Reaching the top of the tallest mountains in the world is a challenge only the best adventure lovers can attempt. The thrill, incredible sights, and the ability to challenge your mind and body attract climbers to these mountains. All of these mountains, such as Everest and K2, give hikers their own unique experiences. Whether you’re an expert climber or a passionate hiker, these towering mountains allow you to explore new possibilities and admire the stunning vistas of high-altitude places. Here, we will introduce you to the 10 tallest mountains in the world, how tall they are, and what draws people from all over the world to them.
List of The Top 10 Tallest Mountains in the World
1. Mount Everest – 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet)
The tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, can be found on the border of Nepal and China in the Himalayas. Climbing Mount Everest is a significant challenge since it stands 8,848.86 meters high. Many people want to climb Everest, yet it requires strength, experience, and training.
- Climbing Challenges: It is tough to climb Everest due to its frigid weather, tough gales, and lack of oxygen. Being on top for a long time becomes a challenging task for climbers. The death zone is harmful at 8,000 meters and higher because there is insufficient oxygen.
- Famous Routes: The two routes to reach Everest’s peak are led from Nepal via the South Col or from Tibet via the North Col. The terrain along every path provides special challenges, for example, crevices, bad weather, and avalanches.
- Climbing Season: Climbing at the best time is from late April to early June, during the pre-monsoon season, or from late September to early October during the post-monsoon season.
For many climbers, testing their strength and determination is the main goal when climbing Mount Everest.
2. K2 – 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)
After Mount Everest, K2 is called the “mountain of mountains” and is considered extremely hard to climb. The mighty K2 is found on Pakistan’s border with China and stands at 8,611 meters high. It is known to be harsh and hazardous because of its technical requirements and extreme weather.
- Climbing Challenges: Climbing K2 is well known for its rugged slopes, challenging weather, and many avalanches. Its rate of death is much higher than Everest, which scares even the most experienced climbers.
- Famous Routes: Abruzzi Spur is the main route, and it is well known for being steep and rocky to the top. As a mountaineer, You must pass over glaciers, experience icefalls, and scramble on rocks.
- Climbing Season: The months of July and August have the most consistent weather at K2 and are the best seasons for an expedition.
Despite the risks, K2 continues to attract climbers from all over the globe.
3. Kangchenjunga – 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
A border mountain, Kangchenjunga is the third highest in the world and rises to 8,586 meters. The mountain is notable in the eastern Himalayas and is widely known as the “five treasures of the snow” because it has five major summits.
- Climbing Challenges: Kangchenjunga’s environment is dangerous because it contains rugged ridges, glaciers, and unexpected weather changes. Kangchenjunga is much less climbed than Everest because it is more difficult to reach the summit.
- Famous Routes: You can take the famous north face if you want, but the climb is tricky, with much ice and steep sections. Dealing with high-altitude sickness is a never-ending problem.
- Climbing Season: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are when you should attempt to climb.
Kangchenjunga is an excellent destination for climbers who are excited by extreme and risky environments.
4. Lhotse – 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain in the world and lies near Mount Everest; it has a height of 8,516 meters. Since it has very steep ridges and is near Everest, the mountain has become popular among climbers reaching for the summit of Everest.
- Climbing Challenges: Lhotse’s wall is hard to scale since it includes steep areas and unexpected weather conditions. For climbers, the Lhotse Face presents a significant challenge because it is a giant ice wall that must be carefully approached.
- Famous Routes: Even though the south face route is the most commonly picked, it is also known to be the hardest. There are many risks involved because of the narrow trails and high places.
- Climbing Season: Climbing in Shishapangma is similar to Everest, as climbers should go during spring or autumn to avoid the monsoon in summer and freezing weather in winter.
Many climbers see Lhotse as a fun challenge since it is often the way to reach the top of Mount Everest.
5. Makalu – 8,485 meters (27,838 feet)
Makalu is a huge Himalayan mountain that rises to 8,485 meters on the border between Nepal and Tibet in the east. As the fifth highest mountain worldwide, it is a tough climb reserved for climbers with lots of experience.
- Climbing Challenges: Climbing Makalu is tough due to the icy slopes and tough rock climbing part of the route. Because the mountain is far from other areas and has harsh weather, reaching the top is not easy.
- Famous Routes: Several climbers follow the Makalu South Face because it requires an experienced climb over ice formations and rock faces.
- Climbing Season: The best seasons for climbing are spring and autumn, even though the journey is always very challenging.
Since Makalu is one of the most challenging climbs, many experienced climbers try to summit it.
6. Cho Oyu – 8,188 meters (26,864 feet)
Cho Oyu is the world’s sixth tallest mountain at a height of 8,188 meters. Mount Lhotse is found between Tibet and Nepal and is famous for being among the 8,000-meter peaks, including Everest, that are easier to climb. Even so, there are still major challenges for climbers.
- Climbing Challenges: Even though Cho Oyu is considered less challenging than some other mountains, it is still dangerous because of its high and icy landscapes. Taking the right gear and preparing is vital, as you have to cross glaciers and snowfields during the climb.
- Famous Routes: The main route on Cho Oyu climbs the northwest face, which offers an easier route than found on some peaks, but you have to watch your steps carefully.
- Climbing Season: Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for climbing mountains that are over 8,000 meters.
Because Cho Oyu is not extremely difficult, it attracts many who are looking to try an 8,000-meter climb for the first time.
7. Dhaulagiri – 8,167 meters (26,795 feet)
On the world’s list of tallest mountains, Dhaulagiri is the seventh, and it is found in Nepal at an altitude of 8,167 meters. Because of its snowy peaks, the White Mountain area is named in such a way. Climbing in this place is challenging because it is separated from other regions and slopes steeply.
- Climbing Challenges: Because of the steep climbs and snow and ice on the mountain, Dhaulagiri is a difficult journey. You need to go over glaciers and navigate crevasses while dealing with extreme weather.
- Famous Routes: The regular path to climb Everest is through the north face, which is noted for being extremely difficult. You have to climb over ice, rock, and snow during this route.
- Climbing Season: Spring and autumn are when most people like to climb since the weather tends to remain consistent.
Those who climb Dhaulagiri find it challenging and exciting, especially if they are searching for a tough journey.
8. Manaslu – 8,163 meters (26,781 feet)
With a height of 8,163 meters, Manaslu is the eighth tallest mountain located in the Himalayas. It is situated in Nepal and is famous for its extremely challenging and wonderful views.
- Climbing Challenges: The mountain is hard to climb because of its steep slopes and changing weather. They must deal with hazardous icefalls and crevasses.
- Famous Routes: The most well-known way is to climb the northeast face, which requires both complexity in ice climbing and great physical stamina.
- Climbing Season: Favorable weather conditions for climbing happen in spring and autumn.
Climbers who want a strenuous, high-altitude trek usually choose Manaslu.
9. Nanga Parbat – 8,126 meters (26,660 feet)
Nanga Parbat is called the “Killer Mountain” because it reaches 8,126 meters and is situated in Pakistan. Everest is ranked the ninth highest mountain on Earth and is recognized for its challenging climb and many deaths.
- Climbing Challenges: The climb is not simple because the face of Nanga Parbat is steep and hazardous, with rough and challenging climbs. The mountain is recognizable due to its dangerous avalanche risks and how difficult the climb is.
- Famous Routes: The most famous route is the Rupal Face, which requires expert climbing and strength to deal with rough surroundings.
- Climbing Season: Summer is the best season to appreciate Nanga Parbat’s beautiful climb, starting in June and continuing until September.
Mountaineers who have a lot of experience often find the climb to Nanga Parbat challenging but worth it.
10. Annapurna I – 8,091 meters (26,545 feet)
Annapurna I reaches an elevation of 8,091 meters and is, therefore, the tenth tallest mountain. Set in Nepal, it is well-known for being among the most dangerous mountains since its slopes often lead to avalanches.
- Climbing Challenges: It is famous for being home to frequent avalanches and tricky routes. A great deal of experience is needed for this mountaineering challenge.
- Famous Routes: Most climbers take the south face route, but it is recognized as a hazardous option among high peaks.
- Climbing Season: Spring and autumn seasons are the best for making your ascent to Annapurna I.
Because of its challenging and risky nature, Annapurna I brings in people who want to achieve the most thrilling high-altitude experience.
The Bottom Line
For those who love adventure, reaching the tallest peaks in the world is considered the most significant achievement. Hiking up Mount Everest or K2 is special, as it tests people’s fitness and mental toughness. Whether you want to grab the summit of Mount Everest or overcome the climb on K2, these mountains will test you to your maximum. Hikers have to be prepared, know their stuff, and stay determined for every climb. Those who attempt to scale such mountains enjoy breathtaking views and the fulfillment of setting foot on top of incredible mountains. Pick your journey and begin exploring!
The highest mountain we have is Mount Everest, which reaches an altitude of 8,848.86 meters.
K2’s very steep slopes, harsh weather, and many people dying there make climbing a rugged mountain.
Cho Oyu is considered easier among the eight-thousanders and popular among new high-altitude climbers.
It usually takes two months to climb Mount Everest since you need to get used to the climate and practice.
Among the 8,000-meter mountains, Annapurna I is well-known for having a high death toll from avalanches.
It is best to climb in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) because the weather is more steady.
