Peak Climbing in Nepal for Beginners

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is a dreamland for any mountain lover. With eight out of fourteen of the highest peaks in the world and many other smaller peaks, Nepal has plenty to offer for beginners and pioneers alike when it comes to climbing. According to a report compiled by Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Nepal, more than 75000 people came to Nepal with mountaineering as their major purpose of visit in 2017. This is a remarkable figure considering the massive earthquake which shook the nation and had less than 10000 people come to the country for mountaineering in 2015. With the country rapidly recovering from the devastating effects of the catastrophe and the nation gearing up for “Visit Nepal 2020,” this number is expected to increase exponentially over the next few years.

The Himalayas are tall, majestic and inspirational, but they’re not always as daunting as one might think. Apart from intense peaks towering above 8000 meters above the sea level, there are also many non-technical climbing peaks under 7000 meters. These can be climbed by anyone in good physical and mental health with the necessary passion and grit to conquer a snow-covered mountain. Island Peak (“Imja Tse” in Nepali) is a mountain in the Sagarmatha National Park (which also is home to Mt. Everest), which towers at around 6,000 meters above the sea level. Unlike Everest, climbing Island Peak does not require years of training. It only takes around 2 days of actual climbing (~15 days total trip) and reveals magnificent views which includes a close-up of the fourth highest peak in the world, Mt Lhotse (8414m), from the top. Island Peak is rated as PD (little difficulty) by the French Adjectival System of climbing. Some other peaks in Nepal which are scalable and have similar or lesser difficulty ratings are: Pokhalde peak at around 5800 meters in the Everest Region, Dhampus Peak at around 6000 meters in the Annapurna Region, Yala Peak standing at about 5500 meters in the Langtang Region, Mera Peak at around 6500 meters, and plenty more. Again, the numbers might sound daunting if one is not used to mountains, but these are all climbable with a good physical health and minimum mountaineering expertise. They’re the great Himalayas and a feat of climbing any one of these guarantees the conqueror, the spotlight at the next party. And if these non-technical mountains feel like a walk in the park, one can always choose to go a tier up and try the big boys such as Lhotse (8414m), Manaslu (8163m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), and obviously Everest (8848m).

The mountains of Nepal have much more to offer than just majestic views. For many climbers, it is a pilgrimage which provides a surreal experience. Many travelers believe that a trip into the depth of the Himalayas cleanses their souls and helps them get rid of their ego. It is considered as a gateway to a life full of humility. Furthermore, one can enjoy the world-renowned hospitality, exquisite mountain cuisines, and the unique Buddhist culture of the Himalayan people during the peak climbing trip. With so much to offer, climbing a peak in Nepal always finds a way into a mountain lover’s/thrill seeker’s bucket list.

With a plethora of mountains occupying this tiny nation, it could a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors to find the perfect climb for them. However, the Great Himalayan Trail, a network of trails spanning various difficulties, elevations and lengths has an easy solution. It has destinations for all kinds of climbers out there. It is a wonderful resource to find the ideal trek/climb. Visit the website, sort your requirements, and find a climb that fits your needs. Furthermore, Nepal Tourism Board, the national tourism organization of Nepal, has plenty of resources to make your climbing experience a memorable one. Additionally, you can visit the website of Nepal Mountaineering Association and find out which peaks can be climbed without technical difficulties and also the permit cost required for them.

So, pick your peak, pack your bags, start your climb, and begin a once in a lifetime journey to conquer one of the many breathtaking peaks that Nepal has to offer, that too for a relatively economical budget which won’t break your bank.