Recognition of 6 more mountains above 8,000 meters

During the General Assembly of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), held in Kathmandu, Nepal proposed that six additional peaks, all exceeding 8,000 meters in height, be officially recognized as distinct summits.

Phur Gelje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), stated that the proposal was presented at the assembly, which was attended by representatives from 45 countries. The proposal seeks official recognition for Yalung Kang (8,505 m), Kangchenjunga South (8,476 m), Kangchenjunga Central (8,473 m), Lhotse Central (8,410 m), Lhotse Shar (8,400 m), and Yalung Kang West (8,077 m).

There are 14 recognized mountains in the world that exceed 8,000 meters in height. Of these, eight—including Mount Everest (the world's highest peak), Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna—are located in Nepal.

Shishapangma, in China (Tibet), and K2, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II, and Nanga Parbat, in Pakistan, are also recognized as peaks exceeding 8,000 meters in height.

These 14 mountains are recognized by the UIAA as peaks exceeding 8,000 meters. Nepal also recognizes these 14 peaks, all of which exceed 8,000 meters, and issues climbing permits and certificates for them.

During a meeting of the UIAA Management Committee held in Italy in the first week of May 2013, a proposal was put forward to recognize six additional mountain peaks as distinct summits.

Although this issue was raised again at the UIAA General Assembly held in Switzerland in October of the same year, no decision was reached. While organizations such as the Nepal Mountaineering Association have continued to advocate for the inclusion of additional peaks, the UIAA appears to remain firm in its position on the traditional list of 14 mountains.

However, in 2023, the UIAA Mountaineering Commission noted that the Government of Nepal has full authority to decide whether to recognize additional peaks, whether for administrative or other reasons.

The next UIAA General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Chile in October 2027. Hopefully, a breakthrough on this issue will be achieved by then.