Nepal Seeks International Recognition for Six More 8,000-Metre Peaks

The Government of Nepal has taken steps to secure international recognition for six additional mountains above 8,000 metres, according to officials and mountaineering bodies.

The Department of Tourism and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) are currently preparing documentation and completing required procedures to seek international recognition for the peaks.

Nepal is currently home to eight of the world’s 14 internationally recognised 8,000-metre peaks. The government has identified six additional peaks within Nepal’s boundaries that exceed 8,000 metres, but they have not yet received international recognition. Officials and stakeholders say such recognition could further boost the country’s tourism sector.

The Department of Tourism said it plans to formally present Nepal’s claim for international recognition at the General Assembly of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), scheduled to be held in Kathmandu in upcoming October.

Director General at the Department of Tourism, Ram Krishna Lamichhane, said the government has so far officially recognised only eight peaks as exceeding 8,000 metres, while studies are under way to grant formal recognition to the other six.

“The Nepal Peak Profile prepared by the government itself includes 14 mountains in Nepal that rise above 8,000 metres,” Lamichhane said, adding that the Nepal Mountaineering Association is carrying out the detailed work needed to secure international recognition for the additional peaks.

The UIAA, which oversees global mountaineering standards, regulations, and equipment guidelines, currently recognises eight Nepali mountains as exceeding 8,000 metres.

According to the Nepal Mountaineering Association, the six additional peaks are Yalung Kang, Kangchenjunga Central, Kangchenjunga South, Lhotse Middle, Lhotse Shar, and Yalung Kang West.

NMA President Phurba Gyalje Sherpa said documentation work is under way to establish the identity of the six peaks and secure their international recognition. He said the government has already confirmed the presence of 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in Nepal and has been issuing climbing permits for all of them.

“However, the international mountaineering community currently recognises only eight peaks in Nepal as exceeding 8,000 metres,” Sherpa said. “If all 14 receive international recognition, the total number of 8,000-metre peaks worldwide would rise to 20, with Nepal alone accounting for 14.”