17th Jan, 2025

Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World

Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World
Our planet is graced with awe-inspiring peaks that soar into the heavens, each with its own unique allure and tales of bravery, adventure, and natural splendor. Here's a curated list of the top 10 highest mountains in the world, each a testimony to Earth's grandeur. All these trekking peaks in Nepal are best for climbing adventure.

1. Mount Everest (8,848m)

• Height: 8,848m
• First Climbed: 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
• Climbing Duration: Typically 40-56 days (including acclimatization)
• Country Located: Nepal/Tibet

Undoubtedly the most iconic of all, Mount Everest stands as the world's highest peak. Nestled within the Himalayas, on the Nepal-Tibet border, this majestic giant has beckoned mountaineers for decades. Named after Sir George Everest, its summit offers a view like no other, a panoramic expanse of the world beneath. Beyond its altitude, Everest is renowned for its cultural significance, especially for the Sherpa community. Despite its beauty, Everest has also been termed the world's highest battleground due to the extreme challenges it poses.

2. K2 (8,611m)

• Height: 8,611m
• First Climbed: 1954 by an Italian team
• Climbing Duration: About 60 days
• Country Located: Pakistan/China

K2, located on the China-Pakistan border, is the second-highest mountain and often referred to as the "Savage Mountain" due to its extreme difficulty. Unlike Everest, K2 does not see many climbers due to its treacherous conditions. Its name derives from the notation used by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of British India, and it remains one of the few major mountains in the world not to be named after a person.

3. Kangchenjunga (8,586m)

• Height: 8,586m
• First Climbed: 1955 by a British expedition
• Climbing Duration: Around 40-50 days
• Country Located: Nepal/India

Lying between Nepal and India, Kangchenjunga is revered as the third highest mountain globally. Its name, which means "The Five Treasures of Snows", embodies the five peaks it comprises. Local myths regard each peak as the home of five deities, which are repositories of gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy scriptures.

4. Lhotse (8,516m)

• Height: 8,516m
• First Climbed: 1956 by Swiss climbers
• Climbing Duration: 40-45 days
• Country Located: Nepal/Tibet

Situated right next to Mount Everest, Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world. Its name means "South Peak" in Tibetan. The mountain is particularly known for its sharp, steep face. Climbers seeking to conquer Everest often pass through Lhotse's icy ridges, making it a crucial point in the journey.

5. Makalu (8,485m)

• Height: 8,485m
• First Climbed: 1955 by a French expedition
• Climbing Duration: 45-60 days
• Country Located: Nepal/Tibet

Resembling a four-sided pyramid, Makalu is the world's fifth highest peak. Located southeast of Everest, it lies on the Nepal-Tibet border. The mountain poses significant challenges for climbers due to its sharp ridges and steep pitches.

6. Cho Oyu (8,188m)

• Height: 8,188m
• First Climbed: 1954 by an Austrian team
• Climbing Duration: About 45 days
• Country Located: Nepal/Tibet

Regarded as the sixth highest mountain, Cho Oyu, meaning "Turquoise Goddess" in Tibetan, is a grand spectacle. It is popular among climbers due to its relatively moderate difficulty level and proximity to Everest.

7. Dhaulagiri (8,167m)

• Height: 8,167m
• First Climbed: 1960 by an international team
• Climbing Duration: 40-50 days
• Country Located: Nepal

Dominating Nepal's north-central region, Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest peak, stands alone, away from any massif. Its name translates to "White Mountain", rightfully reflecting its snow-capped grandeur.

8. Manaslu (8,163m)

• Height: 8,163m
• First Climbed: 1956 by a Japanese team
• Climbing Duration: 40-50 days
• Country Located: Nepal

Known as the "Mountain of the Spirit", Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world. Located in Nepal, its steep ridges, immense avalanches, and breathtaking beauty make it a favorite among seasoned climbers.

9. Nanga Parbat (8,126m)

• Height: 8,126m
• First Climbed: 1953 by an Austrian team
• Climbing Duration: About 50 days
• Country Located: Pakistan

Lying in Pakistan, Nanga Parbat is the world's ninth highest mountain. Termed the "Killer Mountain", it has a notorious history for being one of the most dangerous climbs, mainly due to its challenging routes and extreme weather conditions.

10. Annapurna I (8,091m)

These towering giants stand as testaments to the Earth's age-old majesty. While they pose immense challenges, they also symbolize the timeless allure of nature, inviting us to explore, respect, and marvel at our planet's wonders.