When prompted to think about the highest structures we know, many picture tall buildings and constructions.
Maybe the Empire State Building or Burj Khalifa come to mind. In comparison, mountains make them look like nothing more than an anthill.
When calculating the tallest mountains on Earth, World Data looks at metrics like height above sea level and prominence. Prominence refers to the relative height to the mountain’s actual base.
The highest point is considered the peak for ranking. According to World Data, these are the world’s 14 tallest summits.
1: Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It stands at 29,030 feet (ft) above sea level. Despite its popularity during each climbing season, summiting Everest is described as perilous.
Some trekkers still dare to make this risky hike. Tragically, attempting to reach its summit has resulted in the loss of over 300 people’s lives.
The sheer scale and danger make it a formidable goal for even experienced adventurers. Its status as the world’s highest peak draws many, but the risks are significant and well-documented.
This iconic mountain holds both immense appeal and profound peril for climbers seeking the ultimate challenge.
2: Godwin Austin (K2)
Godwin Austin (K2) is located in Pakistan and China’s Karakoram mountain range. It ranks as the second-highest mountain in the world. Its peak is 28,253 ft above mean sea level and boasts 13,180 ft in prominence.
The climb to K2’s summit is considered even more dangerous and life-threatening than Everest. This heightened danger persists despite K2 being about 800 feet shorter than Everest.
The primary reason cited for this extreme peril is the presence of constant 45-degree-angle climbs. K2 presents a uniquely severe technical challenge.
3: Kangchenjunga
Himalayan Kangchenjunga is described as gargantuan. It stands ten times higher than the tallest structure in the world from sea level.
It ranks as the third-highest mountain. Kangchenjunga is notably more remote and rugged than Mount Everest and Godwin Austin (K2), its predecessors in the top two.
This combination of remoteness and ruggedness makes it less than ideal for climbing. Even the most experienced adventurers find its conditions challenging and often steer clear, favoring other peaks despite its immense height and place on the list.
4: Lhotse
With its name meaning “South Peak” in Tibetan, Lhotse is situated near the highest peak, Mount Everest. It holds the rank of the fourth-tallest mountain.
It stands at 27,941 ft above sea level with 2,001 ft prominence. Lhotse is recognized as the third peak of what climbers call the “triple crown”.
This challenging expedition involves adventurers aiming to summit Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in a single ambitious trip. Its proximity to Everest links it to the world’s highest, part of an elite mountaineering circuit.
5: Makalu
Makalu is an awe-inspiring mountain nestled in the same region in the Himalayas as Everest and Lhotse. It ranks as the fifth-highest mountain globally.
Makalu reaches a height of 27,839 ft above sea level and possesses 7,802 ft prominence. This peak is known for its steep pitches and icy slopes.
These characteristics contribute to it being a challenging but impressive climb for those who attempt to reach its summit. Makalu stands as a formidable presence within the renowned high peaks of the Everest region.
6: Cho Oyu
With a name that lives up to its breathtaking beauty, Cho Oyu means “Turquoise Goddess”. It is another towering gem located in the Himalayas.
Cho Oyu stands at 26,8565 ft above sea level. It holds the rank of the sixth-highest mountain. Compared to some of the other colossal mountains on this list, Cho Oyu is considered comparatively less technical to climb.
This relative accessibility makes it a popular spot for mountaineers seeking experience at extreme altitudes. Its beauty and manageability draw climbers from around the world.
7: Dhaulagiri I
Dhaulagiri I is a snowy mountain situated in Nepal. It ranks as the seventh-highest mountain in the world. It is 26,796 ft tall with 11,014 ft prominence within the Himalayas.
The mountain offers gorgeous scenery and unbeatable views. For those willing to take on the trek, these stunning vistas are said to make its challenging climb well worth the effort.
Dhaulagiri I provides both a significant physical test and incredible visual rewards for successful climbers in the Nepalese Himalayas.
8: Manaslu
Soaring 26,783 ft high, Manaslu is another one of the world’s highest peaks, holding the eighth position. It offers stunning landscape views for those who venture near it.
Beyond the climbing challenge, the region around the mountain is described as full of vibrant Nepalese culture and local traditions.
This provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the area. Manaslu offers a combination of a high-altitude mountain experience and a cultural exploration of Nepal.
9: Nanga Parbat
While some high mountains offer less dangerous climbs than Everest, Nanga Parbat is notably different. It ranks as the ninth-tallest mountain.
Standing at 26,661 ft tall in the Himalayas, it is often called “Killer Mountain”. This moniker reflects its lethal reputation, which extends even to the most experienced climbers.
Nanga Parbat has a reported fatality rate of around 21 per 100 trekkers. Its extreme danger makes it one of the most feared and respected peaks on the list.
10: Annapurna I
Following closely behind Nanga Parbat is another mountain known for its extreme danger: Annapurna I. It holds the tenth position among the world’s tallest.
According to Guinness World Records, Annapurna I is recognized as the deadliest mountain in the world. Located in Nepal, it stands at 26,547 ft above sea level and has 9,791 ft in prominence.
The statistics are stark, with approximately one out of every three trekkers reportedly losing their lives. This makes Annapurna I nothing short of a risky destination.
11: Gasherbrum I (K5)
As the eleventh highest mountain in the world, Gasherbrum I (K5) is a Pakistan-based marvel. It stands at 26,510 ft above sea level.
Only the most courageous trekkers are said to seek out the mountain’s hidden summit. Reaching the top is a significant feat, as only around 350 successful ascents have been documented in total for Gasherbrum I.
This low number of successful climbs underscores the mountain’s difficulty and the challenge it presents even to highly skilled mountaineers venturing into the Karakoram range.
12: Broad Peak (K3)
Located in Pakistan, Broad Peak (K3) ranks as one of the world’s tallest mountains, coming in at number twelve.
It stands at 26,415 ft above sea level and has 5,581 ft prominence. While it is certainly no easy climb, Broad Peak is considered an “easier” climb than Everest and others higher on this list.
This relative accessibility compared to the most formidable peaks makes it a target for climbers seeking a high-altitude challenge below the absolute highest tier. It remains a significant undertaking.
13: Gasherbrum II (K4)
Gasherbrum II (K4) is the thirteenth tallest summit. It is part of the Karakoram mountain range located in Pakistan. Its peak stands at 26,363 ft above sea level.
Similar to Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II is described as ideal for climbers looking to get their feet wet with extreme mountaineering.
It offers a substantial high-altitude experience without the perceived extreme dangers or technical difficulties of peaks like K2 or Annapurna I. It serves as a crucial step for aspiring high-altitude climbers.
14: Shishapangma / Gosainthan
Also known by the name Gosainthan, Shishapangma is the fourteenth tallest summit in the world. Its name translates meaningfully to “the God of the Grasslands”.
This mountain stands at a height of 26,337 feet tall. Notably, Shishapangma is located entirely within Tibet. Unlike many other high peaks spanning borders, its location is solely in this region.
Towering over most mountains globally, it completes the list of the world’s fourteen highest summits, a significant achievement in itself.
Alicia Richards