Nepal Mountains

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to explore Nepal’s breathtaking mountains? Do you seek the thrilling adventure of climbing some of the world’s tallest mountains? If so, keep reading this article to learn more about the majestic mountains of Nepal.
Nepal is the perfect option that offers a blend of majestic mountains and local communities’ unique traditions and cultures. Located between China and India, the country is home to several gigantic mountains and breathhtaking landscapes, making it the ideal place for cultural exploration and adventure.
The country is home to eight of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. Further, other famous mountains in Nepal include Lhotse, Annapurna, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Cho Oyu.
Further, the Himalayan outback makes up the majority of Nepal’s landmass providing incredible opportunities for adventurers, mountaineers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Thus, as a traveler, you’ll have diverse options for activities such as mountain biking, paragliding, rock climbing, mountaineering, and trekking.
Apart from spiking up your adrenaline in the mountains, you’ll get to witness the mountain region’s rich biodiversity and indigenous community. The mountain regions of Nepal offer a unique fusion of culture, tradition and adventure, which sets itself apart from other tourist destinations.
In this article, we have compiled an overview of Nepal’s mountains and provided a summary of Nepal’s mountains. Further, we will look at the history of mountaineering in Nepal, significant highlights and various mountaineering expeditions.
How Many Mountains Are There In Nepal?
Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia. The country is home to several mountain ranges, including the famous Khumbu Mahalangur Himalaya Range. The mountain ranges in Nepal boast 8 of the tallest peaks in the world.
Further, there are other serine mountain ranges in Nepal, such as the Churia range and Mahabharat Range, popular destinations for mountaineers and trekkers. In total, there are 1310 mountain peaks in Nepal. Among these, 866 are names, and 326 peaks are open for climbing expeditions.
Eight Highest Mountains In Nepal
In recent decades, Nepal has been a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers worldwide. The mountains in Nepal have become a favorite among travel enthusiasts because of the thrill and spectacular scenery it offers.
The mountain range in Nepal spans over 800 kilometers across the country. This mountain range features stunning peaks that offer rewarding and challenging experiences to those who embark on an adventurous expedition.
Some of the famous mountains for trekking and mountaineering in Nepal are Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), and Manaslu (8,163 m). So, travelers look upon Nepal as a paradise to explore the Himalayan region’s serene, high-altitude landscapes.
Further, we will look in detail at Nepal’s mountains and other vital information such as its location, climbing history, and trekking routes.
Mountain | Height | Location | First To Summit The Mountain | Date | Mountain Range |
Mount Everest | 8848.86 | Solukhumbu, Province 1, Nepal | Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa | May 29, 1953 | Mahalangur Himalayan Range |
Lhotse | 8516 | Khumbu, Province 1, Nepal | F. Luchsinger, E. Reiss | May 18, 1956 | Mahalangur Himalayan Range |
Kanchenjunga | 8586 | Taplejung District, Nepal | G. Band, J. Brown, N. Hardie, S. Streather | May 25, 1995 | Kanchenjunga Himalayan Range |
Cho Oyu | 8188 | Khumbu, Province 1, Nepal | H. Tichy, S. Jöchler, Pasang Dawa Lama | October 19, 1954 | Mahalangur Himalayan Range |
Makalu | 8485 | Khumbu, Province 1, Nepal | J. Couzy, L. Terray, J. Franco, G. Magnone-Gialtsen, J. Bouier, S. Coupé, P. Leroux, A. Vialattee | May 15, 1955 | Makalu Mahalangur Himalayan Range |
Manaslu | 8163 | Gorkha, Gandaki Province, Nepal | T. Imamishi, K. Kato, M. Higeta, G. Norbu | May 9, 1956 | Mansiri Himalayan Range |
Dhaulagiri I | 8163 | Gandaki Province, Nepal | A. Schelbert, E. Forrer, K. Diemberger, P. Diener, Nyima Dorji, Nawang Dorji | May 13, 1960 | Dhaulagiri Himalayan range in Annapurna Region |
Annapurna I | 8091 | Gandaki Province, Nepal | Annapurna Himalayan Region | M. Herzog, L. Lachenal (French) | June 3, 1950 |
Mt. Everest

Image Credit: https://www.nepaltrekkinginhimalaya.com/pages/mount-everest-facts
Position in the World: 1st
Position in Nepal: 1st
Co-Ordinates: 27°59′17″N 86°55′31″E
Location: Mahalangur Himalayan Range/Khumbu region
Mount Everest was created fifty-million years ago when the Indian Subcontinent and Eurasia collided. This led to the creation of a stunning elevation the world has never seen. Standing at 8848.86m, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. Thus, rightfully earning the name Sagarmatha also known as “goddess of the sky.”
The mountain was conquered for the first time by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in the year 1953. After their victorious expedition, tourists from all over the world started their own adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. It is one of the most famous mountains in Nepal for trekking. The region offers magnificent expedition, such as the Everest Base Camp trek, Gokyo Chola Pass Trek, and Everest Three Passes Trek.
Lhotse – The wall of Mountains

Image Credit:https://www.pioneeradventure.com/package/mt-everest-lhotse-combined-expedition
Position in the World: 4th
Position in Nepal: 3rd
Co-Ordinates: 27°57′42″N 86°55′59″E
Location: Mahalangur Himalayan range/Khumbu region
Mount Lhotse also known as “The wall of mountains” is the fourth-highest peak in the world. It is the third-highest mountain in Nepal. The peak stands at a staggering height of 8516m. The mountain has three prominent peaks, central peak (8516m), Lhotse Shar (8383m), and Lhotse East (8418m).
One of the most popular treks in the mountain is the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek. The expedition offers stunning views of Lhotse and the surrounding village. Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger completed the first expedition to Lhotse on May 18, 1956.
Kanchenjunga – The Five Treasures of the Snow

Image Credit:https://www.vivaanadventure.com/kanchenjunga-height/
Position in the World: 3rd
Position in Nepal: 2nd
Co-Ordinates: 27°42′12″N 88°08′51″E
Location: Northern Kanchenjunga Himalayan range/Taplejung District/
Kanchenjunga is the second-highest mountain in Nepal. Before the exploration of Mount Everest, it was considered the highest peak in the world. The mountain is the world’s third-highest peak, with an elevation of 8,586 meters.
On May 25, 1995, George Band and Joe Brown officially conquered the monumental peak. The mountain region’s unique ecosystem makes it exceptionally hard for mountaineers to conquer Kanchenjunga.
Regardless of their intimidating status, Sele La Pass Trek and Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek are two of the most famous expeditions in the area. They ensure travelers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the beauty of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and several historical monasteries.
Cho Oyu – The Turquoise Goddess

Image Credit:https://www.adventureconsultants.com/expeditions/8000m-peaks/cho-oyu/
Position in the World: 6th
Position in Nepal: 5th
Co-Ordinates: 28°05′39″N 86°39′39″E
Location: Mahalangur Himalayan Range/Khumbu region
Cho Oyu, also known as “The Turquoise Goddess,” is the sixth-highest mountain peak in the world. The peak is 20 Km west of Mount Everest and is considered the most accessible mountain to climb among the highest mountains in Nepal.
Mount Cho Oyu is the second-most climbed peak among Nepal’s mountains, above 8000 meters in elevation. It stands at 8,188 meters above sea level. The first ever people to conquer the summit of Mount Cho Oyu were Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama, Herbert Tichy, and Joseph Jӧchler. They completed the expedition on October 19, 1954.
Gokyo Lakes Trek and Nagpa La glacier pass are two major highlights of the region. It offers travelers a picturesque and enigmatic view of Cho Oyu and other mountains in the Khumbu region.
Makalu (8,485m) -The Himalayan Pyramid

Image Credit:https://www.satoriadventuresnepal.com/blog/how-hard-technical-is-to-climb-mount-makalu/
Position in the World: 5th
Position in Nepal: 4th
Co-Ordinates: 27°53′23″N 87°05′20″E
Location: Makalu Mahalangur Himalayan range in the Khumbu region
Standing at an elevation of 8485m, Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Its pyramid-like structure has earned itself the name “The Himalayan Pyramid .So, Makalu is considered the most magnificent mountain in Nepal and a dangerous summit to climb.
Jean Couzy and Lionel Terray were the first people to reach the summit of Makalu on May 15, 1955. Shortly after their ascent to the mountain, Guido Magnone, Jean Franco, and Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa completed climbing the mountain peak.
The mountain is surrounded by Makalu Barun Valley, which includes several glaciers and white rivers. Thus, making Makalu an ideal destination for trekkers to enjoy expeditions including the Sherpani Coal Trek and Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Manaslu -The Mountain of Spirits

Image Credit:https://www.thirdrockadventures.com/blog/how-difficult-is-manaslu-trek
Position in the World: 8th
Position in Nepal: 7th
Co-Ordinates: 28°33′00″N 84°33′35″E
Location: Gorkha/ Mansiri Himalayan range
The eighth-highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu, stands at 8163m above sea level. Manaslu is a Sanskrit word that translates to “Mountain Of Spirits. It is one of the most challenging peaks to summit among the highest mountains in Nepal. The long and deep ridges surrounding the peak complicate the expedition to the summit.
Gyaltsen Norbu Sherpa and Toshio Imanishi completed the first ascent to the summit of Manaslu on May 9, 1956. Recently, the prince of Bahrain, Mohamed Hamad Al Khalifa completed the climb with his expedition team in October 2020.
Some of the significant highlights of Mount Manaslu are the Tsum Valley Trek and Manaslu Circuit trek. These are some of the most famous expeditions in Nepal, which include a spiritual experience of the culture in the region and a spectacular view of Larkya La Pass.
Dhaulagiri I -The Shining White Mountain

Image Credit:https://www.adventureconsultants.com/expeditions/8000m-peaks/dhaulagiri/
Position in the World: 7th
Position in Nepal: 6th
Co-Ordinates: 28°41′48″N 83°29′35″E
Location: Dhaulagiri Himalayan range/Annapurna region
Dhaulagiri I is renowned as the seventh-highest mountain in the world. It stands at 8,167m, making it the sixth-highest mountain in Nepal. The name Dhaulagiri is derived from Sanskrit, as Dhawla translates to “white and dazzling,” and “Giri” means “mountain.”
Ernst Forrer, Nyima Dorje Sherpa, Kurt Diemberger, Albin Schelbert and Nawang Dorje Sherpa conquered the stunning mountain for the first time on May 13, 1960. Before their success, a French expedition team led by Maurice Herzog needed to climb the mountain in 1950.
Kali Gandaki George is a major attraction for tourists in the Dhaulagiri Region. It is the world’s deepest gorge between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I. Additionally, tourists visit the region to experience its beauty through Poon Hill Trek and Dhaulagiri Circuit trek.
Blissful Mountain Glaciers In Nepal
Apart from the Mountains in Nepal, the country is home to numerous glaciers and large masses of ice and snow. These glaciers are an essential part of the Himalayan landscape and play a crucial role in shaping the region’s hydrology and ecology.
One of Nepal’s largest and most well-known glaciers is the Khumbu Glacier. It is located in the Sagarmatha region of Nepal. The glacier is approximately 20 kilometers long and is a popular destination among trekkers and mountaineers.
Nepal’s mountains offer stunning glaciers for those who want to witness a breathtaking and unique perspective on the power of nature. These glaciers showcase the unrelenting force by which they impact the lives of the local communities.
To further understand the significance of the mountain glaciers in Nepal, let’s have a brief look into this magnificent art of nature.
Khumbu Glacier
The glacier is nestled between the ridge of Mount Everest and Lhotse-Nuptse. It is renowned as the highest glacier in the world, sitting at an elevation of 7600m. The glacier plays an essential role for trekkers as it leads them to the last trail of the Everest Base Camp trek.
Imja Glacier
Imja Glacier is located in the Khumbu region at an elevation of 7,057m. The source glacier originates from Kali Himal. It then travels from the mountains to Dudh Koshi and the River Ganges.
Ngozumpa Glacier
The glacier is famous for being the longest glacier in Nepal. It is 36 km in length and stands at an elevation of 4700m. The glacier is located in the foothills of Mount Cho Oyu and is a primary source of attraction for travelers and scientists alike.
Langtang Glacier
The glacier originates from the Langtang Lirung peak. It sits at an elevation of 5749m above sea level. Numerous tourists visit the Langtang region of Nepal to witness the glacier in its glory. The respective region is also home to numerous smaller glaciers earning it the name “the valley of glaciers.”
Nangpai Gosum Glacier
The glacier is located 25 km from Mount Everest near the border between Nepal and China at an elevation of 5,700m. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful glaciers in Nepal. Thus, many travelers visit the region to explore the Glacier and ice-drilling sites in the surrounding area.
Adventurous and Challenging Mountain Treks in Nepal
Nepal is blessed with fantastic mountain peaks. The mountains in Nepal are located in different parts of the country, savoring diverse terrain and cultural significance. Travelers from all over the world look upon Nepal as a destination for a challenge and spiritual awakening.
The numerous mountains spread across Nepal offer enthusiasts a challenging and rewarding experience in the serene mountains of Nepal. We have compiled some of the best challenging and adventurous treks you start in the mountains of Nepal:
Langtang Valley Trek: The respective trek leads you into the heart of the Langtang National Park. It starts in a small town called Syabru Besi. The trek is a unique blend of cultural and natural beauty. The Langtang trek reaches a maximum altitude of Kyanjin Ri (4773m / 15655 ft) at Kyanjin Ri. Thus, providing trekkers with a panoramic view of the Langtang range and the surrounding glaciers.
Manaslu Circuit Trek: The trek starts from Soti Khola and passes through the Manaslu massif. You will pass through remote villages, pristine forests, tea houses and high alpine meadows throughout the trek. The trek ends at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) at Larkya La Pass.
Annapurna Circuit Trek: The classic trek is a popular treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek begins at Besisahar, located in the Marsyangdi valley. It is a longer trek compared to other trek routes on the list. You will experience spectacular views of the Annapurna range at Thorong La pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) at Thorong La Pass, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range.
Makalu Base Camp Trek: The trek begins from Tumlingtar and continues to the Arun river valley to the base of the fifth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Makalu. The trek reaches a maximum elevation of 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) at Makalu Base Camp. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal as it offers stunning views of the magnificent Makalu massif.
Upper Mustang Trek: Unlike other treks on the list, the trek leads travelers to the restricted and serene region of Upper Mustang. It exposes trekkers to the rich culture of the Tibetan culture of Nepal. One of the key highlights of the trek is Lo Manthang. It is the capital of the Upper Mustang at an elevation of 3,840 meters (12,600 feet).
These are some of the treks in Nepal which offer a unique experience. It blends cultural immersion with physical exertion and the natural beauty of the Himalayan region. To commence the trek, the trekkers must be in good physical shape and should train to adapt to the rising elevation throughout the trek.
Overall, the adventure and challenges of outdoor activities in Nepal’s mountain offer a unique blend of physical and cultural challenges. They are set against the backdrop of the magnificent Himalayas, making them the ultimate destination for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers.
Why Should you go Mountain Climbing in Nepal?
Nepal is the most popular destination for mountain climbing in the world. The Himalayan region of Nepal offers some of the most challenging and rewarding climbing experiences. Some of the reasons why you should visit Nepal and start your mountain climbing expedition are :
Rich in Culture and History: Nepal offers a rich cultural and historical heritage; the country is vibrant and has a diverse population that welcomes visitors from all over the world. Further, Nepal’s mountain climbing communities in Nepal are some of the most experienced and trained climbers in the world.
The Himalayas: Nepal offers a wide range of climbing opportunities on peaks like Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Besides, you can try peaks like Makalu and Manaslu if you seek more challenging expeditions.
Physical and Mental Challenge: Climbing the mountains in Nepal is both physical and mental. It requires endurance, strength, and a strong will. However, the experience of climbing in the Himalayas can be life-changing. The expedition pushes climbers to their limits and helps them to discover new levels of resilience and strength.
Scenic Beauty: The mountain regions in Nepal offer some of the most stunning and breathtaking views in the world. Trekkers are able to experience the beauty of lush forests, towering peaks and glistening glaciers of the Himalayan regions.
Support and Expertise: Nepal is a thriving climbing industry in Asia, offering experienced guides and well-equipped porters. They will assist climbers in reaching their ultimate goals. Also, the mountain region of Nepal provides well-equipped infrastructure such as comfortable lodges, medical facilities, and reliable communication systems.
In conclusion, if you seek a rewarding challenge that stays with you for a lifetime. There is no better option than exploring the mountains of Nepal. The rich cultural heritage, climbing community, stunning scenery, and towering peaks will offer you a unique and unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions Mountains in Nepal
The best time to go mountain climbing in Nepal is from March to May and from September to December. During these months, the skies are clear, and the weather conditions are perfect for expeditions.
The difficulty of climbing mountains in Nepal depends on the peak and the climbing route. Some of the mountains in Nepal require more advanced and technical climbing skills. It is highly recommended you commence climbing exercises before you attempt to climb a mountain in Nepal.
Yes, we recommend hiring a guide to climb a mountain in Nepal. These experienced guides will help you through challenging routes with their expertise and support.
It is safe to climb in Nepal. However, you must consider proper precautions to maintain your physical shape. In addition, you must have reliable equipment and gear to assist you during the trek.