Kathmandu: Nepal has initiated efforts to have six additional mountains, each exceeding 8,000 metres, recognised as separate peaks on the international list of the world’s highest mountains.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadgaraj Poudel ‘Ganes’ said Nepal had submitted a proposal through the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) at the General Assembly of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA).
The UIAA General Assembly, which began in Kathmandu on Friday, is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.
According to Minister Poudel, Nepal has proposed international recognition for Yalung Khang, Kangchenjunga South, Kangchenjunga Central, Lhotse Middle, Lhotse Shar and Yalung Khang West as separate mountains above 8,000 metres.
The proposed peaks have the following elevations:
If the proposal receives international recognition, the number of mountains above 8,000 metres worldwide will increase from 14 to 20. Similarly, Nepal’s count will rise from eight to 14, meaning the country would be home to 14 of the world’s 20 highest peaks.
Representatives of mountaineering federations, experts and other stakeholders from various countries are attending the assembly, hosted by the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
Nepal previously hosted the UIAA General Assembly in 1982 and 2011.
Minister Poudel said the initiative to secure international recognition for the six peaks would further strengthen Nepal’s identity as a mountainous country and create new opportunities in mountaineering, adventure tourism, Himalayan research and tourism promotion.
“We believe this will also help establish Nepal as a leading destination for the world’s highest mountains,” he said.
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