Climbing the world’s tallest mountains is a thrilling yet incredibly dangerous pursuit. From the towering heights of Mount Everest to the treacherous slopes of K2, these peaks offer breathtaking views but come with high risks.
With the extreme altitudes, unpredictable weather, and technical challenges, mountaineers must be exceptionally prepared to tackle these giants.
Each mountain on this list has its own unique dangers, from steep ice-covered cliffs to severe weather patterns, making them some of the most perilous climbs on Earth.
Here’s a look at the 14 tallest mountains and the dangers that await those who dare to summit them:
1: Mount Everest
Mount Everest stands as the highest mountain in the world, reaching 29,030 feet (ft) above sea level.
Despite its popularity each climbing season, summiting Everest is a perilous endeavor, with over 300 recorded fatalities. Some trekkers are brave enough to attempt this risky hike.
2: Godwin Austin (K2)
Located in the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan and China, Godwin Austin, also known as K2, is the second-highest mountain in the world. It stands at 28,253 ft above mean sea level and has a prominence of 13,180 ft.
The climb to K2’s summit is considered even more dangerous and life-threatening than Everest, despite being roughly 800 feet shorter. This is primarily due to its constant 45-degree-angle climbs.
3: Kangchenjunga
Standing ten times higher than the tallest structure in the world from sea level, Himalayan Kangchenjunga is described as gargantuan.
It is considered more remote and rugged than Everest and K2, making it less than ideal for climbing, even for the most experienced adventurers.
4: Lhotse
With a name meaning “South Peak” in Tibetan, Lhotse is located near Mount Everest. It is 27,941 ft above sea level with 2,001 ft prominence.
Lhotse is known as the third peak of what climbers call the “triple crown,” where adventurers aim to summit Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in a single expedition.
5: Makalu
Nestled in the same region in the Himalayas as Everest and Lhotse, Makalu is an awe-inspiring mountain.
It stands at 27,839 ft above sea level with 7,802 ft prominence. Makalu presents a challenging but impressive climb due to its steep pitches and icy slopes.
6: Cho Oyu
Meaning “Turquoise Goddess,” Cho Oyu is another towering gem in the Himalayas, living up to its breathtaking beauty.
Standing at 26,8565 ft above sea level, it is considered comparatively less technical to climb than many others on the list, making it a popular spot for mountaineers.
7: Dhaulagiri I
Dhaulagiri I is a snowy mountain located in Nepal in the Himalayas. It measures 26,796 ft tall with 11,014 ft prominence.
The challenging climb is considered well worth it for trekkers willing to take it on, offering gorgeous scenery and unbeatable views.
8: Manaslu
Soaring 26,783 ft high, Manaslu is another one of the world’s highest peaks. It offers stunning landscape views, and the region around the mountain is rich with vibrant Nepalese culture and local traditions for visitors to experience.
9: Nanga Parbat
While some of the highest mountains have less dangerous climbs than Everest and Kangchenjunga, Nanga Parbat is not one of them.
It is often referred to as “Killer Mountain” due to its lethal reputation. Even for the most experienced climbers, it has a high fatality rate of around 21 per 100 trekkers. It stands at 26,661 ft tall in the Himalayas.
10: Annapurna I
Following closely behind Nanga Parbat in terms of danger is Annapurna I. According to Guinness World Records, Annapurna I is the deadliest mountain in the world, with approximately one out of every three trekkers losing their lives.
This mountain in Nepal stands at 26,547 ft above sea level and has 9,791 ft prominence. It is described as nothing short of a risky destination.
11: Gasherbrum I (K5)
Gasherbrum I, located in Pakistan, is the eleventh highest mountain in the world. Only the most courageous trekkers attempt to find its hidden summit.
Reaching the summit requires climbing 26,510 ft above sea level. Only around 350 successful ascents of this marvel have been documented in total.
12: Broad Peak (K3)
Located in Pakistan, Broad Peak is one of the world’s tallest mountains. It stands at 26,415 ft above sea level and has 5,581 ft prominence.
While certainly not easy, Broad Peak is considered an “easier” climb than Everest and others on this list.
13: Gasherbrum II (K4)
Similar to Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II is suggested as ideal for climbers who want to gain experience with extreme mountaineering.
Its peak is located in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan and stands at 26,363 ft above sea level.
14: Shishapangma/Gosainthan
Shishapangma, also known as Gosainthan, translates to “the God of the Grasslands” and towers over most mountains worldwide. This mountain stands at 26,337 feet tall and is located entirely in Tibet.
Alicia Richards