Mountains form elevated parts of the Earth’s crust, rising abruptly from the surrounding terrain and reaching great heights. They cover approximately 26.5% of the global land surface and provide habitat for over 50% of the world’s population. While everyone knows Mount Everest as the highest mountain at 8,848m in Nepal, few are aware that many of the highest mountains are located on the edges of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, spanning countries like India, Nepal, China, and Pakistan. These majestic peaks are part of the Himalaya and Karakoram mountain ranges. Interestingly, one-third of the Earth’s terrestrial biodiversity and a significant portion of freshwater are stored in mountain glaciers. Here are the Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World:
1. Mount Everest – 8,848.86m
Reaching a towering height of 8,848.86m, Mount Everest holds the distinction of being the highest and most renowned mountain globally. It is located in the Mahalangur Himal subrange of the Himalayas, straddling the border between Tibet, the Autonomous Region of China, and Nepal. The local people have various names for this majestic peak; Tibetans call it Chomolungma, the Chinese refer to it as Zhumulangma Feng, while in Nepal, it is known as Sagarmatha. Mount Everest boasts several glaciers adorning its slopes, including the Khumbu Glacier, Kangshung Glacier, Rongbuk Glacier, and Pumori Glacier. Moreover, many significant rivers, such as the Rong River, Lobujya River, and Kama River, have their origins in the grandeur of Mount Everest.
2. Mount K2 – 8,611m
Mount Godwin-Austen, better known as Mount K2, stands proudly as the second-highest mountain on Earth, reaching an elevation of 8,611m. The name “K2” originated from the notation used by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of British India. This majestic peak has earned the moniker “Savage Mountain” due to its reputation as the most perilous mountain for climbers. It is located in the Tashkurgan Tajik, an autonomous region in western Xinjiang, China, and partly in the Baltistan region of Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
3. Mount Kanchenjunga – 8,598m
Mount Kangchenjunga proudly holds the title of India’s highest mountain, soaring to an elevation of 8,598m, and stands as the third-highest mountain globally. This magnificent peak lies in the Himal section of the Himalayan Mountain Range, straddling the boundary between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. Among the five principal peaks of Kangchenjunga, three grace the border of eastern Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim, while the remaining two are situated in Nepal’s district of Taplejung.
4. Mount Lhotse – 8,516m
Reaching an impressive elevation of 8,516m, Mount Lhotse claims the title of the world’s fourth-highest mountain. Positioned along the border of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and the Khumbu region of Nepal, it finds its place in the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalayan Mountain Range. This majestic peak shares a connection with Mount Everest through the sharp-edged South Col and also forms a part of the Everest massif. It includes the smaller peaks of Lhotse Sar and Lhotse Middle, standing at 8,383m and 8,414m, respectively. Although Mount Lhotse boasts captivating beauty, it sees significantly less climbing activity. On May 18, 1956, Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss, two Swiss mountaineers, achieved the distinction of being the first successful climbers of this formidable peak.
5. Mount Makalu – 8,485m
Mount Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world and third in the Everest Massif, proudly stands tall in the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalayan Mountain Range, straddling the border of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Nepal. It is renowned for its striking pyramid-shaped summit, making it a fascinating sight for mountaineers and adventurers. Adding to its grandeur, Mount Makalu boasts two subsidiary peaks, Makalu II or Kangchungtse at 7,678m and Chomo Lonzo at 7,804m. On May 15, 1955, Jean Couzy and Lionel Terray, two French mountaineers, achieved a significant milestone by successfully reaching the top of this majestic mountain.
6. Mount Cho Oyu – 8,188m
Rising to an elevation of 8,188m, Mount Cho Oyu proudly stands as the sixth highest mountain in the world. This majestic peak is located in the westernmost part of the Khumbu sub-section of the Mahalangur Himal section in the Himalayan Mountain Range, near the border of China and Nepal. Only 20 km west of Mount Everest, it enjoys a strategic position on the trading route between Khumbu and Tibetan Sherpas, known as the Nangpa La pass. One fascinating aspect of Mount Cho Oyu is its gentle slope, making it relatively easier to climb compared to other peaks in the 8000m range. On October 1954, Joseph Jöchler and Herbert Tichy, both Austrian climbers, along with local Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama, achieved the first successful ascent of this remarkable mountain.
7. Mount Dhaulagiri I – 8,167m
With an impressive elevation of 8,167m, Mount Dhaulagiri proudly stands as the seventh highest mountain in the world, located in the mesmerizing landscapes of Nepal. This mountain’s beauty is beyond compare, surrounded by the river Myagdi Khola in the southeast and the tributaries of the Bheri River in the southwest. The eastern side of Dhaulagiri is separated by the majestic Annapurna Mountain, and the Kali Gandaki Gorge of the Kali Gandak River, known as one of the deepest gorges in the world. On May 13, 1960, a team of Austrian and Swiss mountaineers, including Alvin Schelbert, Kurt Diemberger, Ernst Forrer, Peter Diener, and two Sherpas, Nyima Dorje and Nawang Dorje, made history by successfully climbing Mount Dhaulagiri I.
8. Mount Manaslu – 8,163m
At an impressive height of 8,163m, Mount Manaslu proudly claims its position as the eighth highest mountain in the world, majestically located in Nepal’s Mansiri Himal subrange, within the district of Gorkha. The name “Manaslu” originates from the Sanskrit word “Manasa,” meaning soul or intellect, signifying the mountain’s spiritual significance. The locals, deeply respectful of the mountain’s sacred nature, prevented previous teams from reaching the summit, attributing past avalanches to divine displeasure, resulting in 18 fatalities and the destruction of a monastery. However, on May 9, 1956, a Japanese expedition team led by Gyalzen Norbu and Toshio Imanishi made history by becoming the first successful climbers to conquer Mount Manaslu.
9. Mount Nanga Parbat – 8,126m
Mount Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world standing tall at 8,126m, graces the district of Diamer in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Locally known as Diamer (from the Tibetan name), signifying its vastness, the mountain’s Sanskrit-derived name, Nanga Parbat, translates to “naked mountain.” Positioned south of the River Indus, it serves as the westernmost peak of the Himalayan Mountain Range. Embraced by low-lying valleys in all directions, the awe-inspiring Rupal Face, rising to 4,600m, earns the title of the highest mountain face worldwide. On July 3, 1953, Hermann Buhl, an Austrian mountaineer, etched his name in history as the first person to conquer Mount Nanga Parbat.
10.Mount Annapurna I – 8,091m
Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world at an elevation of 8,091m, proudly stands in Nepal as a part of the Annapurna massif within the Himalayan Mountain Range’s north-central segment. Among the various high peaks of the massif, Annapurna I reigns supreme as the highest and main peak, attracting worldwide fame for its renowned trekking in the Annapurna region. Despite holding the tenth position on the list, this mountain boasts the highest fatality rate among all the peaks listed above, with a challenging climb that sees 32% of attempts resulting in fatalities. On June 3, 1950, French mountaineers Louis Lachenal and Maurice Herzog made history as the first successful climbers of Annapurna I.
