Nepal's Himalaya is divided into groups of peaks called himals. From east to west the main ones are Kanchenjunga, Mahalangur (Everest), Rolwaling, Langtang and Jugal, Ganesh, Mansiri (Manaslu), Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, followed by Kanjiroba, Saipal and Api in the far west.
How the himals are divided
The big rivers do the dividing. Each major river that cuts through the range, such as the Arun, Dudh Kosi, Trishuli, Budhi Gandaki, Marsyangdi, Kali Gandaki and Karnali, separates one himal from the next. Trekking routes follow these river valleys upward, so each himal has its own approach trek and its own character.
Kanchenjunga Himal
The far east of Nepal, on the Sikkim border. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third highest mountain on Earth, and its neighbours include Jannu or Kumbhakarna (7,710 m) and Kabru. The area is remote and quiet, and the trek to the north and south base camps takes about three weeks. See the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek and Kanchenjunga mountain.
Mahalangur Himal
The highest group of mountains on Earth: Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m) and Cho Oyu (8,188 m), with Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam and many more. It has three parts, the Makalu section in the east, the Khumbu section in the middle and the Barun section between them.
This is the home of the Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes, the Three Passes and Makalu Base Camp.
Rolwaling, Jugal and Langtang
West of Khumbu lies Rolwaling, a narrow, wild valley under Gaurishankar (7,134 m). Next comes the Jugal Himal with Dorje Lakpa, the range you see north-east of Kathmandu, and then the Langtang Himal, whose highest point is Langtang Lirung (7,227 m). Shishapangma (8,027 m) stands just across the border in Tibet.
Langtang is the closest high-mountain trek to Kathmandu, a day's drive from the city. See the Langtang guides, Rolwaling and Tashi Lapcha and Helambu.
Ganesh and Mansiri (Manaslu) Himal
Ganesh Himal is a group of peaks above 7,000 m between the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, visible from Kathmandu on clear days. West of the Budhi Gandaki rises the Mansiri Himal, with Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli. The Manaslu Circuit walks round the whole group over the Larkya La, and the Tsum Valley is a side valley of Tibetan culture below the Ganesh peaks.
Annapurna Himal
Between the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki rivers: Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare (6,993 m), with Tilicho Peak and the Nilgiri peaks on the western edge. It is the most visited mountain area in Nepal because Pokhara lies at its foot.
Treks range from four days to three weeks: Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit.
Dhaulagiri Himal and Mustang
Across the Kali Gandaki gorge stands Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), with a long line of 7,000 m peaks running west. The Dhaulagiri Circuit is one of the harder treks in Nepal. North of both Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, in the rain shadow, lies Upper Mustang, a dry, wind-carved land that was once a separate kingdom.
The far west
Beyond Dhaulagiri the range is lower, wilder and far less visited. Kanjiroba Himal rises above Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo, and Saipal (7,031 m) and Api (7,132 m) are the main peaks of the far west. Treks here need more time and more self-reliance: see Phoksundo Lake, Rara Lake and Api Himal and Saipal.
Which range should you visit first?
For most first-time visitors the choice is between Everest and Annapurna. Everest (Mahalangur) gives the highest mountains and Sherpa culture, with a flight to Lukla at the start. Annapurna gives more variety, easier access from Pokhara and shorter options. Langtang is the best choice when time is short. Best treks for helps you choose by days, fitness and season.
Quick reference: range, highest peak, main trek
- Kanchenjunga Himal: Kanchenjunga, 8,586 m; Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.
- Mahalangur Himal: Everest, 8,848.86 m; Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes, Makalu Base Camp.
- Rolwaling Himal: Gaurishankar, 7,134 m; Rolwaling and Tashi Lapcha.
- Langtang Himal: Langtang Lirung, 7,227 m; Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda, Tamang Heritage Trail.
- Ganesh Himal: Yangra (Ganesh I), about 7,422 m; Ruby Valley, Tsum Valley.
- Mansiri Himal: Manaslu, 8,163 m; Manaslu Circuit.
- Annapurna Himal: Annapurna I, 8,091 m; Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit.
- Dhaulagiri Himal: Dhaulagiri I, 8,167 m; Dhaulagiri Circuit.
- Far west: Api, 7,132 m, and Saipal, 7,031 m; Api and Saipal treks, Rara, Limi Valley.
One trail through all of them
The Great Himalaya Trail links every one of these ranges in a single route across Nepal, from Kanchenjunga in the east to the far west. Walking all of it takes four to five months. Most people walk it a section at a time, and each of the classic treks above is, in effect, one section.
Common questions
What is a himal?
In Nepali a himal is a mountain or group of mountains that carries permanent snow. The Himalaya of Nepal is described as a chain of himals.
Which range is Mount Everest in?
The Mahalangur Himal, in the Khumbu area of north-east Nepal.
Which Himalayan range can be seen from Kathmandu?
On clear days the Langtang, Jugal and Ganesh ranges are visible from the hills around the valley, and Everest can be seen as a distant point from viewpoints such as Nagarkot.
Which range is near Pokhara?
The Annapurna Himal, with Machapuchare the most striking peak from the town.
Heights, dates, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
