The Government of Nepal has stepped up efforts to secure international recognition for 6 additional Himalayan peaks above 8,000 metres, which could make Nepal home to 14 of the world’s 20 internationally recognised eight-thousanders.
The proposal was taken forward through the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) at the 2026 General Assembly of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation UIAA, which concluded in Kathmandu on Saturday.
The 6 peaks proposed for separate international recognition are Yalung Kang, at 8,505 metres; Kanchenjunga South, at 8,476 metres; Kanchenjunga Central, at 8,473 metres; Lhotse Middle, at 8,410 metres; Lhotse Shar, at 8,400 metres; and Yalung Kang West, at 8,077 metres.
Currently, 8 of the world’s 14 internationally recognised mountains above 8,000 metres are located in Nepal. If the proposal receives international recognition, the global tally will increase to 20, with Nepal accounting for 14 of them.
Nepal already lists 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in its national records, following a revision by the Department of Tourism in 2025. However, 6 of these are yet to receive separate international recognition.
The proposal was presented by Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel and Nepal Mountaineering Association President Fur Gelje Sherpa, supported by a technical assessment prepared by a team of experts led by Madhusudan Adhikari. Nepal has sought a formal international assessment of the 6 summits based on their geographical identities, distinct summit features and separate climbing routes.
The UIAA General Assembly brought together 95 delegates from 45 countries to discuss global mountaineering priorities, mountain safety, climate change and other issues concerning the international mountaineering community.
This was the 3rd time Nepal hosted the UIAA General Assembly, following the earlier editions in 1982 and 2011. The 1982 gathering also saw the adoption of the Kathmandu Declaration, which called for the protection of mountain environments, natural resources and the cultural heritage of mountain communities.
Nepal’s initiative aims to strengthen its international mountaineering profile, promote new climbing destinations and create further opportunities for adventure tourism and Himalayan research.
The proposed recognition, however, remains subject to international assessment and acceptance.
