Nepal is renowned for its majestic Himalayan peaks, including eight of the fourteen highest mountains in the world. Here is a list of the top ten highest mountains in Nepal along with their elevations:
Rank | Mountain | Elevation (meters) | Elevation (feet) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Mount Everest | 8,848 | 29,029 |
2 | Kanchenjunga | 8,586 | 28,169 |
3 | Lhotse | 8,516 | 27,940 |
4 | Makalu | 8,485 | 27,838 |
5 | Cho Oyu | 8,201 | 26,906 |
6 | Dhaulagiri I | 8,167 | 26,795 |
7 | Manaslu | 8,163 | 26,781 |
8 | Annapurna I | 8,091 | 26,545 |
9 | Gyachung Kang | 7,952 | 26,089 |
10 | Annapurna II | 7,937 | 26,040 |
Top Mountains Mountains Of Nepal
1. Mount Everest
- Elevation: 8,848 m (29,029 ft)
- Location: Sagarmatha Region
- Notes: The highest mountain in the world, located on the border between Nepal and Tibet.
Mount Everest, standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), is the highest mountain in the world and a bucket-list destination for many adventurers. Located in the Mahalangur Himal range, it serves as a symbol of mountaineering challenges. The most popular route to the summit is via the South Col from Nepal, where trekkers typically start their journey at the base camp, located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). This trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the Khumbu Icefall, making it a stunning experience even for those who do not attempt to summit. The trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is not just about reaching a destination; it’s a journey through Sherpa villages, lush forests, and high-altitude landscapes. Travelers can explore local cultures, visit ancient monasteries like Tengboche Monastery, and enjoy the hospitality of teahouses along the way. The trek usually takes around 12-14 days, allowing for acclimatization to the altitude. The best months for trekking are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November), when weather conditions are more stable.
2. Kanchenjunga
- Elevation: 8,586 m (28,169 ft)
- Location: Taplejung District
- Notes: The third highest mountain globally and considered sacred by locals.
Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet), is often considered one of Nepal’s most beautiful yet less-traveled trekking destinations. The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek offers an immersive experience into remote landscapes that straddle the border between Nepal and India. Trekkers can explore both the North and South Base Camps, with routes that provide stunning views of glaciers and lush valleys filled with rhododendron forests. This trek is known for its cultural richness as it passes through traditional villages where trekkers can interact with local communities. The journey typically takes around 22 days and includes challenging sections that require good physical fitness and acclimatization. Highlights include visiting Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries and enjoying spectacular views from Pang Pema (5,140 meters or 16,873 feet). The best time to trek Kanchenjunga is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when visibility is optimal.
3. Lhotse
- Elevation: 8,516 m (27,940 ft)
- Location: Mahalangur Himalaya
- Notes: Connected to Everest via the South Col and shares part of its climbing route.
Lhotse stands at 8,516 meters (27,940 feet) and is known as the fourth-highest mountain in the world. It is closely linked to Mount Everest by the South Col and shares much of its climbing route. The Lhotse trek offers a unique opportunity for trekkers who wish to experience high-altitude trekking without necessarily summiting Everest. The Lhotse Base Camp trek provides stunning views of both Lhotse and Everest. The trek typically begins from Lukla and follows the same route as the Everest Base Camp trek until reaching Gorak Shep. From there, trekkers can choose to ascend to Lhotse Base Camp or continue on to Everest Base Camp. This trek allows travelers to witness breathtaking vistas of towering peaks while enjoying a less crowded experience compared to Everest. The best trekking seasons are similar to those for Everest: pre-monsoon (March-May) and post-monsoon (September-November).
4. Makalu
- Elevation: 8,485 m (27,838 ft)
- Location: Mahalangur Himalaya
- Notes: Known for its steep pitches and knife-edge ridges.
Makalu rises to 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) and is known for its distinctive pyramid shape. As the fifth-highest mountain globally, it presents a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience that attracts seasoned trekkers. The Makalu Base Camp trek takes you through remote villages and lush forests before reaching high-altitude landscapes filled with stunning views of Makalu itself.The trek usually starts from Tumlingtar and involves crossing several high passes while navigating through diverse ecosystems ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Trekkers can expect incredible views of Makalu’s south face along with glimpses of neighboring peaks like Everest and Lhotse. This journey typically takes around three weeks and is best undertaken in spring or autumn when weather conditions are favorable.
5. Cho Oyu
- Elevation: 8,201 m (26,906 ft)
- Location: Khumbu Region
- Notes: Often regarded as one of the easier eight-thousanders to climb.
Cho Oyu stands at 8,201 meters (26,906 feet) and is often regarded as one of the more accessible eight-thousanders due to its less technical climbing routes. Located near the Nepal-Tibet border in the Khumbu region, Cho Oyu offers trekkers stunning views without requiring extreme mountaineering skills. The Cho Oyu Base Camp trek provides an opportunity for adventure seekers to experience high-altitude trekking while enjoying breathtaking scenery. The typical route begins from Lukla and follows paths similar to those leading to Everest Base Camp before diverging towards Cho Oyu Base Camp at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters (18,700 feet). This trek allows travelers to immerse themselves in Sherpa culture while witnessing some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Himalayas. Spring (April-May) is considered the best time for this trek due to stable weather conditions.
6. Dhaulagiri I
- Elevation: 8,167 m (26,795 ft)
- Location: Western Nepal
- Notes: The seventh highest mountain in the world.
Dhaulagiri I rises majestically at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet), making it the seventh-highest mountain in the world. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is known for being one of Nepal’s toughest treks but offers unparalleled rewards in terms of scenic beauty and adventure. This circuit takes trekkers around Dhaulagiri massif through remote valleys filled with diverse landscapes—from lush forests to stark glacial terrains. The journey typically starts from Beni and involves crossing multiple high passes such as French Pass (5,360 meters or 17,590 feet) and Dhampus Pass (5,244 meters or 17,200 feet). Trekkers will camp under starry skies while enjoying breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri’s towering peaks. This challenging trek usually spans around two weeks or more depending on side trips taken. Spring and autumn are ideal times for this adventure due to favorable weather conditions.
7. Manaslu
- Elevation: 8,163 m (26,781 ft)
- Location: Gorkha District
- Notes: Known as the “Mountain of the Spirit.”
Manaslu stands at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) and is known as “the Mountain of Spirit.” The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an incredible blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences as it traverses remote villages populated by Tibetan communities. This circuit provides stunning views of Manaslu along with other nearby peaks while allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in local traditions. The trek typically starts from Arughat Bazaar and follows a path that leads through diverse landscapes including lush forests, terraced fields, and high-altitude deserts before reaching Manaslu Base Camp at an elevation of about 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). The circuit usually takes about two weeks to complete. The best times for trekking are during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when weather conditions are most stable.
8. Annapurna I
- Elevation: 8,091 m (26,545 ft)
- Location: Annapurna Region
- Notes: The first eight-thousander to be climbed in history.
Annapurna I rises sharply at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) within the Annapurna massif. As one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, the Annapurna Circuit offers a diverse range of landscapes—from subtropical forests to alpine meadows—alongside spectacular views of Annapurna itself. The region is also rich in cultural heritage with opportunities to visit traditional Gurung villages. The Annapurna Circuit typically begins in Besisahar and encompasses various trails that lead up to Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters or 17,769 feet), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Trekkers can enjoy breathtaking panoramas while experiencing local culture throughout their journey. This trek generally takes around two weeks or more depending on side trips taken. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for this adventure due to favorable weather conditions.
9. Gyachung Kang
- Elevation: 7,952 m (26,089 ft)
- Location: Between Everest and Cho Oyu
- Notes: The highest mountain that is not classified as an eight-thousander.
Gyachung Kang stands at 7,952 meters (26,089 feet) but remains less frequented compared to other major peaks in Nepal despite its impressive stature as one of the highest mountains globally. Located between Mount Everest and Cho Oyu in the Khumbu region, Gyachung Kang offers trekkers a chance to explore remote areas while enjoying stunning vistas without encountering large crowds. The typical trekking route involves starting from Kathmandu before heading towards base camps near Gyachung Kang where trekkers can acclimatize while taking day hikes around lower elevations before attempting higher altitudes. Though not as popular as other treks leading up towards Everest or Annapurna regions; Gyachung Kang provides an off-the-beaten-path experience filled with natural beauty ideal for adventurous travelers seeking solitude amidst majestic mountains.
10. Annapurna II
- Elevation: 7,937 m (26,040 ft)
- Location: Annapurna Region
- Notes: Known for its challenging climbing conditions.
Annapurna II reaches an elevation of 7,937 meters (26,040 feet) within Nepal’s Annapurna massif but remains less explored compared to its higher neighbors like Annapurna I or III. This peak presents an enticing challenge for experienced climbers looking for adventure beyond popular trekking routes while still offering stunning views characteristic of this iconic region.Trekking around Annapurna II often involves routes that connect with trails leading towards Annapurna Base Camp or other parts within Annapurna Conservation Area allowing trekkers unique perspectives on surrounding peaks including Machapuchare among others along their journey through diverse landscapes filled with rich flora & fauna typical throughout this mountainous region! Spring & autumn remain optimal seasons providing favorable weather conditions enhancing overall trekking experiences!
These mountains not only represent significant climbing challenges but also embody the cultural and natural heritage of Nepal.