Top 7 Highest Mountains in the World
1. Mount Everest
Located in the Himalayas, Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, standing at 8,848 meters above sea level. Situated on the border between Tibet and Nepal, Everest was first summited by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Not only is it extremely high, but the mountain also presents dangerous and harsh conditions. Over the past decade, each year has seen climbers perishing in their attempts to conquer the “roof of the world.”
2. K2
K2, also known as Mount Savage, is the second highest peak in the world, reaching 8,611 meters above sea level. Located in the Karakoram range in Pakistan, K2 was first summited by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio in 1954. The mountain is notorious for its challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, making it a particularly formidable climb.
3. Kangchenjunga
Kangchenjunga, with an elevation of 8,586 meters, is the third highest mountain in the world. It is situated on the border between Nepal and India, south of Mount Everest. Kangchenjunga was once considered the highest mountain in the world until 1852. The mountain has a high fatality rate of 22% due to its harsh environmental conditions and frequent avalanches.
4. Lhotse
Lhotse, also in the Himalayas, stands at 8,516 meters above sea level. It is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal’s Khumbu region, very close to Everest. Interestingly, Lhotse and Everest share the same climbing route, which makes it easier for climbers to access both peaks.
5. Makalu
Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,481 meters. It is situated southeast of Everest, on the border between China and Nepal. The peak was first climbed in the spring of 1954 by an American expedition led by William Siri. Compared to the four highest peaks, Makalu offers slightly more favorable conditions for climbers.
6. Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu, at 8,201 meters, is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal. It is a popular choice for climbers who are new to high-altitude climbing in the Himalayas. Many climbers find Cho Oyu to be relatively more accessible compared to other high peaks in the region.
7. Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri, standing at 8,167 meters, is situated in Nepal. The peak was first climbed on May 13, 1960, and is renowned for its stunning views of the Annapurna region, which is only 34 kilometers away. Dhaulagiri also features a distinct gorge called Kaligandaki, adding to its unique and impressive landscape.