The Trekking Peaks of Nepal are a selection of peaks that provide a good taste of Himalayan mountaineering that is affordable and attainable. The name is very misleading in that some routes and peaks are very challenging, though the popular ones are comparatively easy and can be climbed, under guidance, by adventurous trekkers who have little mountaineering experience. Generally the peaks are under 6500m and are closely associated with popular trekking areas.

From a background of grand style expeditions to the Himalayas, which cost large sums of money and usually involve lengthy preparations and bureaucratic possesses, a list of 18 peaks, roughly between 5500-6500m in altitude, was released in 1978 which had less restrictions and which cost considerably less money to climb. They were placed under the control of the newly formed Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and came to bear the name "Trekking Peaks" whereas in reality they were "Less Bureaucracy Peaks" and were not higher than around 6500m.

It is possible to make all arrangements to climb these peaks within a few days. These arrangements are normally conducted by a trekking agency and a climbing guide registered with the NMA leads the climb and even the entire trip surrounding the climb. Permits are obtained from the NMA in Kathmandu (as opposed to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation in the case of Expedition Peaks).

Though some of them certainly are relatively easy to climb, they are not peaks one can simply "trek" up. All require good acclimatisation and technical skills and equipment to some degree (with the exception of 2 peaks which were recently added). The popularity of peaks such as Mera and Island Peak sometimes underplays the difficulties in climbing them. Peaks such as Kusum Kanguru and Hiunchuli require a high level of technical competency and are not attempted often. Peaks such as these are a good reminder that the Trekking Peaks are indeed climbing peaks.

In 2002 more peaks came under control of the NMA. The traditional Trekking Peaks were re-categorised as Category B Peaks and 15 new peaks were added as Category A Peaks. The major difference between the two categories is the price of the permit and that most of the new peaks are relatively unknown. The very well known "The Trekking Peaks of Nepal" by Bill O'Connor is an excellent reference book, but was written well before 2002 and only deals with the traditional peaks, which are still by far the most popular. Indeed there is still much uncertainty about routes and even exact locations of the new peaks.

Category A Peaks

Category B Peaks 

Note that the exact altitude of these peaks varies across different references and maps.

A permit for Category A peaks is US$ 500 for up to seven members and an additional US$ 100 for each extra person up to a maximum of 12. For category B peaks the permit is US$ 350 for up to four members, US$ 40 for each additional person up to a total group size of 8 and US$ 25 for each additional person up to a total group size of 12. Sharing of permits between groups that do not necessarily climb together is common practice in order to reduce costs. The fine for climbing without a permit is double the cost of the permit and half of it goes to the guide who reports it as an incentive. Permits are checked by officials at the base camps (or on route) for popular peaks such as Island Peak.

A garbage deposit of US$ 250 must also be paid which is refunded in Kathmandu after declaring that all garbage was carried out. It may even be checked at places like Namche Bazaar.

Some may object to paying money for permits, but then again Nepal is a poor country that is extremely dependant on income from tourism. At least the introduction of trekking peaks has made Himalayan mountaineering a lot more affordable and attainable. And the more popular peaks can be climbed by adventurous trekkers with no mountaineering experience. For those looking for more than just trekking they afford a great opportunity.

For pictures of these peaks, please visit our galleries.

Interested in trekking in Nepal and climbing one of these peaks? Let Vertical Endeavour customise a trip for you and help you to prepare adequately. Experience the exhilaration of high altitude climbing in the Himalayas!