Mountains are popular destinations for outdoor activities and adventure tourism. They offer opportunities for activities such as hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and mountaineering. Many people are drawn to mountains for their scenic beauty and the sense of tranquility they provide.
Here are the top 5 highest mountains in the world, based on their elevation above sea level:
- Mount Everest
- K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen)
- Kangchenjunga
- Lhotse
- Makalu
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1. Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, reaching an elevation of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). It is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. It straddles the border between Nepal and China.
The mountain was named after Sir George Everest, a British surveyor-general of India from 1830 to 1843. However, the local name for the mountain in Nepal is “Sagarmatha,” meaning “Goddess of the Sky.”
2. K2
Also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, is the second-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet).
It is located on the border between Pakistan and China in the Karakoram Range, part of the greater Himalayas. It lies in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Xinjiang region of China.
K2 offers stunning natural beauty with its pyramid-like shape and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Karakoram Range. It is widely considered one of the most difficult mountains to climb, earning the nickname “Savage Mountain” due to its notorious weather, steep slopes, and technical challenges.
3. Kangchenjunga
It is located in the eastern part of the Himalayas, is the third-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).
Kangchenjunga translates to “The Five Treasures of Snows” in the local Limbu language, referring to the mountain’s five peaks. It is also known as “K5” and “Kangchen Dzö-nga” in Tibetan.
The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, spanning across both Nepal and India, was established to protect the unique biodiversity of the region. It is home to various species of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard and red panda.
4. Lhotse
Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,516 meters (27,940 feet). It is located in the Mahalangur mountain range in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China.
Lhotse is often associated with Mount Everest due to their close proximity. The two mountains are connected by the South Col. Lhotse’s name means “South Peak” in Tibetan. It refers to its location to the south of Mount Everest.
Lhotse has several notable features, including the Lhotse Face, a steep and icy section on its southern side that poses a significant challenge to climbers. The Lhotse Couloir, a narrow gully, leads to the summit ridge and is another prominent feature of the mountain.
5. Makalu
Makalu, located on the Nepal-China border, is the fifth-highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 8,485 meters (27,838 feet). It is situated in the Mahalangur Himalayas, within the Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal. It is a part of the greater Himalayan range.
The Makalu Barun National Park, surrounding Mount Makalu, is a protected area known for its rich biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the endangered snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear.
Makalu is renowned for its distinctive pyramid shape, with four prominent ridges extending from the summit. It presents a challenging climb due to its steep slopes and unpredictable weather conditions.
See also: Top 5 highest mountains in America continent
Other highest mountains in the world are:
- Cho Oyu, Nepal/China (8,188 meters or 26,864 feet)
- Dhaulagiri I, Nepal (8,167 meters or 26,795 feet)
- Manaslu, Nepal (8,163 meters or 26,781 feet)
- Nanga Parbat, Pakistan (8,126 meters or 26,660 feet)
- Annapurna I, Nepal (8,091 meters or 26,545 feet)
