14 peaks
Eight Thousanders
What are the Eight Thousanders?
The Eight Thousanders are the 14 independent mountains higher than 8,000 metres (26,247 feet) above sea level. All of them are in the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges in Nepal, China, Pakistan and India, and several sit on international borders. Mount Everest is the highest at 8,849 metres, and Shishapangma in Tibet is the lowest at 8,027 metres. Reinhold Messner became the first person to climb all 14 in 1986. Since 2021, research by high-altitude chroniclers into the true highest points of peaks such as Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna has led to revised records of who has completed the list.
Eight Thousanders list
Mount Everest
29,032 ft · Nepal Border
K2
28,251 ft · Pakistan Border
Kangchenjunga
28,169 ft · Nepal Border
Lhotse
27,940 ft · Nepal Border
Makalu
27,838 ft · Nepal Border
Cho Oyu
26,864 ft · Nepal Border
Dhaulagiri I
26,795 ft · Nepal
Manaslu
26,781 ft · Nepal
Nanga Parbat
26,660 ft · Pakistan
Annapurna I
26,545 ft · Nepal
Gasherbrum I
26,509 ft · Pakistan Border
Broad Peak
26,414 ft · Pakistan Border
Gasherbrum II
26,362 ft · Pakistan Border
Shishapangma
26,335 ft · Tibet
Among the highest mountains on Earth
Each Eight Thousander is a full expedition, often lasting weeks, so completing the list is usually the work of a climbing career. Climbers tend to add one or two per season, and records of whether the true summit was reached have become more closely examined. Yak keeps a clear log of each of the 14.
Frequently asked questions
How many 8,000 metre peaks are there?
There are 14 mountains above 8,000 metres. All are in Asia.
What is the lowest Eight Thousander?
Shishapangma in Tibet is the lowest at 8,027 metres (26,335 feet).
Which countries have 8,000 metre peaks?
The 14 are in Nepal, China, Pakistan and India. Eight are in Nepal or on its borders, and five are in Pakistan's Karakoram.
Who was the first person to climb all 14 Eight Thousanders?
Reinhold Messner of Italy completed all 14 in 1986.
Why have some 8,000 metre completions been questioned?
Research since 2021 found that on several peaks, many climbers stopped at a point short of the true highest summit. This has led to revised completion lists.
Is there an app to track the Eight Thousanders?
Yes. Yak: Mountain Tracker is a free app for iPhone and Android that includes the Eight Thousanders as a quest with all 14 peaks. Mark each peak as climbed, log the date with notes and photos, plan the peaks you have left and see how close you are to finishing the list.
Which Eight Thousander is the easiest?
Cho Oyu is usually considered the most accessible 8,000 metre peak because its standard route is less technical and has relatively low avalanche risk. It is still a full high-altitude expedition.
Which Eight Thousander is the most dangerous?
Annapurna I has historically had the highest fatality rate of the 14, mostly from avalanches. K2 is the other peak most often named as the deadliest, because of its steep, technical terrain and unpredictable weather.
Track the Eight Thousanders
Log each 8,000 metre peak you climb in one place.