8000m peak expeditions
The world’s 14 eight-thousanders represent the highest level of high-altitude expedition climbing. From Everest and K2 to Manaslu and Cho Oyu, use this hub to compare objectives, understand progression, and click through to compare operators.
Quick guide: Manaslu and Cho Oyu are often shortlisted as first 8,000m goals. Everest is the best-known commercial expedition. K2, Annapurna and the steeper Nepal / Pakistan giants sit firmly at the sharp end.
Jump to all peaks | Jump to region groups | Jump to progression
8000m peaks overview
Where are the 8000m peaks?
- Main range: Himalaya and Karakoram
- Countries: Nepal, Pakistan and Tibet / China
- Key bases: Nepal’s trekking valleys and Pakistan’s Baltoro corridor
What makes them different?
- Altitude: Extreme hypoxic environment above 8,000m
- Logistics: Multi-week expeditions, camps, permits and weather windows
- Commitment: Serious objective risk, training and prior expedition experience required
Use the sections below to browse by all peaks, regional cluster and realistic progression.
Explore all 8000m peaks
Compare the world’s highest mountains side by side. Click any peak to view operators, routes, prices and trip volume.
Everest
8,848mK2
8,611mKanchenjunga
8,586mLhotse
8,516mMakalu
8,485mCho Oyu
8,188mDhaulagiri
8,167mManaslu
8,163mNanga Parbat
8,126mAnnapurna
8,091mGasherbrum I
8,080mBroad Peak
8,051mGasherbrum II
8,035mShishapangma
8,027m8000m peaks by region
Geography matters. Nepal peaks often combine trekking access with large commercial infrastructure, while Pakistan’s 8,000m expeditions are generally more remote and logistically demanding.
Nepal-based giants
Big Himalayan expeditions with classic trekking approaches and large-scale spring seasons.
Pakistan / Karakoram peaks
Remote approaches, complex logistics and some of the world’s most serious high-altitude climbing.
Tibet / Nepal border peaks
Border-mountain objectives shaped by permit access, route conditions and shifting expedition logistics.
8000m peaks by progression
None of these are beginner mountains. These groupings are only useful for experienced climbers comparing their next realistic step within the 8,000m category.
More common first 8000m goals
Often discussed as entry points to 8,000m climbing, though still extremely serious objectives.
Major commercial expeditions
High-altitude objectives with strong operator infrastructure but still huge physical and logistical demands.
Sharp end / highly serious
Steeper, more exposed, more remote or more historically severe 8,000m expeditions.
Best time to climb 8000m peaks
Spring (Apr–May)
Main season for Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Kangchenjunga. Usually the biggest commercial window.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Primary Karakoram season for K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums, with Pakistan logistics and Baltoro access in focus.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Smaller secondary season on selected peaks, especially where operators run post-monsoon departures.
Winter
Specialist level only. Much smaller teams, harsher conditions and a very different risk profile from standard-season expeditions.
Browse all 8000m peaks (A–Z) 14 total
Click a peak to open the full page and compare operators.
Related planning
8000m peaks – FAQ
How long do 8000m expeditions usually take?
Most trips run for roughly 5–9 weeks depending on the mountain, route, weather windows, acclimatisation strategy and access logistics. Peaks with long trekking approaches or tighter weather windows can stretch longer.