Mountaineering is a great sport for anyone who loves adventurous trips and finding new places and new memories. Well, what better place for mountaineering than the beautiful country of Nepal filled with mountains?
The beautiful country of Nepal provides you with the wide range of glorious peaks waiting to be submitted. Why not give this a try?
Wondering if a beginner like you can conquer the high mountains of Nepal? Worry not. With a wide range of mountains of different altitudes, there are many peaks for the beginners to the summit to advance to the higher ones. With various difficulty levels and altitudes, you can find a peak suitable for your expertise in Nepal. Here is a short beginner’s guide to mountaineering in Nepal for you.
What you must think about in Nepal while mountaineering is choosing the right peak to summit. There are many peaks that may be low altitude but difficult to cross. So you must choose non-technical peaks as a beginner. Also, another thing to consider while mountaineering in Nepal as a beginner is what to pack and the essential gears and equipment to be used. Learning about these things beforehand makes your mountaineering experience in Nepal a lot better and memorable in the best ways.
Best peak climbing for beginners
Here are some of the best peaks for beginners. These are the non-technical and low altitude peaks of Nepal which can easily be submitted by beginners as long as they are physically and mentally prepared. You will be provided with a professional guide throughout your climb guiding you through the beautiful journey.
1. Island Peak Climbing
Maximum Altitude: 6189 meters
Days: 15 days
For all the beginners at mountain climbing in Nepal, Island peak is the first choice. Enveloped in natural beauty along with great adventure, Island peak is highly desired by the beginner trekkers and climbers.
Reaching at an altitude of 6189 meters , Island Peak climbing is a unique experience to all the trekkers and climbers. Surrounded by the beautiful view of the mountains and the glaciers, Island Peak takes around 15-20 days to complete this adventurous expedition.
You will enjoy this beautiful ride of your life and have a lot of experience and memories to gain at the end of your trip. Worry not, it is one of hte easy peaks for beginners with no technical sections and fairly low altitude. So go ahead and conquer this peak.
2. Lobuche Peak Climbing
Maximum Altitude: 6119 meters
Days: 18 days
Lobuche East is another popular peak among the beginners. Lobuche actually has two peaks on the west and the east. The Lobuche West peak is not as easy as the east and is not suggested for beginners. With high slopes, it is for expert mountain climbing.
However, Lobuche East is perfect or beginners with beautiful views and low slopes and no technical parts. You can enjoy every part of the Lobuche East Peak climbing without having to worry about your safety or not being able to complete this trek. With your guides guiding your way, you can create beautiful memories and enjoy your adventurous peak climbing experience with Lobuche East.
Reaching an altitude of 6119 meters in a span of 18-20 days walking an average of 5-6 hours a day , you can conquer the summit of Lobuche East Peak with your perseverance and physical strength.
3. Yala Peak
Maximum Altitude : 5732 meters
Days : 16 days
Here is one of the lesser-known and remote peaks which you can summit easily even though you are a beginner. Yala Peak stands at an altitude of 5732 meters and is a remote peak which is not as well known as the other peaks making it one of the best beginner mountaineering peaks.
Surrounded by grand natural beauty and fewer crowds, you can enjoy the beauty while honing your mountaineering skills. The trails for this peak are mostly off-road and beaten trails through the beautiful forests. Adventurous and beautiful trails will lead you to the summit with no technical portions and difficult climbs.
4. Dhampus Peak Climbing
Maximum Altitude: 6012 meters
Days: 24 days
Another beginner’s mountaineering peak is the remote Dhampus Peak climbing expedition. With fewer crowds and a fresh natural beauty unaffected by crowds, you will see beginners attempting this peak mostly.
Reaching an altitude of 6012 meters , Dhampus Peak has a unique trekking route touching many great attractions of the area. Trekking through the Italian Base Camp , Dhaulagiri Base Camp , Dhampus Base Camp and the final summit t o the Dhampus Peak itself is what makes the Dhampus Peak climbing experience a memorable and adventurous one.
Beginners Packing Guide
As a beginner, you must be worried about what to pack for your grand mountaineering trip. We know the struggle of not knowing what kind of clothing and footwear to pack for the trip ahead. So here is a little something to help you pack all the essentials for the mountaineering trip. Here is a beginner’s guide to packing for mountaineering in Nepal.
Clothing
- Warm fur jacket for the cold weather
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Layered clothing
- Gloves
Footwear
- Worn in trekking boots (new boots have chances of hurting your feet)
- Extra pair of socks preferably warm woolen socks
Other essentials
- Hiking hat
- Sunglasses
- Books or games to keep you entertained
- Sunscreen and moisturizer
- Water bottles and purifiers
- Toiletries
- First aid kids with all the basic medicines ‘
- Extra batteries and chargers
Essential gears and equipment
Apart from the basic packing, you should also be aware of the essential climbing gear and equipment. Without a basic knowledge of the essential gears and equipment for climbing, you won’t be able to use them properly. Here’s a little beginner’s guide to climbing gears and equipment.
- Fixed Rope is essential to help the climbers anchor to a safe and protected point in harsh terrain ensuring their safety from falling
- Mountaineering/ Climbing Boots provide you a great grip on the terrain and help you climb easily without slipping on the ground
- Climbing Rope for ascending and descending the mountain
- Helmets are essential for safety against any rocks falling from above
- A backpacking tent is a must for climbers. At high altitudes, you won’t be able to find any tea houses for shelter. So a warm tent is what gives you shelter in the higher up regions like base camps.
- A harness is a safety contraption to hold you during your ascent or descent for stability
- Crampons help you with slippery surfaces in the mountains while giving you a grip on the ice
- Ice Axe to help you climb in icy slopes by punching through the thick locks of ice and giving you a good grip on the slopes
- An ultralight sleeping bag to keep you warm and give you comfort during the night
- Ultralight Climbing Backpacks for storing your basic necessities during the trip without weighing you down
- Ascender (Jumar) secures the fixed rope while ascending
- Figure 8/ Descender help minimize the friction of ropes
- Carabiner Helps in connecting the components of the climb
- Tape Slings used as anchors to keep the climber stable in place and safe
- Ice Screw for anchoring to belay a climber by attaching to the ice
- Belay Gloves to protect your hands from the friction from the ropes
- Ski Goggles for protecting your eyes against the cold weather
- Headlamps
- Trekking Poles/ Ski Poles
- Altimeter Watch helps to obtain information on the altitude gain