If you’ve already gone trekking in Nepal, you might be wondering what comes next. Or maybe you’re just looking for something more than a routine trekking itinerary—and you’re wondering what greater challenge can be found amidst the highlands of the Khumbu, in the broad expanse of the Langtang Valley, or even in the Annapurna mountains. Here at Iconic Himalaya Adventure, we’d be pleased to introduce you to the thrilling world of trekking peaks. While the strict definition of what constitutes a trekking peak is a matter of some debate, we generally consider them to be represented by mountains which can be summited without a great deal of technical climbing experience. And fortunately, our country is full of opportunities that fit this bill. Here are just a few of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal:
Deep in the heart of Nepal’s Everest region lies the country’s premier trekking peak: Island Peak. This 6165-meter mountain is known locally as Imja Tse, and it’s possible to reach its summit over the course of just two or three days. The actual round-trip ascent and descent takes only one day, but you’ll want to spend some time resting and acclimatizing to the altitude of the Khumbu and learning to use the ropes and tools you’ll need to climb the mountain. Of course, you also have to reach the Everest region in the first place—and it’s for this reason that most climbers tend to combine their Island Peak expedition with a comprehensive trek to Everest Base Camp.
Stretching to a remarkable 6476 meters in elevation, Mera Peak is another popular choice for visitors who want to test their mettle against a genuine Himalayan trekking peak. Like Island Peak, Mera Peak can also be found within Nepal’s Everest region; the mountain lies just 20 miles from the world’s tallest mountain. This means that when you reach the summit of Mera Peak, you’ll be rewarded with positively stupendous views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountain ranges. While the climb itself takes only two days, you’ll need to plan as many as three weeks here in Nepal in order to reach the mountain and acclimatize safely to the region’s high altitude.
Of course, no discussion of Nepal’s best trekking peaks would be complete without considering Pisang Peak. This 6091-meter mountain stands tall within the Annapurnas, towering over the village of Pisang, which shares its name. An expedition to Pisang Peak usually takes a little more than two weeks, tracing the route of the Annapurna Circuit before arriving at the mountain and devoting approximately three days to the climb.
While it doesn’t have quite the same pedigree as Island Peak or Pisang Peak, the Langtang Valley’s 5500-meter Yala Peak represents a worthy achievement—especially for your first trekking peak. To reach this mountain, you’ll need to complete the one-week Langtang Valley Trek and set out from the town of Kyanjin Gompa. From here, the round-trip hike to the mountain, combined with the climb itself, should only take two days. Yala Peak is an especially great choice for adventurous travelers, as this trekking peak can be easily combined with climbs to the top of Tsergo Ri (5033 meters) and Kyanjin Ri (4773 meters).
Of course, there are even more trekking peaks to discover here in Nepal, and most can be easily combined with a world-class Himalayan trek. If you have any questions about your ability to summit one of these trekking peaks, don’t worry—the experts at Iconic Himalaya Adventure will review each mountain’s requirements and conditions with you in order to facilitate a safe and unforgettable climb.
