Holy Mountains in Nepal VS virgin mountain of Nepal

Holy Mountains in Nepal

When it comes to majestic peaks, Nepal stands alone in its splendor. Nowhere else on Earth can compare to the abundance of towering summits and the vast expanses of mountain ranges that adorn the entirety of the Nepalese Himalayan region. Nepal, mainly known for its Himalayan mountains, shelters several of our planet's tallest peaks, including Mount Everest. Nepal is home to much more than just the Himalayas. Other Himalayan ranges extend along the plateau, some of which feature some of the world's most sacred mountains.

All mountains are sacred in Nepal's Buddhism and Hinduism and are commonly thought to be the home of the gods. Therefore They are revered across Nepal, especially in the mountains region. Certain mountains in Nepalese territories are recognized as sacred in  Buddhism and Hinduism and are held in such high respect that even walking on their slopes is considered disrespectful. Some of the holy mountains of Nepal are as follows. 

Mt Everest or Sagarmatha - 29,029 feet [8,848 meters]

Mount Everest, located in Tibet and Nepal, with an elevation of (29,029 feet above sea level) is the highest peak. In addition to its highest peak reputation, Everest holds significant spiritual importance. 

Everest boasts a famous monetary Rongbuk Monastery at the base of the mountain. This monastery is considered an important pilgrimage place for the Sherpa people as they believe the hill is brimming with spiritual energy. You can observe the peak from a helicopter on an air tour or, if you're skilled, you can climb it yourself.

Mountain Everest is considered a sacred peak and is revered by Hindu and Buddhist devotees. With this being said, for many, visiting Mount Everest is a spiritual adventure and an opportunity to witness its majesty. Mount Everest is called Chomolungma in Tibetan, meaning "Mother Goddess of the World." For Buddhists, Sagarmatha is a location of calm and spirituality, and visiting there is a method to connect with one's inner self and achieve enlightenment.

Even today, the Sherpas do a spiritual rite (pooja) before attempting to climb Everest. Buddhist banners adorn the whole Everest region. To better understand the spiritual significance, travelers can also visit nearby monasteries and temples, such as the Tengboche Monastery, just below Mt Everest. Here, tourists can participate in Buddhist rites, interact with local lamas, and discover more about the spiritual practices and beliefs of the locals.

Annapurna Ranges 

Annapurna is a massif in the Himalayas in north-central Nepal. The range includes many peaks, among which 16 summits that are over 6,000 meters(19,685 feet), 13 peaks that are over 7,000 meters (22,966 feet), and one peak that is over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet). The west of Annapurna ranges lies the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the Marshyangdi River on the north and east, and the Pokhara Valley on the south border. 

This Himalayan range was named after the Hindu Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment. A well-known trekking path that passes across the range and affords hikers breathtaking vistas of its peaks as well as an opportunity to engage with local spirituality and culture is the Annapurna Circuit.

Numerous monasteries and other temples are scattered across the Annapurna highlands. The Muktinath Temple, a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists, is the greatest among them. Similarly, you can feel the Buddhist influence in higher hike zones inside the Annapurna highlands, similar to other high-altitude villages in Nepal.

Mt. Khumbila- ( 5,761m)

The Sherpas greatly revere the peak of Khumbila, located in the Khumbu Valley. In fact, this peak gave the Khumbu Valley its name. No one has ever been permitted to climb it since it is so revered, and there are stories of the failure of those who have attempted, including one involving Sir Edmund Hillary. 

Since this mountain is revered, the Khumbila deity is said to leave his home during the Dumje festival and dance at the nearby monastery. 

Locals think Khumbila was a deity who, in the eighth century, was conquered and converted to Buddhism by Guru Rimpoche. They also believe that Guru Rimpoche meditated in a cave on the Khumbila mountain, indicating the peak's historical and religious significance.

Khumbila is not a tall peak as it rises high at 5,761 meters, which is very low compared to the nearby peaks of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and others. But none of the neighboring mountains can match its significance regarding religion and spirituality. 

According to the Sherpa sacred scriptures, the area above Khumbila's tree line is where gods reside, and crossing it invokes the wrath of gods in various ways, including altitude sickness. 

The Sagarmatha National Park has a peak that has never been scaled. In the 1980s, there was one effort at an expedition; regrettably, an avalanche claimed the lives of every expedition member. Since then, nobody has tried to reach the peak of this mountain.

The natives think ascending Khumbila's peak is like scaling a god's head. In the homes of the locals, prayer flags on bamboo wands are displayed in honor of Khumbila.

Ganesh Himal- 7,422 m (24,350 ft)

A section of the Himalayas known as the Ganesh Himal is mainly found in north-central Nepal, while some of its peaks are also located near the Tibetan border. In the east, it is separated from the Langtang Himal by the Trisuli Gandaki Valley; in the west, it is separated from the Sringi Himal and the Mansiri Himal by the Budhi (Buri) Gandaki Valley and the Shyar Khola River. 

The Ganesh Himal is a range of mountains located within Nepal's borders. Similarly, the mountain range includes several other tallest peaks like Yangra, Salasungo, Ganesh II, and Pabil. The tallest peak is Yangra, 7422 m above sea level. 

The mountain Ganesh Himal is named after the Hindu god Lord Goddess,  who has a human body and an elephant-like head. With this being said, Mount Pabil's south face also has a strange elephant-like appearance. Given how closely it resembles Ganesh, many believers hold the mountain in high regard and reverence.

The Hindu deity Ganesh, who has an elephant-like head and a human body, inspired the mountain range's name. The south face of Mount Pabil has an eerie resemblance to an elephant, which is why. Many believers revere and respect the mountain, especially given how much it resembles Ganesh.

The Hindu deity of luck, Ganesh, the son of Mahadev and Parvati, gives this Himal (mountain) its name. Due to its closeness to revered Hindu landmarks like the Tripurasundari temple and the sacred lakes Parvati (Kunda) and Ganesh, the Ganesh Himal walk is viewed as a holy trip by many Hindu pilgrims and hikers.

Moreover, due to the religious importance of the mountain, The Ganesh Himal trek is also thought to provide spiritual purification and benefits for those who participate. The hike around the mountain offers a chance to experience the local faith and culture along with the beautiful Himalayan mountain vistas.

Mt Kanchenjunga- 8,586 metres (28,169 feet)

The Kanchenjunga, situated in Nepal, stands as the second-highest peak in the country and the third-highest globally. Its importance is not solely in numerical stature but also in its rich legend and lore. This mountain, encompassing five peaks rather than a singular summit, holds a fascinating collection of tales frequently recounted by the local inhabitants.

Although often known as a single peak, Kanchenjunga is, in fact, a combination of five distinct summits. The name of the mountain is derived from Tibetan etymology, with "Kang" signifying a snow-covered mountain, "Chen" denoting greatness or loftiness, "nga" representing the numeral five, and "dzong" meaning a 'treasure house' or a fort. Therefore, Kanchenjunga translates to "Five Treasures of Snow," signifying the five peaks' symbolic possessions of salt, gold, precious stones, sacred scriptures, and invulnerable armor.

The Lepcha tribe, inhabiting the base of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, claims themselves as the "people of snow," declaring their origin from Kanchenjunga's frozen heights. This peak holds deep sanctity in their religious belief system. 

They also believe that the first two humans were born at this peak, and thus it holds a key position in the origin of humankind. The mountain is worshiped and considered the abode of divine forces by the upper Himalayan region in Nepal and the people of Sikkim. This is also why it took so long for someone to climb the hill. Joe Brown and George Band were the first to climb the peak on 25th May 1955. Before ascending, they promised the local Chogyal ruler that they would not climb the mountain and would stop a few feet before to respect the religious belief. 

The custom continued, and nobody has ever reached its pinnacle until this day, and a quarter of the 200 climbers near the peak died while making the ascent. 

Mt Manaslu - 8,163m (26,781ft)

The Manaslu Range, situated in the westernmost region of Nepal, is widely regarded as one of the nation's most esteemed mountain ranges. Its name, Manaslu, derives from the Sanskrit term "Manasa," signifying "soul" or "intellect," connoting the notion of the "mountain of the spirit." The local populace firmly believes that a supernatural entity inhabits this mountain range.

Indigenous inhabitants believe that this mountain holds a gracious and powerful divine presence. You can spot various monasteries near the Manaslu region, like Lungdung Gumba, Sarang Gumba, Rachen Gumba, and Mu Gumba. Following the legend, Guru Rinpoche and Jetsun Milarepa, both significant Buddhist luminaries, meditated close to the Manaslu mountains.

Kirat Chuli - 7,365 m (24,163 ft)

Kirat Chuli, also known as Tent Peak, is a noteworthy mountain in the Himalayas. Standing at 7,365 m (24,163 ft), it is part of the Kanchenjunga peak of Nepal. Kirat Chuli is a popular destination for mountaineers, trekkers, and adventurers who seek to explore the region's stunning landscapes and challenging terrains.

Kirat Chuli offers breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding peaks like Kanchenjunga. Its accessible location and relatively less demanding climbing routes make it an attractive choice for climbers with moderate experience in high-altitude mountaineering.

The mountain derives its name from the Kirat people, an indigenous group in Nepal. Kirat Chuli's ascent typically involves a combination of technical climbing and alpine trekking, making it an enticing challenge for those looking to push their limits while embracing the Himalayas' natural beauty and cultural richness.

Gauri-Shankar Himal- 7135 M  (23406 ft)

Gauri Shankar, occasionally written Gauri Shankar, is located on the western side of Rolwaling Himal, about 100 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. John Roskelley and Dorje Sherpa made the first ascent of the holy mountain, which towers triumphantly at 7,134 meters, on May 8, 1979. This is a popular distant trekking location in Nepal and one of the more spiritual and religious treks. Gauri Shankar was named after Lord Shankar and Gauri, his wife. 

The mountain has two peaks, so it is called Gauri Shankar. The two peak includes the southern top named Gauri in honor of Lord Shiva's spouse, while the higher northern peak is called Shankar in praise of Lord Shiva. There were efforts to climb the rise in the 1950s and 1960s, but the climbers were unsuccessful due to weather challenges, storms, and ice faces. Since the people revere the mountain as sacred, climbing it was legally prohibited from 1965 to 1979. It wasn't until 1979 that permission to climb the mountain was finally given. An American-Nepalese expedition that year alone succeeded in climbing to the peak from the west side, a route that is quite challenging technologically. 

Mount Makalu-8,481 metres (27,825 ft)

The Mahalangur Himalayas includes Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. It is located on the Nepal-China border towards the southeast of Mount Everest. Makalu is a lone summit with a four-sided pyramidal form. The two prominent subsidiary peaks of Mount Makalu, Kangchungtse and Chomo Lonzo, also give the top an ethereal quality. 

Makalu is a Sanskrit moniker for the Hindu god Shiva that translates to "the Big Black" in English. Its name is derived from the phrase "Maha Kala" in Sanskrit. Due to its seclusion, Mount Makalu sees few hikers, making it a location off the beaten track. Makalu Base Camp Trek is a culturally rich tour that offers particular biological and traditional assets of the Makalu Barun area, with Gurung, Rai, and Sherpa people living there. Wolves, lynxes, foxes, and stunning snow leopards all have homes in Barun Valley.

Ama Dablam- 6,856 meters (22,493 feet) 

One of Nepal's most revered mountains, Ama Dablam, has a central peak that rises 6,8156 meters (22,493 feet) and a minor western summit of 6,170 meters (20,243 feet). This peak rises to a height of 6,812 m (22,349 ft). A trekker's path to the Everest Base is dominated by Ama Dablam, a large granite pyramid covered in ice.

The peak is called "The Himalayan Matterhorn" in popular culture. Additionally, the glacier on its southwest side, which resembles a jewel box hanging from the summit, gives Ama Dablam its name, which translates to simply "Mother's Necklace."

Mt. Ama Dablam is situated in the Khumbu area along with Everest and Lhotse. This location provides breathtaking views throughout the ascent and peak, as one might anticipate. For devotees, the mountainous region that contains the Thyangboche Monastery is considered a sacred location. 

The peak's lengthy ridges on either side make it appear like a mother (Ama) protecting her kid. The peak's hanging glacier also resembles a Dablam, the customary double necklace with images of the gods worn by Sherpa women. Like the Hawaiian deity Te Fiti from the Disney film Moana, the entire summit is said to be a petrified goddess. 

Om Parvat 5,590 m (18,340 ft)  

The imposing summit of Om Parvat is in the Dharchula district of western Nepal and the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand, India. Moreover, the peak stands close to Adinath Peak as well. Om Parvat, at 6191 meters lying amidst the encircling mountains, holds significant importance as a landmark along the route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

An incredibly fascinating part of this attraction is the snow deposition pattern on the mountain's surface mirroring the revered "O.M.," a significant symbol in Hinduism. The mountain strongly resembles Mt Kailash in Tibet, and the views are genuinely splendid and enchanting. 

Located among the heart of the surrounding peaks, Om Parvat is a sacred mountain with bewitching snow-clad beauty that rises against the sky. This mountain can be spotted from miles away, also. Besides Om Parvat, numerous important destinations are also situated near the hill. Jonglingkong Lake and  Parvati Lake are the ones with religious importance, to name a few. Om Parbat is located on the  Indo-Nepalese border, with its face Om facing India and the back facing Nepal. 

Devotees on their Kailash Mansarovar Yatra generally visit Om Parvat. Om Parvat is perhaps the only peak where devotees may experience the uncommon snow formation that creates the unique "Om shape." Because of this symbol, Om Parvat is regarded as a particularly sacred mountain. Devotees associate Om Parvat with Lord Shiva and the cosmos. Lord Shiva, the Hindu pantheon's most significant deity, is said to be as pure as the letter Om, or Aum.

Mt Saipal- 7,031 m (23,068 ft.)

Mt. Saipal, located in the western region of Nepal, is a less traveled peak featuring snow-capped summits, lush valleys, a distinctive Trans-Himalayan plateau, jagged cliffs, calm lakes, long, arduous rivers, and a wealth of wildlife. Additionally, it serves as a hub for both culture and religion. According to the myth, the Hindu Gods and Goddesses reside in the mountains. In Hindu mythology, Saipal is named after Lord Bishnu, as Mount Kailash is named after Lord Shiva. 

Brahma, the creator; Bishnu, the defender; and Shiva- the destroyer, make up the Hindu trinity of three deities. The locals of the Saipal region regarded the five summits of Mount Saipal as representing the five heads of the sacred snake god Sheshnaag, who is said to be resting on the lap of Lord Bishnu in Saipal. 

Virgin/ Unclimbed Mountains of Nepal

A mountain peak that hasn't been climbed to its top is known as an unclimbed mountain. It is frequently argued which unclimbed summit is the tallest one. If you are curious about this too, let us tell you that the world's tallest unclimbed mountain is Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m) in Bhutan. 

The main reason why most of the mountain gets unclimbed is because Surveying and mapping are still inaccurate in several places of the world. The paths taken by explorers, mountaineers, and locals are not well documented. 

On the other hand, if we talk about Nepal, most of the country's mountains have already been submitted. With this being said, the tallest mountain, Everest, has seen a total of 6,338 individuals till now. 

But believe it or not, many mountains in Nepal remain unclimbed and haven't been ascended for various reasons. Most often, they stay unclimbed due to their great remoteness and difficulty of access, because mountaineering is prohibited due to their religious importance, or because the mountain is within a country's restricted area, where no one can approach.

Virgin peaks are commonly used to describe unclimbed mountains. Many of these mountains are said to be more challenging and challenging to climb than Everest. In addition, several of the peaks on this list also come under the least visited destination of Nepal. 

As you might expect, many of these unclimbed mountains may be found in the Himalayas of Nepal. Therefore, we've chosen some of the tallest and most difficult ones below to get your adventurous thoughts racing.

Tila Peak- 7,134 meters (23,406 ft)

Tila Peak, also called Virgin Mountain, is a hidden gem of the Himalayas. Similarly, the peak is still unknown among mountaineers and explorers. The height is located in the Dhaulagiri ranges, considered one of the world's most challenging climbing areas. One of the highest summits in the Dhauligiri area is the Tila Peak, at 7,134 meters (23,406 ft) above sea level.

Despite its stunning beauty and height, the Virgin Mountain hasn't been conquered. It's not that the peak has never said any ascend. Many Climbers have tried to reach the mountain peak. But the challenges of the mountains, like harsh weather and steep terrain, have prevented them from succeeding. 

 The difficulty of climbing the mountain is further increased because it is situated in a hard-to-reach place.

Virgin Mountain is located in a remote region. Therefore it provides a special and unique adventure for mountaineers brave enough to summit it.  The climbing journey will be difficult and thus require technical expertise. Besides, it would be best if you also had previous climbing experience and significant physical and mental stamina.  With its steep inclines, shaky icefalls, and erratic weather, the climb is also regarded as one of the hardest and riskiest in the whole globe.

Despite the difficulties, climbing to the top of Virgin Mountain is worth every effort. Climbers are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Dhaulagiri mountain and the other valleys and a sense of satisfaction that can only come from overcoming such an immense obstacle.

Kabru Peak- 7412 meters (24,318 ft)

On the boundary between eastern Nepal and India lies the Himalayan peak known as Kabru. It is the southernmost 7,000-metre (23,000-foot) mountain globally and is a portion of a ridge stretching south from Kangchenjunga.

There has never been a successful ascent of the spectacular Himalayan mountain's northern and highest summit, which is located on Nepal's eastern border. Conrad Cooke, a climber, broke the previous record for the highest solo ascent in 1935 when he ascended the mountain's southern top. Similarly,  avalanches prevented a Serbian crew from reaching Kabru's northern peak during their attempt that year.

Kabru Massif is a two-summit mountain in the Himalayan range between India and Nepal. People have successfully scaled the south peak, while the north summit, at 24,110 feet, has yet to be done. Teams haven't been able to climb a mountain inside a range noted for its huge summits for several reasons, but heavy avalanche activity has emerged as the main one.

Which is Both the Sacred and Virgin Peak of Nepal?  

Machhapuchhre or the Fishtail 

Machhapuchhre, sometimes known as Machapuchare or Machhapuchchhre, is located in the small mountainous nation- Nepal. It is the same place where thousands of people attempt to climb Mount Everest annually. The mountain is situated in Gandaki Pradesh, in northern Nepal, within the small mountain group that makes up the Annapurna range.

Because of its curvature near the top is known as the "fish-tail" mountain and has thus far eluded human ascent. Not that it is impossible to climb, but it is challenging to obtain a permit from the Nepalese government to do so. The steep peak is still alone at the summit as a result.

The lonely summit at 6,993 m, which is part of the Annapurna range and contains three of the ten highest peaks in the world, is a remarkable example of natural beauty that should be seen solely with the eyes and not trampled. And the reason for this is that it is considered a sacred mountain that is still off-limits to ascend.

Machhapuchhre is regarded as Lord Shiva's residence, the same as Mt. Kailash, the peak that is generally recognized as the home of the Hindu God Shiva. One of the major Gurkha tribes also revered it as a sacred mountain besides the Gurungs. It's also important to remember that humans have formally climbed neither Machhapuchhre nor Mt. Kailash. 

However, ascending this peak is prohibited by the government of Nepal. 

According to the BBC, British Army commander Jimmy Roberts' request, who made significant contributions to the growth of mountaineering in Nepal, led to the prohibition on ascending Mount Machhapuchhre. Jimmy Roberts did organize an expedition to climb Machhapuchhare, but he gave up 45m from the summit. 

Later, Jimmy Roberts asked the Nepali government to forbid Machhapuchhare expeditions. It could have been a result of his affection for the native Gurungs. Machhapuchhre was regarded as sacred by the Gurung people, who disapproved of outsiders attempting to climb it. 

Even now, scaling Machhapuchhare is prohibited. In reality, Machhapuchhare has long represented beauty and chastity in Nepal. As a result, this peak may be heard in folk songs from Nepal.

List of All Unclimbed/ Virgin Mountains of Nepal