Peak Climbing
First Steps Above 6,000 Metres
Nepal's 33 "trekking peaks" — managed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association — offer a stepping stone between trekking and full alpine mountaineering. Most can be summited with 12-18 days of preparation and basic alpine technique.
All Peak Climbing trips
11 hand-crafted peak climbing itineraries — from short tasters to multi-week expeditions.
Island Peak
18 daysFrom $2,595
Mera Peak Climbing
16 daysFrom $2,250
Pisang Peak Climbing
18 daysFrom $2,150
Yala Peak Climbing
14 daysFrom $1,900
Naya Kanga Peak Climbing
16 daysFrom $2,000
Pokalde Peak Climbing
17 daysFrom $1,900
Chulu East Peak Climbing
21 daysFrom $2,999
Tent Peak Annapurna Trekking
19 daysFrom $1,900
Lobuche Peak Climbing
18 daysFrom $2,350
The Best Introduction to High-Altitude Climbing
Nepal's 33 NMA trekking peaks were designated in the 1970s as a category between hikeable hills and full expedition peaks. They sit between 5,500m and 6,500m, can be summited in a 2-3 week itinerary that includes acclimatisation trekking, and require a permit and registered guide but no expensive expedition permit.
Most popular trekking peaks — Island Peak, Mera Peak, and Lobuche East — combine an Everest Base Camp or Khumbu trek with a final summit push. This means trekkers can extend a planned holiday into a real summit experience without committing to a full 60-day expedition.
Find your level
- TREKKING PEAKS
Easiest Trekking Peaks
5,500m – 6,000m · No prior climbingGlacier walks with basic crampon technique. Suitable for fit trekkers as a first taste of altitude climbing.
- Pokalde (5
- 806m)
- Naya Kanga (5
- 844m)
5,500m – 6,000m - TECHNICAL
Standard Trekking Peaks
6,000m – 6,500m · Some technical sectionsFixed ropes on the summit headwall, crampon and ice-axe work required. The classic Nepal trekking-peak experience.
- Island Peak (6
- 189m)
- Mera Peak (6
- 476m)
- Lobuche East (6
- 119m)
6,000m – 6,500m - ★ HIGH ALTITUDE
Hardest Trekking Peaks
6,300m+ · Alpine experience requiredSteeper headwalls and more technical mixed terrain. A genuine stepping stone to full 7,000m+ expeditions.
- Cholatse (6
- 440m)
- Kang Guru (6
- 981m)
6,300m – 6,500m
Featured peak climbing sites
Skills & gear checklist
Required skills
- Trekking Experience at Altitude
Prior trek to 4,500m+ strongly recommended before attempting any 6,000m peak.
- Basic Crampon Use
Confident walking in crampons on flat and gently sloping snow.
- Ice Axe Self-Arrest
Pre-departure training in stopping a fall on snow with an ice axe.
- Fixed Rope Ascent
Using a jumar ascender to climb a steep fixed line — taught on the trek-in.
Essential gear
- Mountaineering Boots (B2 rated)Essential
- 12-Point CramponsEssential
- Ice Axe (general mountaineering, 60–70cm)Essential
- Harness, Locking Carabiners x3Essential
- Jumar (ascender) + Belay DeviceEssential
- Down Jacket (–10°C)Essential
- Sleeping Bag (–15°C)Essential
- HelmetRecommended
Best season & permits
When to go
Permits
- $250NMA Permit (Group A)Easier 5,500–6,000m peaks · Per person
- $250NMA Permit (Group B)Standard 6,000–6,500m peaks · Per person
- $30–$50Conservation Area FeesACAP / Sagarmatha NP / Manaslu — depending on region
- $250Garbage Deposit$250 refundable on return of waste · Required for all NMA permits