8 Famous Highest Mountains in Nepal

Now let us explore the 8 Famous Highest Mountains in Nepal:

Mount Everest - The Top of the World.

At 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), Mount Everest stands as the tallest mountain in the world and arguably the most famous peak on Earth. Located in the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalayas, Everest crosses the border between Nepal and China. The summit of Mount Everest is generally recognized as one of the ultimate goals for dedicated high-altitude climbers. Since the first recorded summit in 1953, over 6,000 people have now climbed to the top of Everest. While an incredible achievement,

climbing Everest remains an extremely risky effort given the extreme altitude, weather conditions, and technical climbing challenges. Still, the thrill of standing on top of the world ensures a steady stream of adventurers willing to take the chance each year. As one of the most iconic Highest Mountains in Nepal, Mount Everest will likely continue to draw climbers from around the globe.

• Height: Mount Everest - 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 feet).
• Coordinates: 27°59′17′′N 86°55′31′′E
• First Ascent: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
• Region: Mahalangur Himalayas, Khumbu region.
• Additional Details: The tallest mountain in the world, called "Goddess Mother of the World" by Tibetans, iconic 3-stepped pyramid shape, South Col is the highest campsite on earth.

Kanchenjunga - Worlds 3rd Highest Mountain.

The world’s 3rd highest mountain, Kanchenjunga rises 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) along the border between Nepal and India in the eastern Himalayas. Kanchenjunga translates to “The Five Treasures of Snows” in reference to its five major summits. The mountain’s name reflects the local reverence for this sacred peak. Being further east, Kanchenjunga sees far fewer climbers than the popular peaks in the Khumbu region near Everest.

Those willing to trek to the more remote Kanchenjunga will be rewarded with incredible views and a true wilderness experience. While an extremely challenging climb, the mountain has now been summited by most routes. Kanchenjunga’s height, beauty, and remote location ensure it remains a coveted prize for elite mountaineers.

• Height: Kangchenjunga - 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
• Coordinates: 27°42′20′′N 88°09′28′′E
• First Ascent: Joe Brown and George Band in 1955
• Region: Far Eastern Himalayas of Nepal
• Additional Details: 3rd highest mountain, has 5 summits that symbolize 5 repositories of gold, guarding treasures of snow - “The Five Treasures of High Snow”.

Lhotse - The World's 4th Highest Mountain.

As the 4th highest mountain in the world, Lhotse is often overlooked given its proximity to the higher Mount Everest. However, at 8,516 meters (27,940 feet), Lhotse is an imposing peak in its own right. Meaning “South Peak” in Tibetan, Lhotse is connected to Everest via the South Col route. As such, most climbers who summit Everest will pass by Lhotse along the way. Given the shared route and logistics with Everest climbs - Lhotse does not see many climbers focused specifically on an ascent of its summit.

Those who do take on Lhotse are rewarded with incredible views and access to remote sections of the high Khumbu region peaks. As one of the Highest Mountains in Nepal, Lhotse will continue to play a role for climbers in the Everest region but is unlikely to attract many climbers to attempt it alone.

• Height: Lhotse - 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
• Coordinates: 27°57′46′′N 86°56′00′′E
• First Ascent: Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss in 1956
• Region: Khumbu region of Mahalangur Himalayas.
• Additional Details: Connected to Everest via South Col, "South Peak" means the left hand of Everest in Tibetan.

Makalu - An Isolated and Challenging 5th Highest Mountain in the Worlds

Makalu stands as the fifth highest peak in the world, topping out at 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) along the border of Nepal and China. Makalu is located just 19 km southeast of Mount Everest in the Mahalangur Himalayas. Despite the close geographical proximity to Everest, Mount Makalu remains an isolated challenge that is rarely climbed by foreigners. The peak is notoriously difficult, with knife-edge ridges and overhanging glaciers guarding access to the summit pyramid.

In addition, the remote location means climbers need to organize an expedition solely focused on Makalu rather than attempting it after an Everest climb. First climbed in 1955, Makalu has only seen a handful of successful ascents over the decades. While one of the world’s Highest Mountains in Nepal, Makalu is sure to remain an elusive prize limited to elite mountaineers.

• Height: Makalu - 8,485 meters (27,838 feet)
• Coordinates: 27°53′13′′N 87°05′27′′E
• First Ascent: Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy on May 15, 1955
• Region: Mahalangur Himalayas.
• Additional Details: Known for knife-edge ridges and overhanging glaciers, isolated and rarely climbed. The name is interpreted as “Great Black or Giant Black”.

Cho Oyu - The 6th Highest Mountain in the World.

At 8,188 meters (26,864 feet), Cho Oyu straddles the Nepal-China border in the Mahalangur Himalayas, just 20km west of Mount Everest. Translating to “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, Cho Oyu is considered the easiest 8000-meter peak to climb since it requires no technical mountaineering skills on the standard route. As such, many climbers use Cho Oyu as a warm-up to prepare for Everest or to claim an 8000m summit after finding Everest too challenging.

Despite its accessibility, Cho Oyu remains extremely dangerous given the harsh environment, risk of avalanche, and physiological challenges of high altitude. Trekkers in the Khumbu region will enjoy stunning views of this towering peak standing opposite Everest along the Nangpa La pass. While among the “easiest” of these skyscraping Highest Mountains in Nepal, Cho Oyu deserves respect and still represents a significant challenge.

• Height: Cho Oyu - 8,188 meters (26,864 feet)
• Coordinates: 28°6′48′′N 86°39′30′′E
• First Ascent: an Austrian expedition in 1954.
• Region: Mahalangur Himalayas
• Additional Details: Easiest 8000m peak, preparation for Everest, “Turquoise Goddess” translates name in Tibetan.

Dhaulagiri I - The Seventh Highest Mountain

Dhaulagiri I stands as the seventh highest mountain at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) in elevation. Located in north-central Nepal along the border with China, Dhaulagiri translates to “White Mountain” due to its snow-covered slopes. Dhaulagiri anchors the stunning Dhaulagiri Himalayan range, with several peaks over 7000m rising steeply from the Kali Gandaki river valley.

Dhaulagiri has extremely steep faces complicated by unpredictable weather patterns, making this a challenging climb. Additional hazards include frequent avalanches and high winds, giving Dhaulagiri a reputation as one of the most dangerous 8000m peaks. Climbers require top-notch technical skills and conditioning to tackle the steep rock and ice slopes leading to the small summit.

First climbed in 1960 by a Swiss/Austrian/Nepali team, Dhaulagiri continues to attract world-class mountaineers seeking extreme challenges among Nepal’s tallest peaks.

• Height: Dhaulagiri I - 8,167 meters (26,795 feet)
• Coordinates: 28°43′34′′N 83°29′0′′E
• First Ascent: 1960 Swiss/Austrian/Nepali expedition.
• Region: Dhaulagiri Himalayas.
• Additional Details: 7th highest, translates to "Beautiful White Mountain", steep faces with unpredictable weather.

Manaslu - The 8th Highest Mountain in the World

The popular and trending among the 8 Famous Highest Mountains in Nepal is Manaslu. As the 8th highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), Manaslu towers above the surrounding landscape in the Mansiri Himal range of west-central Nepal. Manaslu translates to “Mountain of the Spirit”, reflecting the significance of this peak in Buddhist cosmology. While lower in elevation than the peaks of the Khumbu, Manaslu is considered one of the most dangerous 8000m peaks, with avalanche risk, technical climbing, and unpredictable weather.

The steep, complex route up Manaslu does not lend itself well to commercial guiding operations like on Everest. Climbers need to organize a full-scale expedition focused specifically on summiting Manaslu. First climbed in 1956 by a Japanese team,

Manaslu has slowly grown in popularity over recent decades. Despite requiring technical skills and mountaineering prowess, Manaslu attracts increasingly more climbers as one of the accessible 8000m peaks in Nepal and a step towards the ultimate goal of Everest.

• Height: Manaslu - 8,163 meters (26,781 feet).
• Coordinates: 28°33′28′′N 84°33′55′′E
• First Ascent: Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu in 1956
• Region: Mansiri Himal, Gorkha District
• Additional Details: 8th highest, "Mountain of the Spirit", technically difficult with avalanche risk

Annapurna I - The Deadliest 8000 Meter Peak

Soaring to 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) in north-central Nepal, Annapurna I is the 10th highest mountain in the world. However, statistics show Annapurna has the highest fatality rate among the 14 8000m peaks, making it one of the most dangerous. This steep, avalanche-prone mountain has several treacherous sections including the notoriously tricky Avalanche Alley on the final summit approach.

First climbed in 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal is considered the first ever successful human conquest of an 8000m peak before Everest in 1953. Annapurna saw relatively few attempts over the following decades given the high level of danger and difficulty. While alluring for hardcore mountaineers seeking extreme challenges amongst Nepal’s tallest peaks, Annapurna I continues to defend its reputation as potentially the deadliest of the 8000-meter mountains in Nepal and worldwide.

• Height: Annapurna I - 8,091 meters (26,545 feet)
• Coordinates: 28°35′34′′N 83°49′7′′E
• First Ascent: Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal in 1950
• Region: Annapurna Himalayas
• Additional Details: 10th highest, world's deadliest peak, tricky sections like Avalanche Alley. Annapurna is translated as “The Provider of Food or Sustenance in abundant”.

To Conclude:

From the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest to isolated giants like Makalu, these iconic peaks of the Himalayas represent the ultimate testing grounds for climbers seeking extreme challenges. While the allure of summiting the “top of the world” will continue driving adventure seekers to Nepal, these mountains warrant immense respect for the dangers they pose.

Situated amid beautiful landscapes rich in Buddhist culture, Nepal’s Highest Mountains stand as monuments to the power of nature, compelling man to the limits of perseverance and human capability in the “death zone” above 8000 meters. Those who accept the challenge of these giants open themselves to immense personal rewards but also great risks along the way.

For elite mountaineers, the call of Nepal’s Highest Mountains is one that echoes across generations, as these snow-capped pyramids continue to inspire awe and admiration around the globe.

What are the 14 Highest Mountains in the World?

The 14 Highest Mountains with their Height and Locations are:

1. Mount Everest - 8,848m - Nepal/China
2. K2 - 8,611m - Pakistan/China
3. Kangchenjunga - 8,586m - Nepal/India
4. Lhotse - 8,516m - Nepal/China
5. Makalu - 8,485m - Nepal/China
6. Cho Oyu - 8,188m - Nepal/China
7. Dhaulagiri - 8,167m - Nepal
8. Manaslu - 8,163m - Nepal
9. Nanga Parbat - 8,126m - Pakistan
10. Annapurna I - 8,091m - Nepal
11. Gasherbrum I - 8,080m - Pakistan/China
12. Broad Peak - 8,051m - Pakistan/China
13. Gasherbrum II - 8,035m - Pakistan/China
14. Shishapangma - 8,027m - China