Dhaulagiri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dhaulagiri |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,167 m (26,795 ft) Ranked 7th |
| Prominence | 3,357 m (11,014 ft) Ranked 55th |
| Parent peak | K2 |
| Listing | Eight-thousander Ultra |
| Geography | |
| Location | Nepal |
| Parent range | Dhaulagiri Himal |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | May 13, 1960 by Kurt Diemberger, A. Schelbert, E. Forrer, Nawang Dorje, Nyima Dorje (First winter ascent 21 January 1985 Jerzy Kukuczka and Andrzej Czok) |
| Easiest route | Northeast ridge |
Dhaulagiri is a huge group of mountains in Nepal. It stretches for about 120 kilometers (75 miles). This mountain range is located between two important rivers: the Kaligandaki and the Bheri.
The most famous peak in this group is Dhaulagiri I. It is the seventh highest mountain in the whole world! Its top reaches an amazing height of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) above sea level.
The name Dhaulagiri comes from an ancient language called sanskrit. In Sanskrit, "dhawala" means white or beautiful, and "giri" means mountain. So, Dhaulagiri means "White Mountain" or "Beautiful White Mountain."
Contents
What is Dhaulagiri?
Dhaulagiri is not just one mountain. It is a large collection of peaks. The main peak, Dhaulagiri I, is the tallest. It is part of the Himalayas, which is the world's highest mountain range.
Where is Dhaulagiri Located?
This impressive mountain range is found in the country of Nepal. Nepal is in Asia, north of India. The Dhaulagiri mountains form a natural border between two major rivers. These are the Kaligandaki River to the east and the Bheri River to the west.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Dhaulagiri perfectly describes this mountain. "Dhawala" means "white" because its peaks are often covered in snow and ice. "Giri" means "mountain." So, Dhaulagiri is truly a "White Mountain." It looks stunning, especially when the sun shines on its snowy slopes.
Climbing Dhaulagiri I
Climbing Dhaulagiri I is a very difficult challenge. Only experienced mountaineers attempt it. The first time anyone successfully reached the top was on May 13, 1960. A team of climbers from Switzerland and Austria made this historic first ascent. The team included Kurt Diemberger, A. Schelbert, E. Forrer, Nawang Dorje, and Nyima Dorje.
Later, in 1985, two Polish climbers, Jerzy Kukuczka and Andrzej Czok, made the first winter ascent. Climbing in winter is even harder because of the extreme cold and strong winds. The most common way to climb Dhaulagiri I is along its Northeast ridge.
Eight-Thousander Mountains
Dhaulagiri I is known as an "Eight-thousander." This special term is used for the 14 independent mountains in the world that are over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) tall. Climbing all 14 of these giants is one of the biggest achievements in mountaineering.
Images for kids
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Dhaulagiri I in October 2002. The northeast ridge is the left skyline.
