When it comes to mountains, there’s a special club where only the giants belong—those that rise above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet). Known as the eight-thousanders, there are only 14 of these mountains in the entire world, and Nepal is home to 8 of them.
Let’s take a journey across the rooftop of the world and get to know these incredible peaks.
1. Mount Everest (8,848.86 m)
Let’s start with the king. Everest, or Sagarmatha in Nepali, is the highest point on Earth.
Located on the Nepal-Tibet border, it has become a dream for mountaineers and trekkers alike. Reaching Everest Base Camp is already a life-changing experience, offering dramatic landscapes, Sherpa culture, and the feeling of standing at the gateway to the sky.
2. K2 (8,611 m)
Known as the “Savage Mountain,” K2 is the second highest peak, located on the
Pakistan-China border. Unlike Everest, K2 is steeper, deadlier, and far less climbed. It demands skill, patience, and luck.
3. Kangchenjunga (8,586 m)
Straddling the border between Nepal and India, Kangchenjunga is Nepal’s second-highest and the world’s third. Sacred to locals and less frequented than Everest, its remote trails pass through pristine forests, glacial rivers, and peaceful villages.
4. Lhotse (8,516 m)
Sharing much of the same route as Everest, Lhotse is Everest’s quieter sibling. Its dramatic South Face is among the steepest walls in the Himalayas, making it a favorite for serious climbers. It’s so close to Everest that trekkers to Base Camp are often just a stone’s throw from Lhotse too.
5. Makalu (8,485 m)
Famous for its pyramid-like shape, Makalu sits near Everest and Lhotse but is far less visited. Its remote location and technical challenges make it one of the harder climbs. But those who venture there are rewarded with untouched wilderness and raw beauty.
6. Cho Oyu (8,188 m)
Known as the “easiest” eight-thousander (though none are truly easy), Cho Oyu lies near the Nangpa La pass between Nepal and Tibet. It’s often used by mountaineers preparing for Everest, and its slopes offer stunning views of the Khumbu region.
7. Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m)
Massive and bold, Dhaulagiri dominates the western skyline of Nepal. It means “White Mountain,” and its trek is known for being remote, wild, and truly off the beaten path. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a hidden gem for hardcore adventurers.
8. Manaslu (8,163 m)
Located in central Nepal, Manaslu offers one of the best trekking circuits in the country. Its name means “Mountain of the Spirit,” and it delivers a raw, culturally rich experience with fewer crowds than Annapurna or Everest.
9. Nanga Parbat (8,126 m)
Found in Pakistan, Nanga Parbat has a reputation for being unforgiving. It was nicknamed the “Killer Mountain” for its deadly climbing history. Still, its Rupal Face is one of the most spectacular mountain walls on Earth.
10. Annapurna I (8,091 m)
Annapurna might not be as tall as Everest, but it’s known for being even more dangerous. The surrounding Annapurna region, however, is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking areas. From the Annapurna Base Camp trek to the full Annapurna Circuit, the views and hospitality here are unforgettable.
11. Gasherbrum I (8,080 m)
Part of the Karakoram range in Pakistan, Gasherbrum I is sometimes called Hidden Peak. It’s remote, less climbed, and a real test for climbers seeking isolation and challenge.
12. Broad Peak (8,051 m)
Located close to K2, Broad Peak gets its name from its massive summit ridge that stretches over 1.5 kilometers. It’s beautiful, imposing, and often climbed as a warm-up to K2.
13. Gasherbrum II (8,035 m)
Just like its sibling, Gasherbrum II is part of the same mountain group in Pakistan. It’s among the more “accessible” 8,000-meter peaks and is popular among mountaineers trying to tick off their first eight-thousander.
14. Shishapangma (8,027 m)
The only eight-thousander located entirely within Tibet, Shishapangma is also the smallest of the 14. While it doesn’t share the fame of Everest or K2, it still rises above 8,000 meters—and that’s no small feat.
Nepal’s Crown: 8 of the 14 Giants
Nepal proudly holds eight of these fourteen mountains within or along its borders. This makes the country one of the top destinations on the planet for trekkers, climbers, and lovers of high places.
Each of these peaks tells a different story. Some are bold and brutal, others spiritual and silent. But they all remind us of the incredible scale and mystery of nature.
Whether you’re standing at Base Camp or just gazing from afar, these mountains have a way of making you feel small in the best possible way.
