When we think of towering structures, buildings like the Empire State Building or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai might come to mind.
However, in comparison to the world’s tallest mountains, these structures appear as little more than an anthill.
To determine the tallest mountains on Earth, metrics such as height above sea level and prominence are considered.
Prominence refers to a mountain’s relative height compared to its actual base. World Data identifies the highest point of a mountain as its peak for ranking purposes, even though mountains may have lower secondary peaks.
1: Mount Everest
Mount Everest holds the title of the highest mountain in the world. It stands at a remarkable 29,030 feet (ft) above sea level.
Despite its popularity during climbing season, summiting Everest is considered perilous. While its fame might suggest it’s safer, the climb is risky.
Over 300 people have lost their lives attempting to reach its summit. This emphasizes the significant danger associated with climbing even the world’s most famous peak.
2: Godwin Austin (K2)
Known also as K2, Godwin Austin is located in the Karakoram mountain range, spanning both Pakistan and China. It is the second-highest mountain globally. Its height is 28,253 ft above mean sea level, with a prominence of 13,180 ft.
Despite being shorter than Everest by approximately 800 feet, the climb to K2’s summit is described as even more dangerous and life-threatening. This increased danger is attributed to constant 45-degree-angle climbs.
3: Kangchenjunga
Kangchenjunga is a gargantuan mountain located in the Himalayas. Standing at a height that is ten times greater than the world’s tallest structure from sea level, its scale is immense.
Kangchenjunga is characterized as more remote and rugged compared to Mount Everest and K2. This remoteness and ruggedness make it less than ideal for climbing, even for individuals with the most extensive adventuring experience.
4: Lhotse
Lhotse, whose name translates to “South Peak” in Tibetan, is situated near Mount Everest, the highest peak. It reaches a height of 27,941 ft above sea level. Lhotse has a prominence of 2,001 ft.
It is known among climbers as the third peak in the “triple crown” challenge. This challenge involves experienced adventurers attempting to summit Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse during a single expedition.
5: Makalu
Makalu is an awe-inspiring mountain found in the same Himalayan region as Everest and Lhotse. Its elevation is 27,839 ft above sea level.
The prominence of Makalu is listed as 7,802 ft. These features contribute to making Makalu a challenging, though impressive, climb for mountaineers.
6: Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu, meaning “Turquoise Goddess,” is another towering mountain located in the Himalayas. Its name is said to reflect its breathtaking beauty.
Standing at 26,8565 ft above sea level. Comparatively, Cho Oyu is considered less technical to climb than many of the other highest mountains. This makes it a popular spot for mountaineers.
7: Dhaulagiri I
Dhaulagiri I is a snow-covered mountain situated in Nepal and part of the Himalayas. Its height is recorded as 26,796 ft. It boasts a significant prominence of 11,014 ft. Despite the beauty, the climb is acknowledged as challenging.
However, for those willing to undertake the trek, the views and scenery are presented as making the effort worthwhile.
8: Manaslu
Soaring to a height of 26,783 ft, Manaslu is listed as another one of the world’s highest peaks. Furthermore, the region surrounding Manaslu is highlighted for its rich cultural aspects.
Trekkers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in vibrant Nepalese culture and local traditions in the areas around the mountain.
9: Nanga Parbat
While some of the top ten highest mountains might offer less dangerous climbs compared to Everest or Kangchenjunga, Nanga Parbat is an exception.
It has earned the ominous nickname “Killer Mountain” due to its lethal reputation. This reputation persists even for highly experienced climbers.
Nanga Parbat has a high fatality rate, estimated at around 21 per 100 trekkers. It stands at 26,661 ft tall and is located in the Himalayas.
10: Annapurna I
Following closely behind Nanga Parbat in terms of danger is Annapurna I, described as another lethal mountain of grand proportions.
According to information from Guinness World Records, Annapurna I holds the distinction of being the deadliest mountain in the world.
Approximately one out of every three trekkers loses their lives on this mountain. Annapurna I stands at 26,547 ft above sea level and has 9,791 ft in prominence, situated in Nepal.
11: Gasherbrum I (K5)
Gasherbrum I, also identified as K5, is the eleventh highest mountain in the world. Reaching its hidden summit is attempted by only the most courageous trekkers.
Located in Pakistan, this mountain has a documented history of approximately 350 successful ascents in total. Trekkers wishing to reach the summit must climb to an elevation of 26,510 ft above sea level.
12: Broad Peak (K3)
Located in Pakistan, Broad Peak is listed among the world’s tallest mountains. It reaches a height of 26,415 ft above sea level.
Broad Peak has a prominence of 5,581 ft. While the climb is certainly not easy, it is considered an “easier” ascent compared to Mount Everest and some other high peaks. It is also known as K3.
13: Gasherbrum II (K4)
Gasherbrum II, also known as K4, is situated in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan. Its peak reaches a height of 26,363 ft above sea level.
Similar to Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II is considered ideal for climbers who are looking to gain experience in extreme mountaineering.
14: Shishapangma/Gosainthan
Shishapangma, which is also known by the name Gosainthan, means “the God of the Grasslands”. This mountain is notable for being located entirely within Tibet.
Shishapangma towers over most other mountains worldwide. Its height is recorded as 26,337 feet tall.
Alicia Richards