Towering mountains present some of the harshest and most inhospitable places on Earth. Below are the top 5 tallest mountains in the world, along with a few hair-raising facts and stories about each one.
1. Mount Everest – 29,029 Feet
The summit of Everest is the highest point in the Himalayas and the highest known point in the world, located on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Its altitude is 8,848m. The ascent to the top of Everest is considered one of the most prestigious achievements in mountaineering and brings in climbers from all over the world.
2. Godwin Austen K2 – 28,251 Feet
K2 is also known as the “Wild Mountain” or “Mountain of Mountains.” It is the second highest peak in the world, with an altitude of 8,611m. Located in the Karakoram region on the border between Pakistan and China, climbing K2 is considered one of the most difficult ascents out there due to the extreme weather conditions, steep slopes and poor access.
3. Kangchenjunga – 28,169 Feet
With an altitude of 8,586m, Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. Located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and India, Kangchenjunga was first climbed in 1955 by a British expedition led by Charles Evans. Since then, many an expedition has braved the peak, but only a few successfully reached the summit. Kangchenjunga is also considered a sacred mountain by the local people, and climbers are required to respect local customs and beliefs when ascending.
4. Lhotse – 27,940 Feet
Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world. It reaches an altitude of 8,516m. It lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet in the Himalayan region and is closely related to Everest, with which it shares a ridge.
5. Makalu – 27,838 Feet
Makalu rises to an altitude of 8,485m. Located in the Himalayan region, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, it is considered one of the most difficult mountains to climb due to its steep slopes and extreme weather conditions. Despite the difficulty of this ascent, Makalu is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas, with breathtaking views of the surrounding region and a wide variety of alpine scenery.
