Mountains are one of the most awe-inspiring aspects of nature, affording stunning scenery and adventure for any explorer. Next is a look at the top 10 highest mountains on Earth, all located in the mighty Himalayas and Karakoram ranges of Asia.
1. Mount Everest – 8,848.86 meters
The highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, is situated at the border between Nepal and Tibet. It is also known as “Sagarmatha” in Nepal and “Chomolungma” in Tibet. This mountain has been a beacon for climbers since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first ascended it in 1953.
2. K2 (8,611 meters)
K2, otherwise known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is the second-highest peak located on the border between Pakistan and China in the Karakoram mountain range. Due to the difficult climbing routes and unpredictable, adverse weather conditions, K2 has commonly been termed the “Savage Mountain.”
3. Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters)
Located along the Nepal-India border, Kangchenjunga stands at an altitude ranking the third highest above sea level. Locals revere this summit for being a sacred mountain with strikingly beautiful glaciers and ridge scenery.
4. Lhotse – 8,516 meters
Lhotse is connected to Mount Everest by the South Col. The fourth highest mountain, it forms part of the Everest massif and shares much of its climbing route with Everest before diverging near the summit.
5. Makalu – 8,485 meters
Fifth highest, Makalu is a lot more uniquely pyramidal than many of the other high peaks. Located southeast of Everest in Nepal, this mountain has steep slopes and razor-sharp ridges, making any climb pretty tough.
6. Cho Oyu (8,188 meters)
The sixth-highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu is actually considered one of the “easiest” eight-thousanders to climb, hence a very popular one among mountaineers. This mountain lies along the border between Nepal and Tibet west of Everest.
7. Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters)
Dhaulagiri is solely located within Nepal and is the world’s seventh highest peak. It literally means “White Mountain,” with its impressive south face and a sight to see in general.
8. Manaslu (8,163 meters)
The “Mountain of the Spirit” stands as the eighth-highest peak and lies within Nepal. A difficult ascent stage surrounded by remarkable landscapes and various ecosystems.
9. Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters)
Known as the “Killer Mountain,” Nanga Parbat is the ninth-highest mountain and is located in Pakistan. It features a massive, dramatic peak and one of the world’s most formidable climbing challenges.
10. Annapurna I (8,091 meters)
Annapurna I, the tenth-highest mountain, is part of the Annapurna massif in Nepal. Despite its beauty, it is considered one of the deadliest mountains due to its high fatality rate during climbs.
Conclusion
These colossal giants speak for Earth’s beauty and the steadfastness of men. Whether on scaling their peaks or from afar, the world’s highest mountains speak awe-inspiring respect to nature’s forces and the indomitable spirit of adventurers.