Kathmandu: Nepal on Friday proposed adding six more of its peaks to the list of mountains above 8,000 metres, a move that could take the Himalayan nation's tally of eight-thousanders to 14.
Eight of Nepal's mountains, including the world’s highest peak Mt Everest, are already recognised as being over 8,000 metres.
The proposal was moved through the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) during the inaugural session of the two-day general assembly of the International Federation of Climbing and Mountaineering (UIAA) in Kathmandu.
At the session, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel said the Nepal government has moved initiatives to include Yalung Kang, Kanchenjunga South, Kanchenjunga Central, Lhotse Central, Lhotse Shar and Yalung Kang West in the international list of eight-thousanders.
If all six mountains receive international recognition, the number of recognised mountains above 8,000 metres in Nepal will rise to 14, and 20 worldwide.
Representatives of mountaineering associations from various countries, mountaineering experts and other stakeholders attended the general meeting being hosted by the NMA.
NMA President Phurba Gyalje Sherpa presented the general assembly with details of the six mountains. According to Sherpa, Yalung Kang is 8,505 metres high, Kanchenjunga South 8,476 metres, Kanchenjunga Central 8,473 metres, Lhotse Central 8,410 metres, Lhotse Shar 8,400 metres and Yalung Kang West 8,077 metres.
Sherpa said the NMA formed a study team to identify the mountains and measure their heights. It collected evidence of each mountain's geographical identity, its separate summit and distinct climbing route.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Paudel said it would be a remarkable achievement for Nepal to be identified as home to 14 of the world’s 20 mountains above 8,000 metres.
“Nepal’s proposal is not merely about adding to the number of mountains,” Paudel wrote in a social media post. “It is also an effort to establish our Himalayan geography, natural heritage and mountain identity before the international community with facts, study and scientific basis.”
