July 28, 2025
The Everest Region, also known as the Khumbu, is home to some of the most iconic peaks on Earth. But beyond sheer altitude, these mountains are deeply woven into local Sherpa culture, Tibetan Buddhism, and ancient legends. Whether you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp, flying above the Himalayas, or filming in the region, this guide introduces the towering summits that define the landscape and the spiritual identity of the Khumbu.
1. Mount Everest (Sagarmatha/Chomolungma) – 8,848.86 m
- Nepali Name: Sagarmatha (“Forehead of the Sky”)
- Tibetan Name: Chomolungma (“Goddess Mother of the World”)
- Cultural Importance: Considered a deity in Tibetan Buddhism, often seen as the embodiment of Drolma (Tara)
- First Ascent: 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
- Best Viewpoints: Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, Everest View Hotel, Tengboche, flights from Kathmandu
As the world’s tallest mountain, Everest is far more than a geographic marvel—it’s a spiritual presence. Sherpa communities perform pujas (blessings) before any climb, and no expedition begins without seeking permission from the mountain.
2. Lhotse – 8,516 m
- Meaning: “South Peak” in Tibetan
- Location: Directly connected to Everest via the South Col
- Claim to Fame: Fourth-highest mountain in the world
- Viewpoints: Same vantage points as Everest (often mistaken for part of Everest by the untrained eye)
Though in Everest’s shadow, Lhotse is a fierce, technical climb and an icon in its own right. Its sheer South Face is one of the steepest walls in the Himalayas.
3. Nuptse – 7,861 m
- Meaning: “West Peak” in Tibetan
- Cultural Relevance: Seen as Everest’s wing, forming the ridgeline above the Khumbu Glacier
- Viewpoints: Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar
Nuptse’s dramatic face glows golden at sunrise, often appearing more striking than Everest from many vantage points.
4. Ama Dablam – 6,812 m
- Meaning: “Mother’s Necklace” (the ridges resemble a maternal figure; the hanging glacier, a sacred jewel)
- Spiritual Importance: One of the most sacred mountains in the Khumbu; climbing used to be forbidden
- Viewpoints: Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche
Ama Dablam is perhaps the most visually beautiful mountain in Nepal, often called the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas.” It dominates the trail and symbolizes divine femininity in Sherpa belief.
5. Thamserku – 6,608 m
- Location: East of Namche Bazaar
- Role: Protector of the Khumbu
- Viewpoints: Namche, Phakding
Thamserku appears towering above the trail after Monjo, its icy flanks gleaming. It’s often the first big peak you’ll notice on the trek.
6. Kongde Ri – 6,187 m
- Location: West of Namche Bazaar
- Viewpoints: Across the Dudh Koshi River; stunning at sunrise from Namche
Kongde offers symmetry to the landscape. While not as famous as others, it forms the dramatic background to many aerial shots of the region.
7. Taboche (Tawoche) – 6,495 m
- Location: Between Gokyo and Dingboche
- Viewpoints: Gokyo Ri, Pangboche, Dughla
Taboche’s dark rock face contrasts with surrounding white peaks. It stands beside Cholatse and is often seen on alpine documentaries and photography books.
8. Cholatse – 6,440 m
- Name Origin: From Cho (lake), La (pass), Tse (peak) — located near Cho La Pass
- Viewpoints: Gokyo Valley and Lobuche route
Cholatse is a sharp, blade-like peak often admired by trekkers on the way to Gokyo. It’s revered for its symmetry and challenge.
9. Gyachung Kang – 7,952 m
- Status: Highest peak under 8,000 meters
- Location: Between Everest and Cho Oyu
- Rarity: Rarely seen due to its remote location and overshadowed status
- Viewpoints: Gokyo Ri or high passes like Renjo La (with luck)
Despite its height, it is lesser known and remains wild and rarely climbed—an enigma even to seasoned mountaineers.
10. Cho Oyu – 8,188 m
- Meaning: “Turquoise Goddess”
- Rank: Sixth highest mountain in the world
- Viewpoints: Renjo La Pass, Gokyo Ri, occasionally seen from the Gokyo Lakes
A relatively accessible 8,000-meter peak, Cho Oyu is deeply respected in Tibetan and Sherpa culture. The mountain straddles the border with Tibet and offers stunning views from the Gokyo Valley.
Bonus: Best Panoramic Viewpoints in the Everest Region
| Viewpoint | Elevation | Notable Peaks Seen |
|---|---|---|
| Kala Patthar | 5,545 m | Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori |
| Gokyo Ri | 5,357 m | Everest, Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Makalu (distant) |
| Tengboche | 3,867 m | Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku |
| Renjo La Pass | 5,360 m | Cho Oyu, Gokyo Valley, Everest (in good visibility) |
| Everest View Hotel | 3,880 m | Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam — accessible early on trek |
Whether you’re trekking, filming, or simply admiring the grandeur of the Himalayas, the mountains of the Everest region leave a lasting impression—both visually and spiritually.