A country of great beauty, Nepal is home to eight of the 14 highest mountains in the world. The Himalayan mountain range extends across the country from the eastern edge to the western edge. This conglomeration of beautiful and rugged mountain peaks has drawn mountain trekkers and climbers from all over the world. Many come here to test their skills, their mental and physical strength and their endurance. Others are drawn to the mountains of Nepal for more spiritual reasons. Whatever the case, you can be sure that you will enjoy Nepal's mountains – even if you only see them from a distance.
Most people traveling to Nepal come here to enjoy the striking backdrop of the Himalayas. This striking mountain range is home to the world-famous Mount Everest and many people come here just to try and climb the biggest mountain in the world. Still many others who visit enjoy trekking through the Himalayas, climbing smaller mountains and taking photographs. There is a lot to be seen and done in the Himalayas of Nepal and you do not always have to be an experienced and very fit climber to travel up some of the mountain peaks.
There are several noteworthy mountains in Nepal worth visiting if you are able. The first, of course, is Mount Everest though only a few ever brave the incredible and painstaking journey to the summit. The average visitor may spend some time at the Everest base camp or they may choose to view the biggest mountain in the world from another mountain peak such as Kala Patthar which offers better views than those enjoyed at the Everest base camp. Some of the mountains are extremely steep and icy while others are not quite so steep. Some noteworthy mountains in Nepal include Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Anna Purna, Imja Tse, Ama Dablam and Mansalu.
If you are planning to spend time among some of these legendary mountains when you next visit Nepal, keep in mind that the altitude is extreme and so is the weather. Even in the warmer months, the mountains are usually coated with snow and ice and the air has an unbeatable chill to it. You’ll need special equipment and it also helps to remember that you’ll need the services of an experienced guide as well as a legal permit to climb the mountains. The Himalayas are definitely not the sort of place you go for your first attempt at mountain climbing so you should be sure that you have gained adequate experience before booking your ticket. When you do come, remember to pack warmly, be prepared for anything and get ready to start your adventure in the mountains of Nepal.
Ama Dablam - Mother of Pearl Necklace
There are a number of absolutely breathtaking mountains in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal but Ama Dablam is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. This stunning mountain is crowned by two different peaks. The higher or ‘main peak’ is 6 812 m (22 349 ft) high while the lower peak is 5 563 m (18 251 ft) high. Because of the mountain's beauty it receives a lot of attention from visitors who often consider it to be the most beautiful mountain in the region. Appropriately the name ‘Ama Dablam’ means ‘Mother of Pearl Necklace’ which is not only a reference to the two peaks and the mountain's beauty, but also to the perennial hanging glacier which can be found on this breath-taking mountain.
The summit of Ama Dablam is generally encrusted with snow and ice, so anyone wishing to climb it should definitely keep this in mind. The mountain was first climbed in 1961 and many others have attempted to climb it since. Most people will start their climb by ascending the southwest ridge, stopping at three camps along the way. The third camp is situated perilously right below the glacier. However, this is usually not a problem since any ice coming off the glacier usually makes its way away from the camp. The climb is certainly not an easy one and climbers should ensure that they get a climbing permit and book a liaison officer to travel with them before trying to climb the peak. Of course, thorough training in mountain climbing is also a must and climbers must have a high level of fitness. The best time to climb Ama Dablam is during the months of April and May as well as September and October when the weather is most favorable.
For those who get a little squeamish at the thought of an avalanche rolling down on them, it is wise to keep in mind that a particularly devastating avalanche has occurred on Ama Dablam before. It happened late at night on the 13th of November 2006 when a large piece of the hanging glacier broke off sending debris crashing through Camp 3. The avalanche killed all six climbers stationed at the camp, sweeping away anything and everything in its path. While this is not a common occurrence, the fact that it has happened once means that it could easily happen again. However, it is unlikely that it will happen any time soon and those working in the area will likely be more alert to avoiding catastrophes such as this one in the future.Annapurna - Goddess of the Harvest
Nepal has gained fame and popularity for its mountains, to be specific the Himalayas. It is home to the greatest mountain climbing extravaganza in the world. Here, climbers and trekkers can choose from 238 mountains that are above 6 000 meters in height and eight of the fourteen mountain peaks in the world, over 8 000. These monster mountains of Nepal are Mount Everest (the highest in the world), Lhotse, Dhaulagiri, Kanchanjunga, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Makalu and last but not least, Annapurna.
The tenth highest peak in the world, Annapurna, is located on the Kali Gandak River, and has a peak on either side of its massif. These peaks are known as Annapurna I and Annapurna II. The name Annapurna can be translated into two versions, "Goddess of the Harvest" or "The Provider".
There are many mountains in Nepal, but few with the magnificent views and options that Annapurna has to offer. The two trekking circuits of Annapurna are the Village Trek and the Circuit Trek. The Circuit Trek consists of trade paths that were used in ancient times for trade between Tibet and Nepal and the region still overflows with a diverse mixture of Hinduism, Bon-Po and Buddhism. On this breathtaking trek, you will be supplied with many photographic opportunities of the Annapurna Mountain and the Dhaulagiri Mountain, including spectacular landscapes and many Nepalese wildlife species. This 300 kilometer trek circles the magnificent mountain and reaches altitudes of 5 300 meters. The Annapurna Village Trek concentrates on the foothills of the mountain, scenery and the small villages that are found along the way.
Annapurna has been steeped in triumph, but has also had its share of tragedy, such as in May 2005. Christian Kuntner, a 44 year-old Italian climber, was fatally injured during an avalanche. Another member of the team narrowly escaped death with sustaining serious injuries. These accidents are a reminder to us of the danger that comes with mountain climbing and that climbers should never loose their respect or awareness for the mountain they climb. But, no matter what the dangers or risks are, adventure seekers and mountain climbers will keep returning to conquer the mountain and overcome their own fear.Cho Oyu Mountain - The Turquoise Goddess
Cho Oyu Mountain is known as ‘The Turquoise Goddess’. Her unfailing beauty is seen in her awe inspiring stature as she stands with the mighty Everest above all the surrounding mountains. It is at 8,201 meters, making Cho Oyu the sixth highest mountain out of Nepal’s eight and out of the twelve which exist in the whole world. This gracious mountain lies to the East of Nepal on the border of Tibet standing west of Mount Everest and has become a common sight for those who have decided to take the challenge and ascend Mount Everest along its northern face.
Like many of the eight thousanders which make up the famous mountains of Nepal it also belongs to a distinct range known as the Himalayas. Unlike most mountain ranges which have developed at a rather slow pace such as the Alps, the Himalayas is regarded as a quite youthful in geological terms. The result of these extensively young Mountain ranges is due to the collision between two mighty continents, that being India and Asia. The greatest difference is at the rate of speed at which these two continents collided thus resulting in some of the highest mountains in the world. It was just some 10 million years ago that the Indian plate lay some 500 kilometers to the south of its position it holds now, while the Asian plate has remained in a constant position. And so when you gaze at the beautiful Cho Oyu Mountain it will be the effect of the impact of the Indian plate having slid beneath the Asian plate causing crumpling and folding to occur at an extremely fast rate.
On the west of the Cho Oyu Mountains lies the 19,000 foot Nangpa La glacier pass, which is the main trade route involving Tibet and Khumbu Sherpas. It is because of this close proximity to the Nangpa La pass that Cho Oyu has been defined as one of the easiest peaks at 8,000 meters to ascend by climbers, but this should not be taken lightly as four members of the failed international women’s expedition were killed in an unforeseen avalanche - one of nature’s deadly secrets.
Many well-known climbers have ascended Nepal's Cho Oyu, with the first climbing expedition being lead by the famous Edmund Hillary and his party on the Northwest face. However, it was the Austrian party lead by Herbert Tichy that would make an unbelievable ascent of this Northwest face without oxygen, a new revolution in climbing with some of the largest mountains rewriting mountaineering history as never before. The first fatal climb came with the second ascent by Sherpa Pasang Dawa lama part of an Indian expedition and, who had also been part of the famous Hillary party in the first ascent would unfortunately never descend successfully. The largest controversial third ascent though would take place on this mountain with a German expedition who claimed they had reached the summit but had no proof of this during which two members died in ‘camp four’ from exhaustion at 7,600 meters high.
The Proud Dhaulagiri Mountain
The Dhaulagiri Mountain is located in the eastern region of Nepal, at the Tibet Border. It was discovered in 1808, and up until that time the Chimborazo Mountain in Ecuador held the position as the world’s highest mountain. Dhaulagiri changed all that, with a summit of 8 201 meters and it is today the 7th highest peak in the world. For thirty years, it was believed that Dhaulagiri was the highest summit in the world, but the discovery of other mountains across the world set new challenges and dangers.
The mountain's glaciers, ice-falls and challenging ridges were first explored in 1960 by an Austrian and Swiss expedition group. It would become the world's first climb that was to be assisted by a plane. Unfortunately, the plane crashed into the mountain and they were forced to leave it behind in its icy grave.
The closest airport to Dhaulagiri is Kathmandu. Climbing this formidable mountain is suggested during the months of April, May, September and October. The mountain range has fifteen peaks, which are all 7 000 meters in height, and the terrain is harsh and unforgiving. Hiking and mountaineering experience is definitely needed for the Dhaulagiri Mountain and the region surrounding the mountain is just as spectacular. It is home to the world’s deepest gorge, the Gandaki Gorge. The panoramic views and magnificent sights makes the Dhaulagiri climb worth every effort. It is recommended that climbers join a team or climbing outfit to ensure their safety and a carefree climb.
Amidst all the beauty it is easy to forget that the mountain is still dangerous. Altitude sickness, avalanches and injuries are part and parcel of the thrill in conquering mountains. But, in some cases, the thrill becomes all too real. In 1969, Dhaulagiri took the lives of Boyd N Everett Jr and his expedition. Only two members of the original party survived that avalanche, as Louis Reichardt was fortunate not to have been in the path of the avalanche and William Read was evacuated the day before due to pulmonary edema. Viewed as the worst disaster in the mountaineering history of Nepal, none of the bodies were ever recovered. The world was reminded yet again of the dangers of the mountain in 1998. Chantal Mauduit and her Sherpa companion, Tshering, were both killed in their tents by a small avalanche. Mauduit was a well-liked and popular French Alpinist and her tragic death reminded everyone with a love for the mountains never to lose respect for the silent giants of the planet.The Striking Himalayas in Nepal
The Himalayas, which means "Abode of Snow", is the highest and most continuous mountain range in the world. This awe-inspiring range of mountains has attracted many climbers and explorers over the years and continues to mesmerize people through its immense beauty. Nepal's Himalayas also contain nine of the fourteen highest peaks in the world, which includes the highest peak ever recorded - Mount Everest.
The Himalayas can be found located in South Asia crossing over a large geography of land covering a distance of 1550 miles or 2500 kilometers in total. Parts of the Himalayas can be found situated in Afghanistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Pakistan, the Tibetan Plateau and covers a number of states in India. The Himalayas are broken up into three parts, the Western Himalayas, the Inner or Central Himalayas and the Eastern Himalayas. The mountains can also be classified into four mountain belts, the Outer Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, the Greater Himalayas and the Tibetan Himalayas.
The mountains that make up the Himalayas are considered young fold mountains in comparison to other mountain ranges that are much older. Here you will find located in amongst the boulders and rocks small villages made up of groups of people who have frozen time while the rest of the world has continued to progress. Most of Nepal is made up of the harsh and remote Himalayan Mountain range. Astonishingly this all changes when you go down to 18,000 feet - instead of snow, climbers are met with thriving lush forests, icy cold water falls and rivers, which encompass an array of flora and fauna.
There are a number of lowland, monsoon forests like the Northwestern thorn scrub forests found in Pakistan that can be found at the base of most parts of the mountain range. Then there is the Terai strip, which is made up of sand and clay and in some parts grassland where you will find the Indian Rhinoceros. Above this is land that is called the Bhabhar zone where subtropical pine forests can be found growing in the subtropical climate experienced here. Further up you get broad leaf forests and Alpine shrub and grasslands, which is inhabited by the rare Snow Leopard.
Exquisite Views from Kala Patthar
Most adventurous people visiting Nepal will want to spend at least a little time admiring the fabulous and famous peak of Mount Everest. Whether you intend to climb the mountain or not, you will find that the best views of this stunning mountain are available from nearby Kala Patthar – a small brown mountain with very little appeal itself. Kala Patthar, Nepal is situated on the southern side of the somewhat more impressive Pumori Mountain and it is dwarfed by this snow-covered spectacle. However, its relatively small size (5 545 m/18 192 ft) makes it easy to climb which means it is quite accessible as long as you have a moderate level of fitness.
Kala Patthar is not famous for its own beauty but rather for the view it offers of other mountains. A part of the Nepalese Himalayas, a climb to the top of Kala Patthur is a popular tourist activity. Not only does such a trip take visitors right into the Himalayas but it affords them some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Kala Patthur offers stunning views of Lhotse, Nuptse and, of course, Everest. The view of Everest is especially treasured since it gives climbers a chance to see the entire mountain – from base to peak. Those actually climbing the mountain can only see certain parts of it at any given time so the view from Kala Patthar is truly inspiring since one can clearly see the magnitude of the mountain and appreciate the difficulty of the climb.
If you want to ascend Kala Patthar, you will begin your climb at Gorakshep which is situated at an elevation of 5 164 m. From here you will descend a few meters into a ancient lake bed before climbing again. After a rather steep climb, the path levels off somewhat allowing trekkers a somewhat easier climb up the eastern side of the mountain. It become difficult again as it reaches the summit where winds may lash against trekkers and the ground becomes steep yet again. You’ll know you’ve reached the end when you almost stumble on a number of prayer flags which mark the summit. The walk may take about two hours one way and is well worth the effort involved. If you have a good camera it is definitely worth packing it in so that you can take a few breathtaking photographs when you have arrived.Kanchenjunga - The Five Treasures of Snows
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world; in third place at 28,169 feet or 8,586 meters is Kanchenjunga (or Kangchenjunga), which means "The five Treasures of Snows". A number of climbers and hikers have had the privilege to explore and climb the mountain peaks where they are dazzled by the picturesque views surrounding them from different viewing points. Of all the mountain ranges Kanchenjunga is one of the least explored because of its remoteness and the difficulties in getting permission and access from the Indian side.
Kanchenjunga is made up of five peaks, three of which are found in India and the other two in Nepal. Another interesting fact is that four of the five peaks reach or go over 8,450 meters. Kangbachen is the lowest peak reaching a height of 7,903 meters, next is Kanchenjunga South at 8,494 meters. Then there is Kanchenjunga Central, which stands at 8,482, Kanchenjunga West at 8,505 and the highest Kangchenjunga Main at 8,586.
George Band and Joe Brown were the first two men from the United Kingdom to ascend Kanchenjunga in 1955 with their team of helpers. Since then there have been many expeditions completed by various teams of climbers representing their country. In 1983 Pierre Beghin attempted a climb up Kanchenjunga without bringing extra oxygen and done solely by himself without a team. 1998 was the year Ginette Harrison became the first and only woman to have successfully climbed to the top and made it down alive.
The local Sikkimese people found in India believe that the summit of the mountains of Kanchenjunga are sacred and not to be trodden on. In an attempt to show respect for the beliefs of the Sikkimese, the few who have successfully made it near the top of the summit stop a few meters before they get there.
In Nepal there is certain part of Kanchenjunga that has been made a conservation area run by the World Wildlife Fund, protecting, among other things, the Red Panda. Similarly, parts of Kanchenjunga found in India have been made protected areas in an attempt to provide sanctuary to both flora and fauna.
The Challenging Lhotse Mountain
Lhotse Mountain makes up one of the eight highest and majestic mountains in the entire world, sitting at a formidable height of 8,516 meters above the sea level. Its most famous heritage is it’s proximity to the most graceful, but most dramatic mountain - Mount Everest. Lhotse is the main summit, but in addition there is Lhotse Middle at a height of 8,414 meters and Lhotse Shar at 8,383 meters bordering China and Nepal.
There have been many opinions on Lhotse Mountain, with some regarding it as an inconsequential eight-thousander due to its small topographic prominence amongst all the official eight thousander’s, having a rise of only 610 meters above the South Col. Although this is so, Lhotse is not to be taken lightly for many an experienced climber has had his last breaths upon this imposing mountain - keep-sakes and memories forever hidden. Lhotse’s most defining aspect is its striking peak on the south face which has been reported as encompassing a variety of marine fossils with It’s rise of 3.2 kilometers and a horizontal distance of 2.25 kilometers creating the steepest face of its kind in the world for its size. The range of the Lhotse Mountains is that of the Himalayas which are very young in comparison to some others resulting from a continental collision between India and Asia at an enormous rate, thus producing some of the highest mountains in the world. Interestingly India lay just 500 kilometers to the south 10 million years ago while the Asian plate has remained in its original position as such and so resulting in geological terms as an extremely fast rate of movement. The effect of the Lhotse Mountains is due to the Indian plate sliding beneath the Asian plate causing folding and crumpling.
The first attempt up Lhotse Mountains was made in 1955 by the ‘International Himalayan Expedition’, a year later, the first ascent was recorded up the main summit with the second attempt only occurring 25years later on the 30th of April 1981 by Hristo Prodanov of Bulgaria. It would be some time later in 1965 when the first attempt to climb Lhotse Shar would almost be completed reaching 8,100 meters, a good effort by the Japanese expedition and which would finally be fully ascended in 1979, fourteen years later. Between 1981 and 1984 there would be a second and third ascent to Lhotse Shar, which would be made by a Switzerland and Czechoslovakia. Sadly, in 1989, Jerzy Kukuczka would perish while ascending the South Face of Lhotse Mountain after his secondhand rope would break. Then in 1996 Chantal Mauduit reached the summit of Lhotse and became the first woman to do so. Interestingly Lhotse Middle would only be ascended for the first time in 2001, 46 years after the first attempt up Lhotse was made by the ‘International Himalayan Expedition.Majestic Makalu Mountain
The startling Makalu Mountain forms part of the mountain range known as the Himalayas. This isolated peak is regarded as the fifth highest mountain, sitting just fourteen miles to the east of Mount Everest in the Khumbakama Himal region. It has distinct characteristics with its four jagged ridges in a pyramid formation making Makalu all the more formidable and impressive at 8,462 meters in height. Like most of the other majestic beauties that surround Mount Everest it has only been since 1954, when the summit of the curious big giant was reached, that mountaineers turned their attention to those surrounding.
The Himalayas in comparison to others is a very young mountain range, which formed from the continental collision between India and Asia. This occurred at an enormous rate resulting in some of the highest and vastly majestic mountains in the whole world. Interestingly enough, India had stood just over 500 kilometers to the south just over 10 million years ago while the Asian plate remained in its initial position. This fascinatingly is regarded as extremely fast rate of movement in Geological terms, and so with the Indian plate sliding underneath the Asian plate it has thus caused folding and crumpling.
It must be expected, as with any climbs on some of the highest peaks in the world, that the climb will take endurance with extreme preciseness should you wish to make it successfully up to the peak of Makalu Mountain. There are strenuous sections, which consist of short and steep portions on nearly vertical ice and thus require the knowledge of front-pointing skills or jumar on fixed ropes. It is always wise, if you are not a seasoned climber of these huge giants, to have your fitness and skills tested so that you are in the best position to not only succeed but to enjoy the marvelous privilege of climbing one of the eight highest mountains in the world.
Like many of the other eight thousanders, Makalu has set its own challenges for those who wish to attempt to climb, allowing only five successful climbs at her peaks out of the first sixteen attempts. A subsidiary peak of Makalu Mountain is Chomo Lonzo which rises to just over twenty-five thousand feet to the north of the summit and separated by a narrow saddle. The best season to attempt a trek up Makalu is during the months of April through to May or during late September to October.Manaslu - Spirit Mountain
The Manaslu Mountain is the highest in the Manaslu region, and stands at a height of 8 156 meters. Even though this mountain in Nepal was first challenged in 1952, the summit was only reached in the year 1956. Manaslu opened for climbers in 1991, but they are still required to obtain permits to enter this area. The very first trekkers in the area were part of an expedition led by H.W. Tilman in 1950.
Trekkers and climbers need extensive experience before taking to the slopes of Manaslu. It is a mountain in Nepal that is known to be dangerous, and due to its remote and secluded location, rescue operations are hampered should anything go wrong. But, even so, it is a mountain that never ceases to amaze and captivate that adventurous spirits that flock here. Which is fitting for Manaslu, as it is the 8th highest mountain in the world, and its name means “Spirit Mountain”. Not only are the views breathtaking, the area is culturally rich as there are small groups of locals that live in the Nupri Valley and Buri Gandaki Valley.
The summit of Manaslu can be reached by various routes, of which the South Face is viewed as the most dangerous and difficult to overcome. Most of the treks to Manaslu start in Gokyo and over the Larkya La Pass. The recommended months for climbing Manaslu Mountain is during February, March, April, May, June and September to December. During the months of February to June, the days are warm and the forests and landscape can be view perfectly in the crisp and clear mornings. In June, the mountain is almost deserted, and climbers can enjoy their time in seclusion and tranquility. From September to December the days are almost always sunny, but the evenings can get extremely cold.
The beauty and magnificence of the Manaslu Mountain and surrounding area was hidden from the world for many years, due to the restrictions on this region. Even though foreigners are now allowed to venture into this area, with a permit, many people are still unaware of this natural treasure and the splendor of its landscape.Magnificent Mount Everest
One of the highest mountains ever to be climbed is the famous Mount Everest, which can be located in Asia between the border of Tibet and Nepal. Mount Everest is essentially part of the Himalaya range of mountains, but has been greatly publicized due to its immense height that has been recorded at 29,028 feet or 8,848 meters high.
Many local names have been given to Mount Everest in an attempt to recognize it for its majestic height. The origin of Mount Everest's name comes from the British General and Surveyor at that time, Andrew Waugh, who named the mountain after Sir George Everest in 1865. Later the Nepalese government gave Mount Everest a Nepalese name Sagarmatha in 1960. It was an Indian mathematician, Radhanath Sikdar, who first measured and identified Mount Everest as the highest mountain in the world in 1852.
Mount Everest was first recognized for its sheer height in 1953 when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made the first successful attempt to ascend to the top of this daunting mountain on the 29th of May. These two men did not have the advanced technology and climbing equipment that climbers have today, they completed this daunting task with no fixed ropes and basic ice climbing equipment. Previously there had been an attempt by two men Andrew Irvine and George Mallory from the United Kingdom thirty years before. However, whether they ever made it to the top or not, no-one knows as they never returned to relate their adventures.
The easier of the two main routes up Mount Everest is the southeast route that can be accessed from the Nepal side of the mountain and the other main route comes from the north on the Tibetan side of the mountain. Apart from these two routes there are a total of fifteen other routes that will take you to the top. Most climbers will attempt to climb Mount Everest between the months of April and May before the unstable, monsoon season hits with its high wind speeds.
One thing that can definitely be concluded about Mount Everest is that each and every person who attempts to climb this magnificent mountain does so taking their life in their hands. In 1996 a total of fifteen people lost their lives in an attempt to get to the top of the highest mountain in the world due to various freak weather conditions.