Possessing eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world, Nepal is one of the best destinations for mountaineers. Including world’s highest peaks over 8000 meters, there are numerous such other mountain peaks that also attract the attention of mountain adventurers from around the world towards Nepal. Going for mountain expedition is a terrific task and hence choosing the best season to summit over them extremely matter. The top 10 mountain expedition trips favorable to embark in this spring in the Himalayas are introduced here chronologically.

1. Mt. Ama Dablam Expedition

Mt. Ama Dablam Expedition leaves a mountaineer a lasting impression on many as it is perhaps the most stunning mountain along the popular trekking route to Everest Base Camp. The Pyramid shaped Amadablam (6,812m) is located to the south of Everest. The stunning peak stands above Thayangboche monastery. The mountain derives its name from the glacier lying on its Southwest face. The glacier looks like a jewel box hanging on the neck of the mountain, hence the name Ama Dablam, literally meaning ‘The Mother’s Jewel Box’. The standard ascent of Ama Dablam is made via the South-Western Ridge, the same route followed by Ward (UK), Bishop (USA) and Gill (NZ) in the first ascent of the mountain in 1961. Hence, if a mountaineer likes to make a great walk in the Everest region and capture the lasting adventure experience reaching at the zenith of Mt. Ama Dablam the spring season will be the most favorable time for him or her.

2. Mt. Pumori Expedition

Mt. Pumori Expedition is a fantastic trip for mapping out the Khumbu region and the Everest Base Camp. The peak was named “Pumori” by George Leigh Mallory, apparently means “Unmarried Daughter” in the Sherpa language. The climb is very popular as an introductory qualifying climb of Everest by many adventurers. The pyramid-shaped and gorgeously looking Pumori peak (7,161m) dominates the skyline behind Kalapatther, which looks like a cluster of rock on the Pumori Southwest ridge. The climbing is rated Class 3 in YDS (Yosemite Decimal System), which defines the climb as a scrambling with increased exposure. This mountain climbing adventure too is packed with fun and excitement in the Everest region.

3. Mt. Baruntse Expedition

Mt. Baruntse Expedition provides an unbeatable mountain adventure experience. Mt. Baruntse (7,129m) situated between Everest and Makalu is another Himalayan peak attractive for climbing due to its location, classical symmetrical beauty and relatively accessible to climbers.Baruntse being located away from the standard trek route has been a very quiet peak, however, it is rapidly gaining popularity due to classics like Pumori or Amadablam being overcrowded by commercial operators. It was first ascended by Colin Todd and Geoff Harrow on 30 May 1954 via Southeast Ridge, which became the normal route. From climbing aspect, it is an accessible climb with tremendous views of Everest, Makalu and other peaks in the Khumbu region. It is one of the top mountain expeditions to grab the considerably off-the-beaten climbing experience in the Himalayas.

4. Mt. Lhotse Expedition

Mt. Lhotse Expedition is an extremely difficult climb and rarely attempted peak in Nepal. Mt. Lhotse (8516m) is the fourth highest mountain on Earth, but it is best known for its proximity to Mt. Everest. Lhotse is however famous for its tremendous and dramatic south face. The south face of Lhotse raises 3.2km within 2.25km horizontal distance, making it the steepest face of this size in the world. Lhotse has 3 summits, main summit at 8,516m, Lhotse Middle (East) at 8,414m and Lhotse Shar at 8,383m. An early attempt on Lhotse was made by the 1955 International Himalayan Expedition and the first successful summit was reached on May 18, 1956. This trip too falls in the category of top mountain expedition trip as it really tastes the climbers’ adventure stamina.

5. Mt. Cho Oyu Expedition

Mt. Cho Oyu Expedition takes a traveler to the peak of one of the world’s highest 8000 mountains. Despite being the 6th highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu (8,201m) has the highest success rate among the world’s fourteen 8,000er Himalayan peaks. The ascent to the summit is short and direct, with a few small technical sections which can be climbed safely. Cho Oyu lies about 20 km west of Mt. Everest on the Nepal-Tibet border. An Austrian team first climbed Cho Oyu in 1954 followed by the Indian and German teams in 1958 and 1964 respectively. Cho Oyu consists mainly of five ridges – Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West with the Jabula Glacier on the north, Lanba Glacier on the south, and Gecongba Glacier. This expedition is highly recommended for a preparation for an attempt on Mt. Everest (8,848m). The comparative ease of access, lack of objective dangers and generally uncomplicated terrain makes Cho Oyu Expedition the most attainable mountain peak of the world. The mountain expedition being one of the top trips in the Himalayas caters an excellent opportunity for climbers to extend their experience to extreme altitudes.

6. The Mt. Nuptse Expedition

Mt. Nuptse Expedition passes through the most sought after adventure destination of the world. Mt. Nuptse (7,855m), the beautiful mountain peak in the Himalayas, is situated in the Khumbu Himal just south-west of Mount Everest. Nuptse the neighboring peak of Everest shares the glory of the Everest Massif. From Tengboche it appears as a massive wall guarding the approach to Everest and joined to Lhotse. Its steep west-face drops down more than 2,300 meters to the Khumbu-glacier. One of the interesting features of this mountain is that its south face is 2,500 meter high and five kilometers wide. Mount Nuptse was first ascended by British national -Dennis Davis and Nepali national- Sherpa Tashi on the north-ridge on May 16, 1961. The name ‘Nup-Tse’ originates from the Tibetan language, meaning ”West-Peak”. This Himalayan expedition is suitable for those mountain climbers who are in search of the ultimate mountain expedition in the high Himalayas.

NCR DELHI TEAM