Nuptse

Mountain Prominent Everest-region peak adjacent to Lhotse and Everest

Nuptse is a 7,861‑metre subsidiary peak on the Everest massif near Lhotse; visible from Everest Base Camp, it frames trekking routes and interests climbers.

Main image
A Helicopter Leaves Everest Base Camp.jpg
Amanecer desde la cima del Everest por Carlos Pauner.JPG
Blick über Gorak Shep auf Nuptse etc.JPG
Canucks at Kala Patthar May 2011 (1).jpg
Changtse, Everest West Shoulder, Mount Everest, Nuptse, Nepal, Himalayas.jpg
Chhukung Ri-120-Nuptse-2007-gje.jpg
Chhukung Ri-122-Nuptse-2007-gje.jpg

Nuptse is a high Nepalese peak reaching about 7,861 metres and forms part of the Everest massif in the Khumbu region. It presents a steep and compact profile directly adjacent to Everest and Lhotse, making it visually striking from the south side of the Khumbu valley.

The peak is primarily of interest to technical mountaineers; its ridges and faces are steeper and more exposed than many surrounding peaks, and routes require high technical competence and acclimatisation. Nuptse is not typically a destination for standard guided trekking but is prominent for climbers operating in the Everest area.

Geographically it lies in eastern Nepal’s Solukhumbu area within the province that encompasses the high Himalaya and is accessed from the usual Everest-approach corridors.

  • Elevation and relation to Everest: Rises to 7,861 metres and forms the prominent western pillar of the Everest massif, immediately west-southwest of Mount Everest itself.
  • Climbing character: Known for its steep, technical western and southern faces; climbs are serious technical mountaineering undertakings rather than standard trekking routes.
Nuptse
27.9673, 86.8870

How to Get to Nuptse #

Trek access follows the classic Everest Base Camp route from Lukla (flight from Kathmandu) through Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Major viewpoints for Nuptse are accessible during the standard Khumbu trek; local trekking agencies arrange permits and guides.

Tips for Visiting Nuptse #

  • View Nuptse from the Everest Base Camp approach rather than attempting independent ascents-permits and logistics are complex.
  • Acclimatize at Namche Bazaar or Tengboche before seeking high viewpoints.
  • Be prepared for dramatic sun and quick storms-high-altitude clothing and a weather-savvy guide are essential.

Best Time to Visit Nuptse #

Best viewed in spring or autumn during trekking seasons when visibility and access are optimal.

Pre-monsoon
April-May · -10-5°C at high camps
Clearer weather and stable conditions for trekking and views.
Post-monsoon
September-November · -15-5°C at high camps
Cool temperatures and stable skies after the summer rains.

Weather & Climate near Nuptse #

Climate

Nuptse's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -30°C to -4°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
NovemberJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
14°
Warmest Month
-27°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -18°C and lows of -30°C. Light rainfall.

47 Poor

Comfort

-24°
Feels Like Freezing
-24°C
Temperature
-30° -18°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
10.5h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -18°C and lows of -29°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

43 Poor

Comfort

-24°
Feels Like Freezing
-24°C
Temperature
-29° -18°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.3
UV Index
High
11.1h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -26°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

45 Poor

Comfort

-21°
Feels Like Freezing
-21°C
Temperature
-26° -15°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-23° -12°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.7h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -18°C. Almost no rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-18° -8°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
13.4h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -5°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
9.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.7h daylight

July

July is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-11° -4°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.6h daylight

August

August is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-12° -4°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.0h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -6°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

43 Poor

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-20° -11°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -25°C. Almost no rain.

49 Poor

Comfort

-20°
Feels Like Freezing
-20°C
Temperature
-25° -15°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
10.7h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.

47 Poor

Comfort

-22°
Feels Like Freezing
-22°C
Temperature
-28° -16°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

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