Mountains have always been a source of awe and fascination, captivating the imaginations of adventurers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts.
While tall buildings and man-made structures may dominate urban skylines, they pale in comparison to the monumental peaks that rise from the Earth’s surface.
From towering heights to treacherous terrain, the world’s tallest mountains offer some of the most challenging and thrilling climbs for those brave enough to attempt them.
Here’s a look at the 14 tallest peaks on Earth, many of which climbers can scale.
1. Mount Everest (29,030 feet)
At 29,030 feet above sea level, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth, straddling the border between Nepal and China.
Known as “Sagarmatha” in Nepal and “Chomolungma” in Tibet, Everest has been the ultimate goal for mountaineers for decades. Its summit was first reached by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
While the climb is physically demanding and fraught with danger such as altitude sickness, extreme weather, and avalanches Everest remains a highly sought-after summit. However, the risks are high, with over 300 lives lost in the attempt.
2. K2 (Godwin-Austin) (28,253 feet)
The second-highest mountain on Earth, K2, stands at 28,253 feet above sea level. Located on the border between Pakistan and China in the Karakoram range, K2 is often considered the most difficult and dangerous mountain to climb.
Its steep inclines, unpredictable weather, and technical climbing make it a far more perilous challenge than Everest.
Nicknamed “The Savage Mountain,” K2’s summit was first reached in 1954 by an Italian team. Despite its deadly reputation, climbers continue to test their skills against this formidable peak.
3. Kangchenjunga (28,169 feet)
Kangchenjunga, located on the border between Nepal and India, stands at 28,169 feet above sea level. The third-highest mountain in the world, it is revered for its remote and rugged terrain.
While it is a less popular climb than Everest, Kangchenjunga is notoriously challenging due to its steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and treacherous conditions.
In 1955, British climbers Joe Brown and George Band became the first to reach the summit. Kangchenjunga remains a prized destination for mountaineers, but its demanding conditions make it a less frequented peak.
4. Lhotse (27,941 feet)
Lhotse, meaning “South Peak” in Tibetan, is located near Mount Everest in the Himalayas. With a height of 27,941 feet, it ranks as the fourth-highest mountain in the world.
Lhotse shares its base with Everest and is often climbed as part of the “Triple Crown,” where mountaineers summit Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in a single expedition.
Though technically less challenging than Everest, Lhotse’s proximity to Everest and its steep slopes make it a formidable climb. Its summit was first reached in 1956 by Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger.
5. Makalu (27,839 feet)
Makalu, standing at 27,839 feet above sea level, is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Located in the Himalayas between Nepal and Tibet, Makalu is known for its steep ridges and icy slopes, making it one of the more difficult climbs in the world.
The mountain’s summit was first reached in 1955 by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy. While it is a less-visited peak compared to Everest, Makalu’s difficulty and breathtaking views make it a coveted destination for experienced climbers.
6. Cho Oyu (26,906 feet)
Cho Oyu, often called the “Turquoise Goddess,” stands at 26,906 feet and is located in the Himalayas between Nepal and Tibet.
Cho Oyu is considered one of the more accessible of the highest peaks, making it a popular choice for climbers looking to tackle an 8,000-meter mountain.
Despite its less technical nature compared to its towering neighbors, Cho Oyu still presents challenges with its extreme altitude and unpredictable weather. The mountain was first summited in 1954 by a team led by Joseph J. L. Lalouette.
7. Dhaulagiri I (26,795 feet)
Located in Nepal, Dhaulagiri I rises to 26,795 feet, making it the seventh-highest peak in the world. Known for its stunning views and snow-covered slopes, Dhaulagiri offers a challenging yet rewarding climb.
The mountain’s prominence of 11,014 feet is particularly remarkable, as it towers over the surrounding terrain. Dhaulagiri was first summited in 1960 by a Swiss-Austrian expedition.
Although the climb is tough, many trekkers find the breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences around the peak to be well worth the challenge.
8. Manaslu (26,781 feet)
Manaslu, standing at 26,781 feet, is the eighth-highest mountain on Earth. Located in the Nepalese Himalayas, Manaslu is often considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, with its snow-covered slopes and dramatic landscapes.
The climb is no easy feat, with steep ascents and the threat of avalanches. Manaslu was first summited in 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu.
Despite its challenging nature, the region surrounding Manaslu offers a unique cultural experience for climbers and trekkers alike.
9. Nanga Parbat (26,660 feet)
Nicknamed “Killer Mountain,” Nanga Parbat in the Pakistani Himalayas stands at 26,660 feet. It is infamous for its treacherous slopes and high fatality rate.
Nanga Parbat has claimed the lives of many climbers, earning its fearsome reputation. Despite its danger, it remains a popular challenge for mountaineers.
The mountain was first summited in 1953 by Hermann Buhl, who made the climb alone and without supplemental oxygen. Nanga Parbat’s vertical cliffs and icy ridges make it one of the deadliest climbs on the planet.
10. Annapurna I (26,545 feet)
Annapurna I, located in Nepal, is notorious for being the most dangerous mountain to climb, with a fatality rate of around 32% among climbers.
Standing at 26,545 feet, Annapurna I was first summited in 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal.
Its steep slopes and avalanche-prone areas make it a deadly challenge, but for experienced climbers, the rewards of reaching the summit are immense, with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
11. Gasherbrum I (26,510 feet)
Gasherbrum I, also known as K5, stands at 26,510 feet in the Karakoram range, located on the Pakistan-China border.
The climb to Gasherbrum I is notoriously difficult, with technical climbs and high-altitude challenges. It was first summited in 1958 by Pete Schoening and his team.
Due to its remoteness and challenging conditions, only a few hundred climbers have successfully reached the summit of this towering peak.
12. Broad Peak (26,414 feet)
Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range in Pakistan, is 26,414 feet tall. Known for its relatively easier climb compared to other 8,000-meter peaks, Broad Peak has become a popular destination for climbers looking to tackle a major mountain without as many extreme risks.
However, it still offers a difficult and technical ascent. The summit was first reached in 1957 by Fritz Moravec and his team.
13. Gasherbrum II (26,363 feet)
Gasherbrum II, standing at 26,363 feet, is the 13th-highest mountain in the world. Also located in the Karakoram range, Gasherbrum II is known for being one of the more accessible of the 8,000-meter peaks.
It was first summited in 1956 by an Austrian team. Although challenging, Gasherbrum II offers fewer dangers than its neighboring peaks and is often used as a stepping stone for climbers aiming for more difficult mountains in the region.
14. Shishapangma (26,335 feet)
Shishapangma, located entirely in Tibet, stands at 26,335 feet. The 14th-highest peak on Earth, Shishapangma was first summited in 1964 by a Chinese expedition.
Known for its relative ease compared to other 8,000-meter peaks, Shishapangma is an ideal climb for mountaineers looking to conquer their first major peak.
However, the mountain’s challenging weather and remote location still pose a risk to climbers.
Alicia Richards