Summary
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.
Tallest Mountains on Earth
Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World – Asia
This article explores the tallest mountains in the world, highlighting the top 10 highest peaks and additional significant mountains we have encountered. Enjoy learning about these magnificent natural wonders!
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 and our safety.
A trek to Mount Everest Base Camp offers climbers the chance to observe Everest several times during the multiday journey. Ironically, you cannot see the summit from Base Camp, but it is still a fascinating destination that provides views of the Khumba Ice flow. We trekked through Sagamartha National Park in Nepal, which also borders Tibet. It seems that the Tibet base camp climb is now restricted to those with permits.
2. K2 – Pakistan
K2 is the second-highest mountain on Earth and is situated in the Karakoram Mountain Range, which borders India, Pakistan, and China. It is home to four of the remaining eight-thousand-meter peaks, including Nanga Parbat.
Often regarded as the most difficult and perilous mountain to climb, K2 requires technical climbing skills, distinguishing it from Mount Everest. Reaching 8,611 meters (28,251 ft), we have yet to witness K2 in person, but it remains on our bucket list to see it one day!
An entire article could be dedicated to the Himalayan range, which houses eight of the world’s over 8,000-meter peaks. We enjoyed many stunning views from our Everest Base Camp Trek.
3. Kangchenjunga – Nepal
Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, stands at 8,586 meters and lies on the border of Nepal and India. First ascended in 1955 by a British team, it remains one of the less-crowded peaks due to its remote location.
This stunning mountain is often overlooked by travelers who immediately think of Everest and K2. We believe we might have flown over it during our travels from Delhi, India to Nepal, as we saw many breathtaking 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 had the pleasure of hiking this magnificent range in Nepal and Bhutan, which also extends through China, India, and Pakistan. All of the top 10 highest mountains in the world are found here.
Trekking through the Himalayas, we felt as though we could touch the sky. It is among the most awe-inspiring places we have ever seen.
Below are more mountains that we saw with our own eyes along the Everest Base Camp Trek.
4. Lhotse – Nepal
Lhotse reaches 8,516 meters (27,939 feet) and frequently serves as part of an expedition to Everest. The first successful ascent of Lhotse was made in 1956, and it has become increasingly popular among experienced climbers. We witnessed Lhotse during an acclimatization hike from Namche Bazaar.
5. Mount Makalu – Nepal
Mount Makalu measures 8,481 meters (27,825 feet) and can be viewed from the same vantage point above Namche Bazaar. Recognized for its unique pyramid-like silhouette, it continues to attract climbers due to its challenging routes.
6. Cho Oyu – Nepal/Tibet
At 8,201 meters (26,906 feet), Cho Oyu sits on the border of Tibet and Nepal. It is notably one of the easier eight-thousand-meter peaks to climb, with its first ascent occurring in 1954.
7. Dhaulagiri I – Nepal
Dhaulagiri I ranks as the seventh-highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). First climbed in 1960, it remains a challenging destination in central Nepal. We look forward to returning to Nepal to explore more mountains and treks.
8. Manaslu – Nepal
We remain in Nepal for the eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu, towering at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). It is renowned for its challenging routes and continues to attract serious climbers.
9. Nanga Parbat – Pakistan
Nanga Parbat, standing at 8,126 meters (26,660 feet), is located in the Western Himalayas in Pakistan. It is notorious for its extreme difficulty and has claimed many lives over the years.
Despite being one of the deadliest peaks, Nanga Parbat draws climbers from all around the world seeking to summit this treacherous yet rewarding mountain.
10. Annapurna – Nepal
Annapurna is the tenth highest mountain on Earth, reaching an elevation of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) and part of the Annapurna Range in central Nepal. Known for its steep and exposed climbing routes, it poses significant risks to climbers.
More Nepal Mountains
Now that we have explored the top 10 highest mountains, let’s continue with more towering peaks we’ve encountered.
Ama Dablam, at 6,812 meters (22,349 feet), is one of the most beautiful mountains we saw during our trek to Everest Base Camp. Nuptse, towering at 7,861 meters (25,791 feet), also left a lasting impression.
While there are several tall mountains scattered between these peaks, including those in Pakistan, India, and Tibet, we focus on the final two prominent peaks on the Everest Base Camp trail.
11. Lobuche
Lobuche stands at 6,119 meters (20,075 feet). We fondly remember our acclimatization day, where we hiked above Namche Bazaar and were surrounded by many peaks, including Lobuche.
12. Island Peak
Island Peak measures 6,160 meters (20,209 feet) and is readily visible from Gorak Shep, the final settlement before Base Camp. This peak is frequently summited by climbers preparing for Everest.
13. Gangakhar Puensem – Bhutan
The Himalayan Mountains of Bhutan are not as towering as those in Nepal and Pakistan, but they do include several 7,000-meter peaks. Gangkhar Puensem, the highest mountain in Bhutan, reaches 7,570 meters (24,840 feet) and is renowned for being the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
14 – 17 Jumolhari to Tsherimgang – Bhutan
During our Laya Trek along the Tibetan border, we witnessed several prominent peaks, including:
- 14. Mount Jumolhari – 7,314 meters (23,996 feet)
- 15. Mount Masagang – 7,194 meters (23,602 feet)
- 16. Mount Jichu Drake – 6,989 meters (22,929 feet)
- 17. Mount Tsherimgang – 6,789 meters (22,273 feet)
This trek was fantastic, culminating in meeting the king of Bhutan.
Southeast Asia
18. Mount Kinabalu – Borneo
Mount Kinabalu was our first climbing experience, and it captivated us. Although only 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) by Himalayan standards, it offered a challenging and beautiful trek.
The two-day climb pushes you with steep steps leading to base camp, testing both endurance and determination.
Africa
After our adventures in Southeast Asia, we set our sights on Africa to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, following our successful climb of Mount Kinabalu.
19. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
As a child, I regarded Mount Kilimanjaro as one of the world’s tallest peaks, although it is significantly lower than the heights of the Himalayas. However, in Africa, it reigns supreme as the highest peak.
This extraordinary mountain, the tallest freestanding peak globally, rises dramatically above the Serengeti, matching how Toto described it in their iconic song Africa.
The seven-day Kilimanjaro trek is unique, traversing ecosystems from tropical rainforests to alpine deserts. We chose the Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, which proved to be an exhilarating adventure!
20. Mount Kenya – Kenya
As the second-highest peak in Africa, Mount Kenya offers a technical climbing challenge, especially for experienced rock climbers. The highest of its three peaks, Batian, rises to 5,199 meters (17,057 feet).
21. Mount Mawenzi – Tanzania
This third-highest peak is part of Mount Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi stands at 5,149 meters (16,893 feet). Observing this summit from our camp before our climb underscored the tremendous challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro.
North America
22. Mount Denali aka Mount McKinley
Our excitement to visit Alaska, North America’s final frontier, was palpable. While many explore Alaska via cruise, the land portion offers spectacular experiences. We spent five days exploring Alaska by train, culminating in a thrilling scenic flight around Denali.
23. Mount Logan – Yukon
Mount Logan, the second highest mountain in North America, is found in the Yukon. Awe-inspiring landscapes await, showcasing the immense beauty beneath Canada’s vast sky. Impressively, nine of the ten highest peaks in Canada are located here!
24. Pico de Orizaba – Mexico
Pico de Orizaba stands as the third highest mountain in North America. Although we have not yet ventured to Vera Cruz, it remains on our travel radar.
Europe
While we haven’t visited Europe’s tallest mountains, notable peaks include Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters) and Dykhta (5,205 meters), both located in Russia. The Caucasus region is home to many of Europe’s highest mountains.
25. Mont Blanc – France
Mont Blanc, at 4,808 meters, represents Europe’s highest mountain outside of the Caucasus. Located in the picturesque French Alps, the beauty of the region impresses every time.
26. Jungfrau – Switzerland
Our introduction to the Swiss Alps began in Interlaken, surrounded by extraordinary mountains like Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch. The views were utterly breathtaking and unforgettable.
27. Monte Rosa – Italy/Switzerland
Containing the second highest peak in the Alps, Monte Rosa borders Italy and Switzerland. The Alps boast stunning landscapes, drawing adventurers to both the Italian and Swiss sections.
28. Zugspitze – Germany
This past summer, we ascended Germany’s tallest peak, Zugspitze. Located in the Bavarian Alps of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it is a small yet impressive sight at 2,962 meters (9,717 feet).
South America
The Andes are the highest mountain range outside of Asia and stretch down the West Coast of South America. This incredible range runs through Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
29. Mount Aconcagua – Argentina
Aconcagua stands as the tallest mountain in the Andes and outside of the Himalayas, reaching 6,962 meters (22,841 feet). It represents a popular challenge for climbers and is regarded as one of the Seven Summits.
30. Ojos del Salado
Ojos del Salado, located in Chile, is both the tallest mountain in the country and the highest active volcano in the world, standing at 6,893 meters (22,615 feet).
31. Huascarán
Located in Peru’s Cordillera Mountain Range, Huascarán is the fourth highest mountain in South America at 6,768 meters (22,205 feet), attracting many climbers seeking adventure.
Oceania
32. Mount Cook – New Zealand
Out of Oceania’s highest peaks, we have visited Mount Cook, a renowned training ground for Sir Edmund Hillary. Despite its height of 3,724 meters, it’s a challenging climb requiring technical skill.
Antarctica
While Mount Vinson is the highest peak in Antarctica at 4,892 meters (16,050 feet), surrounded by glaciers, it’s challenging due to its remote location and extreme cold.
Technically Highest Peaks in the World
33. Mount Kosciuszko – Australia
Mount Kosciuszko may not be associated with towering mountains, but it is technically one of the seven summits at a modest height of 2,228 meters (7,310 feet).
34. Jaya Peak – New Guinea
Jaya Peak, the tallest island peak at 4,884 meters, exceeds the height of Mount Kosciuszko, but is not classified as one of the seven summits since it falls under Indonesian territory.
35. Mauna Kea – Hawaii
In Hawaii, Mauna Kea is recognized as the tallest mountain in the world, with a height of 4,205 meters (13,803 feet) above sea level, but its base lies deep beneath the ocean, making it even taller when measured from base to summit.
36. Chimborazo
Located in Ecuador, Chimborazo is the highest mountain on Earth when measured from the center of the planet due to its proximity to the equatorial line, reaching 6,263 meters (20,548 feet) above sea level.
Facts about the Tallest Mountains in the World
What are the seven summits? The seven summits represent the highest mountains on each continent: Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, and Kosciuszko in Australia.
How many peaks exceed 8000 meters? Fourteen mountains in the world exceed 8000 meters.
What is the tallest mountain range in the world? The Himalayas are the highest mountain range, spanning several Asian countries.
What is the highest mountain range in North America?The Alaskan Range is regarded as the highest in North America.
What is the second tallest mountain in the world?K2 is recognized as the second tallest mountain, positioned in the Karakoram mountain range.
What is the world’s tallest mountain? Though Everest is the tallest in terms of altitude, Mauna Kea is considered the tallest when measured from its base.
What is the highest mountain elevation above sea level? Chimborazo holds this title.
