9 Oct 2023 Prakash Devkota
Nepal is a country that is very closely associated with mountains whenever anyone mentions it. This speaks for the fact that there are many mountains, both tall and short, that are preferred by not just mountaineers but also trekkers or mountain climbers who have just started their journey in climbing. Nepal has some of the most renowned pinnacles in the world. Though the country has been said to have some of the easiest mountains to climb, this does not apply to all the mountains. You can come through some of the most deadly mountains as well as some of the easiest mountains to climb when here. Furthermore, one has to have some level of technical mountain climbing skills to climb the mountains in Nepal.
There are few mountains in the world that are very popular among mountain climbers. In this article, we have summed up some interesting facts about these mountains. Make sure to read till the end of this article to learn more about the famous mountains in Nepal to climb!
1. Everest
At 8848m, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. Since the 1950s, there has been an increased rate of mountain climbing at the peak. Today, the Mount Everest Expedition is probably what the world’s most experienced mountaineers keep a goal to excel. Likewise, there have been several times in history when even the most experienced mountaineers have not been able to climb the mountain. Mount Everest has its own set of difficulties, and the climb is mostly technical. There are several passes and glacial walls that make up for the hardness of the climb.
Mount Everest is 50 to 60 million years old. And it emerged as a result of the collusion of two plates, the Indian plate, and the Eurasian plate, over the span of several million years. The rise of the Himalayas led to the rise of mountains in the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest. The height of Mount Everest, among all the other mountains, was much later found to be the tallest not just in Nepal but in the whole world.
How hard is it to climb Mount Everest?
Climbing Mount Everest is not easy. You need to have a good amount of experience in mountain climbing prior to attempting the climb. One has to be able to endure the cold weather with some thick and thermal clothes inside his wind-protecting jacket and pants. Likewise, one has to have a good knowledge of the equipment and gear used to climb mountains. It is, however, very evident that Mount Everest is not for beginners, and they should start climbing smaller mountains before they finally make an attempt to climb this one.
What are the hazards of climbing Mount Everest?
Mount Everest is located at the highest altitude in the world. Any height above 8,000 m is considered a “Death Zone,” and Everest is way beyond the death zone. Altitude sickness, loss of oxygen, and the body’s adaptability to the mountainous conditions are some of the major hazards of climbing Mount Everest. One is likely to suffer from different conditions like pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, and blood embolisms. However, there are measures through which one can avoid such traumatic situations by taking along a good and trustworthy guide, number of porters depending on how much luggage he is carrying to the top, extra supplemental oxygen, snacks, good liters of water, medicines, etc.
2. Lhotse
Mount Lhotse is the fourth tallest mountain in the world, standing at a height of 8,516 meters. This mountain is very close to Mount Everest, and you can summit both mountains at the same time within 24-48 hours, depending on your mountaineering skills. Lhotse is rather easier to climb than Everest, and you are likely to reach the summit before Mount Everest. The Lhotse Face has to be one of the most challenging aspects of this peak as one has to place his foot very carefully in the glacial wall. Pulling oneself up with the help of ropes with and without the help of Sherpas is very crucial when in Lhotse.
Is Lhotse difficult to climb?
Lhotse is difficult to climb, but it can be deemed as either an intermediate or advanced climb, depending on the skills of the climber. However, it can be concluded that this mountain is not easy to climb at all, no matter how skilled you are. Comparisons have always been made on whether Mount Everest is easier to climb than Lhotse or not; the answer is quite simple: Everest is taller and has more technical difficulty in climbing than Lhotse; hence Everest is tougher to climb. It takes around 6-8 hours for a person to climb this peak, given he has plentiful experience.
What are the hazards of climbing Lhotse?
Considering Lhotse is one of the tallest mountains in the world, it comes with a set of hazards. One of the biggest hazards of Lhotse is that you can experience rock fall and even lose your life if the weather and the conditions of the mountain are not in your favor. Another hazard, like any other mountain above the Death Zone, is the likelihood of altitude sickness. Though natural conditions are not avoidable, one can still avoid the hazards of climbing Lhotse to a great extent by taking along experienced Sherpas, porters, artificial oxygen, as well as necessary beverages and medicines. A good amount of clothes and proper socks and shoes plus equipment are necessities as well.
3. Makalu
At 8,481 meters, Mount Makalu is one of the tallest peaks in the world. Makalu II (7,678 m) and Chomo Lonzo (7,804 m) are two mountains subsidiary to the Makalu, also within the peak. Though many people are not able to summit the main peak, a few tend to try their feet on these two peaks, which is also pretty much like climbing Mount Makalu itself. The mountain is situated in the Mahalangur range of the Himalayas in Nepal. One can also go on a trek to Makalu via Tumlingtar in the mid-eastern region of Nepal.
The fifth-highest peak in the world is located 19 km southeast of Mount Everest. Hence, one can also take some rest days and continue multiple expeditions at the same time.
How difficult is it to climb Mount Makalu?
Climbing Mount Makalu is fairly difficult if you are a beginner. For anyone who has climbed mountains taller than Makalu might find the climb intermediate. As for beginners, one has to train himself properly; otherwise, the result of such a dangerous climb might prove to be fatal. knife-edged ridges and steepness of the mountain are some of the main reasons why a lot of people have found it hard to make it up to the summit of the mountain. Likewise, there have been many who consider climbing Mount Makalu to be more difficult than climbing Mount Everest. This is mostly because of the steepness associated with the climb. Moreover, there are other aspects, like the popularity of Mount Everest over Mount Makalu. Since Everest has many visitors in comparison to Makalu, the mountain and the base camp have always been more facilitating than the latter.
What are the hazards of climbing Makalu?
Some of the major hazards of climbing Makalu are psychological and neurological issues, deprivation of oxygen, altitude sickness, exhaustion, sharp-edged and steep ridges, avalanches, etc. The weather condition is not favorable for the mountaineers either. Unlike Mount Everest, the base camp does not have as many facilities, and you won’t get as comfortable when you are acclimatizing. Similarly, the rurality and lonesome nature of the mountain are just as scary to many.
But, there are ways you can overcome the hazards by taking along supplemental oxygen, packing necessary medicines, food, and beverages, as well as by taking necessary mount climbing tasks before actually climbing the peak. You can start with mountains that are not as hazardous or tall as Makalu. This will help you loosen your trekking shoes as well as familiarize you with many aspects of mountain climbing.
4. Manaslu
The eighth-highest mountain in the world, with a height of 8,163 meters, is Manaslu. Manaslu is one of the most popular eight-thousanders in the world. A lot of mountaineers have climbed this mountain throughout the years and have considered it one of the most difficult climbs despite it being shorter in height by several hundred meters than Mount Everest. One of the most fascinating aspects of Manaslu is its name, Manaslu, which stands for “mountain of the spirit”. The name has been inspired by the Sanskrit word Manasa, which means “intellect” or “soul.”
How difficult is it to climb Manaslu?
Mount Manaslu is one of the easiest mountains to climb among the fourteen eight-thousanders. But this does not mean that any beginner-level mountaineer can do the climb up to the summit. You at least have to get the experience of climbing a mountain above the height of 7000m before you attempt climbing Manaslu, which is also beyond the Death Zone. Using crampons and jumars is very common during Manaslu climb, and you may not need this equipment when you are climbing mountains that are below the height of 7000m. Similarly, the difficulty of climbing Manaslu has very often been compared to climbing Mount Everest. Camp I to Camp IV has been labeled as the toughest to climb than even the tallest mountain in the world. However, the journey to the summit of Manaslu is shorter than that of Mount Everest.
What are the hazards of climbing Manaslu?
Climbing Manaslu is rather demanding. There are frequent falls and avalanches in Mount Manaslu that are almost always unavoidable. You can never comfort yourself enough to climb the mountain without any dangers and hazards, as there are just too many risks associated with the peak. Bad weather conditions and falls in the area are likely to cause a fatal accident. On the other hand, the steep nature of the mountain may cause mountaineers to fall from the peak. Crevasses are just as dangerous here. Hence, to climb Manaslu, you need to have an adequate amount of skills and knowledge of gears and equipment.
5. Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam is a mountain standing at a height of 6,812 meters. The peak has an interesting name, which translates to a mother’s necklace. As compared to the aforementioned mountains, Ama Dablam is quite easy to summit. However, one must keep in mind the difficulty associated with mountain climbing and the steepness that Ama Dablam has in its make. Though not for beginners, Ama Dablam is a short and fairly easy mountain to climb.
How difficult is it to climb Ama Dablam?
Climbing Ama Dablam is not for everyone. The climb is fairly difficult, but there is no doubt in the facts that climbing this peak is one of every alpinist’s dreams. The mountain has as many adventurous trails as a true adventurer would want, but then again, there is just as much probability that you will get injured on your way to or from the peak. Reckless climbing is sure to lead one to fatality despite Ama Dablam being shorter than most mountains in this list. However, with proper training, equipment, and knowledge of the mountain, you can definitely submit it with no difficulty.
What are the hazards of climbing Ama Dablam?
The ridge of Ama Dablam is just like that of a knife. The top of the mountain is not easy to reach. Moreover, the avalanches and ice falls in the mountain have led to the death of many people as there is almost no escape from the ruthless nature of this peak. Plus, if your rope or foot placement is not in check, then you are likely to suffer from a tragedy when in Ama Dablam. Cautiousness is very crucial here.
6. Baruntse
Baruntse lies at a height of 7,129 meters above sea level. Likewise, it is one of the easiest mountains to climb. This peak is located in the Khumbu region, and you can get a perfect view of mountains like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu from here. This peak is surrounded by four peaks, namely Hunku Glacier in the south, Barun Glacier in the east, and Imja Glacier in the northwest. The 7-10 hours journey has always proven to be worth it for mountaineers and trekkers who have succeeded in getting to the summit.
How difficult is it to climb Baruntse?
The climb to Baruntse is quite technical. Hence, you will need several ropes, equipment, etc., to get to the top. Likewise, the weather conditions of the mountain are not as good as you may want them to be. The climb to Baruntse is going to serve you with quite some level of unpredictability. But, the mountain is easier to climb than any other heavily technical mountain and is fairly shorter in height than most other mountains.
What are the hazards of Baruntse?
Among all the other routes that you will take to get to the summit of Baruntse, the southeast route is the most challenging. The climb from here is very steep and straight, which creates climbing difficulty. Managing ropes and gears becomes a challenge for anyone who has not experienced mountain climbing. And, like any other tall mountain, this peak is not free from the unforeseeable weather conditions and avalanches either. But, the difficulties of the mountain can be overcome with intensive training, learning about both the mountains and the equipment, as well as by carrying along necessary guides and medicines, food, beverages, supplies, etc.
7. Himlung
Himlung, otherwise known as Himlung Himal in Nepal, is one of the most popular peaks to climb. This mountain is at a height of 7,126m. Anyone with proper fitness and necessary training in mountain climbing can excel in the climb without difficulty. The Himlung Himal is probably one of the easiest mountains for an experienced mountaineer. However, a beginner might face some level of difficulty in getting to the summit of the mountain. This peak is famous among both trekkers and mountaineers throughout the world, especially in Nepal.
How difficult is it to climb Himlung?
Though the climb is not as technical, Himlung Himal can be climbed by mountain climbers who have had a fair amount of training and experience in high-altitude places. The mountain might be challenging for anyone who does not possess the health or fitness level required for a climb of a tall mountain like this one. But the mountain is not very steep. This has made it simpler for a lot of people who only have a certain level of skills to also succeed in summiting the peak.
What are the hazards of climbing Himlung?
Himlung Himal is easier to climb than most 7000m tall mountains in Nepal because it is not the most technical or steep mountain in the country. But, the probability of suffering from altitude sickness and respiratory health issues along the trail is very high. If precautions are not taken on time, one may suffer from a fatal incident or internal as well as external injury during his climb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which mountain climb is famous in Nepal?
Mount Everest is a mountain climb that is very famous in Nepal.
Which is the largest climbed mountain?
The largest climb mountain is Mount Everest.
What are the top four mountains in Nepal?
The top four mountains in Nepal are Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Annapurna.
How many mountains can be climbed in Nepal?
238 out of 1,310 peaks are climbable in Nepal.
What is the hardest 8000m mountain to climb in Nepal?
Mount Everest is the hardest 8000m to climb in Nepal.
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