Top 10 Trekking Peaks In Nepal: Facts, Highlights & Climbing Guide

Nepal's Most Climbed Trekking Peaks at a Glance

Island Peak, Mera Peak and Lobuche East are the three most climbed trekking peaks in Nepal, together drawing several thousand climbers every year. All ten peaks below sit between 5,500 m and 6,600 m, are managed under the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) permit system, and are climbed with a licensed climbing guide.

A trekking peak combines a classic Himalayan trek with a short, guided summit climb. Most need basic skills with crampons, an ice axe, fixed ropes and a jumar, plus good fitness and proper acclimatization. They are the natural next step for trekkers who have done Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.

Rank	Peak	Height	Region	Approx. climbers per year	Difficulty (Alpine grade)	Typical trip length
1	Island Peak (Imja Tse)	6,189 m	Everest	2,000–3,000	PD+	15–19 days
2	Mera Peak	6,476 m	Everest (Hinku)	1,200–2,000	F / PD	16–20 days
3	Lobuche East	6,119 m	Everest (Khumbu)	1,000–1,500	PD+ / AD-	15–18 days
4	Yala Peak	5,500 m	Langtang	300–600	F+	10–13 days
5	Pisang Peak	6,091 m	Annapurna (Manang)	200–400	PD+	15–18 days
6	Chulu West & East	6,419 m / 6,584 m	Annapurna (Manang)	200–400 combined	PD / AD	17–20 days
7	Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak)	5,663 m	Annapurna Sanctuary	150–300	F / PD	12–15 days
8	Pokalde (Dolma Ri)	5,806 m	Everest (Kongma La)	100–200	F / PD	14–17 days
9	Larkya Peak	6,249 m	Manaslu	50–150	PD	18–21 days
10	Kyajo Ri	6,186 m	Everest (Gokyo valley)	50–150	AD	16–18 days

Climber numbers are approximate estimates based on long-term trends and operator experience; the NMA does not publish an easy annual breakdown per peak. Grades use the Alpine system: F = easy, PD = moderately difficult, AD = fairly difficult.

1. Island Peak (Imja Tse) — 6,189 m

Island Peak is Nepal's most climbed trekking peak and the classic first 6,000 m summit. It rises from the Imja Valley above Chhukung, where it looks like an island in a sea of ice, which is how Eric Shipton's 1951 team named it.

Fact	Detail
Height	6,189 m (20,305 ft)
Region	Everest (Khumbu), Sagarmatha National Park
Grade	PD+ (moderately difficult)
Start / end	Lukla (2,860 m)
Base Camp	~5,087 m
High Camp (optional)	~5,600 m
Trip length	15–19 days
Summit day	10–14 hours round trip
Best seasons	April–May, October–November
First ascent	1953, by members of the British Everest expedition, including Tenzing Norgay
Approx. climbers per year	2,000–3,000

Highlights

• Combines easily with Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar or the Three Passes trek
• Summit views of Lhotse's 3,000 m south face, Makalu, Baruntse and Ama Dablam
• A real taste of mountaineering: glacier travel, ladder crossings and a fixed-rope headwall
• Well-supported route with good lodges up to Chhukung

Climbing brief

Most itineraries follow the EBC trail through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche, then turn east to Chhukung. Many groups climb EBC and Kala Patthar first to acclimatize before crossing to Island Peak Base Camp.

Summit day usually starts around 1–2 am. A rocky gully leads to the glacier, where climbers rope up and cross crevasses, sometimes on ladders. The crux is a 100–150 m snow and ice headwall of about 45–50°, climbed on fixed rope with a jumar. A narrow, exposed ridge then leads to the summit.

Climbers need to be comfortable with crampons, an ice axe, jumaring and abseiling. A pre-climb training day at base camp is standard.

2. Mera Peak — 6,476 m

Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal and technically the easiest of the big three. Its summit shows five of the world's six highest mountains, which makes it one of the best viewpoints in the Himalaya.

Fact	Detail
Height	6,476 m (21,247 ft), Mera Central
Region	Hinku Valley, Makalu-Barun / Everest region
Grade	F / PD (easy to moderately difficult)
Start / end	Lukla (2,860 m)
Key pass	Zatrwa La (~4,610 m)
Base Camp	Khare (~5,045 m)
High Camp	~5,780 m
Trip length	16–20 days
Summit day	8–10 hours round trip
Best seasons	April–May, October–November
First ascent	1953, Col. Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing
Approx. climbers per year	1,200–2,000

Highlights

• Highest trekking peak in Nepal
• Summit views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga
• Remote, quieter Hinku Valley with forests, yak pastures and few crowds
• Non-technical glacier climb, ideal preparation for 7,000 m and 8,000 m peaks

Climbing brief

From Lukla, the route crosses the Zatrwa La into the Hinku Valley, then climbs gently through Kothe and Thangnak to Khare. The fast route over Zatrwa La gains height quickly, so a longer approach through Pangom or extra rest days is safer.

The climb itself is a long, steady glacier walk on moderate snow slopes. Climbers rope up above Mera La and head to high camp on a rock band at about 5,780 m. Summit day is a gentle but tiring snow plod, with a short steeper section near the top that may need a fixed rope.

The real challenge on Mera is altitude, not technique. Good acclimatization, cold-weather gear and steady fitness matter more than climbing skill.

3. Lobuche East — 6,119 m

Lobuche East is the most technical of Nepal's three popular Everest-region peaks. It rises directly above the Khumbu Glacier, and many Everest expedition teams climb it for acclimatization before their main climb.

Fact	Detail
Height	6,119 m (20,075 ft)
Region	Everest (Khumbu), near Lobuche village
Grade	PD+ / AD- (moderately to fairly difficult)
Start / end	Lukla (2,860 m)
Base Camp	~4,950 m
High Camp	~5,400 m
Trip length	15–18 days
Summit day	10–12 hours round trip
Best seasons	April–May, October–November
First ascent	1984, Laurence Nielson and Ang Gyalzen Sherpa
Approx. climbers per year	1,000–1,500

Highlights

• Close-up summit views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam and Cho Oyu
• Easy to add to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar or Gokyo and Cho La itineraries
• A true alpine experience with rock, snow, ice and exposed ridge sections
• A recognized training peak for future Everest and 8,000 m climbers

Climbing brief

The trek follows the EBC trail to Lobuche village, often with EBC and Kala Patthar done first for acclimatization. Base camp sits a short walk from Lobuche, with high camp on rocky slabs above it.

Summit day begins with rock slabs and scrambling up to the glacier. From there, climbers follow fixed ropes up steep snow and ice slopes of about 45–50°, then a narrow, exposed summit ridge. Most commercial teams stop at the false summit, which is still above 6,000 m; the true summit needs a more exposed traverse.

Climbers should be confident on fixed ropes, with a jumar and abseil device, and comfortable with exposure. Previous experience on Island Peak or similar is a strong advantage.

4. Yala Peak — 5,500 m

Yala Peak is the best beginner trekking peak close to Kathmandu. It sits in the Langtang Valley, needs no flight, and fits into under two weeks.

Fact	Detail
Height	5,500 m (18,045 ft)
Region	Langtang National Park
Grade	F+ (easy)
Start / end	Syabrubesi (~1,460 m), 7–8 hours' drive from Kathmandu
Main village	Kyanjin Gompa (~3,870 m)
Base Camp	~4,600 m
Trip length	10–13 days
Summit day	7–9 hours round trip
Best seasons	March–May, October–November
Approx. climbers per year	300–600

Highlights

• Reached by road, with no Lukla flight needed
• Summit views of Shishapangma (8,027 m) in Tibet, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa
• Rich Tamang culture, cheese factory and monastery at Kyanjin Gompa
• Short, affordable first summit for families and fit beginners

Climbing brief

The trek follows the Langtang River through forests and Tamang villages to Kyanjin Gompa. Most groups rest here and hike Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri for acclimatization.

From base camp, the summit day crosses rocky moraine and slabs, then a short snow slope to the top. Crampons are usually needed on the upper section, and a rope may be fixed in icy conditions. It is a good first peak for trekkers with no previous climbing experience.

5. Pisang Peak — 6,091 m

Pisang Peak is the most popular climbing add-on to the Annapurna Circuit. Its pyramid shape rises directly above Upper Pisang village in the Manang Valley.

Fact	Detail
Height	6,091 m (19,984 ft)
Region	Annapurna Conservation Area, Manang
Grade	PD+ (moderately difficult)
Start	Besisahar / Chame by road from Kathmandu
Main village	Upper Pisang (~3,300 m)
Base Camp	~4,380 m
High Camp	~5,400 m
Trip length	15–18 days (with Thorong La)
Summit day	8–10 hours round trip
Best seasons	April–May, October–November
First ascent	1955, German expedition led by J. Wellenkamp
Approx. climbers per year	200–400

Highlights

• Combines with the full Annapurna Circuit and Thorong La (5,416 m)
• Summit views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna and Manaslu
• Tibetan-style villages, monasteries and dry Manang landscapes
• Quieter than Everest-region peaks

Climbing brief

The approach follows the Annapurna Circuit up the Marsyangdi Valley to Pisang. From Upper Pisang, a steep trail climbs through pastures to base camp and on to high camp.

Summit day crosses a glacier and then a steep, sustained snow and ice slope of about 40–45° to the top, usually on fixed rope. The final slope can be icy and exposed, so crampon and jumar skills are essential. After the climb, most groups continue to Manang and over Thorong La to Muktinath.

6. Chulu West & Chulu East — 6,419 m / 6,584 m

The Chulu peaks are the bigger, more adventurous alternative to Pisang Peak on the Annapurna Circuit. Chulu East is usually the easier summit, while Chulu West is longer and more technical.

Fact	Chulu East	Chulu West
Height	6,584 m	6,419 m
Grade	PD	AD-
Region	Manang, Annapurna Conservation Area	Manang, Annapurna Conservation Area
Base Camp	~4,900 m (via Ngawal/Yak Kharka)	~5,300 m
High Camp	~5,300–5,500 m	~5,600 m
Trip length	17–20 days	18–21 days
Best seasons	April–May, October–November	April–May, October–November
Approx. climbers per year	200–400 across both peaks

Highlights

• Higher and less crowded than Pisang Peak, with a strong expedition feel
• Wide summit views of Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho and Manaslu
• Natural acclimatization along the Annapurna Circuit before the climb
• Can be finished by crossing Thorong La to Muktinath

Climbing brief

Both climbs branch off the Annapurna Circuit between Pisang and Manang, then head north into the Chulu massif. Plenty of time on the circuit helps with acclimatization before the summit push.

Chulu East usually involves glacier travel and snow slopes of about 35–45° with some fixed rope. Chulu West has steeper, more exposed sections, crevasses and a longer summit day. Both need solid crampon, ice axe and rope skills, and Chulu West suits climbers with previous 6,000 m experience.

7. Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak) — 5,663 m

Tharpu Chuli, known as Tent Peak, is the climbing peak inside the Annapurna Sanctuary. It is a short, scenic climb for trekkers doing the Annapurna Base Camp route.

Fact	Detail
Height	5,663 m (18,580 ft)
Region	Annapurna Sanctuary, Annapurna Conservation Area
Grade	F / PD (easy to moderately difficult)
Start / end	Pokhara, by road to Nayapul or Jhinu
Key stop	Annapurna Base Camp (~4,130 m)
Base Camp	~4,800 m
High Camp	~5,200 m
Trip length	12–15 days
Best seasons	April–May, October–November
Approx. climbers per year	150–300

Highlights

• Summit inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by 7,000 m and 8,000 m peaks
• Views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Gangapurna
• Gurung villages, rhododendron forests and hot springs at Jhinu
• Easy access from Pokhara with no domestic mountain flight

Climbing brief

The trek follows the ABC trail through Ghandruk or Ghorepani and Chhomrong to Annapurna Base Camp. From there, climbers cross the moraine to Tent Peak base camp and high camp.

Summit day crosses a glacier with some crevasses, then a moderate snow slope and a short ridge to the top. Fixed ropes are used where needed. It suits fit trekkers with basic crampon and rope training.

8. Pokalde (Dolma Ri) — 5,806 m

Pokalde is a short, rocky peak beside the Kongma La pass, and one of the easiest summits in the Everest region. It fits neatly into the Three Passes trek or as a warm-up before Island Peak or Lobuche East.

Fact	Detail
Height	5,806 m (19,049 ft)
Region	Everest (Khumbu), between Chhukung and Lobuche
Grade	F / PD (easy to moderately difficult)
Start / end	Lukla (2,860 m)
Nearby pass	Kongma La (~5,535 m)
Base Camp	~5,000 m, near Kongma La lakes
Trip length	14–17 days
Summit day	5–7 hours round trip
Best seasons	April–May, October–November
Approx. climbers per year	100–200

Highlights

• Pairs naturally with the Kongma La crossing on the Three Passes trek
• Close views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu and the Khumbu Glacier
• Short summit day, good as an acclimatization or warm-up climb
• Very quiet compared with Island Peak

Climbing brief

The approach follows the EBC trail to Dingboche and Chhukung, then climbs toward Kongma La. Base camp sits near the small glacial lakes below the pass.

The climb is mostly rock scrambling along a ridge, with little snow outside winter and spring. A short exposed section near the top may need a fixed rope. After the summit, groups cross Kongma La and descend to Lobuche to continue toward EBC.

9. Larkya Peak — 6,249 m

Larkya Peak is the climbing highlight of the Manaslu Circuit, rising above the Larkya La pass. It is remote and quiet, and is growing in popularity as more trekkers discover the Manaslu region.

Fact	Detail
Height	6,249 m (20,502 ft)
Region	Manaslu Conservation Area (restricted area)
Grade	PD (moderately difficult)
Start	Soti Khola / Machha Khola by road from Kathmandu
Key village	Samagaon (~3,530 m) and Samdo (~3,875 m)
Base Camp	~4,600 m, near Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)
High Camp	~5,500 m
Trip length	18–21 days
Best seasons	April–May, October–November
Special permits	Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, minimum two trekkers with a licensed guide
Approx. climbers per year	50–150

Highlights

• Summit above the Larkya La on one of Nepal's finest circuits
• Views of Manaslu (8,163 m), Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II
• Tibetan Buddhist villages, monasteries and far fewer crowds than Everest or Annapurna
• Strong wilderness and expedition feel

Climbing brief

The trek follows the Budhi Gandaki gorge up through Gurung and Tibetan villages to Samagaon and Samdo. Rest days here, with a hike toward Manaslu Base Camp, help with acclimatization.

From Dharamsala, climbers set up high camp and cross glacier terrain to a snow ridge and summit slopes of about 40–45°. Fixed ropes are used on steeper and exposed sections. After the climb, the route crosses Larkya La (5,106 m) and descends to Bimthang and Dharapani.

10. Kyajo Ri — 6,186 m

Kyajo Ri is a quieter, more technical Everest-region peak above the Gokyo Valley. It was opened for climbing in 2002 and suits climbers who want a real alpine route away from the crowds.

Fact	Detail
Height	6,186 m (20,295 ft)
Region	Everest (Khumbu), west of Machhermo
Grade	AD (fairly difficult)
Start / end	Lukla (2,860 m)
Key village	Machhermo (~4,470 m)
Base Camp	~4,550 m
High Camp	~5,500 m
Trip length	16–18 days
Summit day	10–12 hours round trip
Best seasons	April–May, October–November
Approx. climbers per year	50–150

Highlights

• Remote, uncrowded route close to the popular Gokyo Lakes
• Views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam and the Ngozumpa Glacier
• Mixed rock, snow and ice climbing for a true alpine experience
• Easy to combine with Gokyo Ri and the Gokyo Lakes

Climbing brief

The trek follows the Gokyo trail through Namche Bazaar, Dole and Machhermo. From Machhermo, a side valley leads west to base camp in a quiet yak pasture.

The route climbs rocky ridges and slabs to high camp, then a glacier and steep snow and ice slopes on fixed ropes to the summit ridge. Some rock sections need scrambling. This peak is best for climbers with previous 6,000 m or alpine experience.

How to Choose Your Trekking Peak

Match the peak to your experience: start with an easy summit, then move up to a technical one. The table below is a quick guide.

Your level	Best peaks	Why
First summit, no climbing experience	Yala Peak, Tharpu Chuli, Pokalde	Short, easy snow or rock routes with low technical demand
Strong trekker, first 6,000 m peak	Mera Peak, Island Peak	Popular, well-supported routes with training at base camp
Some rope and crampon experience	Lobuche East, Pisang Peak, Chulu East, Larkya Peak	Steeper slopes, exposure and longer summit days
Experienced alpine climber	Chulu West, Kyajo Ri	Technical mixed terrain and remote routes

Best seasons

Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) are the main climbing seasons for all ten peaks. Autumn brings the clearest skies; spring is slightly warmer with more snow on the routes. Winter is possible on lower peaks but very cold, and the summer monsoon (June–September) brings cloud, rain and landslide risk.

Permits and requirements

• NMA climbing permit for the peak (fees vary by season; check the current rates before booking)
• National park or conservation area entry permit (Sagarmatha, Langtang, Annapurna or Manaslu)
• Restricted area permit for Manaslu (Larkya Peak)
• A licensed climbing guide, plus a refundable garbage deposit

How to prepare

• Build endurance with 3–4 months of hiking, stair climbing and cardio training
• Learn basic crampon, ice axe, jumar and abseil skills before the trip
• Plan enough acclimatization days, as altitude is the main risk on every peak
• Carry proper gear: double mountaineering boots, down jacket, harness, helmet and warm layers
• Get travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue up to 6,500 m

Climb with Nepal Trekking Trail 

Nepal Trekking Trail, operated by Actual Adventure, runs guided climbs on all of these peaks with experienced climbing guides and Everest-region specialists. Contact our team to plan the right peak for your experience, season and schedule.