Nepal Officially Adds Six New 8000m Peaks, Total Now 14 (2025)

published on: 14th Dec, 2025

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8000m

Nepal Officially Adds Six New 8000m Peaks to Its Official List, Total Now 14

Nepal has long been celebrated as the home of the world’s highest mountains, and in 2025 the country’s government has dramatically expanded its official peak profile. The Department of Tourism has updated its records to include 14 mountains over 8,000 meters, up from eight in the past. This landmark announcement recognizes six new Himalayan peaks (all sub summits of Kanchenjunga and Lhotse) as eight-thousands in Nepal’s registry. Although these peaks are not yet on the global UIAA list, their inclusion in Nepal’s official tally means mountaineers and trekkers now have even more high-altitude challenges to pursue in Nepal.

The Six Newly Recognized 8000m Peaks

According to Nepal’s official peak profile, the six new eight-thousanders are:

Yalung Khang (8,505 m) - a sub peak on the Kanchenjunga massif in eastern Nepal.
Yalung Khang West (8,077 m) - another Kanchenjunga range summit, rarely climbed.
Kanchenjunga Central (8,473 m) - a central shoulder of Kanchenjunga.
Kanchenjunga South (8,476 m) - the southern sub summit of Kanchenjunga.
Lhotse Middle (8,410 m) - an intermediate peak on the Lhotse ridge near Everest.
Lhotse Shar (8,400 m) - a subsidiary summit of Lhotse (4th highest peak) in the Everest region.

Four of these the two Yalung Khang peaks and both Kanchenjunga sub-peaks lie on the Kanchenjunga massif, while Lhotse Middle and Lhotse Shar are part of the Lhotse-Everest complex. With their addition, Nepal’s official count of eight-thousanders (highest mountains) rises to 14. For context, Nepal’s original list of international eight thousanders includes Everest (8,848.86m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,163m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). The new six peaks are not yet recognized by the UIAA (the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation), which is the IOC-endorsed body for mountaineering standards. Nepal’s Tourism Department has stated it will submit the updated list to the UIAA for official global recognition. Once approved, Nepal will become the nation with the highest number of 8000m peaks, surpassing all others (for example, Pakistan has five, China one)

Impact on Climbers and Adventure Tourism

This historic update carries big implications for adventure travelers and expedition operators. Nepal’s eight-thousand peaks already draw thousands of climbers every year. In 2023 alone, Nepal issued over 2,500 climbing permits (bringing in nearly Rs850 million in revenue). Adding six more official 8000m peaks can boost this further, as mountaineers worldwide may plan new expeditions to “complete Nepal’s 14 highest summits.” Even without UIAA status, these peaks can be climbed under Nepal’s permit system, and guides are updating routes.

For trekkers and climbers, Nepal’s high-mountain regions become even more enticing. The Kanchenjunga region (home to four of the new peaks) already features award-winning treks. For example, our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek offers views of the entire massif, and could serve as an approach for Yalung Khang or Kanchenjunga Central expeditions. Similarly, the Everest region (Lhotse Middle/Shar) is accessible via the classic Everest Base Camp Trek and Lhotse Expedition routes. Mountaineering operators are now eyeing specialized climbs: new expedition packages to Yalung Khang West or Lhotse Shar are in the works. Even trekkers in the Annapurna area can appreciate Nepal’s updated mountain prestige, as the blogosphere buzzes with “14 x 8000m mountain challenge” stories.

To make the most of Nepal’s high-altitude offerings, travelers should book with experienced agencies. We recommend:

Everest Base Camp Trek – Iconic trek beneath Everest and Lhotse.
Kanchenjunga Expedition – Summit challenge or Base Camp trek in the Kanchenjunga region.
Lhotse Peak Climbing – Climb the world’s 4th highest mountain with expert guides.
14-Peak 8000m Challenge Package – Ambitious expedition to attempt all Nepal 8000m summits (future package).

Our site offers custom Nepal expedition & trekking packages that cover these legendary peaks. Whether you dream of the summit or the base camp, expert guides, technical gear, and high quality logistics will be arranged. Nepal’s mountain communities (Sherpas, Tibetan influenced peoples) are ready to support your adventure with local knowledge and hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the six new 8000m peaks added by Nepal?
A: Nepal’s Department of Tourism has officially listed these six peaks as part of its 14 “above 8000m” mountains: Yalung Khang (8505m), Yalung Khang West (8077m), Kanchenjunga Central (8473m), Kanchenjunga South (8476m), Lhotse Middle (8410m) and Lhotse Shar (8400m). All are sub-peaks of the Kanchenjunga or Lhotse massifs.

Q: Is Nepal now the country with 14 eight-thousanders?
A: Yes – with these additions, Nepal officially has 14 peaks above 8000m, more than any other country. (For comparison, Pakistan’s K2 and related peaks total five, and China has one at Shishapangma.)

Q: Are the new peaks recognized internationally as 8000m mountains?
A: Not yet. The UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) must approve Nepal’s revised list for global recognition. Nepal is preparing documentation and will submit the six new peaks to the UIAA. Once approved, the world’s climbing records will count these as official eight-thousanders.

Q: What does this mean for climbers and trekkers?
A: For mountaineers, this opens fresh summit goals. Early permits and routes are being organized for the new peaks. Trekkers benefit indirectly: the Kanchenjunga and Everest region trails gain prestige and interest. Many adventure travelers also use this news to plan combination trips (e.g. Everest Base Camp + Kanchenjunga trek). Tourism agencies are highlighting special 8000m peak expeditions (see our package links above), and local communities stand to gain more visitors and economic opportunity.

Q: How can I book an expedition to one of these new peaks?
A: You can inquire through our Expedition Inquiry Form or contact our offices. We offer guided climbs and treks to Nepal’s highest mountains. For example, our Kanchenjunga Expedition can be tailored to include Lhotse Shar or Yalung Khang objectives, and our Everest Expedition packages cover Lhotse Middle. All climbs use licensed guides and Sherpa support. Get in touch to customize your adventure on Nepal’s giants!

Ready to conquer Nepal’s newly recognized eight thousanders? Book your expedition now or contact us for a personalized adventure plan. Our expert team can tailor a trekking or climbing package from Everest and Kanchenjunga to any of the 14 highest peaks, that fits your experience level and dreams. Don’t miss this historic moment in Himalayan climbing: let’s start planning your next big adventure in Nepal’s towering peaks today!

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