The 10 Tallest Mountains in the World
The snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan range are the tallest and newest mountains in the world. People call them the ‘Abode of God’ and they worship these mountains like they are divine. These mountains don’t just give us water all the time, but they also help plants, animals, and people to live. Now, let’s dive into the details of the tallest mountains in the world and how high they are. If you’re interested in learning about the smallest mountains too, check this article: Smallest Mountains in the World.
Tallest Mountains in the World
Nine of the top ten tallest mountains belong to the Himalayan Range. The following 10 giant formations are considered the tallest mountains in the world (measured from sea level to their summit):
-
Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters/29,031.7 feet) – Nepal/China
Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. It is known for its daunting challenges, climbers face extreme weather, high altitudes, and treacherous conditions on the ascent. In Nepal, people call it Sagarmatha, and in Tibet, it’s known as Chomolungma.
Interesting Facts
- First summited in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
- Holds the record for the most fatalities on an eight-thousander.
- Home to the Khumbu Icefall, one of the most dangerous sections of any climb.
-
K2 (8,611 meters/28,251 feet) – Pakistan/China
K2, or Mount Godwin-Austen, is the second-highest mountain globally. It is known for its challenging climbing conditions. K2 has a reputation as the “Savage Mountain“. K2 has a unique pyramid shape and really steep sides that make it even more challenging.
Interesting Facts
- Never summited in winter due to extreme conditions.
- Has a lower summit success rate compared to Everest.
- Offers stunning views of the Karakoram mountain range.
-
Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters/28,169 feet) – Nepal/India
Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain globally, translates to “Five Treasures of Snow” in Tibetan, reflecting its majestic presence on the Nepal-India border. It is known for its challenging terrain and unique beauty. Unlike Everest, Kangchenjunga has strict climbing restrictions, allowing only a few expeditions each year to protect its environment.
Interesting Facts
- Considered sacred by local communities.
- Offers diverse trekking routes with stunning scenery.
-
Lhotse (8,516 meters/27,939 feet) – Nepal/China
Lhotse is a super tough mountain with a really steep side called the South Face. People who climb Everest sometimes try to climb Lhotse too. In Tibetan, Lhotse means “South Peak,” showing it’s close to Everest. Climbing Lhotse is extra hard because of its challenging terrain and its link to Everest’s history. It’s like a special and difficult place for adventurous climbers.
Interesting Facts
- Fourth highest mountain in the world.
- Shares the same base camp as Everest.
- Offers a unique perspective of the Khumbu Icefall.
-
Makalu (8,463 meters/27,766 feet) – Nepal/China
Makalu is known for its distinctive pyramid shape. It’s a challenging climb because of its steep slopes and tricky conditions. Makalu is like a home for special animals, including the rare red panda. People think it’s special because it’s near the sacred Barun Valley, making it important in their culture. It is nicknamed “the Black Giant” because of its dark rock face.
Interesting Facts
- Fifth highest mountain in the world.
- Considered one of the most difficult eight-thousanders to climb.
- Home to the world’s highest sheer rock face.
-
Cho Oyu (8,188 meters/26,864 feet) – Nepal/China
Cho Oyu is known for being one of the more accessible 8,000-meter peaks. Its name means “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, reflecting its stunning glacial features. Climbers often choose Cho Oyu for their first high-altitude expedition above 8,000 meters due to its relatively straightforward route. The mountain is located near Mount Everest and shares the same base camp.
Interesting Facts
- Sixth highest mountain in the world.
- Offers a shorter climbing season compared to other eight-thousanders.
- Known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets.
-
Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters/26,795 feet) – Nepal
Dhaulagiri is known for its formidable south face, making it one of the toughest climbs. Its name translates to “White Mountain” in Sanskrit, highlighting the perpetual snow and ice covering its slopes. It is surrounded by deep, dramatic valleys, adding to its breathtaking scenery. Climbing Dhaulagiri demands advanced mountaineering skills due to its technical challenges and unpredictable weather.
Interesting Facts
- Seventh highest mountain in the world.
- First summited in 1960 by a Swiss-Nepalese expedition.
- Offers diverse climbing routes with challenging terrain.
-
Manaslu (8,163 meters/26,781 feet) – Nepal
In Sanskrit, “Mountain of the Spirit” is the meaning of Manaslu, reflecting its cultural significance. Manaslu has become a popular, challenging, and less crowded alternative to Everest, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The mountain resides in a remote region of Nepal, presenting climbers with technical challenges, including crevasses and avalanches.
Interesting Facts
- Eighth highest mountain in the world.
- Considered sacred by local communities.
- Home to unique wildlife, including snow leopards and Himalayan tahrs.
-
Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters/26,660 feet) – Pakistan
Nanga Parbat, often called the “Killer Mountain,” earned its ominous nickname due to claiming a high fatality rate among climbers attempting its challenging slopes. The mountain boasts formidable terrain, icy slopes, and unpredictable weather, presenting extreme challenges even to seasoned mountaineers.
Interesting Facts
- Ninth highest mountain in the world.
- First summited in 1953 by a German-Austrian expedition.
- Offers stunning views of the Diamir Face, one of the highest walls in the world.
-
Annapurna I (8,091 meters/26,545 feet) – Nepal
Annapurna I earns its reputation as one of the most dangerous peaks to summit due to its high fatality rate. Its name, translating to “Goddess of the Harvests” in Sanskrit, highlights its cultural significance. The mountain exhibits dangerous conditions, rapidly changing weather, and avalanches. Climbers, both very experienced and brave, undertake the challenging and risky adventure of reaching its summit.
Interesting Facts
- Tenth highest mountain in the world.
- First summited in 1950 by a French expedition.
- Home to the Annapurna Sanctuary, a popular trekking destination.
The 5 Tallest Mountains in the USA
We have explored the tallest mountains in the world, now let’s turn our attention to the top 5 highest peaks in the United States. All of these mountains are located in Alaska. Following are the top 5 tallest mountains in the USA:
-
Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) (6,190 meters/20,310 feet)
Denali, the highest mountain in North America and the third most topographically isolated summit on Earth, comes after Mount Everest and Aconcagua. Climbers often choose it as a destination, but it’s a tough and risky climb.
-
Mount Saint Elias (5,489 meters/18,008 feet)
Mount Saint Elias, located on the border between Alaska and Canada, is the second-highest mountain in the United States and the fourth-highest peak in the Alaska Range. The mountain is famous for its glaciers and poses challenging climbing conditions.
-
Mount Foraker (5,304 meters/17,400 feet)
Mount Foraker holds the rank of the third-highest mountain in the United States and stands as the fifth-highest peak in the Alaska Range. You can find it in Denali National Park and Preserve. This mountain got its name from Charles L. Foraker, who used to be the governor of Alaska.
-
Mount Bona (5,040 meters/16,550 feet)
Mount Bona, located in Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, holds the position of the fourth-highest mountain in the United States and claims the title of the highest volcano in the country. This mountain takes the form of a stratovolcano, meaning it builds up as layers of lava and ash shape it into a cone.
-
Mount Blackburn (4,996 meters/16,390 feet)
Mount Blackburn is the fifth tallest mountain in the United States and the second highest volcano in the country. It sits in Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. People named it after Blackburn Mine, which is a copper mine near the mountain.
Related Links: