Mountains are undeniably the best sources of majestic natural beauty. These jagged beauties always offer a deep sense of captivating charm. The feeling of walking the road less travelled and experiencing the clean air rejuvenate your senses is unparalleled. From the sages and ascetics of the Satyug to the modern age mountaineers and trekkers, these lofty giants continue to inspire and motivate many individuals.
If you are wondering about the highest mountains in the world then here is everything you need to know:
List of 20 Highest Mountains in the World
This had to be the first choice on the list. Also known locally as Sagarmatha, Mount Everest or the highest mountain in the world is also the most popular one. Towering high on an elevation of 8,849 meters above sea level, Mount Everest was first climbed by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Ever since its formation between 20 to 30 million years ago, it has not only been a source of adventure for many aspiring mountaineers but also a source of income for a major part of the Nepalese population, especially the Sherpas.
At an elevation of 8,611 meters above sea level, K2 is the world’s 2nd highest mountain. Lying in the Karakoram Range, K2 is known for its raw magnetic natural beauty that leaves every mountaineer stunned at first sight. As compared to Everest, K2 is a much trickier mountain to navigate through and requires some serious mountaineering skills to climb. The first ascent was made in 1954 by Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli despite the rough, challenging and constantly changing terrain and weather conditions.
Shrouded in a never-ending mystical snow charm, Kanchenjunga is the world’s 3rd highest mountain. The peak of Kanchenjunga may seem like a single summit but it is actually a combination of 5 peaks. The term Kanchenjunga, in Tibetan, literally translates into ‘5 treasures in the snow’. Did you know that before the discovery of Everest, Kanchenjunga was known as the highest peak in the world? The region around Kanchenjunga is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site and a protected region owing to its rich and diverse range of ecosystems it is home to.
Standing tall at a height of 8,516 meters above sea level, Lhotse is the 4th highest mountain in the world. Located in the land of high mountains, Nepal, the northern end of Lhotse is graced with the presence of Everest. It was first summited in 1956 by a Swedish climber and ever since then, it has been a mountain filled with a fascination for every avide mountaineer. One of the most exciting things about Lhotse is the fact that its base camp is located on top of a moving glacier on an elevation of 5,200 meters above sea level.
At an elevation of 8,4485 meters above sea level, Makalu grabs the 5th spot for being the highest mountain in the world. Shaped like a 4 sided pyramid, Makalu is an isolated peak. The first ascent was made in the very active mountaineering year of 1954. Due to its very rare topographical feature, Makalu is one of the most difficult 8 thousanders to climb, even by the most seasoned climbers. The Gurung, Rai, Sherpa, and Bhotia tribes residing in these parts add a lot of colorful culture to this place making the climbing experience more wholesome.
Cho Oyu is the 6th highest mountain in the world, standing tall at a height of 8,188 meters above sea level. In Tibetan, Cho Oyu translates to ‘the turquoise goddess’ and is considered to be one of the easiest 8 thousanders to climb. It can be taken as a practice ground to get used to climbing in thin air and dealing with the challenges of climbing higher peaks. It is the westernmost major peak in the Khumbu sub-section at a distance of 20 kms from Mount Everest.
First climbed in 1960, Dhaulagiri is the 7th highest mountain in the world. The term Dhaulagiri I is a Nepali word that derives its meaning from the Sanskrit word meaning dazzling, white, or beautiful mountain. Towering in the skies at a height of 8,167 meters above sea level, it is also famous as the highest mountain within the boundary of one country. The entire Dhaulagiri circuit is known all over the world for being one of the most challenging treks in the world.
Taking the rank for being the 8th highest mountain in the world, Manaslu stands at a height of 8,163 meters above sea level. The term Manaslu means intelligence, soul or spirit; it is also the highest peak in the Gorkha district. Located 40 kms away from Kathmandu, the Manaslu trek not only offers spectacular Himalayan views but also gives a glimpse into the life of the locals residing in the region. Manaslu was first climbed in 1956 and occupies the Manaslu conservation area. The trek follows the Budhi Gandak route which was an ancient salt trading route.
Nanga Parbat is the 9yh highest mountain in the world summiting at a height of 8,126 meters above sea level. The mountain is located immediately in the southeastern end of the northernmost bend of the Indus River in Gilgit – the Baltistan region of Pakistan. Locally known as Diamer, literally meaning naked mountain, this major peak rises dramatically above the traditional Himalayan views. It has been nicknamed as the ‘killer mountain’ due to the number of fatalities since it is one of the most difficult mountains to climb.
Standing at a height of 8,091 meters above sea level, Annapurna I is a part of the Annapurna Mountain range of the Gandaki in north-central Nepal. Along with being the 10th highest mountain in the world, Annapurna I falls under the category of being one of the most difficult 8 thousanders to climb. The danger involved in approaching the ascent is very high. Did you know that despite its challenges, Annapurna I massif was the first 8 thousanders to be climbed without the help of supplemental oxygen? Truly a mountain filled with wonder and amazement.
Nestled away in the Karakoram mountain ranges is a remote group of peaks called Gasherbrum. Also known as K5 among avid mountaineers, Gasherbrum literally means shining wall. This dramatic peak that remains hidden mostly from the sight is famous as the 5th highest mountain peak in the Karakoram mountain ranges. Due to its extreme remoteness, it is one of the least climbed 8 thousanders in the world. It is so remote that its only access is through the center of the Karakoram mountain ranges which is the 2nd tallest mountain range in the world.
Also known as Gasherbrum 2, K4 is the 13th highest mountain in the world. On a height of 8,035 meters above sea level, the mountain was first climbed in 1956 by a group of Austrian expedition teams. The K in the K4 tells us that this peak is a part of the Karakoram mountain ranges. K 4 is also the 3rd highest member in the Gasherbrum group of peaks, due to its elevation prominence it is also clubbed as a part of Gasherbrum 2.
Broad peak, which also goes by the name of K3, is the 2nd highest mountain in the world. At a height of 8,051 meters above sea level, it was in June 1957 that it was submitted by a group of Austrian expedition groups. Bordering Pakistan and China and located within the Karakoram mountain ranges, the Broad peak is 8 kms away from K2. Broad peak is a part of the Gasherbrum massif in Baltistan with a summit area of 1.5 kms, hence the name broad peak.
Standing entirely in the Tibetan region, Shishapangma is the 14th highest peak in the world. At a height of 8,027 meters above sea level, Shishapangma is considered to be the perfect first 8 thousanders for every beginner looking to conquer all the 8 thousanders. This satisfying climb is composed of a gentle ascent and a short base camp approach. The best time to go for this peak is during the spring season since during the winter months the entire region remains inaccessible due to the thick snowfall.
Gracing the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalayas is the 15th highest peak in the world. Gyachung Kang rests between Cho Oyu and Mount Everest. The peak does not fall under the 8 thousanders group of peaks and this has contributed to its relative obscurity. Spreading across the Nepalese and Chinese regions, Gyachung Kang was first climbed by a Japanese expedition group in 1964. Although relatively unpopular it is the highest mountain in the world that is not 8 thousanders.
Located in the favorite trekking and mountaineering country of Nepal. Annapurna 2 forms the eastern anchor of the Annapurna mountain range. Despite its very close association with Annapurna 1, Annapurna 2 is an independent and somewhat isolated peak. Not only is Annapurna 2 the 16th heist peak in the world but it is also the 2nd highest peak in the Annapurna range of mountains. First climbed in 1960, by a British, Indian and Nepalese team of mountaineers, Annapurna 2 is known for its massive avalanches, rock falls, and regular storms.
Also known as K4, implying that it is a part of the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan, Gasherbrum is the 17th highest peak in the world and the 6th highest peak in Pakistan. The height of this peak reaches up to a height of 7,925 meters above sea level. This remote peak was first summited in 1958. The rest of the Gasherbrum group of peaks fall under the 8 thousanders and are considered to be equally challenging.
Located at a staggering height of 7,893 meters above sea level, Himalchuli is the 18th highest peak in the world. Lying in the southern Manaslu region, Himalchuli is known for its large vertical relief towering over the local terrain. Himalchuli is also the 2nd highest mountain in the Mansiri Himal range of mountains which is a part of the Nepalese Himalayas. It was first climbed in 1960 by a Japanese climber and explorer. It rises in a grand manner over the Marsyangdi River towards the southwestern part.
Distaghil Sar is the highest mountain peak in the Shimshal Valley which is a part of the Karakoram range of mountains. Along with being the 19th highest mountain in the world, it is also the 7th highest peak in Pakistan. In the local Wakhi language, Distaghil translates to above the inner ranch. The mountain has a scenic and very distinct top ridge on the summit that is 3 kms long. It was first climbed in the year 1960 as a part of the Austrian expedition. Standing tall at a height of 7,884 meters above sea level, Distaghil Sar is also the highest peak in the Hispar Muztagh range.
Located 2kms west southwest of Mount Everest, Nuptse is a peak that is a part of the Khumbu region of the Mahalangur Himal range that is a part of the Nepalese Himalayas. Being the western segment of the Lhotse Nuptse massif, Nuptse in Tibetan translates to the western peak. The main mountain called Nuptse 1 was climbed in 1961. The dramatic peak offers astounding views of the nearby and far-off mountain ranges that goes on as far as the eyes can see. Nuptse mountain peak stands tall at a height of 7,861 meters above sea level, Nuptse offers sustained climbing options and is never too difficult or challenging for beginners and expert climbers.
Q. Which is the highest mountain in Europe?
Ans. Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe at a height of 5,642 meters above sea level.
Q. Which mountain is taller than Mount Everest?
Ans. Mauna Kea is a mountain that is taller than Mount Everest.
Q. What are the fees for climbing Mount Everest?
Ans. The fees for climbing mount Everest ranges from 28,000 dollars to 85,000 dollars.
Q. Which is the tallest mountain in America?
Ans. Denali peak is the highest mountain in America.
Q. Is K2 harder than Everest?
Ans. Yes. K2 is much harder, challenging, and requires a lot of mountaineering skills to cover.
Q. Which mountain has never been climbed?
Ans. Gangkhar Puensum near the Bhutan china border remains unclimbed.
Q. Which is the steepest mountain in the world?
Ans. Mount Thor in Baffin Island, Canada is the steepest mountain in the world.
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