurous, religious, and aesthetically gifted enthusiasts are welcomed across the world to embrace the peaks of these mountains.