7 Highest Mountains in the World

Climbers and trekkers from all over the world have been drawn to the allure of traversing the “Seven Summits.” Their drive to push themselves to the limit has led them to explore some of the largest mountain ranges across the continents.

Climbing the highest peaks is on the bucket list of many avid travelers who want to challenge themselves and embrace the spirit of adventure. In this guide, I will go over the 7 Summits and the difficulties they present.

Keep reading until the end, as I will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this topic.

Let’s start by answering the question: What are the 7 Summits?

What Are the Seven Summits?

The “Seven Summits” are the tallest mountains on each continent. There are many different lists that include slight variations due to the conflict over the definition used for a continent.

For example, Mount Blanc and Mount Elbrus compete for the top spot as the largest mountain in Europe, depending on whether the crest of the Greater Caucasus Mountains marks the continental border between Asia and Europe.

There is also a conflict over Puncak Jaya and Mount Kosciuszko, as some consider Sahul Shelf to be part of the continent of Australia. If not, it gives rise to another list referred to as the “Eight Summits,” which includes both of these mountain ranges and six others.

For years, the Seven Summits of the World have fascinated climbers from different nations. Each mountain range presents a unique set of challenges, with some proving extremely difficult to conquer, even for experienced mountaineers.

Exploring the Seven Summits of the World

As I’ve mentioned above, the list of the 7 highest mountains in the world varies depending on what you consider to be the definition of a continent. Typically, the following summits are considered to be the tallest:

1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Also a dormant volcano in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro has some of the highest peaks in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level. It is part of the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and has recently become a major hiking destination.

What makes this summit different from the others is that it’s the only one that doesn’t require any technical skills or equipment. This makes this mountain range an excellent starting point for those with little to no experience.

There are seven different routes, and depending on the path you choose, it should take between five to nine days to reach the highest peak and descend to the finishing point.

Remember, there’s no need to hurry. Take your time, get accustomed to the climate, and plan your trek properly.

If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, I highly recommend working with a reputable guide. They will assess your mental stamina and fitness level before guiding you on a suitable route for your summit expedition.

The best time to explore this mountain range is between June and October and December and March.

2. Mount Elbrus, Russia

Situated in the western part of the North Caucasus, Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia. It is an inactive volcano in the Caucasus Mountains, which falls at the intersection of Asia and Europe.

Mount Elbrus, which stands 5,642 meters tall, is in the Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. It has two summits, which are dormant volcanic domes.

A fun fact about this mountain range is that in 1874, a British expedition led by notable English mountaineers reached its highest peak.

While Mount Elbrus is one of the 7 Summits of the World, it is also the tallest in the continent of Europe. Trekking through the rugged terrain, extreme altitude, and harsh weather conditions makes it a thrilling and rewarding experience for mountaineers.

If you plan to climb the tallest mountain in Europe, you must prepare accordingly. There are two major routes for climbers to take: the south and the north side. Depending on the path you decide to choose, the trek should take between six to seven days.

Mount Elbrus is dangerous because of the freezing temperatures, strong winds, and extreme altitude, which can make it difficult to breathe. Careful planning, the right technical skills, and durable equipment are key to climbing its steep, snowy slopes.

3. Aconcagua, Argentina

Although Mount Elbrus is the tallest mountain in Russia, it doesn’t compare to the mighty Aconcagua, which is the highest peak in South America. Standing at 6,961 meters, this summit is popular among adventurers looking for a thrill.

While Aconcagua is one of the 7 highest mountains in the world, it doesn’t require much technical skills. If you’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, this summit should be next on your bucket list. That said, it’s not an easy feat to reach its highest peak, as the total journey can take up to 15 days or more due to the extreme altitude.

The days between December and January are the best time to climb Aconcagua, as the weather is relatively stable. Though there may be fewer crowds, you can even traverse its peak in mid-February.

Unlike the other mountain ranges, Aconcagua has a short climbing season, which means that there are only a few operators or guides. It’s essential to do your research and plan your trip accordingly.

4. Vinson Massif, Antarctica

Considered the highest mountain in Antarctica, Vinson Massif was first discovered by a US Navy aircraft and climbed by an American team led by Nicholas Clinch in 1966. It is 21 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide, overlooking the Ronne Ice Shelf near the base of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The highest peak of Vinson Massif stands at 4,892 meters, and climbing it requires a certain level of expertise, skills, and physique. Its extremely harsh weather, icy terrain, and steeply inclined slopes make this mountain a formidable opponent even for experienced climbers.

While navigating the highest summit in Antarctica is a true test of endurance for many trekkers, reaching the top of Mount Vinson is incredibly rewarding. You’re met with stunning views of a pristine landscape that expands as far as the human eye can see.

5. Puncak Jaya, Indonesia

Also known as Mount Carstensz or Jaya Peak, Puncak Jaya (Indonesian for “glorious peak”) is the highest mountain on the island of New Guinea in Oceania. It is unique from others because it is a tropical mountain range with glaciers.

Puncak Jaya has an elevation of 4,884 meters and was initially discovered by a Dutch explorer in 1623, who was made fun of by his colleagues back in Europe for sighting snow near the equator. The discovery went unverified for more than 200 years.

If you wish to conquer this mighty mountain range, there are certain requirements set by the government of Indonesia. You’ll need to gain a permit from the relevant department in Jakarta and also hire a guide.

A key thing to remember is that while Puncak Jaya has the lowest summit out of the seven mountains, it is one of the most difficult to climb. The isolated location and steep slopes require skills and expertise to navigate.

In addition to that, the weather conditions at Puncak Jaya change really fast due to its close proximity to the equator. Brush up on your rappelling and jumar techniques before heading over to this elusive mountain.

6. Denali, Alaska

Also referred to as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest mountain in North America. It is located in Alaska and stands at 6,190 m above sea level.

In 1903, a local district judge, James Wickersham, tried to climb Denali. It was the first time anyone had decided to traverse this mountain range. However, he failed in his attempt.

The first verified account of climbing Denali was in 1913 when a group of climbers trekked all the way up to the South Peak, the largest summit and highest point of this mountain range. Mountaineers often avoid the North Peak due to the lack of routes.

Denali is an incredibly challenging mountain to conquer out of all of the Seven Summits. While most mountain ranges allow porters to carry your gear to the top and set up camps, that is not the case with this Alaskan peak. Plus, the high altitude, rugged terrain, and rough weather conditions can affect the entire climbing experience.

Before trekking to the top of Denali, it’s crucial to undergo rigorous training. You should also consider taking a physical and mental test to determine whether your body can take the stress of climbing the highest mountain in Alaska.

7. Mount Everest, Nepal

Mount Everest provides the ultimate mountaineering adventure. It is the highest mountain above sea level on Earth, making it the most challenging out of the Seven Summits. The trek to Mount Everest base camp is the most popular trail in the world.

While Mount Everest may be challenging even for experienced mountaineers, it continues to attract thousands of climbers from different nations. You can either approach the summit from the southeast in Nepal or climb it from the north side in Tibet.

Although Mount Everest doesn’t require technical climbing skills, there are many dangers that have taken the lives of more than 330 climbers since 1920. These include altitude sickness, harsh weather conditions, avalanches, and the Khumbu Icefall. Due to these hazards, the government has been unable to remove more than 200 bodies.

FAQs

What Is the World’s Highest Island Peak?

Puncak Jaya is the highest island peak across the seven continents. It is located in New Guinea, which is the tallest island in the world.

How Many Base Camps Are There on Mount Everest?

There are two base camps on Mount Everest. The south base camp is in Nepal, while the other is in Tibet.

When someone says that they’re trekking to the Mount Everest base camp, they’re typically referring to the one on the south side.

Which of the Seven Summits of the World Is the Easiest to Trek?

Although Mount Kilimanjaro takes up to seven days to climb, it is the easiest of the Seven Summits to trek. You don’t need ropes, rock climbing, or technical mountaineering skills to conquer its highest peak.

Which of the 7 Summits of the World Is the Hardest to Trek?

Mount Everest is the most challenging to navigate, with Denali coming close second. There are no shortcuts to climbing either of these summits.

How Many People Have Climbed the 7 Summits of the World?

A list published at the end of 2023 shows that 370 people have climbed the Seven Summits.

Final Thoughts on the 7 Highest Mountains in the World

Climbing the 7 highest mountains in the world requires good physical fitness. Before you decide to trek any of the Seven Summits, I highly recommend hiking some of the smaller peaks across the United States and Europe. It’ll equip you with the skills and expertise you need to overcome the challenges that await.