Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World

Mount Everest (Sagarmatha/Chomolungma)

Height: 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet)
Location: Nepal/China (Tibet)
Range: Himalayas
First Ascent: May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal)
About:
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, towering at an astounding 8,848.86 meters. It is located on the border between Nepal and China (Tibet) in the Himalayas. The mountain is known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, both of which refer to the “Goddess Mother of the World.”

Everest’s summit represents the ultimate challenge for mountaineers worldwide. The climb is notoriously dangerous due to extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and technical challenges such as the Khumbu Icefall and the Hillary Step. Despite this, Everest attracts thousands of climbers annually, many of whom attempt to reach the summit via the south (Nepal) or north (Tibet) route.

K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen)

Height: 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)
Location: Pakistan/China
Range: Karakoram
First Ascent: July 31, 1954, by Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli (Italy)
About:
K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is the second-highest mountain in the world. Located in the Karakoram range, straddling the border between Pakistan and China, K2 is often regarded as one of the most difficult mountains to climb due to its steepness, avalanche-prone slopes, and extreme weather conditions.

Often dubbed the “Savage Mountain” due to its high fatality rate among climbers, K2 is renowned for its challenge even among seasoned mountaineers. The mountain’s near-vertical ascent and treacherous conditions contribute to its reputation as one of the most difficult and dangerous climbs in the world. The mountain’s stark beauty and extreme difficulty make it a sought-after prize for elite climbers.

Kangchenjunga

Height: 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
Location: Nepal/India
Range: Himalayas
First Ascent: May 25, 1955, by Joe Brown and George Band (UK)
About:
The third-highest mountain in the world, Kangchenjunga, is located on the border between Nepal and India, with the majority of the mountain lying within Nepal’s territory. The name Kangchenjunga means “Five Treasures of Snow,” referring to the five peaks that form the summit.

Kangchenjunga is a sacred mountain to the people of both Nepal and India, and as such, the first climbers did not summit its highest peak due to spiritual beliefs about the mountain. Climbers often stop just short of the true summit to respect these traditions, making it one of the more sacred yet challenging climbs in the world.

Lhotse

Height: 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
Location: Nepal/China (Tibet)
Range: Himalayas
First Ascent: May 18, 1956, by Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger (Switzerland)
About:
Lhotse, the fourth-highest mountain in the world, is located near Mount Everest, just south of the South Col route. The mountain’s summit offers stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall and Everest, making it a popular choice for those already acclimatized to Everest’s heights.

Lhotse is known for its distinctive sharp ridges and steep slopes, making it one of the more challenging climbs in the Himalayas. It has a unique position in mountaineering history, often used as a route for Everest expeditions, where climbers ascend to the South Col and then move on to Everest.

Makalu

Height: 8,485 meters (27,838 feet)
Location: Nepal/China (Tibet)
Range: Himalayas
First Ascent: May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy (France)
About:
Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world, located on the border between Nepal and China (Tibet), about 19 km southeast of Mount Everest. Known for its steep ascents and difficult conditions, it is one of the more remote and less-climbed mountains in the 8,000-meter class.

The mountain is considered a serious challenge for climbers due to its sharp ridges and sheer cliffs, requiring expert mountaineering skills. The summit provides magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayas, but the difficulty of the climb makes it a rare achievement.