10 Best Trekking Peaks in Nepal

Nepal is known for its Himalayas worldwide and is home to 14 high mountains, which are over 8,000 meters, including the highest mountain on earth, Everest. Nepal caters to veteran climbers and attracts novice climbers who wish to practice on easier peaks before scaling higher mountains. You need to be physically fit and in good shape to climb trekking peaks in Nepal. Climbers with no prior experience can summit easy trekking peaks, while those with some previous mountaineering experience can attempt little difficult peaks. But you can still push your limits and try to attempt difficult peaks.

Enjoy a scenic trek in the foothills of the Himalayas, walk through dense forest before reaching the base camp. Summiting a peak will add a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence for future mountaineering. Do you wish to improve your mountaineering skills and want to summit tall mountains in the future?

There are 33 peaks, ranging from 5,800m to 6,600m, classified as 'Trekking Peaks' in Nepal by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Here is the list of 10 best peaks in Nepal for climbing, classified as trekking peaks in Nepal.

1. Mera Peak - 6,476m/21,247ft

Trip Facts

Trek to the highest trekking peak in Nepal, Mera Peak, and savor the breathtaking view of the world's five highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from the summit. Although Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak of Nepal, it is non-technical and falls under one of the easy peak climbing in Nepal. It falls under the choice of novice climbers who are searching for a Himalayan adventure. You don't need previous climbing experience to climb this peak. However, the knowledge of abseiling and the use of climbing gears will be advantageous. Also, experienced climbers enjoy the Mera Peak climb.

Enjoy a trek in the Hinku Valley, which is one of the less frequented trails in the Makalu region. It lies to the south of Everest in the Makalu Barun National Park. The journey commences with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Moreover, you will be trekking through dense forest filled with rhododendron and bamboo trees and hiking past the Sherpa villages on your way to Khare. Spend a day acclimatizing at Khare and do pre-climbing training with your guide before the climb.

Hike on rugged terrain to Mera La overlooks all three summits of Mera Peak- Mera North, Mera Central, and Mera South. Continue your trek to Mera High Camp, and on the next day, you will be climbing Mera Peak. Wake up early in the morning and start climbing gradually. It is an easy climb, but the high altitude adds difficulty in climbing. Enjoy the soul-stirring view from the summit and click pictures before descending. Continue your trek to Lukla via Kothe. A flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla marks the end of a memorable Himalayan adventure.

2. Island Peak (Imja Tse) - 6,189m/20,305ft

Trip Facts

Island peak, locally known as Imja Tse, is a stunning island of ice and rocks circled by glaciers and high mountains. British expedition team members to Everest named it Island Peak as it seemed like an island in a sea of ice from Dingboche. The peak 6,189m/20,305ft high located in the Everest region, Island Peak, is one of the famous trekking peaks in Nepal. Bask in the beauty of towering mountains, including Everest, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Baruntse, Lhotse, and others from the summit. Moreover, Island Peak is perfect as an introductory climb to the high altitude mountaineering. Also, many with the vision to climb Mount Everest climb Island Peak. Check out our top 10 tips to summit Island peak.

After arriving in Kathmandu, you will be taking a domestic flight to Lukla. Follow the generic route of Everest Base Camp Trek. But instead of trekking to Lobuche from Dingboche, you will be walking on the trail to Chukkung. Spend a day undergoing pre-climbing training with your guide in Island Peak Base Camp. Wake up early in the morning and traverse slowly and steadily. The vertical climb just before the summit is the toughest part of the climb. Savor the breathtaking views from the summit before descending. Trek back to Lukla via Pangboche and Namche Bazaar.  

Island peak climb is a straightforward route up to the summit with few sections that require technical maneuver. You need to be physically fit for this peak climbing. Novice as well as experienced climbers scale Island peak. However, the previous experience of high altitude trek will boost your confidence.

3. Lobuche Peak - 6,119m/20,076ft

Trip Facts

Enjoy a Himalayan adventure with Lobuche Peak Climb, one of Nepal's best trekking peaks. It is ideal for those searching for a more technical climbing route than Island peak and Mera Peak. The summit of Lobuche Peak rewards you with the soul-stirring view of high mountains, including Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, neighboring Tibetan peaks, and the Khumbu valley.

Your journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. You will be hiking on a regular Everest Base Camp Trek route and will also be visiting Everest Base Camp. Moreover, you will also be hiking to Kala Patthar, with one of the best views of Everest. Walk further to the High Camp and attend pre-climb training, and on the following day, you will be summiting the peak. Since technical climbing is involved, you will be using fixed ropes at steeper parts. Savor the majestic view of tall mountains, glaciers, and lakes before heading down. Continue your trek to Namche Bazaar, and Lukla followed by a flight back to Kathmandu.

Lobuche peak climbing involves technical ascending and descending using fixed ropes in some sections, and you will be traversing glaciers, snow, and ice. You need to be physically fit for this climb. It is suitable for both experienced climbers and novice climbers with the assistance of a professional climbing guide.

4. Pharchamo Peak - 6,187m/20,299ft

Trip Facts

The beautiful Pharchamo Peak lies south of Tashi Lapcha, connecting the Rolwaling region with the Everest region. You will get to experience wilderness trekking in seclusion as the trail is less frequented. If you wish to go on a Himalayan adventure and hone your climbing skills, Pharchamo peak climbing is one of the best trekking peaks in Nepal. Take a classic route from the northwest ridge that takes you through seracs and crevasses to the top of the peak. Bask in the panoramic view of mountains like Everest, Gaurishankar, Makalu, and others. You need to be physically fit to climb this peak.

Your trip begins with a drive to Gongor Khola of Dolakha, followed by villages like Simigaun, Dhongang, and Bedding. Spend a day acclimatizing at Na village, which is surrounded by snowy mountains. Walk on rugged terrain and traverse Tashi Lapcha Pass overlooking the awe-inspiring mountain views. Descend to the other side and hike towards the glaciated pond of Tashi Phuk. Further, wake up early and gradually start climbing to the Pharchamo Peak. The soul-stirring views of the snowcapped mountains will greet you upon reaching the summit. Continue your trek to Lukla via Thame and Namche Bazaar. Take a domestic flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla.

5. Kyajo Ri Peak - 6,186m/20,296ft

Trip Facts

Kyajo Ri Peak is a semi-technical peak and offers you a chance to improve your mountaineering skills. It is one of the less frequented trekking peaks in Nepal to avoid the crowd. It is best suited for adventure lovers, and it is often compared with Ama Dablam as some section requires climbing. The peak 6,186m/ 20,296ft tall is located between Thame and Gokyo valley in the Everest region. You need to have good physical fitness while the previous experience of high altitude trekking and mountaineering will be advantageous.

Your trip begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek to Namche Bazaar and Mende. Enjoy a wonderful trek with stunning mountain views to Kyajo Ri Base Camp. A trek on rugged terrain takes you to Kyajo Ri Base Camp I, where you will be acclimatizing for a day. You will be traversing a steep ascend and maneuvering through a glacier to Camp II on the following day. Wake up early and start negotiating through a glacier and ascend gradually on a path covered with snow and ice to the summit. Bask in the gorgeous view before descending—Trek back to Lukla via Namche Bazaar and Base Camp. On the next day, take a domestic flight back to Kathmandu.

6. Yala Peak - 5,550m/18,208ft

Trip Facts

Yala peak is an easy trekking peak to climb in Nepal, which lies in the Langtang region of Nepal near the Nepal-Tibet border. A novice trekker without prior climbing experience can do this trek. Also, a previous mountaineering experience will be advantageous but is not a requirement. Enjoy the astounding views of mountains like Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Shishapangma, Ganesh Himal, Naya Kang, and others from the summit of Yala peak.  Also, a trek to Kyangjin Ri will reward you with the stunning view of Langtang Lirung.

Take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the gateway of trekking in the Langtang region. Your trek commences from Lama Hotel. Moreover, you will be crossing the Bhote Koshi River and walking through dense forest with bamboo, rhododendron, and oak trees to Langtang village. Trek to Kyangjin Gompa, followed by a Yala Peak Base Camp hike, where you will be attending pre-climbing training with your guide. You will be using differing climbing gears like crampons, ice axe, ascenders, karabiner, and others and practicing rappelling and abseiling skills. Wake up before dawn and start climbing Yala Peak slowly and steadily. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Himalayan range from the summit before descending. Retrace your steps back to Syabrubesi via Kyangjin Gompa and Lama Hotel.

7. Pisang Peak - 6,091m/1,9984ft

Trip Facts

You will be trekking into the Annapurna region for the Pisang Peak climb. The pyramidal peak right above the Pisang Peak is one of the popular trekking peaks in Nepal. It offers you one of the easiest and shortest climbing experiences. It is suitable for both novice and experienced climbers. However, the previous experience of mountaineering will be beneficial but not a necessity. The apex of the Pisang Peak rewards you with astounding views of mountains like Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, Damodar, Tilicho Peak, and others. You will get an insight into the rich culture and tradition of Gurung and Ghale ethnic groups.

The trip commences with a drive from Kathmandu to Chamje, the trailhead of your trek. Take a walk through the dense forest with bamboo and rhododendron trees to Dharapani, followed by a hike to Chame. Continue your trek to Upper Pisang, residing in the lap of Annapurna Massif, and a trek further takes you to the Pisang Peak Base Camp. Attend pre-climb training, learn the use of climbing gears, and also practice climbing skills like rappelling and belaying with your guide. Wake up early in the morning and gradually ascend on a rocky ridgeline. The summit will reward you with a stunning view of the Annapurna range, Chulu range, Manaslu, Damodar peak, Tilicho Peak, and others. Trek to Chame and drive back to Kathmandu.

8. Chulu West - 6,419m/21,061ft

Trip Facts

Summit one of the most beautiful trekking peaks in Nepal, Chulu West, situated at an altitude of 6,419m/21,061ft. The peak lies in the popular Annapurna region of Nepal and perfect for those who wish to hone their mountaineering skills. The summit overlooks the splendid view of mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and others. You need to be physically fit for summiting the peak, which involves technical climbing. Also, previous experience of mountaineering will be advantageous but isn't a requirement.

Your Chulu West Peak Climbing journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, followed by a trek past the hillside village to Dharapani. Trek through dense forest and savor the stunning mountain views to Chame. Notice a distinct change in landscape and vegetation to Manang. A trek further takes you to Chulu West Base Camp via Leder. Hike on a non-technical route with stunning Himalayan views to Camp I and spend a day acclimatizing here. Continue climbing on a rock band using climbing gears like rope, crampon, and ice axe to Camp II. Wake up before dawn and traverse on a rugged path to the summit, and soak in the awe-inspiring mountain views. Gradually descend to Camp I and retrace your steps back to Leder. Cross the high mountain pass of Thorong La pass and make your way down to Jomsom via Muktinath. Moreover, take a flight back to Pokhara via Jomsom and return to Kathmandu.

9. Dhampus Peak - 6,012m/19,724ft

Trip Facts

If you are up for some Himalayan adventure and want to challenge yourself to improve your mountaineering skills, then choose Dhampus Peak climbing. Alternatively, Dhampus peak is also called Thapa Peak, an effortless Charming trekking peak in Nepal. It is best suited for those who wish to experience peak climbing in Nepal in solitary. The trek will take you to Nepal's remote and unspoiled part between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.

Savor the astounding views of mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho Peak, and others. You will be ascending on a rocky trail and climbing higher gradually, and also, the presence of ice and snow adds difficulty. It is a technically straightforward peak overlooking the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the entire upper Kali Gandaki region. Moreover, you need to physically fit for this trip. A previous mountaineering experience isn't a necessity but is advantageous.

Your journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Darbang via Beni. Begin trekking past hillside farmlands and walk on a forested trail to Choriban via Muri. Trek past Italian Base Camp and traverse through the glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Traverse two challenging high passes over 5,000 meters/16,404 feet French Pass and Dhampus Pass. Wake up early and ascend gradually, maneuvering the technical sections to the top of the peak. The soul-stirring mountain views will greet you upon reaching the summit. Bask in the Himalayan beauty before descending to Jomsom. Take a flight or drive back from Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu.

10. Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli) - 5,695m/18,685ft

Trip Facts

The peak located south of the Annapurna Base Camp is Tent Peak. Locally, Tent Peak is called Tharpu Chuli. It is one of the easy trekking peaks in Nepal best for those looking to upscale themselves from trekkers. Both novice and experienced trekkers can summit this trek. You need to be physically fit for this climb, while the previous experience of high altitude trekking will be advantageous. Savor the astounding mountain view, including the Annapurna range, Hiunchuli, and others on the trip.

Tent Peak Climbing trip begins with a flight/drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Then, follow the regular route to Annapurna Base Camp by trekking past Ghandurk, Chhomrong, Deurali, and Machhapurchre Base Camp. Spend a day acclimatizing at Annapurna Base Camp before the climb. Also, participate in pre-climb training with climbing gears like crampons, harness, jumar, and practice rappelling.

Further, traverse Annapurna glacier and cross moraines to Tent Peak Base Camp. Ascend on a steep path to the Tent Peak High Camp and walk cautiously on the glacier and bask in the stunning panoramic Himalayan view from the top. The next day, wake up early and start climbing on a steep, rugged path with snow towards the summit. A slow and steady climb will take you to the summit overlooking the astounding panoramic views. Soak into the stunning vistas before descending and continue your trek to Nayapul via Bamboo and Jhino Danda. Finally, drive back to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu.

Climbing Seasons

March to May is spring, and September to November is autumn in Nepal. Spring and autumn are two of the best seasons for climbing in Nepal. Spring is the most well-liked season for peak climbing in Nepal. The weather is warm, and the chances of snowfall are low, making climbing a bit easier. It is also the season of rhododendron blooms, and the trail will be covered with flowers. Another popular season for peak climbing is autumn. It is the time of the year when monsoon rain would have cleared the sky, and visibility is high. The weather is dry and stable, making it ideal for mountaineering.

The monsoon and late winter seasons aren't advised as the precipitation and snow make climbing difficult. Also, visibility is low in monsoon, adding difficulty, and trails become slippery with increased chances of injuries. The temperature in high altitude drops in late winter, making mountaineering difficult.

Climbing permits and Cost

Before climbing any peak in Nepal, you need to get a climbing permit from Nepal Mountaineering Association through government-registered trekking agencies. Moreover, climbing peak in Nepal attract royalties which varies according to the climbing season.

The cost of peak climbing in spring (March to May) is the highest while it's the lowest in winter (December to February) and summer (June to August).

Yala Peak and Tent Peak can be climbed royalty-free. But climbing Island Peak, Mera Peak, Pharchamo Peak, Kyajo Ri Peak, Pisang Peak, Chulu West, Lobuche Peak, and Dhampus peak costs USD 250 in spring (March to May), USD 125 in autumn (September to November). Moreover, if you climb these peaks in off-season winter (December to February) and summer (June to August), it costs USD 70.

Choose your Climbing Partner Carefully

High altitude trekking and mountaineering involve risk so make sure your adventure partner comprises a team of experts. We at Third Rock Adventures are a team of experts, and our professional climbing leaders have decades of experience. So, enjoy a Himalayan adventure while leaving the hassle of preparation to us!

Some Useful Links

Peak Climbing
Climbing Gear List For Lobuche Peak
How difficult is the Island peak climbing
Packing List for Peak Climbing in Nepal
Climbing permit fee for trekking peaks in Nepal

Images: Chern | flickr