The short answer
Nepal's eight-thousanders were climbed in a remarkable run between 1950 and 1960. A French team made the first ascent of Annapurna I in 1950, the first of any 8,000 m peak. Everest followed in 1953 with Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and Cho Oyu, Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri were all climbed within the next few years.
Sherpa climbers and high-altitude workers were essential on nearly every expedition, and their role is now widely recognised. Knowing the history makes a trek in Everest, Annapurna or Manaslu feel richer, and museums in Pokhara and Namche tell the stories.
Key facts
- Annapurna I
- 1950, first 8,000 m peak
- Everest
- 1953
- Kangchenjunga
- 1955
- Dhaulagiri
- 1960
How it works
- Start with Annapurna 1950The first.
- Add Everest 1953Hillary and Tenzing.
- See the 1955 to 1960 climbsKangchenjunga to Dhaulagiri.
- Credit the SherpasAlways on the team.
Insider tip
Visit a mountain museum before your trek to connect the history with the views.
Avoid this
Do not treat dates as exact trivia; sources differ on small details.
Related questions
Which was first?
Annapurna I in 1950.
Can I visit these peaks?
You can trek to base camps; summits need expedition permits.
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