The tallest mountains in the world are some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on the planet.
They have been a source of inspiration for centuries, and continue to amaze us with their size and majesty.
Want to know more? Read on for a comprehensive countdown of the top 5 tallest mountains in the world.
1. MOUNT EVEREST, HIMALAYAS, NEPAL/TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, CHINA – 8848M
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed Mount Everest in 1953.
It is the world’s tallest mountain.
Recently, Everest has faced significant scrutiny due to photographs depicting massive queues near the summit, sparking a debate on overcrowding.
However, the enduring allure of Mount Everest remains irresistible.
People are drawn to the mountain like moths to a flame.
In addition to those aspiring to summit, trekking to Everest Base Camp has also gained immense popularity, becoming one of the world’s most famous multi-day treks.
2. K2, KARAKORAM, PAKISTAN/CHINA – 8611M
The mountain acquired its name from the notation employed by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of British India.
Back then, there was no apparent local name for the mountain, so the name stuck.
K2 also earned the nickname ‘Savage Mountain,’ which adds a touch of over-the-top extreme style, similar to something out of Point Break.
Nevertheless, it is a fitting moniker.
Renowned as one of the most challenging peaks globally, it surpasses Mount Everest in difficulty, despite being the second tallest.
K2 holds the distinction of having the second-tallest mountain rate per summit attempt among all mountains above 8000m, with around 300 successful summits and 77 fatalities.
3. KANGCHENJUNGA, HIMALAYAS, NEPAL/INDIA – 8586M
Kangchenjunga is the third-tallest mountain in the world.
It can be found between Nepal and Sikkim in India, with three of the peaks on the border and the other two in the Taplejung District of Nepal.
This makes Kangchenjunga the highest peak in India.
The mountain was actually thought to be the highest mountain in the world until 1852.
4. LHOTSE, HIMALAYAS, NEPAL/TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, CHINA – 8516M
Lhotse is one of the most famous mountains on any list of the top 5 tallest mountains in the world.
It is often considered more visually attractive and is significantly less busy.
While the main summit of Lhotse was first climbed in 1956, the Lhotse Middle actually remained the highest unclimbed, named point on Earth for decades.
5. MAKALU, HIMALAYAS, NEPAL/TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, CHINA – 8485M
Makalu is the third of the four 8000m-high mountains in the Everest Massif in Nepal.
It was first summited by a French expedition led by Jean Franco in 1955.
Their ascent was most notable for the fact that a full ten members of the expedition team summited the mountain on the trip
I hope you found this article helpful, find more of our captivating articles here
