10 Highest Mountains You Can Visit In The World

Mountains are undeniably the best sources of majestic natural beauty. These jagged beauties always offer a deep sense of captivating charm. The feeling of walking the road less travelled and experiencing the clean air rejuvenate your senses is unparalleled. From the sages and ascetics of the Satyug to the modern age mountaineers and trekkers, these lofty giants continue to inspire and motivate many individuals.

If you are wondering about the highest mountains in the world then here is everything you need to know:

# Mount Everest (Nepal) – 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft)

This had to be the first choice on the list. Also known locally as Sagarmatha, Mount Everest or the highest mountain in the world is also the most popular one. Towering high on an elevation of 8,849 meters above sea level, Mount Everest was first climbed by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Ever since its formation between 20 to 30 million years ago, it has not only been a source of adventure for many aspiring mountaineers but also a source of income for a major part of the Nepalese population, especially the Sherpas.

# K2 (Pakistan administered Kashmir and China administered Kashmir) – 8,610 m (28,250 ft)

At an elevation of 8,611 meters above sea level, K2 is the world’s 2nd highest mountain. Lying in the Karakoram Range, K2 is known for its raw magnetic natural beauty that leaves every mountaineer stunned at first sight. As compared to Everest, K2 is a much trickier mountain to navigate through and requires some serious mountaineering skills to climb. The first ascent was made in 1954 by Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli despite the rough, challenging and constantly changing terrain and weather conditions.

# Kangchenjunga (Sikkim and Nepal) – 8,586 m (28,169 ft)

Shrouded in a never-ending mystical snow charm, Kanchenjunga is the world’s 3rd highest mountain. The peak of Kanchenjunga may seem like a single summit but it is actually a combination of 5 peaks. The term Kanchenjunga, in Tibetan, literally translates into ‘5 treasures in the snow’. Did you know that before the discovery of Everest, Kanchenjunga was known as the highest peak in the world? The region around Kanchenjunga is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site and a protected region owing to its rich and diverse range of ecosystems it is home to.

# Lhotse (Tibet and Nepal) – 8,516 m (27,940 ft)

Standing tall at a height of 8,516 meters above sea level, Lhotse is the 4th highest mountain in the world. Located in the land of high mountains, Nepal, the northern end of Lhotse is graced with the presence of Everest. It was first summited in 1956 by a Swedish climber and ever since then, it has been a mountain filled with a fascination for every avide mountaineer. One of the most exciting things about Lhotse is the fact that its base camp is located on top of a moving glacier on an elevation of 5,200 meters above sea level.

# Makalu (Nepal and Tibet) – 8,463 m (27,766 ft)

At an elevation of 8,4485 meters above sea level, Makalu grabs the 5th spot for being the highest mountain in the world. Shaped like a 4 sided pyramid, Makalu is an isolated peak. The first ascent was made in the very active mountaineering year of 1954. Due to its very rare topographical feature, Makalu is one of the most difficult 8 thousanders to climb, even by the most seasoned climbers. The Gurung, Rai, Sherpa, and Bhotia tribes residing in these parts add a lot of colorful culture to this place making the climbing experience more wholesome.

# Cho Oyu (Nepal and Tibet) – 8,188 m (26,864 ft)

Cho Oyu is the 6th highest mountain in the world, standing tall at a height of 8,188 meters above sea level. In Tibetan, Cho Oyu translates to ‘the turquoise goddess’ and is considered to be one of the easiest 8 thousanders to climb. It can be taken as a practice ground to get used to climbing in thin air and dealing with the challenges of climbing higher peaks. It is the westernmost major peak in the Khumbu sub-section at a distance of 20 kms from Mount Everest.

# Dhaulagiri I (Nepal) – 8,167 m (26,795 ft)

First climbed in 1960, Dhaulagiri is the 7th highest mountain in the world. The term Dhaulagiri I is a Nepali word that derives its meaning from the Sanskrit word meaning dazzling, white, or beautiful mountain. Towering in the skies at a height of 8,167 meters above sea level, it is also famous as the highest mountain within the boundary of one country. The entire Dhaulagiri circuit is known all over the world for being one of the most challenging treks in the world.

# Manaslu (Nepal) – 8,163 M (26,781 Ft)

Taking the rank for being the 8th highest mountain in the world, Manaslu stands at a height of 8,163 meters above sea level. The term Manaslu means intelligence, soul or spirit; it is also the highest peak in the Gorkha district. Located 40 kms away from Kathmandu, the Manaslu trek not only offers spectacular Himalayan views but also gives a glimpse into the life of the locals residing in the region. Manaslu was first climbed in 1956 and occupies the Manaslu conservation area. The trek follows the Budhi Gandak route which was an ancient salt trading route.

# Nanga Parbat (Pakistan) – 8,126 m (26,660 ft)

Nanga Parbat is the 9yh highest mountain in the world summiting at a height of 8,126 meters above sea level. The mountain is located immediately in the southeastern end of the northernmost bend of the Indus River in Gilgit – the Baltistan region of Pakistan. Locally known as Diamer, literally meaning naked mountain, this major peak rises dramatically above the traditional Himalayan views. It has been nicknamed as the ‘killer mountain’ due to the number of fatalities since it is one of the most difficult mountains to climb.

# Annapurna I (Nepal) – 8,091 m (26,545 ft)

Standing at a height of 8,091 meters above sea level, Annapurna I is a part of the Annapurna Mountain range of the Gandaki in north-central Nepal. Along with being the 10th highest mountain in the world, Annapurna I falls under the category of being one of the most difficult 8 thousanders to climb. The danger involved in approaching the ascent is very high. Did you know that despite its challenges, Annapurna I massif was the first 8 thousanders to be climbed without the help of supplemental oxygen? Truly a mountain filled with wonder and amazement.