Dave and I were talking the other day about all the treks and hikes we’ve done on earth and realized that we’ve either seen or experienced most of the tallest mountains in the world first hand. Having been to 120 countries on all seven continents we’ve been to the top of Kilimanjaro and gazed at Mount Everest from the EBC trek. We’ve taken a thrilling scenic flight over Mount McKinley and hiked through several parts of the Andes.
Table of Contents
Tallest Mountains on Earth
Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World – Asia
This is not a list of the highest mountains in the world from 1 – 35. If you want that you can simply go to Wikipedia to see them in order. However, we are going to start with the top 10 highest mountains and then continue to the highest peaks on each continent. We have seen or been to many of them and will share some fun facts and personal stories to make this article a little more interesting than simply a Top 10 list. Enjoy!
1. Mount Everest – Nepal
At 8,848 m – 29,029 feet above sea level, Mount Everest is the indisputable highest mountain in the world by altitude. When we were younger, it was a dream to summit Mount Everest. As we grew older and wiser, we realized that a trek to Everest Base Camp was easier on both our pocketbooks at our safety.
A trek to Mount Everest Base Camps gives climbers the opportunity to see Everest several times during the multiday trek. Ironically, you cannot see the summit from Base Camp, but it is an amazing destination to reach and view the Khumba Ice flow firsthand. We trekked through Sagamartha National Park in Nepal but Mount Everest also borders Tibet. From what we understand, the Tibet base camp climb is now closed to people without permits.
2. K2 – Pakistan
K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world and is located in the second-highest mountain range in the world. The Karakoram Mountain Range borders, India, Pakistan, and China and houses the remaining four, 8000 meter peaks like Nanga Parbat.
K2 (originally named Mount Godwin Austen) is considered the most difficult and dangerous mountain to climb in the world. Unlike Mount Everest, it is a technical climb and not just any rich person can conquer K2.
Located on the China/Pakistan border it reaches 8,611 meters (28,251 ft) into the air. We haven’t laid eyes on K2, nor do we have any intention of climbing it, but I would love to see it one day! And we had to included it since it is the second tallest mountain on earth.
An entire article about the tallest mountains in the world can be written about the Himalayan range. The Himalayas house eight of the over 8,000 meter (26,246 foot) peaks. We saw many from our Everest Base Camp Trek from 8000 meters to stunning 6000-meter peak mountains too.
3. Kangchenjunga – Nepal
Kangchenjunga is located in eastern Nepal straddling the border of India. Standing 8586 meters tall Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and can be seen from Pelling in Sikkim, India. The mountain was first climbed in 1955 by a British team, and it remains one of the less-crowded peaks due to its remote location and the difficult climbing route.
It is a lesser climbed mountain than the other 8,000 meter peaks and it is much lesser-known than the other tall mountains on earth. In fact, ask most people what the highest peaks in the world are and they probably know Mount Everest and K2, but will struggle to answer #3. We like to think that we flew over it when traveling from Delhi, India to Nepal for our travels through Sagarmatha and Anapurna. We did see a lot of beautiful peaks during that flight!
Highest Mountains Along the Everest Base Camp Trek
Asia is home to the tallest mountain range on earth – The Himalayas. We’ve had the pleasure of hiking the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal and Bhutan. But this mammoth also range cuts through China, India, and Pakistan. All of the top 10 highest mountains in the world are found in Asia.
When trekking through the Himalayas, we truly felt like we could touch a little piece of heaven. It is one of the most striking and awe-inspiring places we’ve ever seen.
The next few mountains we mention were seen with our own eyes along the Everest Base Camp Trek. Most of them can be seen at different vantage points trekking the EBC Trek. From here, you can see Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The fourth, fifth, and sixth highest mountains on earth.
4. Lhotse – Nepal
Lhotse stands at 8516 meters. (27939 feet). It is located in the Nepalese Himalayas and is the fourth-highest mountain in the world and is often climbed as part of an expedition to Mount Everest. The first ascent of Lhotse was made in 1956, and it is now a popular peak for experienced climbers.
We saw Lhotse from our acclimatization hike from Namche Bazaar and it was incredible to see.
5. Mount Makalu – Nepal
Mount Makalu, 8481 meters tall. (27,824 feet)
Also, located in the Nepalese Himalayas, Makalu can be seen from the same viewpoint above Namche Bazaar. Mount Makalu is the fifth tallest mountain in the world and is known for its distinctive, pyramid-like shape. The first ascent was made in 1955, and the mountain continues to be a popular destination for climbers due to its challenging routes. Just because everyone flocks to Nepal to climb Mount Everest, doesn’t mean that climbers don’t tackle its other peaks. This is one of them.
6. Cho Oyu – Nepal / Tibet
Cho Oyu 8201 meters high. (26,906 feet). Located on the border of Tibet and Nepal, Cho Oyu is the sixth tallest mountain in the world and is considered one of the easier 8000-meter peaks to climb. The first ascent was made in 1954, and the mountain is now a popular destination for climbers seeking to acclimatize for more challenging peaks in the region.
7. Dhaulagiri I – Nepal
For a small country, Nepal certainly has a lot of Mammoth Peaks. Dhaulagiri I clocks in at number 7 of the world’s highest mountains at 8,167 meters (26,795 ft). Located in central Nepal, Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain and its first ascent was made in 1960, and the mountain remains one of the more difficult peaks in the region. We don’t recall seeing this one with our own eyes, but we do look forward to going back to Nepal to do more trekking in the future.
8. Manaslu – Nepal
We remain in Nepal again for the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Manaslu stands at 8163 meters (26,781 feet) and is considered one of the more challenging peaks in the region. The first ascent was made in 1956, and the mountain continues to be a popular destination for experienced climbers.
9. Nanga Parbat – Pakistan
We pop out of Nepal for a minute to talk about the 9th tallest mountain in the world. Nanga Parbat is 8,126 meters (26,660 ft) high. Located in the Western Himalayas in Pakistan it rises more than 8,000 meters (26,247 ft) from the surrounding Indus River valley.
Nanga Parbat special is one of the deadliest peaks in the world. Its notorious reputation is largely due to the extreme difficulty of its climbing routes which have steep rock faces, loose rock, and unpredictable weather. The first successful ascent was made in 1953 by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl, and since then, many climbers have lost their lives trying to reach the summit.
Despite its challenges, Nanga Parbat continues to draw climbers from around the world attempting to summit one of the world’s most dangerous peaks. With advances in technology, equipment and new climbing routes it has become safer, but Nanga Parbat remains one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding mountains to climb.
10. Annapurna – Nepal
We also made our way to Pokhara Nepal to explore the Annapurna Circuit. Annapurna has a whopping 13 peaks over 7000 meters and Annapurna itself is the 10th highest mountain on earth at 8091 meters (26,545 ft) above sea level.
The Annapurna Range is located in Central Nepal and the Annapurna massif house several peaks over 7,000 meters.
Annapurna I is considered one of the most challenging peaks in the world, due to its steep and exposed climbing routes, unpredictable weather, and the high risk of avalanches. Despite these challenges, the mountain was first successfully climbed in 1950 by a French team, and it remains a popular destination for experienced climbers.
We ended up mountain biking around the region instead of trekking the Annapurna Circuit. After trekking to base camp, we felt like a little chill time and Pokhara was a great place to hang out, do day treks and eat pizza and pasta.
More Nepal Mountains
Now that we have rounded up the top 10 highest mountains in the world, let’s continue on with more of the tallest mountains that Dave and I have seen with our own eyes.
Ama Dablam is 6812 meters (22349 feet) high and is located in Nepal. It may be a couple of thousand meters lower in height than the other Himalayan mountains we saw, but it is one of the most beautiful with a distinct jagged peak that towered overhead as we trekked to Everest Base Camp. Another one of the tallest peaks in Nepal that we saw was Nuptse standing, 7,861 (25,791 feet) above sea level.
There are about half a dozen tall mountains between Mount Nuptse and Ama Dablam that weren’t located along the EBC Trek. We didn’t see them as they are scattered throughout Pakistan, India, and Tibet. But as we cut to the next set of high mountains, we take you to the final two peaks on the Everest Base Camp trail.
11. Lobuche
Lobuche stands at 6119 meters (20075 feet) tall. I’ll never forget our acclimatization day when we hiked just above Namche Bazaar in Nepal and were surrounded by many of the peaks listed above including Lobuche.
12. Island Peak
Island Peak stands at 6160 meters (20209 feet) tall and is easily seen from Gorak Shep. Gorep Shep is the finaly settlement before Base Camp. Island Peak is one of the most summited mountains in the Everest Region. From what we understood, many people use this as a practice climb before tackling Everest.
13. Gangakhar Puensem – Bhutan
The Himalayan Mountains of Bhutan aren’t quite as massive as Nepal and Pakistan, but it does have several 7000-meter peaks. Gangkhar Puensem is the highest mountain in Bhutan at 7,570 meters (24,840 ft). What makes Gangkhar Puensem unique is that it is also the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
14 – 17 Jumolhari to Tsherimgang – Bhutan
We trekked along the Tibetan border during our Laya Trek where we saw a few of the top peaks on earth including:
- 14. Mount Jumolhari 7314 meters (23,996 feet)
- 15. Mount Masagang 7194 meters (23,602 feet)
- 16. Mount Jichu Drake 6989 meters (22,929 feet)
- 17. Mount Tsherimgang 6789 meters (22,273 feet)
It was a beautiful trek and we got to meet the king of Bhutan at the end of it!
Southeast Asia
18. Mount Kinabalu – Borneo
Mount Kinabalu was the very first mountain we ever climbed and we were hooked. By Himalayan standards, it is a tiny mountain at only 4095 meters (13,435 feet) But it was the first mountain we ever climbed and it is stunning.
The two-day climb is more difficult than one would expect with a tough series of steep steps leading to base camp. Our calves were killing us at the end of that trek, but it was an amazing feat and got us ready for more treks in our future.
Africa
After traveling throughout South East Asia and getting our feet wet with smaller mountain climbs, our next stop was Africa. It was our dream to climb Mount Kilimanjaro after tackling Mount Kinabalu. And a few years later, we did it!
19. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
When I was young, I thought Mount Kilimanjaro was right up there with Everest, but as I quickly found out, it is well below the height of any of the Himalaya mountains. But it is Africa’s highest peak and it is spectacular.
What makes Mount Kilimanjaro so amazing is that it is the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. It rises above the Serengeti exactly how Toto described it in their song Africa.
The seven-day climb is one of the most unique in the world starting in a tropical rainforest going through different ecosystems to forests, moorlands, mountain deserts, and finally, summit climate zone. We did the whiskey route, also known as the Machame Route and it was a lot of fun! When we reached the top of Uhuru Peak, the emotion was high.
20. Mount Kenya – Kenya
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa and Kenya’s highest peak. Like K2 to Everest, we have heard that Mount Kenya is more of a technical climb. Batian is the highest of three peaks on the mountain at 5,199 (17057 feet) for experienced rock climbers.
The second highest peak is for multi-pitch climbers and the third can be done without climbing experience, but it is still harder technically than Kilimanjaro. Boy, I wish I climbed this when we were rock climbing regularly.
21. Mount Mawenzi – Tanzania
Africa’s third highest peak is actually located on Mount Kilimanjaro. There are three volcanic cones on Kili. The highest point is Uhuru Peak, and the second is Mawenzi standing 5,149 meters (16,893 feet). I remember seeing this summit from our camp just two days before our climb and that is when it all really hit home, just what a feat it is to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.
North America
22. Mount Denali aka Mount McKinley
We were very excited to visit Alaska, North America’s final frontier. While many people visit in on an Alaskan cruise – (including us), the land portion of Alaska is a must! We spent five days exploring Alaska by train and had the privilege of taking a scenic flight around Denali.
Getting up close and personal to this mammoth mountain in a tiny twin-engine airplane made us feel just how insignificant the human race is. This mountain will go on forever, we are just temporary.
23. Mount Logan – Yukon
The second highest mountain in North America belongs to Mount Logan in the Yukon. The Yukon is one of Canada’s final frontier and when you visit there your jaw will drop with the vastness of the land and its mountains. As a matter of fact, 9 of the 10 highest peaks in Canada are located in the Yukon!
24. Pico de Orizaba – Mexico
Rounding out the top three highest mountains in North America is Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. We have never been to the State of Vera Cruz where it is located, but my parents have and our plan is to discover a lot more of Mexico in the near future. But like we said earlier, we like to have a nice round number of threes. And since this is in the top three of North America’s highest mountains, we included it.
Europe
When it comes to the highest mountains in Europe, we haven’t been to the actually tallest. The tallest mountains in Europe are located in Russia on the Georgian border. We have only driven through Siberian Russia and we have never been to Georgia.
But if you are wondering what the highest mountains in Europe are, the top spots go to Mount Elbrus at 5642 meters (18,510 Feet) and Dyktao 5205 meters (17,076 feet) in Russia. Number three is Mount Shkhara located in Georgia. This area is known as the Caucasus Region and it is where you’ll find many of Europe’s tallest mountains.
25. Mont Blanc – France
It’s not until we get to Mont Blanc at a mere 4808 meters that we get into mountains of Europe that Dave and I have seen. Month Blanc is Europe’s highest mountain outside the Caucasus. Located in France, Mont Blanc is part of the French Alps.
Whenever we see the Alps, we are always reminded how striking they are. People have asked, Dave and I what we think are more beautiful The Rocky Mountains or the Alps. I would love to say that since I am Canadian, I prefer the Rockies, but the Alps have it hands down. They are beautiful!
26. Jungfrau – Switzerland
I’ll never forget our first introduction to the Swiss Alps exploring the incredible region of Interlaken. Hiking through the region surrounded by the mighty mountains of Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch too our breath away. Both literally and figuratively.
27. Monte Rosa – Italy / Switzerland
Between the Bernese Alps of Switzerland where we explored Interlaken and the Pennine Alps where the second tallest mountain in Europe is found, Switzerland houses nine of the ten tallest mountains in the Alps! Monte Rosa is the second highest peak in the Alps bordering both Italy and Switzerland.
The Alps are filled with beautiful mountains. Switzerland and France aren’t the only countries to call the Alps home. Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Monaco, and Liechtenstein all house The Alps. We’ve had the privilege of witnessing the Italian, Austrian, and German Alps.
28. Zugspitze – Germany
Just this past summer we had the chance to go up Germany’s tallest peak. Zugspitze is located in Garmisch Partenkirchen in the beautiful Bavarian Alps.
Home to the 1936 Winter Olympics it is surrounded by Alpine mountains. Zugspitze is only 2962 meters (9717 meters) high, but it is an impressive sight and it is easy to go up as you take a cable car to the top. While you are there, be sure to hike to the Alpsix, another high peak in the Bavarian Alps. Check out these tips for climbing to Mount Etna
South America
The Andes are the highest mountain range outside of Asia running down the West Coast of South America from Venezuela making them the longest continental mountain range on earth. Besides Venezuela, the Andes run through, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
29. Mount Aconcagua – Argentina
Aconcagua is located in the Andes Mountains, in the province of Mendoza in western Argentina. It is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of the city of Mendoza, near the border with Chile.
The tallest mountain in the Andes is Aconcagua is located in western Argentina near the city of Mendoza standing 6962 meters (22841 feet) above sea level. Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Andes Range and is the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas.
It is a popular destination for mountain climbers and trekkers as it is considered one of the Seven Summits, which are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Many people make it a goal to climb the seven summits.
What are the seven summits you ask? They are the highest mountains on each continent.
- Asia – Mount Everest
- Africa – Kilimanjaro
- North America – Denali,
- South America – Aconcagua
- Europe – Elbrus in Russia or Mont Blanc in France depending on if you consider Elbrus in Asia or not
- Antarctica – Mount Vinson
- Oceania – Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea or Kosciuszko on mainland Australia – this depends on whether you want to include the continental shelf or only mainland Australia
Between Argentina and Chile, there are nine of the 10 highest mountains in South America. We have had the opportunity to see them in the Atacama Desert and in Patagonia. These mountains are impressive.
30. Ojos del Salado
Ojos del Salado is the tallest mountain in Chile. It is also the highest active volcano in the world, with a height of 6,893 meters (22,615 feet) above sea level. Ojos del Salado is located in the Andes Mountains, near the border of Chile and Argentina.
31. Huascarán
Peru is the only other country with a high mountain in the top 10 in South America. Huascarán is located in the Cordillera Mountain Range which is the highest tropical mountain range in the world. It is the fourth highest mountain in South America standing 6,768 m (22,205 ft) above sea level and is popular with climbers.
Oceania
Before we leave our tallest mountains for good, we cannot forget including Oceania. Oceania consists of Australia, Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia including New Zealand.
32. Mount Cook – New Zealand
Out of the highest mountains in Oceania, we have only been to Mount Cook in New Zealand. Mount Cook’s claim to fame is that Sir Edmund Hillary trained here for Everest. Don’t let its 3724 meters height fool you. It’s a tough technical climb for experienced alpine enthusiasts. There are large crevasses and vertical ascents. If you don’t have mountaineering experience, it’s not something to be taken on.
Antarctica
The photo above is not of the tallest mountain in Antarctica, but we have been to the 7th continent and it’s a pretty photo don’t you think? Mount Vinson is located in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains in Antarctica with an elevation of 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level. It is considered one of the Seven Summits, which are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.
This is a difficult climb as it is located in a remote and isolated region of Antarctica and the ascent to the summit requires technical climbing skills, it has extremely cold temperatures and high altitudes but despite the challenges and dangers Mount Vinson remains a popular destination for mountaineers. The sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment that comes from reaching its summit is unmatched, and the beauty and majesty of the Antarctic landscape make it a truly unforgettable experience.
The mountain is surrounded by glaciers and permanent snow and ice making it a unique and dramatic landscape but Mount Vinson is also an important site for scientific research. The glaciers and ice caps surrounding the mountain provide valuable data on the history of the Earth’s climate, and the extreme conditions of the Antarctic environment offer opportunities for research into the limits of human survival and endurance.
Technically Highest Peaks in the World
33. Mount Kosciuszko – Australia
Australia isn’t a place that we think of that has tall mountains, but it does technically belong in the seven summits list with Mount Kosciuszko. Mount Kosciuszko is a tiny 2,228 meters (7,310 ft), but it is the highest mountain in Australia. Located in the snowy mountains of the Australian Alps, it’s a popular playground for outdoor activities.
While it is considered one of the seven summits on some lists, there is another that could make the claim to fame. A great way to see mountains is by a hot air balloon.
34. Jaya Peak – New Guinea
Jaya Peak in New Guinea is the world’s tallest island peak and is more than twice the height of Mount Kosciuszko. At 4884 meters it is more than twice the height of Australia’s tallest peak. It is not one of the seven summits however because it is technically part of Indonesia which is a part of Asia.
35. Mauna Kea – Hawaii
Speaking of the world’s tallest island peak, I am reminded of the giant sea cliffs of Hawaii. Mount Everest, may have the highest elevation on earth, but Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world reaching up from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. For an island, its peak is a whopping 4,207 meters (13,803 ft) above sea level, but below the surface is another 6000 meters making the total height of Mauna Kea 10,000 meters (33,408 ft). Now that’s big.
Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii is a dormant volcano that is 4205 meters in altitude, but it is much taller from base to summit than Mount Everest. That is because its base is 6000 meters (19,685 feet) below sea level making its entire elevation 10,205 meters (33,408 feet). While it is nearly half the altitude of Mount Everest, it is nearly 1,500 meters (4900 feet) taller. So now you know!
Whenever we take a helicopter flight over a Hawaiian Island we are in awe of its mountains and cliffs. So it would make sense that the second tallest island peak would be found in Hawaii. Read more The Most Amazing Facts About Hawaii
36. Chimborazo
Chimborazo is a stratovolcano located in Ecuador and is the highest mountain in the world above sea level. This is based on its proximity to the Earth’s equatorial line. Since it is closer to the Equator than Mount Everest, it is considered the world’s highest point from the center of the Earth.
What makes Chimborazo special is that, due to its location near the equator, the peak of the mountain is the furthest point on the Earth’s surface from its center. This means that Chimborazo is the closest point to space of any mountain on Earth, making it an interesting destination for both mountaineers and scientists.
While it is only 6,263 meters (20,548 ft) above sea level, its summit is farther away from the earth’s center than Everest. The summit of Chimborazo 6,384.4 km (3,967.1 mi) which is a little more than 2km (1.2 miles) farther than the summit of Everest.
Facts about the Tallest Mountains in the World
The seven summits are the highest mountains on each continent. Asia is Everest, South America is Aconcagua, Denali for North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia.
There are 14 mountains in the world above 8000 meters.
The Himalayas are the highest mountain range. They are located in the Asian countries of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, and China.
The Alaskan Range is the highest mountain range in North America.
K2 is the second tallest mountain on earth located in the second-highest mountain range in the world, the Karakoram mountain range.
While Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world by altitude, the world’s tallest mountain is actually Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii.
Chimborazo
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Excellent artcle. But you forgot to mention Mt Dhaulagiri and Mt Manaslu, both are 8K+.
Thanks Dave And Deb, Please may I ask do you really travel and visited these 32 place, Answer need incase pthers have such question in mind, Thanks.
Whoa! I’m from Nepal itself and this blog is just outstanding for all the new trekkers. Thank you, Dave and Deb, for such an informative blog.
Interestingly, if you intend to trek to Nepal the next time, there are a plethora of the Himalayas to choose from. And the best part is I came to know about one of the travel agencies named “Swotah Travel and Adventure” that provide different trekking packages at a reasonable price with some special discounts for the year 2020.
This article is very interesting. I am also trekker and mountaineers. Have trekked EBC and Kilimanjaro. Also fortunate to do some hiking in Canadian Rockies and in Alps Swiss.
I am really fascinated to read your article and to learn about your experience.