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How many mountains are there in Nepal?

Article by GVI

GVI

Posted: March 9, 2023

Nepal is a small country located in South Asia, nestled between India and China. Despite its small size, Nepal is home to some of the highest and most majestic mountain ranges in the world. It’s no wonder then that Nepal has become a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts from around the globe.

But just how many mountains are there in Nepal?

Overview of Nepal’s Geography

Nepal is a landlocked country with an area of 147,181 square kilometres. It’s bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and by China to the north. Nepal is known for its diverse landscape, which ranges from the flat plains of the Terai region in the south to the rugged Himalayan mountains in the north.

The Himalayan mountain range is the most prominent feature of Nepal’s geography, running along the northern border of the country. This range includes some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world at 8,848 metres (29,029 feet).

How Many Mountains Are There in Nepal?

The definition of a mountain can vary depending on who you ask, but in Nepal, a mountain is defined as a peak with an elevation of at least 6,000 metres (19,685 feet). Using this definition, it’s estimated that there are over 1,310 mountains in Nepal.

Of these mountains, eight of them are over 8,000 metres (26,247 feet) in height, including Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world. The other seven mountains over 8,000 metres in Nepal are Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Shishapangma.

In addition to these eight mountains, there are over 300 mountains in Nepal that are over 7,000 metres (22,966 feet) in height. Many of these mountains are popular trekking and climbing destinations for tourists from around the world.

The Importance of Mountains in Nepalese Culture

Mountains have played an important role in Nepalese culture for centuries. In fact, the Nepalese people have a deep reverence for the mountains and consider them to be sacred. Mountains are often believed to be the abode of the gods, and many Nepalese people believe that the mountains have a spiritual power that can protect them from harm.

Mountains are also an important part of Nepalese festivals and traditions. One of the most popular festivals in Nepal is the Dashain festival, which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. During this festival, Nepalese people worship the goddess Durga, who is believed to reside in the mountains.

Another important tradition in Nepal is the Sherpa culture, which is centred around the mountains. Sherpas are a group of people who live in the mountainous regions of Nepal and are known for their skills as mountaineers. Sherpas have a deep respect for the mountains and are often hired by climbers as guides to help them navigate the treacherous terrain.

Popular Mountain Trekking Routes in Nepal

Nepal is home to some of the most popular trekking routes in the world, including the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and the Langtang Valley Trek. These routes offer trekkers the chance to experience the stunning beauty of the Nepalese mountains up close and personal.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, and for good reason. It offers trekkers the opportunity to see the world’s highest mountain up close, as well as other notable peaks like Lhotse and Nuptse. The trek typically takes around 12 days and is considered to be a challenging but rewarding experience.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is another popular route that takes trekkers through a diverse landscape of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. The trek takes around 14-21 days to complete and offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

The Langtang Valley Trek is a shorter trek that takes around 8-10 days to complete. It offers trekkers the chance to explore the stunning Langtang Valley, which is known for its beautiful forests and meadows, as well as the towering Langtang Lirung mountain.

In addition to these popular routes, there are many other trekking routes in Nepal that offer trekkers the chance to experience the country’s stunning mountain scenery. However, it’s important to note that trekking in the mountains can be dangerous, and trekkers should always take the necessary precautions and hire experienced guides to help them navigate the terrain.

Nepal is a country that is defined by its stunning mountain landscape. With over 1,310 mountains over 6,000 metres in height, including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, Nepal is a destination that is beloved by mountain enthusiasts from around the world. However, the mountains of Nepal are more than just a scenic backdrop – they are an integral part of Nepalese culture and play an important role in the country’s festivals and traditions. Discover more of Nepal when you volunteer in Pokhara with GVI. 

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