Top 10 Highest Mountains in Nepal

World’s 8 Highest Mountains in Nepal

Mt. Everest (8848.86m/29031ft) is the highest mountain in Nepal and the world. Following Everest is Mt. Kanchenjunga at a height of 8586m (28169ft) above sea level, which is also the third-highest mountain globally and second-highest in Nepal. Lhotse (8516m/27940ft), Makalu (8485m/27838ft), and Cho Oyu (8188m/26864ft) are the 4th, 5th, and 6th highest mountains in the world that reside in Nepal. Dhaulagiri I (8167m/26795ft) is the 7th highest, and Manaslu (8163m/26781ft) is the 8th highest mountain. The 10th highest peak in the world above the height of 8000m is Annapurna I, which stands at 8091m (26545ft) above sea level.

How Many Mountains are above 8,000 Meters in Nepal?

On the list of highest mountains in Nepal, there are eight mountains above 8000m. These eight highest peaks include Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri I, Manaslu, and Annapurna I.

How Many Mountains Are There In Nepal?

There are 1310 mountain peaks in Nepal. Among these peaks, 326 peaks are open for climbing. The eight highest mountains in Nepal all fall in a height range of above 8000m.

Highest Peak in the World

Mt. Everest stands tall at 8848.86m above sea level as the highest peak in the world. Nepal's southeastern ridge spreads across Nepal's border and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). Out of the Top 10 Highest Mountains in the world, 8 are located in Nepal.  

Top 10 Highest Mountains in Nepal with Location

The List of the Top 10 Highest Mountains in Nepal and their location is as below:

Top 10 Highest Mountains in Nepal

Here is a list of the ten highest mountains in Nepal you must see in Your Lifetime including the world’s eighth-highest mountains. Mt. Sagarmatha, also known over the world as Mt. Everest, is the tallest mountain in Nepal. It lies in the Sagarmatha Mountain region in the southern part of Nepal. Its current height reportedly is 8848.86m above sea level.

Mt. Everest (8,848.86m) -The highest Mountain in the World

Elevation: 8848m/29,029ft

Location: Mahalangur Himalayan Range in the Khumbu region

Co-Ordinates: 27°59′17″N 86°55′31″E

First summiteers: Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on 29 May 1953

Position in the World: 1st

Position in Nepal: 1st

Fifty-five million years ago, the Indian subcontinent collided with Eurasia, creating a stunning elevation that we now know to be the world's highest peak. Mt. Everest is the name of this highest peak, which stands at an elevation of 8848.86m. Sagarmatha is the name most Nepali people know which means "goddess of the sky." Its Tibetan name is Chomolungma, which translates to "Holy Mother Peak." It resides in Nepal's southeastern part, on the border of Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

The first people to officially summit Everest was Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in 1953. Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Chola Pass Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, and the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter in the Everest Region are among the most popular treks in the Everest Region. These treks garner popularity because of the spectacular panoramic view of the mountains and the gentle ravines, rich ecosystems, exquisite Sherpa settlements, and ancient monasteries.

A Brief Climbing History of Mt. Everest

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa had set up an epic journey to the top of the world on 29 May 1953. However, an unsuccessful attempt was in 1921 from the Tibetan side due to Nepal was still closed off to foreigners.

Kanchenjunga (8,586m) – The Five Treasure of the Snow

Elevation: 8,586m/28,169ft

Location: Taplejung District. Part of the Northern Kanchenjunga Himalayan range

Co-Ordinates: 27°42′12″N 88°08′51″E

First summiteers: Gorge Band and Joe Brown on May 25, 1955

Location: Mahalangur Himalayan Range in the Khumbu region

Position in the World: 3rd

Position in Nepal: 2nd

From 1838 till 1849, when Mt. Everest was still unknown to the world, the world's highest peak was considered to be Mt. Kanchenjunga. It stands tall as the 2nd highest peak in Nepal and the 3rd highest peak in the world. It lies on Nepal and Sikkim (India)’s border, and three of the four routes to Kanchenjunga are in Nepal.

The first two people to officially conquer the challenging ascent of Kanchenjunga were Joe Brown and George Band on the 25th of May 1995. The unique ecosystem that survives in this region, falls under 14 different protected areas. Several rare wild lives like Snow Leopards, Asian Black Bears, Red Pandas, Blood Pheasant, and much more live in these preservation areas.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek and Sele La Pass Trek are two of the most popular treks in the Kanchenjunga region. The thrilling journey is the beauty of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and eastern Nepal's most rural settlements' challenging lifestyle.

Brief Climbing History of Kanchenjunga

Mount Kanchenjunga was officially climbed on May 25, 1955, 1955 by Joe Brown and George, with Charles Evans as their trek leader from Nepal’s side. The local Limbu People of Nepal believe as legends, the mountain is the abode of the supreme Goddess Yuma Sammang it was forbidden to climb before Joe and George. Similarly, the Tibetan people believe this valley is named Beyul Demoshong.

Lhotse (8,516m) – The Wall of Mountains

Elevation: 8,516m/27,940

Location: Mahalangur Himalayan range and the Everest massif of the Khumbu region

Co-Ordinates: 27°57′42″N 86°55′59″E

First summiteers: Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger on May 18, 1956

Position in the World: 4th

Position in Nepal: 3rd

Lhotse is Nepal’s third and the world’s fourth-highest peak. As the 3rd highest mountain in Nepal, its recorded height is 8516m above sea level. The name "Lhotse" in the Tibetan language translates to "South Peak." As a part of the Everest Massif, the peak of Lhotse connects with Mt. Everest via the South Col. (a vertical ridge), which is why it is often confused with the south peak of Everest. It also contains three prominent peaks, the main peak (8516m), Lhotse East (8418m), and Lhotse Shar (8383m). The towering peak resides on the border of Nepal and Tibet.

Gokyo Chola Pass Trek provides one of the best viewpoints of Lhotse. Everest Three Passes Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter also provide an eye-catching view of the stunning Lhotse, including other highest mountains in Nepal.

Brief climbing history of Lhotse

The summit of Lhotse remained unnoticed until the ascent of Everest. The first successful ascent to Lhotse was on the 18th of May 1956 by two Swiss climbers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger. After that, many climbers attempt of climbing Lhotse from diverse routes.

Makalu (8,485m) -The Himalayan Pyramid

Elevation: 8,463m/27,766ft

Location: Makalu Mahalangur Himalayan range in the Khumbu region

Co-Ordinates: 27°53′23″N 87°05′20″E

First summiteers: Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy on May 15, 1955

Position in the World: 5th

Position in Nepal: 4th

With a stunning height of 8485m, it is the fifth-highest peak on planet Earth. The striking pyramid structures of Makalu with sharp ridges at all four sides make it one of the most beautiful mountains in Nepal. It is also one of the most dangerous climbs because of these sharp knife-edge ridges. The name Makalu comes from the Sanskrit word "Maha Kala," a name used to denote the Hindu deity, Shiva.

One of the most beautiful highlights of Makalu is the Makalu Barun Valley at the base of Mt. Makalu. The valley is donned with countless gentle white rivers and stunning glaciers. The Makalu Barun National Park accommodates a diverse topography ranging from lush forests to snow-covered mountains. It is also home to countless endangered animals like snow leopards, lynx, red pandas, Himalayan Thar, etc.

Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most isolated yet beautiful treks with a jaw-dropping view of Makalu. The Sherpani Coal Trek is also another of the thrilling treks within the Makalu Region. Makalu region also hosts other off-beaten trekking trails where trekkers can enjoy themselves in seclusion away from the packed routes.

Brief Climbing History of Mt. Makalu

The first people to reach the top of Makalu were Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy on the 15th of May 1955. Just one day after the official accent, Jean Franco, accompanied by Guido Magnone and Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa, successfully summarized Makalu. However, an American team led by Riley Keegan unsuccessfully attempted the southeast ridge in the spring of 1954 but unfortunately turned back at 7,100 meters (23,300 ft) by an endless barrage of storms. Likewise, a team from New Zealand including Sir Edmund Hillary was also fruitlessly attempted in the same spring, even with injury and illness.

Cho Oyu (8,188m) - The Turquoise Goddess

Elevation: 8,188 meters /26,864 Ft.

Location: Mahalangur Himalayan Range in the Khumbu region

Co-Ordinates: 28°05′39″N 86°39′39″E

First summiteers: Pasang Dawa Lama, Herbert Tichy, and Joseph Jöchler on October 19, 1954

Position in the World: 6th

Position in Nepal: 5th

In the Khumbu sub-section of Mahalangur Himalaya, 20 km west of Mt. Everest, lays Cho Oyu. It is the fifth-highest mountain in Nepal and the sixth-highest in the world. It lies 8188m above sea level in the eastern part of Nepal. It is one of the easier climbs on the list of the highest mountains in Nepal.

On the 19th of October, 1954, Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jӧchler, and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama became the first people to step foot in Cho Oyu. Among the other successful summit in 8000m, Cho Oyu was the fifth.

One of the highlights of Cho Oyu is the beautiful Nangpa La, a glacier pass of 19000-foot height. The pass is why the ascent to Cho Oyu is one of the easiest of the others.

The Gokyo Lakes Trek falls in the BBC list of "50 places to go before you die". It provides one of the most enigmatic picturesque views of Cho Oyu along with other Khumbu giants.

Brief Climbing History of Cho Oyu

Cho Oyu is considered the easiest eight-thousand peak with the lowest death-summit ratio. This is the second most climbed eight-thousand mountain after Mt. Everest. Cho Oyu was 1st attempted by Eric Shipton and included Edmund Hillary, Tom Bourdillon, and George Lowe an expedition organized and financed by the Joint Himalayan Committee of Great Britain in 1952.

But they return back from 6,650 m (21,820 ft) elevation due to technical complications and avalanche hazards at an ice cliff. An Austrian expedition team of Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Pasang Dawa Lama Sherpa first climbed on October 19, 1954, via the northwest ridge.

Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) -The Shining White Mountain

Elevation: 8,167m/26,795ft

Height: 8,167 meters

Location: Dhaulagiri Himalayan range in Annapurna region

Co-Ordinates: 28°41′48″N 83°29′35″E

First summiteers: Kurt Diemberger, A. Schelbert, E. Forrer, Nawang Dorje, and Nyima Dorje on May 19, 1960

Position in the World: 7th

Position in Nepal: 6th

Dhaulagiri I, the seventh (7th) highest peak globally, lies entirely in Nepal at 8,167m from sea level. It is the 6th highest mountain peak in Nepal, located in the north-central part of Nepal. The name Dhaulagiri comes from Sanskrit. "Dhawla" means "white and dazzling," and "Giri" means "mountain." The highest point is Dhaulagiri I.

The stunning Kali Gandaki George, the world’s deepest George, forms in the middle of Dhaulagiri I and Annapurna I, which lie 35km apart. The location of Dhaulagiri makes it responsible for casting a rain shadow in Mustang and Dolpo, which has created a wild semi-desert-like landscape in these areas.

The most popular trek in the Dhaulagiri Region, which perfectly captures its beauty, is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Poon Hill Trek is also one of the more sought short treks with a captivating view of Dhaulagiri Massif.

Brief Climbing History of Dhaulagiri Himal

Dhaulagiri I was first attempted in 1950 by a French expedition team by Maurice Herzog. But their attempt was unsuccessful due to a feasible route to the top and switched to Annapurna. The first ascent to Dhaulagiri was on the 13th of May 1960 by Kurt Diemberger, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nyima Dorje Sherpa, and Nawang Dorje Sherpa.

Manaslu (8,163m) -The Mountain of Spirits

Elevation: 8,156m/26,759ft

Location: Gorkha, Part of the Mansiri Himalayan range

Co-Ordinates: 28°33′00″N 84°33′35″E

First ascenders: Artur Hajzer, Gyalzen Norbu, and Toshio Imanishi on May 9, 1956

Position in the World: 8th

Position in Nepal: 7th

With a stunning height of 8163m, Manaslu is the eighth-highest peak in the world. It is also the highest peak of the Gorkha massif. It is one of the highest peaks of height, more than 8000m, after Dhaulagiri, which lies completely in Nepal. The name Manaslu comes from Sanskrit, which translates to mean “Mountain of spirits." Long mountain ridges and valleys of glaciers surround the mountain, making it approachable from all directions.

Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek are some of the most sought isolated treks with a breathtaking birds-eye view of Manaslu, among many other mountains. Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the spectacular Larkya La Pass. Tsum Valley is also a sacred valley for people following Buddhism, so the trek is a spiritual experience if nothing else.

Brief Climbing History of Mt. Manaslu

The first ascent to Manaslu was successful on the 9th of May 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyaltsen Norbu. Aritsune Maki was the one who led this all-female Japanese expedition. After this, numerous fruitful attempts from different paths were able to concur the top of the Manaslu. During the Covid 19 period, Bahrain Prince Mohamed Hamad Mohamed Al Khalifa successfully scaled the peak in October 2020 with 13 members of his expedition team and 43 Sherpa experts.

Annapurna I (8091m) -The Goddess of the Harvest

Elevation: 8091m/26,545ft

Location: Part of Annapurna massif in Annapurna region.

Co-Ordinates: 28°35′44″N 83°49′13″E

First summiteers: Maurice Herzog, Louis Lachenal, Lionel Terray on June 3, 1950

Position in the World: 10th

Position in Nepal: 8th

Annapurna I, the tenth (10th) highest peak globally, gets its name from a Hindu Goddess of food and grains. In Sanskrit, the word 'Anna' means food, and 'Purna’ means full. It was the first-ever peak over 8000m to be successfully summited. Annapurna is located in the north-Central Part of Nepal. It is generally recognized as two separate peaks, Annapurna I and Annapurna II, which are Annapurna Massif's highest points.

The spectacular Annapurna region collects one-third of the foreign travelers to Nepal every year. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the most sought-out trek in Nepal, with Annapurna Massif's best view among the other treks. Other popular treks include ABC Trek via Poon Hill Trek, Poon Hill Trek, and Annapurna Short Trek.

Brief Climbing History of Annapurna I

Annapurna I was the first 8000m mountain with a successful ascent. The first successful ascent was on the 3rd of June, 1950, by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal. It remained the highest ascent for three years until the first successful climb to Everest.

Gyachung Kang (7,952m)

Elevation: 7,952m/26,089ft

Location: Khumbu. Part of the Mahalangur Himalayan range

Co-Ordinates: 28°05′53″N 86°44′42″E

First ascenders: Pasang Phutar Sherpa, Yukihiko Kato, and Kiyoto Sakaizawa on April 10, 1964

Position in the World: 15th

Position in Nepal: 9th

The fifteenth-highest peak in the world, Gyachung Kang lying the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalayas, between two giant massifs: Cho Oyu (8,201 m) and the Top of the world Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) border of China and Nepal.

Gyachung Kang is also the highest peak that is not eight thousand meters tall; therefore, it is far less renowned than the lowest of the eight-thousands, which is only about 100 m (328 ft) higher.

A Brief Climbing History of Gyachung Kang

A Japanese expedition team of Y. Kato, K. Sakaizawa, Pasang Phutar, and on the next day by K. Machida, and K. Yasuhisa first ascended the Gyachung Kang on April 10, 1964.

Annapurna II (7,937m)

Elevation: 7,937m/26,040ft

Location: Part of Annapurna massif in Annapurna region.

Co-Ordinates: 28°32′05″N 84°07′19″E

First summiteers: Chris Bonington, J. O. M. Roberts, Richard Grant, and Sherpa Ang Nyima on 1960

Position in the World: 16th

Position in Nepal: 10th

The tenth Highest Mountain in Nepal Annapurna II (7,937 M) is the eastern anchor a part of the Annapurna Mountain Range nearby the beautiful city of Pokhara. This is the second-highest peak among the five series of the Annapurna Range. Annapurna II is in 16th position among the highest peaks in the world. The wonderful view of Mount Annapurna II can be seen from the lakeside city of Pokhara and the most popular Dhampus Sarangkot Trek as well.

Brief Climbing History of Annapurna II

Annapurna II was the first time ascending by a British/Indian/Nepalese team led by J. O. M. Roberts including Richard Grant, Chris Bonington, and Sherpa Ang Nyima via the West Ridge on May 17, 1960, via the West Ridge, approached from the north.

Conclusion

Nepal is a paradise for mountaineers all over the world as the land of the Himalayas. The world's eight highest mountains all reside in Nepal. Following these highest mountains in Nepal is also the diverse landscape that accommodates various flora and fauna. When combined with the mountains' rich and untouched culture, visiting these Himalayan wonders becomes unforgettable. If your wish is to place your foot where only a handful has, you must visit Nepal at least once in your life.