Climbing the world’s highest mountains is a feat that challenges even the most experienced mountaineers. These towering peaks are not just beautiful; they’re formidable, requiring incredible physical endurance, technical skill, and mental resilience. Whether you’re an aspiring climber or simply curious about the world’s most extreme summits, this guide provides insights into the top 5 highest mountains in the world.
1. Mount Everest – 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet)
Photo of Everest Base Camp/Mount Everest JeremyRichards/Shutterstock, David Prudek/Shutterstock
Location: Nepal/China (Tibet)
Background:
Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas, is the world’s highest peak. It was first summited by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal in 1953, making it one of the most iconic and sought-after climbs in mountaineering history. Known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, Everest has attracted climbers from all over the world, from seasoned professionals to amateurs, all eager to stand at the top of the world.
Climbing Everest:
- Logistics: Everest is accessible via the South Col route (Nepal) or the North Col route (Tibet). Most climbers start from the South Base Camp in Nepal, which is typically reached by trekking for several days from Lukla.
- How Long Does It Take?: The entire expedition takes about two months. Climbers spend weeks at base camps, gradually ascending to higher camps to acclimatize to the thinning oxygen before making their summit bid.
- Challenges: The most dangerous aspect of climbing Everest is the Khumbu Icefall (a treacherous section near the base) and the death zone above 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are dangerously low. Avalanches, extreme weather, and the risk of altitude sickness contribute to its perilous reputation.
- Fatalities: Everest has claimed over 300 lives due to altitude sickness, harsh weather, and exhaustion.
Climbing Tips:
- Physical Fitness: You must be in excellent physical condition, as the climb is long, with long stretches at high altitudes.
- Guides: Most climbers opt for professional guides and Sherpas, especially to assist in navigating the dangerous sections.
- Costs: Expect to pay upwards of $30,000–$50,000 for an expedition, which includes permits, guides, and equipment.
2. K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) – 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)
Location: Pakistan/China
Background:
K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, and some argue it is even more difficult to climb than Everest. It is part of the Karakoram Range and is known for its steepness, technical difficulty, and unpredictable weather. K2’s first successful summit was made in 1954 by an Italian team led by Achille Compagnoni.
Climbing K2:
- Logistics: K2 is typically climbed from the South Face (Pakistan), with access via Skardu. This remote area requires significant planning, and climbers often need to spend weeks getting to base camp due to its challenging terrain.
- How Long Does It Take?: A typical K2 expedition lasts between two and three months. The majority of time is spent acclimatizing and preparing for summit pushes.
- Challenges: K2 is known for severe weather conditions, particularly in the winter, and frequent avalanches. The climb is highly technical, requiring expertise in rock climbing and ice climbing. Its steep slopes, combined with high winds and low temperatures, make it incredibly dangerous.
- Fatalities: K2 has one of the highest fatality rates, with about one in four climbers perishing during their attempt. Despite being lower than Everest, K2 is far more technical and deadly.
Climbing Tips:
- Experience Required: Only experienced high-altitude climbers with technical skills should attempt K2.
- Guides: While there are fewer commercial expeditions on K2 than Everest, you’ll still need to hire a local guide or be part of a professional climbing team.
- Costs: Expeditions can range from $20,000–$40,000, depending on whether you go with a guided service or attempt it independently.
3. Kangchenjunga – 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
Location: Nepal/India
Background:
Kangchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, straddling the border between Nepal and India. It is a sacred peak to the people of Sikkim and Nepal, and for this reason, many climbers choose not to summit it in order to respect local customs. It was first summited in 1955 by a British team.
Climbing Kangchenjunga:
- Logistics: Climbers typically begin from the Yalung Glacier in Nepal or from Sikkim in India, both of which are difficult to access and require permits.
- How Long Does It Take?: Expeditions can take up to two months, with climbers spending a lot of time at intermediate camps to adjust to the altitude.
- Challenges: The most difficult part of the climb is navigating its remote location and the treacherous weather conditions. Kangchenjunga is known for being less crowded than Everest and K2, which makes for a more solitary experience, but also means fewer support systems in place.
- Fatalities: The mountain is considered less deadly than K2 but still presents significant risk due to avalanches and the altitude.
Climbing Tips:
- Permits: Obtaining a climbing permit can be difficult due to its location in both India and Nepal. Make sure to factor in the cost and time for permits.
- Weather Considerations: Be prepared for harsh and unpredictable weather, especially during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
- Costs: Expect to spend around $25,000–$40,000 for an expedition.
4. Lhotse – 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
Location: Nepal/Tibet (China)
Background:
Lhotse is often considered a neighbor to Everest and is located just a few kilometers south of it. It is notable for its sharp ridges and steep faces, with its first summit achieved in 1956 by a Swiss team. Lhotse’s proximity to Everest makes it a popular climb for those who are also attempting Everest.
Climbing Lhotse:
- Logistics: Climbers usually attempt Lhotse via the same South Col route as Everest, with the summit typically being reached via a narrow ridge connecting the two peaks.
- How Long Does It Take?: Similar to Everest, it takes about two months to complete an expedition to Lhotse, but the climb itself is typically less challenging than Everest.
- Challenges: The mountain’s vertical slopes and exposed ridges create the main difficulties for climbers. The altitude is also a major concern, with the death zone above 8,000 meters.
- Fatalities: While Lhotse is less popular than Everest, it still sees fatalities due to harsh conditions, altitude sickness, and difficult terrain.
Climbing Tips:
- Less Crowded: Lhotse is less crowded than Everest, so it’s a good option for those who want to climb in the Everest region but avoid the masses.
- Combine with Everest: Many climbers attempt both Everest and Lhotse in a single expedition.
- Costs: The costs are generally similar to Everest expeditions—$30,000–$50,000.
5. Makalu – 8,485 meters (27,838 feet)
Location: Nepal/Tibet (China)
Background:
Makalu, located near Everest and Lhotse in the Himalayas, is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. It was first summited in 1955 by a French team. Makalu is known for its steep, sharp ridges and challenging technical climbing, making it one of the more difficult mountains to scale.
Climbing Makalu:
- Logistics: Most climbers approach Makalu from the Khumbu region in Nepal, though it can be climbed from Tibet. The trek to base camp is remote and requires careful planning.
- How Long Does It Take?: A typical expedition to Makalu lasts between six weeks to two months, depending on acclimatization and weather.
- Challenges: Makalu’s steep slopes and unpredictable weather create a highly technical climb, similar to K2 but less crowded. Avalanche risks and high winds add additional danger to the ascent.
- Fatalities: Although not as deadly as K2, Makalu has seen its fair share of fatalities due to extreme conditions and its technical difficulty.
Climbing Tips:
- Technical Expertise: This is not a climb for beginners. You’ll need advanced climbing skills, especially for ice and rock.
- Guides: Professional guides with experience in technical Himalayan climbs are a must.
- Costs: Climbing Makalu can cost anywhere from $20,000–$40,000, depending on the guiding service.
Conclusion
Climbing the world’s highest mountains is not only a test of physical endurance but also a challenge of mental strength, technical skill, and perseverance. Each of these peaks offers unique challenges, but the rewards of reaching their summits are immeasurable. Whether you dream of climbing Everest, K2, or any other towering giant, it’s important to approach these climbs with respect, preparation, and the understanding that the mountains don’t give up their secrets easily.
