Exploring the lesser-known peaks near Everest

Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain at 8,848.86 metres (29,032 feet), rises from the crest of the great Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, Everest has long captured the imagination of trekkers, climbers, and adventurers alike.

Its legendary summit is the goal for many who trek through the Khumbu region, with viewpoints like Kala Patthar and Goya Lakes offering stunning glimpses of the peak. While Everest often takes centre stage, it is far from the only mountain of interest in the region. Formed by powerful tectonic forces over millions of years, the Everest massif includes many other remarkable peaks: some towering, some more modest, that offer excellent trekking and climbing experiences.

These lesser-known Everest peaks provide a chance to explore the beauty and challenge of the Himalayas without the extreme altitude or high expedition costs associated with summiting Everest itself. If you're looking for other peaks near Everest that promise adventure with a more personal touch and often without the crowds, you're in the right place.

Snowcapped peaks in the Himalayas during the Everest Base Camp trek.

Learn more: Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek route

Mount Everest might be the star attraction, but there’s so much more to explore nearby. The region is full of lesser-known peaks that offer exciting climbs and incredible views without the extreme height or the high costs that come with Everest expeditions.

These trekking peaks near Everest are ideal for adventure lovers looking for something beyond the usual trek to Everest Base Camp. They provide a real sense of challenge and reward, all while letting you enjoy the stunning Himalayan scenery in a more relaxed, less crowded setting.

Let's have a look at the other peaks near Everest:

Lobuche East, which stands at 6,119 metres (20,075 feet) above sea level in Nepal’s Khumbu region, is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the Himalayas. Sitting high above the glaciers, it offers a rewarding climb that’s accessible to those with good fitness and basic mountain skills; no extensive technical climbing is required.

Known for its relatively straightforward ascent and stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan giants, Lobuche East is the perfect challenge for climbers ready to move beyond trekking and try their first high-altitude peak. It strikes an ideal balance between physical endurance and mountaineering experience, combining scenic trails with manageable climbing sections.

Lobuche East attracts many climbers thanks to its more accessible routes and the chance to stand atop a summit that offers breathtaking views across the Everest region.

View of Lobuche East Peak in Nepal.

Learn more: Experience Nepal’s majestic Lobuche East Peak

Situated in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal, Imja Tse, better known to most as Island Peak, is a favourite among trekkers looking for an achievable yet rewarding Himalayan climb. The name Island Peak dates back to 1951, when Eric Shipton’s team spotted it from Dingboche and thought it looked like an island rising from a sea of ice. While officially renamed Imja Tse in 1983, the original name remains widely used by climbers and guides alike.

This peak is an offshoot ridge descending from Lhotse Shar, linking it closely with the towering giants around Everest. Its summit was first reached in 1956 by a Swiss expedition, which used the climb as a preparatory step for tackling Everest and Lhotse themselves.

Island Peak's popularity owes much to its moderate technical difficulty, graded alpine PD+, and its accessibility. Climbers often start from the base camp at Pareshaya Gyab, situated at 5,087 metres (16,690 feet), setting out very early in the morning between 2 and 3 am to make the most of the conditions. Many other trekkers opt to push up to high camp at about 5,600 metres (18,400 feet) the night before, making summit day less strenuous and more manageable.

For those wanting a real taste of Himalayan climbing without the extreme challenges of Everest, Island Peak offers stunning views, a strong sense of accomplishment, and the chance to experience one of the most spectacular regions on earth.

Glacier on top of Island Peak with a small trail to the summit, the Himalaya mountain range in Nepal.

Learn more: Explore the Thrills: Climb Island Peak Nepal for Unforgettable Views

When people think of Everest, they often imagine the famous trek to Everest Base Camp. But just beyond the well-trodden paths lie other peaks near Everest that offer a true Himalayan challenge, and Mera Peak stands tall among them. At 6,470 metres, Mera Peak is Nepal’s highest trekking peak, giving adventurers the chance to push their limits without requiring advanced technical climbing skills.

The trek to Mera Peak begins in Lukla and through rhododendron forests, crosses high mountain passes, and climbs above the treeline into rocky valleys and icy glaciers. By the time you reach base camp at 5,300 metres, you’re surrounded by some of the most stunning mountains near Mount Everest.

What makes Mera Peak stand out among the Everest peaks is not just its height, but the incredible views from the summit. From here, you can see a few of the world’s highest mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. The view is simply breathtaking, a reminder of why the Himalayas are a bucket-list destination for trekkers and climbers worldwide.

Trail from Mera Peak base camp.

At Mera Peak, trekkers spend between seven to nine days ascending from Lukla, gaining over 2,400 metres in elevation. You’ll be hiking up to 10 hours a day at times, so fitness and patience are essential. The climb is challenging, but not technically perfect for those ready to take on one of the most rewarding trekking peaks near Everest.

There are three summits on Mera Peak: North, Central, and South. Most climbers aim for Mera Central, which offers the best combination of accessibility and reward. Altitude sickness is the biggest challenge on Mera Peak, with many people successfully summiting and a success rate of roughly 80 per cent. Careful acclimatisation is key; pacing yourself and listening to your guide can make all the difference. Spending extra nights at Mera Base Camp and doing day hikes to higher elevations is one way to help your body adjust.

If you’re searching for other peaks near Everest that offer a memorable climb without the extreme demands of Everest itself, Mera Peak should be high on your list. It’s a rewarding step up from the Everest Base Camp trek and a chance to experience the incredible beauty of the Himalayas from a truly spectacular vantage point.

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If you're looking to dip your boots into Himalayan mountaineering, Pokalde Peak is one of the best trekking peaks near Everest to start with. At just 5,806 metres, Pokalde is one of the shortest and easiest climbing peaks in the region, but don’t let that fool you. This peak still offers everything you’d hope for from the mountains near Mount Everest: beautiful views, glacier crossings, and the adrenaline of reaching a high-altitude summit.

Located just 12 kilometres southwest of Everest, Pokalde, also known as Dolma-ri, is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours. But for those in the know, it’s a gem, an ideal introduction to climbing in Nepal. Most of the 650-metre ascent from base camp involves straightforward trekking, with just a few rocky sections that require some light scrambling. The final pitch to the summit includes a short, near-vertical rock section, adding just enough excitement without being overly technical.

Pokalde Peak is perfect for trekkers heading towards Everest Base Camp who want to add a summit to their journey without committing to a long or technically demanding climb. The beautiful Kongma Glacier lies just a short 40-minute walk from base camp, making this area feel truly remote and wild despite its accessibility.

If you’re curious about other peaks near Everest that offer a genuine taste of mountaineering minus the intensity, Pokalde is a fantastic first step. It’s a short adventure that often sparks a lifelong love for climbing in the Himalayas.

The peak of Mount Pokalde.

Learn more: Beginner’s Guide to Peak Climbing in Nepal: Where to Start

Tucked away in the remote Mahalangur Himal region, not far from the Tibetan border, Nirekha Peak is one of the lesser-known but truly rewarding trekking peaks near Everest. Sitting east of the Cho La Col and sharing the same ridge as Lobuche, this newly opened summit is part of a dramatic mountain chain that weaves between towering giants like Everest, Cho Oyu, and Cholatse.

At 6,159 metres, Nirekha offers a more off-the-beaten-path adventure for climbers seeking other peaks near Everest that combine manageable technical sections with Himalayan scenery. This route is not as widely known or climbed as Island Peak or Mera Peak. Nirekha feels wild and remote, perfect for those wanting a quieter summit experience.

The climb is considered moderate in difficulty. It’s relatively straightforward for those in good physical shape, but it does require the use of mountaineering gear like crampons, an ice axe, and fixed ropes in some sections. It’s a fantastic choice for trekkers who’ve already done something like Everest Base Camp or Gokyo Ri and want to take the next step without jumping straight into extreme expeditions.

If you’re on the hunt for Everest peaks that go beyond the usual list, Nirekha delivers big on both scenery and solitude. It's a true hidden gem for adventurous souls ready to take their Himalayan journey a little higher.

Layers of ice at Nirekha mountain summit.

Learn more: Where is Mount Everest?

If you're looking to explore other peaks near Everest that combine high-altitude adventure with quiet, scenic routes, Pharchamo Peak (6,187 m) is a fantastic choice. First climbed in 1955, this snow peak lies just south of the glaciated Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,760 m), which connects the remote Rolwaling Valley with the better-known Khumbu region.

Pharchamo is one of those trekking peaks near Everest that offers a big-mountain feel without the intense technical challenges of the region’s tallest giants. Its north-by-northwest ridge rises from a broken glacier and forms a steady, sweeping line to the summit. The lower sections are typically straightforward, but towards the top, climbers may encounter crevasses and the occasional ice step, especially in late-season conditions.

The final push to the summit is exposed and exciting, but manageable for fit and well-prepared trekkers with basic mountaineering experience. It’s this balance of accessibility and challenge that makes Pharchamo a favourite among experienced trekkers stepping up from classic routes like Everest Base Camp.

Often paired with nearby Ramdung Peak, Pharchamo is ideal for those seeking Everest peaks that lie slightly off the radar. Many climbers complete their journey by crossing the Tashi Lapcha into the Khumbu, descending through Thame and ending in Lukla, making it a scenic journey between two spectacular regions of the Himalayas.

If you’re after mountains near Mount Everest that offer solitude, technical variety, and some of the best summit views around, Pharchamo Peak delivers a memorable experience in one of Nepal’s most untouched alpine corridors.

Located between the Khumbu and Nuptse Glaciers, Khongma Tse, once known as Mehra Peak, is one of the more striking yet little-known mountains near Mount Everest. Rising just north of Kongma La Pass and directly opposite Lobuche, this dramatic peak is part of the rugged South-West Ridge of Nuptse, a line of smaller summits that includes Pokalde.

From Gorakshep, Khongma Tse’s north face grabs your attention right away. A sharp, diamond-shaped hanging glacier clings to the steep rock wall, cut through by an ice ramp. It’s beautiful, but not the side most people climb. The usual route is from the south, where things are a bit easier. From the lakes east of Kongma La, a stepped glacier flows down from the summit between two long rocky ridges. This glacier forms the standard route up the mountain.

Khongma Tse is more technical than many trekking peaks near Everest, involving glacier travel, some steep rock, and icy sections. Climbers typically follow the southeast ridge near the Nuptse Glacier, making this a climb best suited for those with some alpine experience under their belt. It’s also a quieter alternative to busier Everest peaks, offering just as much drama minus the crowds.

For trekkers and mountaineers looking to explore other peaks near Everest that combine technical variety with breathtaking beauty, Khongma Tse is a rewarding and less-travelled route into the high alpine world of the Khumbu.

A beautiful view of Khongma Tse.

Learn more: Where is Everest Base Camp?

Kwangde Ri, also known as Kwangde Peak, is a prominent mountain in the Everest region, rising to 6,187 m (20,298 ft). It stands just southeast of Namche Bazaar, above the Bhote Koshi River, and forms part of the Lumding Himal range. Despite being classified as a trekking peak, Kwangde Ri is one of the more technical mountains near Mount Everest.

The peak features multiple ridgelines, with four summits reaching over 6,000 m. Its steep faces, icy slopes, and exposed rock sections demand strong fitness and basic mountaineering skills. Climbers must navigate mixed terrain involving snow, ice, and fixed rope sections. This makes Kwangde Peak climbing ideal for those looking to gain experience before tackling higher Himalayan peaks.

The climb offers beautiful views of nearby giants like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and the Rolwaling range. Its position near the main Everest Base Camp trail allows climbers to experience classic trekking highlights, including time in Sagarmatha National Park and visits to Sherpa villages before veering off towards a quieter and more demanding objective.

Kwangde Ri is best suited to experienced trekkers ready to test themselves on a lesser-known peak in the Everest region. It's a rewarding climb with high-altitude exposure, technical sections, and panoramic Himalayan views without the crowds.

View of Kwangde Ri.

Learn more: The Legacy of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa

Ramdung Peak, also called Ramdung Go, is a trekking peak in the Rolwaling Himalayas, rising to 5,930 m (19,455 ft). It sits near the border of the Khumbu and Rolwaling regions, offering a remote and rewarding Himalayan expedition for those looking to go off the beaten track.

This peak is a great choice for fit trekkers and beginner mountaineers who want to push beyond high-altitude trekking into more technical terrain. While not extremely difficult, the climb involves glacier travel, snow slopes, and rope work, making it an ideal introduction to Himalayan mountaineering.

From the summit of Ramdung Peak, climbers are rewarded with a sweeping panorama that includes Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Dorje Lakpa, Chobabhamre, and even distant views of the Tibetan Plateau. The summit experience is enhanced by the peak’s location in a quieter part of the Himalayas, far from the busy trails of the Everest region.

The trek through Rolwaling Valley is rich in Sherpa culture, Buddhist heritage, and alpine scenery. You'll pass through traditional mountain villages, cross high passes, and walk through forests, glacial valleys, and high alpine meadows.

A beautiful view of a snowy Ramdung Peak.

Learn more: Altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp trek

If you’re still undecided, here’s a comparison table to help you choose. These trekking peaks near Everest offer adventure seekers a rewarding challenge beyond the usual Everest Base Camp trek.

Tackling these lesser-known peaks near Everest gives you the chance to:

If you’re aiming for your first Himalayan summit or craving a fresh challenge beyond the crowded trails, these trekking peaks near Everest offer a perfect blend of adventure, solitude, and stunning mountain scenery.

If you're in the mood to tackle other peaks near Everest, then the Three Passes Trek is a classic high-altitude route in Nepal’s Everest region that challenges trekkers to cross three significant mountain passes, namely (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m).

Beyond the trek itself, the Three Passes area is home to lesser-known summits like Kongma Tse, Pokalde, and Nirekha Peak, other peaks near Everest that are perfect for adventurous climbers wanting to explore beyond the classic trails. These peaks offer a mix of trekking and mountaineering, with varying levels of technical challenge and stunning panoramic views.

This trek connects some of the region’s most legendary trekking villages, such as Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo, while offering spectacular views of towering Everest peaks and surrounding mountains near Mount Everest.

As with many multi-day treks, the Three Passes route offers plenty of flexibility. You can choose to walk the middle section either clockwise or counterclockwise, tailoring the journey to your fitness and acclimatisation needs. There are also several charming Sherpa villages along the way, so you can decide where to stop overnight depending on your preferred pace.

View of Kongma La.

When you think of the Himalayas, Everest often takes centre stage. But exploring the other peaks near Everest reveals incredible opportunities for adventure. These stunning mountains near Mount Everest and accessible trekking peaks near Everest offer unforgettable climbs and spectacular views without the crowds. So if you’re chasing your first summit or looking to explore beyond the famous Everest peaks, these lesser-known mountains promise a rewarding experience.

Ready to take your adventure further? Schedule a call with one of our expert guides at Follow Alice and join an expedition to climb some of the best trekking peaks near Everest.