The majesty and grandeur of these towering peaks have captivated the human imagination for centuries. From the mighty Mount Everest to the treacherous K2, these mountains have challenged and inspired adventurers, mountaineers, and explorers worldwide. In this video, we will look closer at the highest mountains on our planet, exploring their history, geography, and the challenges they present to those who dare to climb them. Join ViewCation as we embark on a thrilling journey to the tallest mountains in the world!
Broad Peak
Located on the Pakistan-China border, just southeast of K2, Broad Peak is the twelfth-highest mountain in the world, towering at an altitude of 26,414 feet or 8,051 meters. Some mountaineers have argued that Broad Peak’s central peak should be designated as a separate mountain and recognized as the world’s fifteenth eight-thousander. Although scientific criteria currently do not support this classification, geographers suggest that the changing climate could alter the Karakoram range enough to create a new mountain peak.
Since the first successful ascent in 1957, there have been 404 climbs to the summit of Broad Peak, with an average of just over seven successful ascents per year up until 2012. Despite the mountain’s relatively lower height compared to other eight-thousanders, Broad Peak is still considered a challenging climb. This is due to its remote location and harsh weather conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -50 °C at the summit.
Gasherbrum I
In 1958, a team of eight Americans led by Nicholas B. Clinch became the first to successfully summit Gasherbrum I, making it the only eight-thousander to be climbed by Americans first. The mountain, with its highest peak reaching an elevation of 26,510 feet, is located on the border between China and Pakistan in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Interestingly, the region is known for its extreme climate and minimal rainfall. The mountain is home to several glaciers, including the Siachen Glacier, a famous landmark known for being the highest battleground on Earth, with an elevation of over 17,000 feet. Throughout history, the Siachen Glacier has been the site of occasional skirmishes between Pakistan and China.
Annapurna
Annapurna is a mountain located in Nepal, across the Kali River gorge on the other side of Dhaulagiri. It is one of the deadliest mountains globally, with the highest fatality-to-summit ratio (38%). In 1950, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal became the first people to reach the summit, losing their toes and fingers to frostbite. This marked the first successful ascent of any of the Earth’s 14 eight-thousanders, but it took another 20 years for another successful climb to occur. Although Annapurna measures 26,545 feet, making it only the tenth tallest mountain on the list of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, it remains extremely dangerous.
The Annapurna Conservation Area, which extends all the way to the mountain’s peak, is the largest protected area in Nepal. The area provides a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including over 100 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles and amphibians, and numerous species of mammals, such as the elusive snow leopard. Additionally, the region is home to many unique plant species, including over 1,200 species of flowering plants.
Nanga Parbat
Nanga Parbat, a towering peak in Pakistan, has earned the ominous nickname “Killer Mountain” due to the 26 climbers who died while reaching its summit. However, in 1953, an Austrian climber, Hermann Buhl, finally conquered the mountain. Despite the risks, Nanga Parbat has become an increasingly popular destination for climbers, with 339 successful summits to date, but with a mortality rate over six times that of Mount Everest. However, Nanga Parbat’s allure is not limited to the climbing community alone, as it has recently garnered attention from geologists due to its rapid upward movement. Rising at a rate of 7 millimeters per year, it is currently the fastest-growing mountain on Earth, and scientists believe that this is due to erosion, which is causing a reduction in weight, leading to accelerated tectonic activity beneath the mountain.
Manaslu
Located in the Himalayas in north-central Nepal, Manaslu stands at 26,781 feet. Its high number of avalanches contributes to its reputation as one of the more dangerous of the eight-thousanders. The mountain has a success rate of just over 52%, with a death rate of 1 in 10 among climbers. Despite the risks, Manaslu has seen many expeditions over the years, including an all-female team from Japan in 1974 that became the first women to successfully summit an 8,000-meter peak.
In 1998, the 642-square-mile Manaslu Conservation Area was declared to protect the habitats of the many species that call the Manaslu region home. This area is home to 33 mammal species, as well as 110 bird species, 11 butterfly species, and three reptile species.
Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri is a massive peak in the west-central part of Nepal, known for being the largest mountain in the country. The mountain is a part of the Dhaulagiri range, which consists of several glacier-covered peaks that exceed 25,000 feet. It is situated on the western side of the Kali Gandaki River gorge, considered the world’s deepest subaerial valley.
Since 1953, there have been over 550 successful ascents of Dhaulagiri I, with its highest peak standing at an impressive 26,795 feet. Although it may not be as well-known as Everest, Dhaulagiri is still considered a challenging climb due to its technical difficulty and extreme weather conditions.
The summit of Dhaulagiri I is composed of limestone and dolomite rock layers that were formed hundreds of millions of years ago at the bottom of the ocean. These layers were later pushed up by powerful tectonic forces, resulting in today’s majestic mountain.
Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu is a massive mountain in the Himalayas, standing at an impressive height of 26,906 feet, making it the sixth-highest mountain in the world. The mountain is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet and is considered one of the most attainable of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks due to its northwestern face and gentle slope.
With a success rate of 63.4%, Cho Oyu has the highest number of climbers who have reached its summit compared to all other eight-thousanders, except for Mount Everest. Approximately 4,000 climbers and guides have successfully reached the top of this mountain, with many using it as a training ground for Everest or to test their body’s reaction to high altitude. However, despite being one of the most achievable 8,000-meter peaks, scaling Cho Oyu is not without its dangers.
Since the first ascent in 1954, Cho Oyu has claimed the lives of at least 52 climbers. The mountain is known for its unpredictable weather conditions and the technical challenges it presents to mountaineers. The climb calls for a high level of physical preparedness, technical proficiency, and the capacity to endure severe weather at heights.
Makalu
The mountain of Makalu is located southeast of Mount Everest on the Nepalese-Tibetan border, and stands at the height of 27,838 feet. Its unique four-sided peak shape makes it one of the most challenging mountains to climb, with only five of the first 16 attempts being successful. To date, only 206 people have successfully summited Makalu due to its sharp edges and exposed position to the elements.
In 2018, Carina Ahlqvist led an expedition to Makalu to raise awareness about climate change in support of the European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative. The team of scientists collected data to study rockfalls and landslides, and also surveyed the glacier at the base of the mountain to better understand the region’s climate history. Despite its difficult terrain and limited ascents, Makalu remains a popular destination for experienced mountaineers seeking a challenging climb.
Lhotse
Lhotse, another mountain situated on the border between Nepal and Tibet, lies just under two miles from Mount Everest. However, only 575 climbers reached its peak, which stands at 27,940 feet above sea level, between 1955 and 2019. Interestingly, Michael Horst, an American guide, made history in 2011 by becoming the first person to summit both Everest and Lhotse within 24 hours.
As overcrowding on Mount Everest continues to pose challenges for climbers, the route to Lhotse has become increasingly popular due to its less crowded and less expensive nature. In fact, it follows the same route as Everest for the beginning portion. Unfortunately, climbers have faced several accidents, avalanches, and earthquakes that have prevented them from summiting Lhotse in recent years, particularly in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Nevertheless, despite the challenges, Lhotse remains an attractive destination for climbers who seek a demanding and fulfilling mountaineering experience. It continues to be a popular alternative to Mount Everest, especially for those looking to avoid overcrowding and enjoy a different challenge.
Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the third tallest mountain globally, stands at 28,169 feet above sea level. The mountain welcomes a maximum of 20-25 climbers each year, but in 2019, the number rose to 34.5 climbers.
Kanchenjunga lies on the border between India and eastern Nepal, and the region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The area boasts over 2,000 species of flowering plants, 252 species of birds, and some of Nepal’s most endangered mammals, such as the snow leopard and the red panda. Nepal has taken steps to protect Kanchenjunga through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project. This project focuses on providing sustainable community development for the district’s population of 122,072, wildlife monitoring, and natural resource management. Through this initiative, Kanchenjunga and its surrounding region will continue to be preserved and protected for future generations.
K2
K2 is the second tallest mountain in the world, standing at 28,251 feet above sea level, and is situated on the Pakistan-China border. Although it is not as tall as Mount Everest, it is considered by mountaineers to be a more challenging climb. K2 has fewer fixed ropes and routes, more unpredictable weather, and a steeper ascent, making it a more challenging climb than Everest. As of 2018, only 367 people had successfully climbed K2 compared to the 4,000 who had climbed Everest.
In winter 2021, a team of 10 Nepali climbers became the first group to reach the summit of K2 during the most treacherous season. This accomplishment further emphasizes the challenge that K2 poses to climbers, and the extreme difficulty of climbing this mountain. Despite the challenges, K2 remains a popular destination for experienced mountaineers, and its reputation as one of the world’s most challenging climbs continues to attract adventurers from all over the world.
Mount Everest
The highest mountain in the world is known as “Chomolungma” in Tibetan and “Sagarmatha” in Nepalese. It is situated on the border between Nepal and Tibet, which is an autonomous region of China. Each year, the Nepalese and Chinese governments issue around 300 to 800 permits for climbers to climb this enormous mountain.
Throughout history, the two countries have debated the height of the summit. The previous official measurement by China had stated the mountain’s height over 13 feet lower than Nepal’s. However, in 2020, data from surveys conducted in both countries indicated that the new height of the mountain is 29,031.69 feet. Nonetheless, scientists suggest that the mountain may still be growing by half a meter per century.
The summit of the mountain can accommodate only about six people at a time, and overcrowding concerns have increased after microplastics were discovered near the top in 2020. The mountain, which is believed to be about 50-60 million years old, is a unique and challenging experience for climbers from around the world. Despite the debates, climbers continue to be drawn to the mountain’s beauty and the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking views.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Have you ascended any of the mountains on this list? Please share your experience if you have.