Of course, there’s nothing like summiting the world’s highest mountain, but not everyone can conquer it. With towering seracs and glaciers, it’s hard to beat the trails of Everest and sometimes impossible. Nevertheless, for mountaineers trekking in the Himalayas, it’s the least of their concerns.
With more than hundreds of mountains to choose from, trekkers won’t have a tough time finding their best bet. Almost 72 mountains with a height of 7,000 meters and above are open for climbers to ascend. But remember that all of these mountains are pretty vicious with sheer glaciers, steep ice ridge, and crevasse.
Poor weather conditions and low temperature add more to the difficulty level and makes the climb even worse. The steep trails walking over rocks and boulders bother the hikers, but it also brings out the best in them.
Climbers have to be extra cautious while choosing 7000m climbing peaks in Nepal to pull off the excursion and witness spectacular views. Altitude sickness and bitter weather are often the cause for trekkers to abandon the hike.
It’s perhaps the reason why most mountaineers choose peaks slightly smaller than Mt. Everest before trying the giant itself. They prefer to climb some of Nepal’s most popular climbing peaks, which comes with an impressive view of glistening mountains, glacial lakes, deep gorges, and valleys.
How to prepare for 7000m climbing peaks in Nepal?
Climbing mountains will never be easy, no matter what the elevation and trek length are. Mountaineers have to push their way to surmount the steep trails and reach the crest of the peak. Hence, trekkers need to indulge in a hardcore workout and training to keep themself fit.
Physical fitness is quite important while climbing mountains; otherwise, it’s impossible to put up with the trail. Therefore, hikers must take enough time to improve their stamina before signing up for 7000m climbing peaks Nepal.
To increase endurance, you must do cardio exercises, including squat jumps, running, and aerobics. Backpack trekking both long and short distances is helpful to beat the rugged terrains of the Himalayas.
Altitude sickness is a common problem during any 7000m climbing peaks Nepal. Hence, you have to take precautions while climbing the mountain and follow the instructions of your guide. Apart from the training and diet, climbers will also have to follow the following steps to ascend the mountain successfully.
Step 1:
The first thing trekkers must do before deciding which mountains to head for is to assess their current fitness level. Based on it, they can figure out which climbing peak is more accessible and has fewer technical difficulties. The challenges you’ll face depends on the mountain you pick; therefore, it’s better to do some research.
Step 2:
After determining which mountain to climb, you have to learn about the trails and the possible challenges during the trek. You also have to analyse the effect of high altitude on the human body. It’s evident that the higher you go, the more likely you’re to suffer from altitude sickness, especially above 5000m. Hence, you need to acclimatise and take enough rest before climbing higher elevation.
Step 3:
Taking 7000m climbing peaks Nepal is not a walk in the park. Therefore, mountaineers will have to train their bodies accordingly to resist the altitude and climate. Improving physical strength is a must to stand the rough terrain of the mountains. It’s for which trekkers must spend enough time in the gym and work on their physique. Aerobic exercise works tremendously well in increasing the physical resistance of hikers.
Step 4:
Besides physical strength, trekkers have to choose the trek guide who can lead them to the mountain. They’ll also have to take preventive measures to avoid altitude sickness. If needed, they’ll have to carry supplemental oxygen and take medical aid.
Step 5:
Lastly, trekkers will have to get all the needed trekking essentials to help them climb the mountain. It includes gears like crampons, ice axe, trekking poles, and mountaineering boots which are easy to walk in the snow.
7000m climbing peaks Nepal
An abode of the Himalayas, Nepal has dozens of mountains to offer for trekking, but not all are for amateurs. Apart from that, it’s hard to choose between all these mountains. Therefore, we offer you some of the most popular 7000m climbing peaks in Nepal.
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1. Khangsar Kang
Maximum Altitude: 7,485 meters
No. of days: 30-35 days
Trekking hrs per day: 4-5 hrs
Difficulty level: Challenging
Khangsar Kang is indeed one of the most challenging yet accessible mountains in Nepal. Provided the difficulties, Kang is relatively less trekked as compared to other mountains. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be conquered. With the necessary precautions and preparations, hikers can quietly ascend the mountain.
It takes almost over a month to climb the peak and witness the breathtaking views from the atop. Climbers are supposed to walk almost 4-5 hours each day on the rugged trail to Thorong La before taking on the ice slopes and glaciers.
More info about the route:
Like Tilicho, Khangsar Kang also takes a drive to Chamje from Kathmandu and walks the trail along the bank of the Trishuli River. It then passes through several villages such as Bagarchhap, Chame, and Pisang.
During the excursion, hikers can catch an astounding view of the Marsyangdi River, stunning Tibetan villages, and monasteries. To minimise the hazard of altitude sickness, trekkers will acclimatise at Manang and then ascend the snow peak.
Unlike base camp, the trek to Khangsar Kang is appalling with rugged trails and steep ice ridge. Trekkers have to be careful while walking the trail to the mountain covered in snow. Atop the peak, hikers will get an overwhelming view of Annapurna ranges, Tilicho Peak, and Gangapurna.
2. Gangapurna
Maximum Altitude: 7,454 meters
No. of days: 36-38 days
Trekking hrs per day: 5-6 hrs per day
Difficulty level: Moderate
Gangapurna is one of the most stunning as well as demanding 7000m climbing peaks in Nepal. The mountain is quite savage, with innumerable difficulties to overcome before climbers finally reach the summit. Fortunately, the reward for such a gruelling walk is satisfying with the exquisite scenery of Annapurna Himalayan ranges. The major draw of the trek is Gangapurna Icefall, emerald lakes, and rock cliffs.
More info about the route
Starting from Kathmandu, the Gangapurna expedition calls for a picturesque drive to Chamje. From there, you’ll begin hiking to Manang off a hillside and over rocky terrain. The trail runs through villages of Dharapani and Pisang, which are mostly rough.
As the paths are filled with rocks and boulders, mountaineers will have a hard time coming off the Gangapurna Base Camp. There onwards, the trek takes 18 days to reach the summit and glance at the mesmerising vista of Annapurna, Chulu West Peak, Thorung Peak and more.
The weather is terrible at the top, with a frigid atmosphere that’s hard to defy for anyone. The reduced oxygen level and temperature make it hard for climbers to stay too long. Therefore, they’ll have to descend the mountain as soon as the sightseeing is done.
3. Tilicho Peak
Maximum Altitude: 7,134 meters
No. of days: 30-36 days
Trekking hrs per day: 4-5 hours per day
Difficulty level: Challenging
At 23,405 ft, Tilicho Peak is another exhilarating mountain to climb with a fair share of difficulties. It’s not as underrated as other snow peaks, with climbers often ascending the mountain to watch the panoramic view of Tilicho Lake. Climbing the mountain requires 30-36 days, passing several villages, steep-sided valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
More info about the route
Tilicho Peak trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Chamje, which provides a lovely view of lustrous green hills, remote settlements, and Chortens. However, the actual trek to Tilicho begins from Chamje and proceeds to Bagarchhap and Chame.
The walk offers a fabulous view of lush green hills, rock clifftops, wild forests, and beautiful valleys. As the trail heads to Pisang, trekkers will experience low atmospheric pressure, due to which most of them acclimatise at Manaf.
From there, the trail climbs up the mountain over a snowy ridge and glacier, which needs a solid trek rope. Walking the never-ending path of Tilicho Peak is undoubtedly stressful, especially with the zigzagged terrains.
Due to the unpredictable weather, trekkers will have to be highly cautious while climbing the snow peak. After the exploration, you’ll retrace the steps back to base camp and return to Khangsar.
4. Putha Hiunchuli
Maximum Altitude: 7,246 meters
No. of days: 33-35 days
Trekking hrs per day: 5-6 hrs
Difficulty level: Challenging
There are only a few 7000m climbing peaks in Nepal that can defy the splendour of Putha Hiunchuli. The peak is one of the most vicious yet exhilarating mountains to climb with drop-dead sceneries of sweeping hills, glistening mountains, and glacial lakes.
Roosted in the far west of the Dhaulagiri range, Putha is sheer beauty with diverse landscapes, rugged cliffs, and valleys. The mountain is technically challenging with a steep ridge and snowy trail. The major highlight of the Putha Hiunchuli trek is the sensational view of Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna South.
More info about the route
Putha Hiunchuli trek sets off with a flight to Juphal via Nepalgunj and trek to Dunai. Trekkers also have an option to take a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and arrive at Beni from where the actual trek starts.
From Dunai, climbers head towards Putha Phedi, passing Musi Khola, Kakkotgoan and finally Yak Kharka. On the way, you’ll get an imposing view of glistening mountains, wild forests, deep valleys, and gorges.
After Putha, the trail ascends Putha Hiunchuli walking over a snowy trail that can often cause frostbite to trekkers. Hence, they’ll need sturdy mountaineering boots along with crampons to get the grip. At the summit, they’ll get to catch a view of shimmering mountains, sweeping landscapes, and loose glaciers.
5. Himlung Expedition
Maximum Altitude: 7,126 meters
No. of days: 30-32 days
Trekking hrs per day: 5-6 hrs
Difficulty level: Challenging
White towering mountains, rocky hills, and shimmering glaciers that’s what Himlung treats its visitors with. The expedition comes with splendid views of deep valleys, rocky mountains, and terrace farms which keep you busy along the way.
It doesn’t take away the fact that the mountain is still one of the most difficult ones with long winding trails that are quite intense. Trekkers have to walk an average of 5-6 hours for nearly two weeks before finally glancing at the soul-stirring view of Annapurna and Manaslu.
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Trek to Himlung starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by a long and tiring walk to Koto. It then progresses by finding a way up to Phu Gaon and Himlung Base Camp. Between the hike, mountaineers will acclimatise in the village to adapt to the temperature and avoid altitude sickness.
They’ll also pass the roaring Murju Khola and Lyapche Glacier through Singenge. In the following days, trekkers will spend time training and gently climbing the ice cliffs to Himlung Himal. The entire trek takes around 11-13 days, during which mountaineers will scramble the ice cliffs and glaciers using crampons to arrive at the zenith.
After taking up the summit, you’ll be blessed with the jaw-dropping view of the Gangapurna, Manaslu, and Annapurna range. After exploring the landscapes, trekkers will descend the trail to Phu Gaon, where they’ll have lunch. In the subsequent days, they’ll walk to Besisahar via Meta and Koto and eventually drive back to Kathmandu.
6. Baruntse Expedition
Maximum Altitude: 7,129 meters
Days required: 36-38 days
Trekking hrs per day: 4-5 hours per day
Difficulty level: Challenging
No doubt, Baruntse mountain is impressive, with a terrific view of Makalu and Nuptse. But, the difficulties to climb the mountain somewhere transcends the agitation. It’s truly a long journey to Baruntse as trekkers have to walk all day long for almost a month and sometimes even more.
With the mix of craggy terrains and steep hills, the trails are not easy to navigate. As the path ascends the way up to 7,129 meters, climbers are likely to suffer from extreme altitude sickness. The major highlight of the Baruntse expedition is the glorious view of Mera Peak along with the staggering glimpses of Hongu Valley.
More info about the route:
Mountaineers kick off their 7000m climbing peaks Nepal of Baruntse with a short flight to Lukla. From there, they start the actual trek over the jagged hill to Paiya and come across the Chhatra Khola via Pangoma.
The month-long trek has trekkers making stops at remote villages of Kothe, Thangnak, and Khare. After arriving at Mera Peak Base Camp, hikers will take a slow and steady walk to the high camp, followed by Baruntse Base Camp.
The trek gets arduous from the base camp with a continuous climb over the ice slopes to the mountain. The trek involves lots of technical difficulties, so mountaineers have to be extra careful, especially the sheer cliffs that can break anytime.
Once they reach the summit, climbers will get to witness the magnificent view of ceaseless Himalayan ranges. Once done with the sightseeing, you’ll descend the trail to Namche and then Lukla before finally taking the flight.
7. Pumori Peak
Maximum Altitude: 7,161 meters
Days required: 30-36 days
Trekking hrs per day: 4-5 hrs per day
Difficulty level: Challenging
Stradling in the border of Nepal and China in the Mahalangur range, Pumori is another exquisite 7000m climbing peak in Nepal. The peak is for die-hard mountaineers who possess technical skills and strength to walk the rough terrains. Needless to say, the excursion comes with an imposing view of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Everest.
More info about the route:
The trek to Pumori follows the same route as that of Everest. It begins with a picturesque flight to Lukla and passes through several villages, including Phakding and Dingboche. Most of the trails are steep and rugged, taking a lot of your time.
Acclimatisation is often done at Namche Bazaar to adapt to temperature and prevent altitude sickness. Hikers will walk up to the Everest Base Camp and seemingly climb Kala Patthar before heading to Pumori Base Camp. For the next two weeks and more, mountaineers will be climbing the peak over a sheer glacier and ice ridge.
Upon reaching the summit, they’ll be showered with the staggering view of mountains and glaciers. As soon as the sightseeing is finished, they’ll climb their way down through Khumbu trekking trails and take a flight back to Kathmandu.
8. Api Himal
Maximum Altitude: 7,126 meters
Days required: 27-36 days
Trekking hrs per day: 4-5 hrs per day
Difficulty level: Challenging
With an elevation of 7,126 meters, Api is definitely not an easy walk. It takes a lot of time and endurance to reach the summit. Nonetheless, once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with an eye-striking view of mountain ranges. The mountain is technically difficult, with steep hills and off the beaten tracks. But thanks to the fabulous view of glimmering lakes, rolling landscapes, and towering cliffs.
More info about the route
Trek to Api Himal is somewhat tricky with endless rugged terrain that goes all the way up to 23,300 ft. high. It has mountaineers work their way from Gokulshwor to Makarighat, journeying through Karkale and Chureni.
Leaving behind the impressive scenery of Simar and Dhaulo Odar, the trail heads towards the base camp. Out of here, the path is harsh, with a rough track that climbs uphill on a snow-covered trail. On the bright side, you’ll get an incredible view of Tibetan monasteries, glacial lakes and sky-high snow peaks.
Due to the steepness and falling rocks, climbing Api is relatively more complex than other treks. Mountaineers will have to be careful while walking the glaciers and steep ridge. They’ll also need a lot of physical stamina to ascend the mountain and reach the summit.
9. Nuptse Expedition
Maximum Altitude: 7,855 meters
Days required: 39-41 days
Trekking hrs per day: 4-5 hrs per day
Difficulty level: Challenging
There’s something unique about Nuptse that makes hikers take on the mountain repeatedly despite the difficulties. Climbers from around the globe ascend the mountain during peak trekking season to avoid the nasty weather. The expedition offers them magnificent glimpses of Cho Oyu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and Baruntse. The famous Khumbu trekking trail also takes climbers through the villages of Namche and Tengboche.
More info about the route
Khumbu’s precious jewel, Nuptse, is not just any other mountain. It’s the most brutal 7000m snow peaks of all with the meandering trail from Lukla. Trekkers will have to follow the steep hills and walk from the valley’s edge to make it to the base camp.
The path has them passing through the village of Namche and ascending the sloppy terrain to Tengboche. From base camp, the trail goes over a moraine of Khumbu Glacier and climbs to the mountain. The trek takes almost 14 days to mount under the guidance of Sherpas.
To descend the snow peak, you’ll need another week or so. The trail walks down the way to Lukla via Lobuche and Pangboche. From there, you’ll take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
10. Saipal
Maximum Altitude: 7,031 meters
Days required: 26-37 days
Trekking hrs per day: 4-5 hrs per day
Difficulty level: Challenging
One of the most popular 7000m climbing peaks in Nepal, Saipal is enchanting with terrific scenery en route. The mountain is intricate to climb at times but with the help of a trekking guide and required preparations, Saipal can be ascended. There are lots of technical parts where mountaineers will have to be careful, but other than that, the trek is a smooth sail.
More info about the route:
Nestled at the northwest Humla in the Himalayas, Saipal is the most thrilling 7000m climbing peak in Nepal. The trek is definitely not a smooth sail, especially after Chainpur from where the trail runs. It further stretches to Talkot and passes Jima and Panthera to reach High Camp.
Trekkers acclimatise here for about a day and then begin climbing the peak, taking 15-16 days. They’ll be exposed to rough and craggy trails with an icy ridge during the expedition, which is a bit tough to ascend.
Upon climbing the mountain, trekkers will get the soul-stirring view of glistening Nampa, lofty highlands, and valleys. The descent from Saipal is relatively easy, with most of the trail running downhill to high camp. After reaching Nepalgunj, you’ll take a flight back to Kathmandu.
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