The highest mountains in the world fascinate with their breathtaking height, their majestic appearance and the challenges they pose to mountaineers. These giants of nature are mostly located in the Himalayas and Karakoram, two of the most impressive mountain ranges on earth. In the following, we present the ten highest mountains in the world.
1. Mount Everest – 8,849 meters
Mount Everest, also known as the “roof of the world”, is the highest mountain on earth at 8,849 meters. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet and belongs to the Himalayas. Since the first ascent by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, Everest has been a magnet for mountaineers from all over the world. The extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions make every ascent a challenging expedition.
2. K2 – 8,611 metres
K2, also known as “Savage Mountain”, is the second highest mountain in the world and is located in the Karakoram Mountains on the border between Pakistan and China. It is known for its extreme difficulty and is considered one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. The first successful ascent was made in 1954 by an Italian expedition. The steep climbs and unpredictable weather challenge even experienced mountaineers.
3. Kangchenjunga – 8,586 meters
Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, is located on the border between Nepal and India. Its name means “The Five Treasures of the Great Snow”, in reference to its five peaks. The mountain is considered a sacred place in the region and is viewed with great reverence by the locals. The first ascent took place in 1955 by a British expedition.
4. Lhotse – 8,516 meters
Lhotse is located in the immediate vicinity of Mount Everest and is part of the same mountain massif. It is the fourth highest mountain in the world and is particularly known for its challenging south face. The first ascent of the main summit was made in 1956 by a Swiss expedition. Lhotse is less crowded than Everest, but it also offers spectacular views and extreme conditions.
5. Makalu – 8,485 meters
With its pyramid-shaped shape, Makalu is one of the most impressive mountains in the Himalayas. It is located about 19 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest on the border between Nepal and Tibet. The first successful ascent took place in 1955 by a French expedition. Due to its challenging ascent and the often difficult weather conditions, Makalu is visited by only a few mountaineers.
6. Cho Oyu – 8,188 metres
Cho Oyu is also located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet. It is often referred to as one of the “easier” eight-thousanders, as its normal route offers comparatively few technical challenges. Nevertheless, climbing an eight-thousander remains an immense achievement. The first successful ascent was made in 1954 by an Austrian expedition.
7. Dhaulagiri – 8,167 metres
Dhaulagiri, whose name means “White Mountain”, is located in western Nepal. It is known for its impressive isolation and imposing appearance. The first ascent took place in 1960 by a Swiss-Austrian expedition. The frequent avalanches and sudden changes in the weather in this region are particularly challenging.
8. Manaslu – 8,163 metres
Manaslu, also known as the “Mountain of the Spirit”, is also located in Nepal and is the eighth highest mountain in the world. The first successful ascent was achieved in 1956 by a Japanese expedition. It is famous for its breathtaking views and its cultural significance to the locals. The Manaslu region also offers a variety of trekking opportunities.
9. Nanga Parbat – 8,126 metres
Nanga Parbat, also known as “Killer Mountain”, is located in the western Himalayas in Pakistan. It is notorious for its high death rate among mountaineers and its difficult ascent. The first ascent was made in 1953 by the Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl in a spectacular solo action. Nanga Parbat is particularly known for its impressive Rupal Wall, the highest rock and ice face in the world.
10. Annapurna I – 8,091 meters
Annapurna I is the tenth largest mountain in the world and is located in Nepal. In 1950, it was the first eight-thousander ever to be climbed, making it a historic milestone in mountaineering history. Despite its comparatively low altitude among the eight-thousanders, it is considered one of the most dangerous mountains in the world, with one of the highest mortality rates.
