Everyone remembers the name of the elite, be it a person or a thing. If truth to be told majority of people in this world haven’t heard name of Nepal, but they even for a once they have been went by the name of Everest.
With the presence of some of the eminent peaks in the world, Nepal has been center for trekking and mountaineering for over the years. The fact that Nepal homes eight out of fourteen tallest peak is quite hard to dissolve, as Nepal is confined within the limited periphery.
Well, let us take a look at this glorious peak which are proudly and pristine too.
Mount Everest
Located at an elevation of 8,848 meters, Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. First scaled in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, the charm and excitement of Everest are still intact.
However, the throng of climbers to Everest has become a threat now. Due to the climate change, the rising temperature has resulted in melting of ice making the expedition more vulnerable. As per the research by International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, Khumbu glacier is retreating at an average of 65 feet per year, increasing the risk of avalanche. Also, with the increase in climber, the area’s environmental balance is upset.
The changes and effects are drastic, but as a climber, you can always constitute through small efforts like taking care of your waste, using a single bottle throughout the journey and so on.
Kanchenjunga
Although Kanchenjunga is the third tallest mountain in the world, it is sparsely visited because of difficulty and remote location. The mountain rises at an elevation of 8,586 meters in the eastern border of Nepal with the Indian state of Sikkim.
Meant for the adrenaline junkies, Kanchenjunga is an absolute pleasure with divine beauty and unspoiled wilderness. Also, the cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation and thousands of species of plant make Kanchenjunga even more rewarding.
Looking at the regions of Nepal, eastern is way more developed than the west. However the remoteness of this terrain, rugged trails, scattered human habitation, and monsoonal downpours have made the journey challenging. Here is another interesting fact; it is believed that Kanchenjunga is home to a mountain deity which is type of yeti. In 1925 a British geological expedition spotted a bipedal creature when asked to the locals, they referred it as the Kanchenjunga Demon.
Along with the serene beauty and fascinating tales surrounding the region, journey to Kanchenjunga also gives a different picture of cultural diversity in Nepal.
Lhotse
With the connection via south col, Lhotse is the part of Everest massif. And adhering to this fact, Lhotse means ‘south peak’ in Tibetan dialect. It is the fourth tallest peak in the world rising at an elevation of 8,516 meters above sea level. Along with the main peak, the mountain homes two significant peaks Lhotse Middle at 8,414 meters and Lhotse Shar at 8,383 meters.
Initially, Lhotse was attempted by 1955 International Himalayan Expedition team, and it was also the first expedition team to include Americans. However, the team was beaten back by unexpectedly strong wind and low temperatures.
Then in 1956, the main summit of Lhotse was scaled for the first by a Swiss team. However, it took some time to climb Lhotse Shar which was finally ascended in 1970. But the third one, Lhotse Middle remained highest unclimbed peak on Earth for a long time, and then in 2001, this peak was too scaled by a Russian expedition.
Makalu
The fifth tallest mountain in the world, Makalu stands at an elevation of 8,485 meters. Although it is the one of the tallest mountains in earth, it is an isolated peak with a shape as a four-sided pyramid. In addition to the main peak, Makalu has two notable subsidiary peak, Kangchungtse or Makalu II at 7,678 meters and Chomo Lonzo at 7,804 meters.
As the Makalu lies within the protected area of Makalu Barun National Park, you will also witness the wide diversity of floral and faunal species. The delightful forest of rhododendron, oak, primrose, orchids, bamboo, etc will certainly make you hold your breath. Looking at the wildlife, leopards literally rule this area. However, other animals like musk deer, red panda, red fox, and otters can be found too. Inhabitants of park have 88 species of mammals, 43 species of reptiles, 16 species of amphibians, 78 species of fish, 315 species of butterflies and 440 species of bird. Well, the expedition to Makalu holds a lot more than just Himalayas.
Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu might be one of the tallest mountains, but scaling it is considered less challenging than other towering peaks. Located at an elevation of 8,188 meters, it is the sixth tallest mountain, meaning ‘Turquoise Goddess’ in Tibetan language.
At first, Cho Oyu’s height was measured at 8,150 meters and was considered as the seventh highest mountain in the world. However, further study in 1984 proved the estimation wrong and established the height at 8,201 meters. Then new measurements made in 1996, placed the height at 8,188 meters.
Cho Oyu was first climbed on 1954, October 19 making it fifth 8,000-meter peak to be climbed. The peak is considered to be the easiest eight-thousander because of its lowest death-summit ratio. It is often marked as ‘trekking peak’ achievable for climbers with high fitness level but low mountaineering experience. So, if you want to scale one of the eight-thousanders, then Cho Oyu will be the ideal start.
Dhaulagiri I
Dhaulagiri massif is vast mountain range extending 120 kilometers from Kali Gandaki river to Bheri. The massif along with other peak harbors Dhaulagiri at 8,167 meters which is in seventh position of tallest mountains. The name of Dhaulagiri is derived from Sanskrit where dhawala means dazzling, white, beautiful and giri means mountain.
Dhaulagiri was first climbed in 1960 via northeast ridge, which is also the easiest route of all.
Manaslu
Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in earth at 8,163 meters is an opportunity to have some tranquil time in pristine trail away from the crowd and smog of city. The name of the peak itself means ‘mountain of spirit.’
Journey to Manalsu is a complete bliss where you trek on ancient trail, enjoy authentic culture and custom of heartwarming peoples while witnessing the awe-inspiring view of Manaslu and its neighboring peaks. With its remote location, the area hasn’t been commercialized yet, so the beauty and purity of surrounding area are intact. The culture and tradition of this area are very much influenced by that of Tibetans. Buddhism is predominant in this region with monasteries, prayer flags and architecture and tradition depicting the religion all the way.
Manaslu was first climbed in 1956 by a Japanese team. Along with the adventurous expedition to the summit, Manaslu region also offers variety of trekking options. Another interesting thing is Manaslu is a conservation area with a basic objective: To conserve and sustainable management of natural resources and rich cultural heritage and to promote ecotourism to improve livelihood of local people in Makalu Conservation Area region.
Annapurna I
Annapurna I is the tenth tallest peak in the world at 8,091 meters as a part of Annapurna massif. Annapurna region is the classic and legendary trekking zone of Nepal with thirteen peaks over 7,000 meters, sixteen more over 6,000 meters and one, the Annapurna I itself over 3,000 meters.
Along with the irresistible beauty of Himalayas, the lush and delightful forest, beautiful farmland, diverse scenery including mountains and lowlands, cultural exposure of various ethnic communities has made the area one of the most pleasing treks in the world.
First climbed on 1950, Annapurna I is also the first eight-thousander peak to be climbed. The peak and the entire massif is within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), where Annapurna Conservation Area Project works to conserve natural resources of ACA, to bring sustainable socio-economic development in local community and to develop tourism while minimizing negative impact on environment.
