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Regd No: 155
Published Sun, Feb 2, 2025
Nepal, a global hub for mountaineering, has officially updated its list of eight-thousanders, increasing the count from eight to fourteen. This milestone not only reaffirms Nepal’s status as the land of the Himalayas but also holds significant implications for tourism, economy, and international recognition.
The Department of Tourism has formally added six new peaks above 8,000 meters to Nepal’s official list:
Four of these peaks are part of the Kanchenjunga range, while two belong to the Lhotse range. These additions highlight Nepal’s ongoing efforts to document and categorize its majestic peaks more accurately.
Prior to this update, Nepal was already home to some of the most celebrated mountains in the world. The previously recognized eight-thousanders are:
With the inclusion of six more peaks, Nepal now boasts the highest number of officially recognized eight-thousanders in the world.
While Nepal has officially recognized the new peaks, global validation remains pending. The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) must approve these peaks for them to gain worldwide recognition.
The Department of Tourism, alongside the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), has been actively working to compile scientific and technical data to present the revised list to international bodies. This effort is crucial in ensuring that Nepal’s updated peak list gains acceptance within the global mountaineering community.
The classification of these peaks as separate eight-thousanders follows stringent mountaineering criteria. A peak is typically considered independent if the distance (lowest point between two peaks) is at least 500 meters. and if the peak has a distinct climbing route that differs from its neighboring peaks.
Over the past decade, experts have been conducting Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, surveys, and technical research to support Nepal’s claim. Various government entities, including the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, the Survey Department, and independent mountaineering professionals, have played a role in validating these findings.
The recognition of six new eight-thousanders is not only a matter of national pride but also holds immense potential for Nepal’s tourism sector. Mountaineering is a major revenue generator for Nepal, with thousands of climbers visiting the country each year.
In 2023, Nepal issued over 2,500 climbing permits, generating nearly Rs 850 million in revenue. If the newly recognized peaks receive international approval, Nepal could attract even more climbers looking to set records or achieve new milestones. As Nepal’s adventure tourism continues to grow, proper regulation and sustainable mountaineering practices will be essential to preserving the pristine beauty of these mountains.
The recognition of these new peaks is the result of over a decade of research and discussions. The process began in 2013, when a committee led by Purna Chandra Bhattarai submitted a detailed report recommending the inclusion of these six additional peaks.
In 2014, a peak profile preparation committee was formed under the Department of Tourism, which later established a sub-committee led by Ang Tshering Sherpa, former NMA president. This committee worked in collaboration with experts, government bodies, and security forces to verify the findings. A technical working group chaired by Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, a renowned border expert, further validated the GIS and mapping data.
Despite government approval, Nepal still faces challenges in securing international recognition. The UIAA’s Agura Project, which was initiated in 2013 to review peaks above 8,000 meters, initially recommended Nepal’s newly identified peaks for inclusion. However, due to natural disasters such as the 2015 earthquake, the process was delayed.
Nepal is now actively engaging with international mountaineering organizations to push for final approval. Once these peaks receive global recognition, Nepal will solidify its position as the ultimate destination for high-altitude climbing.
The official recognition of 14 eight-thousanders marks a historic milestone for Nepal’s mountaineering community. If the newly added peaks receive international acceptance, Nepal will further cement its reputation as a global leader in adventure tourism.
While challenges remain, the country’s dedication to validating its mountain heritage will contribute significantly to the growth of mountaineering and tourism, ultimately benefiting Nepal’s economy and the livelihoods of thousands of tourism workers.
