When you get a chance to stand in front of the Burj Khalifa, it ends up changing your perception of everything. Mind you, we humans have yet to make anything higher than that. In fact, the world’s highest mountains stand more than ten times taller than the Burj Khalifa. In this blog, we’ll explore the world’s seven highest mountains. The best part is that you can trek so close to most of these mountains that you’ll see nothing but them.
Why These Mountains Matter
When humans measured the mountains, it was found that more than 14 peaks were taller than 8000 meters. The air is so thin up there, it’s literally known as a death zone. And there must be a good reason why these are in Nepal. We believe it’s because nature wanted people to trek to their base camps without needing to leave the country.
List of Highest Peaks in the World
Mount Everest (8,849 meters) :
Everest is at the top of this list. It’s 8,849 meters tall.
- It’s on the Nepal-China border. The people of Nepal call it “Sagarmatha.”The Tibetans know it as “Chomolungma.”
- The fact that there’s nothing taller than this has made it the most desired summit destination.
- Its first summit was successfully climbed in 1953. There are over 12,000 individuals who have succeeded.
- Of the 340 + individuals who have died on the mountain, there is no way to retrieve their bodies.
Don’t risk your life to experience Everest! You can also trek to EBC.
K2 (8,611 meters):
- This is the only mountain on the list that does not lie in Nepal. It’s 8,611 meters tall.
- It’s on the Pakistan-China border.
- Climbers know it as a savage mountain. The death count here is at 12%, and it’s far deadlier than Everest.
- There is no base camp on this mountain.
Kangchenjunga(8,586 meters):
- The height of Kangchenjunga is 8,586 meters; it is also referred to as the “Five Treasures of Snow” due to its five peaks.
- It is located on the border of India and Nepal.
- In honor of a promise made to the Sikkim authorities, no one has ever reached the top.
- Local Communities believe there’s treasure hidden here.
You can trek to the Base Camp. It takes about 22 days to complete this trek.
Lhotse (8,516 meters):
- Lhotse and Everest share the same base camp but their connection is through the South Col.
- One can observe the south face of Lhotse from the base camp, which is rugged and very steep to view.
- It was first conquered in 1956, and since then, over 1,000 climbers have conquered its peak.
Makalu (8,485 meters):
- This mountain is located southeast of Everest. It’s in the Mahalangur region.
- The mountain stands out for its unique, pyramid-like form with four sides. You can recognize it from a great distance.
- Climbing it is an extreme challenge. There have been 800 successful summits and 40 deaths.
The Makalu Base Camp trek has something different. In the 18 days that it takes, you’ll enter valleys that very few foreigners have reached.
Cho Oyu (8,188 meters):
Cho Oyu means “Turquoise Goddess”, and its peak is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal.
This peak is usually regarded as the most straightforward of the seven highest mountains in the world. Cho Oyu has seen 4027 summits and 50 deaths.
Cho Oyu is the mountaineering practice ground before the ascent of Mount Everest for many mountaineers.
Trekking to Cho Oyu base camp is not easy due to the fact that most of the trails pass through Tibet.
Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters):
- “Dhaulagiri” means “White Mountain” in Sanskrit.
- The mountain is situated entirely within Nepal. The highest peak in the world that is contained within national boundaries.
- This mountain has one of the steepest elevation gains on Earth.
- The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes up to 18 days. In that time, you’ll walk through the Kali Gandaki Gorge. It’s the deepest gorge in the world.
Experience Trekking These Giants
For people who want to be closer to the mountains, there is no option but trekking. This is because trekking offers no threats posed by mountaineering. Instead, one acquires a lot of practical knowledge. You can go to Nepal, where there are base camps for 6 of the 7 highest mountains in the world.
What You Need to Know
For most base camp treks, you’ll need to have:
- Good physical fitness (you’ll walk 5-7 hours daily)
- Acclimatization is one of the most important parts of the trip.
- Permits and entry fees for trekking.
- A guide is required in certain areas such as Kangchenjunga (4300m) and may be necessary (mandatory) in other areas.
- Cold weather equipment (low temperatures at night)
Conclusion
These 7 highest mountains in the world are some of Earth’s most dramatic landmarks and are mainly available in Nepal. We hope we’ve given you the necessary information if you are in fact interested in this highest peak in the world list and want to summit some of them. But if you’re not, you don’t need to risk your life in the death zone of these great mountains to experience them. These base camp treks allow you to experience the mountains. You’ll get close enough to watch clouds form below you. You’ll be close enough to understand why people dedicate their lives to these mountains.
Trek Nepal has been providing treks to travelers in the Himalayas for more than 25 years now. For those who wish to join our team of trekkers there are numerous options.
Ready to Start Your Mountain Adventure? Discover the world’s highest mountains, plan your journey, and subscribe for more incredible adventures.
FAQs
Where are the seven tallest mountains in the world?
The six mountains are in Nepal. The second one is in Pakistan.
Is Annapurna Base Camp difficult?
The ABC walk is a medium walking experience. You’ll find it to be quite challenging.
How to get an ACAP permit in Nepal?
You can easily get an ACAP permit by contacting a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
When should you go trekking in Nepal?
September to November are the best months to go trekking in Nepal.
Can I adapt to altitude sickness?
You can have altitude sickness if you ascend too quickly. If you let your body adjust, you can adapt to altitude sickness.