Nepal recognises 6 Himalayan sub-peaks, expands 8,000-metre mountain list to 14

KATHMANDU: The government has formally expanded its list of 8,000-metre mountains to 14 after officially recognising six sub-peaks in the Himalayas.

The Department of Tourism updated its official national peak profile following technical geographic surveys. The newly listed summits belong to the Kanchenjunga and Lhotse mountain ranges in the eastern region of the country.

Within the Kanchenjunga mass, the four recognised elevations comprise Yalung Khang at 8,505 metres, Kanchenjunga South at 8,476 metres, Kanchenjunga Central at 8,473 metres, and Yalung Khang West at 8,077 metres. Within the Lhotse mass, the two included elevations are Lhotse Middle at 8,410 metres and Lhotse Shar at 8,400 metres.

Government authorities are gathering detailed technical documentation to submit to the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) for global endorsement.

Should international mountaineering authorities ratify these sub-peaks, the worldwide tally of 8,000-metre mountains will rise from 14 to 20. Tourism officials expect the addition to establish new expedition options and spread mountaineering activity across a broader section of the Himalayas.