Everest (Qomolungma) 8848 meters

Coordinates: 27°59’ N. latitude, 86°55’ e. d.

The highest mountain in the world is Everest (Chomolungma). This mountain consists of two peaks: the southern one, lying on the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region, with an altitude of 8760 meters, and the northern one, located in China, with a height of 8848 meters. The shape of the mountain is a triangular pyramid, with a steeper southern slope. Due to the fact that firn and snow are not retained on the southern side, the slope and ribs are bare. The peak itself is covered almost entirely by sedimentary deposits. At night, the air temperature at the top of the mountain drops to -60 °C, and wind speeds can reach 200 km/h. Partially, this mountain became part of Sagarmatha, a national park in Nepal.

Chogori (K2) 8614 meters

Coordinates: 35052′ s. latitude, 76°30′ e. d.

The peak in the east is 8230 meters, and in the south - 8132 m. Chogori is the second highest mountain after Everest and the northernmost eight-thousander in the whole world. This Mountain peak located in Kashmir, the northern territories of which on the border with China are controlled by Pakistan. The mountain is also part of the Karakoram massif, which is located from the Himalayas to the west. Sometimes Chogori is called: Karakorum 2, Godwin-Austen, Dapsang.

8598 meters

Coordinates: 27042′ s. sh., 88009′ e. d.

Mount Kanchenjunga is located in the Himalayas, or rather on the border of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim, in national park which is partially included. The name of this mountain range can be translated as “five treasures of the great snows.” And the mountain is named so because it consists of five peaks: the main (8586 m), southern (8491 m), middle (8478 m), western (8505 m) and Kangbachen peak (7902 m). Until 1852, Kanchenjunga was considered the highest mountain peak in the world. However, after performing some calculations, it became known that Everest was still much higher and Kanchenjunga became the third highest mountain in the world.

8516 meters

Coordinates: 27058′ s. sh., 86056′ e. d.

Lhotse is considered the fourth most high mountain, which has three peaks: main (8516 m), middle (8414 m) and eastern (8383 m). She got the name " South Mountain"and is located at the border of China and Nepal, at a distance of 3 km from Everest along south direction. Like Everest, it is partially included in Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park.

Makalu 8481 meters

Coordinates: 27053′ s. sh., 87005′ e. d.

Makalu is the fifth peak of the world, the massif of which is expressed by the main (8400 m) and southeastern (8010 m) peaks. The mountain is located 22 kilometers from Everest in east direction, in the Khumbu region. The western, eastern, southwestern and northeastern ridges extend from this mountain peak, on which the Chomo Lonzo massif with a height of 7804 meters is located. A distinctive feature of the area is powerful glaciations.

8201 meters

Coordinates: 28006′ s. sh., 86040′ e. d.

Chl-Oyu has two peaks: Ngoyumba Ri-1, whose height is 7806 meters, and Ngoyumba Ri-2, which reaches a height of 7646 meters. Cho Oyu is located on the Nepal-China border in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The peak of the mountain became part of the Everest mountain range and became part of the Sagarmatha National Park. Cho Oyu is the easiest eight-thousander in the world.

8167 meters

Coordinates: 28042′ s. sh., 83030′ e. d.

Dhaulagiri closes the list of the highest mountains in the world. The location of the multi-peaked mountain is Nepal. In total, this mountain range has 11 peaks, of which the highest is Dhaulagiri I - 8167 m, and the lowest is Gurya Himal - 7193 m. If you translate the name of the mountain from Sanskrit, you get the phrase “White Mountain”. The roof-shaped shape and thick snow and ice cover are the distinctive features of Dhaulagiri.

The most dangerous mountains (Killer Mountains) Video

Among the climbers the most high mountains in the world received the name “Seven Summits”. This list includes:

  1. Everest - 8848 m.
  2. Aconcagua - 6959 m.
  3. McKinley - 6194 m.
  4. Kilimanjaro - 5895 m.
  5. Elbrus - 5642 m.
  6. Vinson - 4892 m.
  7. Puncak Jaya - 4884 m.

Major mountain peaks

You can often hear the question: which mountains are the highest? This is Everest. The mountain is considered the highest on the entire planet. Thousands of climbers strive to get here. Basically, if you climb along a proven route, no technical difficulties ever arise. But these beautiful mountains are not conquered by everyone. Climbers face different problems:

  • strong winds;
  • lack of oxygen;
  • unpredictable weather;
  • various diseases.

By the way, Lhotse - this mountain, exceeding 8000 m, ranks fourth among the highest peaks in the world. It is located closest to Everest. However, climbers are in no hurry to conquer its peak; there have been very few ascents.

The highest mountains in the world are mainly found in the Andes. Among them, Aconcagua is considered the highest. This mountain is famous for several glaciers, the most famous being the Polish Glacier. The Andes mountains are perhaps the most beautiful in the world.

The highest mountains are also in Alaska. A prominent representative was Mount McKinley, reaching 6194 m. Which mountains are the highest? We can consider that this mountain, having such a height, is one of the highest points on the entire Earth.

Features of highly elevated areas

The highest mountains in Africa are represented by Kilimanjaro. It is located in Tanzania and is of volcanic origin.

It contains several volcanic formations:

  • Kiba;
  • Mawenzi;
  • Shira.

The age of the mountain is more than a million years. This is the most old mountain on the planet. Its formation is associated with a volcanic eruption and lava falling into a beautiful rift valley. Beautiful mountains have always interested climbers. Every year tens of thousands of people try to conquer this height.

In Europe and Russia, Elbrus is considered the highest mountain. This is a long-extinct volcano, but beneath it, molten magma rages at great depths.

The most beautiful hills - Caucasus Mountains, among which Elbrus stands out. If you translate the word “Elbrus” into Russian, you get “high mountain”. Elbrus glaciers feed several rivers:

  • Kuban;
  • Malka;
  • Baksan.

Antarctica is considered another beautiful place. It is here that the Visson massif is located, reaching an altitude of 4892 m.

You can meet Mount Puncak Jaya if you visit Australia. Two Austrian climbers were able to conquer this height for the first time. This happened in the early 60s of the last century. Today, to conquer the rock, you must obtain government permission. Only specialized travel agencies may receive such permission.

Annapurna is a mountain in Tibet that is considered the most difficult to climb on Earth. In the middle of the 20th century, French climbers managed to climb its peak. This ascent is considered the most outstanding in the world for the entire history of mountaineering.

No oxygen was used during the ascent. This can be called a feat, because at an altitude of more than 8000 m the air contains only 30% oxygen. A person can only be in such conditions for a short period of time. It took exactly two weeks for climbers to descend from this mountain. The mountain in Tibet is one of the most dangerous peaks in the world; more than 40% of climbers die while climbing.

The second highest peak (Chogori) is located in Karakoram. The peak is located at an altitude of more than 8611 m. It is the most difficult mountain to climb. Moving along the easiest route, climbers have to pass through difficult glaciers. On their way there are rocks with steep sections. You have to overcome frequent seracs, which are icy blocks that barely hold on and can suddenly collapse. Since it is very difficult to climb this mountain, it is considered the most dangerous on the planet. Almost 24% of people who dare to conquer it die during the ascent.

Kanchenjunga is also a very dangerous peak, which reaches 8586 m and is located in the Himalayas. This mountain also received another name in the world, namely “Five Treasures Peak”. Climbing Kanchenjunga is associated with the death of many climbers.

IN last years the percentage of accidents increased significantly and amounted to 22%. The main reasons were various difficulties (avalanches, atmospheric conditions and technical difficulties).

Other mountain peaks

The most famous highlands on Earth are the following:

  1. Nanga Parbat.

The height of the mountain reaches 8126 m. The rock is located in the north of the Himalayas and is considered their northern end.

To get to this height, you need to go through a narrow mountain climb. South part this ridge, exceeding 4600 m, is considered a mountain slope with the most large dimensions on the planet. Since the difficulty of climbing the mountain has a very high coefficient, this mountain received the second name “Killer Mountain”.

In the west of Europe, right in the Alps, this high peak is located, reaching 4810 m. A mountain range stretching for 50 km is also named by this name.

A huge area is hidden under the ice. Almost 200 km² is covered with a thick ice crust. The name means "white mountain".

Near the top there are famous ski resorts:

  • Chamonix - France;
  • Courmayeur - Italy.

Mont Blanc was first conquered in 1786 by two French climbers Balmat and Paccard. Local residents call this massif the “cursed mountains” due to the high mortality rate.

Basically, for modern mountaineering, climbing this rock is not considered particularly difficult. However, almost every year accidents are recorded here. The main reasons are considered to be poor preparedness, poor organization, climatic conditions and avalanches.

This beautiful mountain on Earth located in the Alps. It shares Italy with Switzerland. Its peak reaches 4478 m. The mountain is unique in its shape, which looks like a horn starting to grow straight from the numerous valleys surrounding the massif. The highest mortality rate is recorded among climbers trying to conquer this mountain.

Only mountains can be better than mountains - Vysotsky sang and he was right. Mountains have always attracted people. Brave people, despite the cold, lack of oxygen, dangers and difficulties, stubbornly “climbed” to the top. What attracted them there? Curiosity? Want to test yourself? Thirst for fame? The desire to prove to yourself and others your superiority? Thirst for knowledge? It is difficult to find any logic in the inexplicable attraction of people to the mountains.
Let us remember the events of past years, when during the Great Patriotic War the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" with fierce battles broke through to the very high mountain Europe - Elbrus to install Nazi flags on its top. Why did the pragmatic Germans need to waste energy conquering this peak? Did Hitler really need even such proof of his own greatness?
Mountains are the greatest creation of mother nature. They are great, powerful and eternal. Representatives of the species Homo sapiens lack these qualities. Rising to the sky they try to join great secret the universe, and having reached the top they begin to see clearly. Against the backdrop of the cold, gigantic peaks, everything they lived with before seems petty and insignificant.
Let's commit virtual trip and we will climb to the tops of the highest mountains of all continents of the Earth and enjoy the fantastic landscapes that open before the eyes of brave climbers. Maybe we will be able to comprehend the secret of these natural monuments.

The Main Caucasian Ridge, “under the command” of the mighty Elbrus, “cuts through” the dense veil of clouds (Photo source:).

Everest (Asia) - Height: 8848 meters Chomolungma) is the highest peak of our planet, part mountain system Himalayas. For many climbers, this mountain is the most coveted trophy. But not everyone can climb this mountain. Therefore, climbers “climbing” a mountain are sometimes forced to make cynical decisions about whether to rescue those in distress or continue on their way. Often the rescue of climbers in distress on high altitude It’s simply not possible, since every step here is given with incredible difficulty. Therefore, on the slopes of the mountains you can find the bodies of dead climbers. You can familiarize yourself with very “unsightly” stories and photographs.

Photo on the left: the road to Everest, photo on the right: base camp at an altitude of 8300 meters (Photo source:).

Aconcagua (South America) - Height: 6962 meters
is the highest peak of the Andes mountain range in South America. Aconcagua is also the highest an extinct volcano in the world.

In the photo, climbers the size of ants are moving forward towards the top. A giant whirlwind of snow is circling above them (Photo source:).

Dawn over Aconcagua. The majestic panorama of the Andes appears in all its guise before brave climbers (Photo source:).

McKinley ( North America) — Height: 6194 meters
The peak of Alaska takes an honorable third place among the highest peaks of the continents in our ranking.

The giant McKinley against the backdrop of coniferous forests of Alaska (Photo source:).

View from McKinley Heights. A dense blanket of clouds “crawls” onto the peaks (Photo source:).

Kilimanjaro (Africa) - Height: 5895 meters
The most high point Africa - the mountain is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania. It is a very unusual sight to see a snowy peak in the sultry African savannah. Recently, scientists have been sounding the alarm that the Kilimanjaro ice cap is rapidly decreasing in volume. Over the past decades, 80% of the ice on this mountain has already melted. Climate scientists name the main culprit in this process.

African elephants against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of Kilimanjaro are a very unusual sight (Photo source:).

On the way to Kilimanjaro. The landscape is fantastic (Photo source:).

View of the veil of clouds from the highest point of the African continent (Photo source:).

Elbrus (Europe) - Height: 5642 meters
Russia also has a record-breaking mountain - this is the highest peak in Europe - . Elbrus is part of the Main Caucasian Ridge and is located on the border of the two Russian republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. In the past (around 50 AD) Elbrus was an active volcano.

Handsome Elbrus (Photo source:).

Camp on the spurs of Elbrus (Photo source:).

Panorama of the mountains that opens to climbers from the top of Elbrus (Photo source:).

The silent and mysterious land of snow and clouds of Elbrus (Photo source:).

An unusual atmospheric phenomenon. The shadow of the peak of Elbrus in the morning haze (Photo source:).

The beauty of the Elbrus region. The edge of all seasons. Green alpine meadows and spurs of Elbrus, covered with snow (Photo source:).

On the top of Elbrus - a fantastic world of white snow and clouds (Photo source:).

Vinson Massif (Antarctica) - Altitude: 4892 meters
The coldest continent on the planet, Antarctica, also has its own mountains. The highest of them, the Vinson Massif, were discovered relatively recently, at the end of the 50s of the last century. The Vinson Massif is part of the Ellsworth Mountains and is located 1,200 kilometers from the southernmost point of the planet.

The impressive size, splendor, picturesqueness and inaccessibility of the mountains have attracted people's attention for a long time. On any continent, local residents were sure that the highest place on Earth was with them. Indeed, there are large, difficult-to-pass ridges everywhere. They are called "Seven Peaks". Only a few of all the lucky climbers were able to conquer highest peaks. Richard Bass visited the last of them on April 30, 1985. The climb to Chomolungma, the highest point on the planet, attracts mountain conquerors the most. There are only 11 letters in this word - how much they tell us about the big top Mira.

In 1852, a topographer and mathematician from India, Radhanath Sikdar, determined that Chomolungma is the highest peak on the planet. It resembles a pyramid with three sides and almost gentle slopes. Translated from the Nepalese language, Chomolungma means “mother of the Universe,” and Tibetans call her “Divine Mother of Snow.” These are the names that were used local residents who treated the mountain as sacred. Europeans were not allowed into Tibet or Nepal at that time, which means that such designations were unknown to them. Therefore, in 1865, Andrew Waugh named the ridge after the name of his predecessor, the English surveyor George Everest. According to some data, he determined the height at the same time as Radhanath Sikdar; according to others, George Everest calculated the highest point of the planet, and Sikdar only announced these figures.

Photo of a large mountain panorama

Where is the tallest mountain in the world?

The highest point on the planet is in South Asia. This is the central Himalayas, near the Nepal-China border. Chomolungma is located in China.

Coordinates

27, 98791° north latitude, 86, 92529° east longitude.

Vertex Characteristics

The height of the western peak is 5642 meters, the eastern peak is 5621 meters, the southern peak is 8760 meters, and the northern (highest) is 8848 meters.

Dangers for Everest climbers

The volcano has not been functioning for a long time and, it would seem, the mountain is not dangerous. But Everest claimed the lives of more than 200 climbers. Entire expeditions, or individual members of the group, died here. So, the safest year is 1993: 129 people reached the peak of Everest, and 8 died while climbing. The saddest year was 1996. 98 climbers managed to reach the goal. 15 died, 8 of them on one day. In summer, the temperature here ranges from 0 to -18°C. Unfavorable weather, characterized by increased air rarefaction, extremely low temperatures (about -60°C), and strong hurricane winds exceeding 60 m/s are not the only sources of danger. A climber can fall into a rock crevice or fall from a steep slope; avalanches should be especially feared. Glaciers flow in all directions. Many suffer from altitude sickness or hypothermia.

Time to summit

The last 300 meters are the most difficult for climbers. They need to go through a smooth and steep slope. When climbing Everest, the time required to set up camp and acclimatization is taken into account. All together it will take about 2 months. Conquerors of the highest point on the planet lose 10-15 kg in weight - such an effort is worth the expedition.

Not everyone can try their luck. The opportunity to climb the mountain will be given to a person who has paid a lot of money. There is also a lifting order.

The first conquerors

In 1921, the first expedition to Everest was sent, but unbearable weather conditions forced it to return. This was the beginning of further attempts.

Nai best time for ascent - May: it becomes a little warmer and the winds die down. T. Norgay and E. Hillary were able to reach their goal through the South Col pass on May 29, 1953. This was preceded by approximately 50 scientific trips to the Himalayas and Karakoram.

Panoramic photo: T. Norgay and E. Hillary

Most often the British tried to climb the peak, since this area was under their influence.

One legend says that the expedition that conquered Everest did so in honor of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of England.

In 1975, a female group reached the peak for the first time. The first woman to climb the peak is considered to be a Japanese climber, Junko Tabei.

Photo by Junko Tabei

Climbers from the Soviet Union were able to do this only in 1982, but they were the ones who climbed the most dangerous slope on the southern side, where it is difficult even for snow to hold on. No one had been able to get through here before.

Photo with a list of summit conquerors

The Chinese team, consisting of 410 climbers, is considered the largest expedition.

Sherpa Appa of Nepal was able to reach the peak 21 times between 1990 and 2011. This is a record for the number of climbs.

Photo by Sherpa Appa

Everest, considered an impregnable fortress for thousands of years, was conquered by more than 8,000 people by 2018.

Elizabeth Hawley, a former American journalist who has lived in the Himalayas for more than 50 years, is rightfully considered the unofficial chronicler of the history of the conquerors of Qomolungma. She interviews everyone who is planning to climb to the top and everyone who has descended from there.

Photo by Elizabeth Hawley

Modern climbers have a significant advantage over the first conquerors. This is great gear, accurate topographic map, navigation devices.

But there is still no guarantee of 100% success. Few people manage to climb the peak without oxygen cylinders. The number of people wishing to conquer Chomolungma reaches 500 people per year.

The highest mountains on Earth - list

To date, the following list of the highest points on Earth has been accepted:

  1. Chomolungma in Asia.
  2. Aconcagua (South America).
  3. Denali in North America.
  4. Kilimanjaro in Africa.
  5. Elbrus (Europe).
  6. Vinson Peak in Antarctica.
  7. Jaya (Australia and Oceania).

Highest peaks chart

The highest points of the planet are eight-thousanders located in Asia in the Karakoram, the Himalaya mountain system.

Rating of large mountain peaks:

Highest point in Europe

Between Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria in the Greater Caucasus is the highest point in Europe. This is Elbrus, which is a saddle-shaped cone with two peaks. The height of the eastern peak is 5621 m, the western one is 5642 m.

Photos and location map of Elbrus

The volcano erupted in the 50s. AD, there is liquid magma inside it, and the tectonic platform is mobile. The surface is covered by 22 glaciers, covering an area of ​​134.5 km2. The glaciers are fed by the Kuban, Baksan, and Malka rivers.

From Iranian “Albros” (Elbrus) is translated differently: “high mountain”, “mountain of bliss”, “mane of snow”, “eternal mountain”.

For the first time, Khilar Kachirov managed to reach the goal on July 10, 1829 as part of the expedition of G.A. Emmanuel. The men under the command of Crawford Grove reached the western point only in 1874. And in 1997, another Guinness record was recorded: a Land Rover SUV was on the peak of Elbrus.

There are several ways to get to the top:

  • Along the eastern edge, which starts from the village of Elbrus and stretches to the Irikchat valley, then through the pass and glacier.
  • The northern path is more picturesque - the hills are replaced by views of rocks and stones of intricate shapes.
  • The south side is considered the most popular; it is used most often for climbing.
  • The western route is the most dangerous. There are many challenging climbs up icy rock walls.

About 20 people die here every year. But for extreme sports enthusiasts there is a ropeway running at an altitude of 3750 meters.

Highest point in North America

At the beginning of the century before last, the highest point of the continent was called big mountain, until 2015 it bore the name of the American ruler William McKinley. Now it is Denali, with an altitude of 6194 m. This is what the Athabasca Indians - permanent residents of Alaska - call it, which means “Great”. The mountain is located in the territory belonging to the national park of the same name, on the south side of central Alaska.

Photo + location map of Denali

Geographical coordinates

63.0694°N latitude, 151.0027°E longitude. Before the sale of Alaska to America, it was located in Russia.

American climbers led by Hudson Stack and Harry Carstens reached the peak for the first time on June 7, 1913.

The best time for climbing begins in May and ends in July. It is much easier to breathe here compared to other world peaks.

Highest mountain in South America

Highest Peak South America Aconcagua is considered to be located in the Andes at an altitude of 6962 m. It is located in national park on the territory of Argentina. The history of the name is not known for certain. Some believe that this is a translation from the Araucanian language, meaning “comes from the other side” or “on the other side of the river”, others call it from the Quechua language “stone (white) guardian”.

Aconcagua Photos

Geographical coordinates

32.65383°S latitude 70.01141°W longitude.

Edward Fitzgerald's expedition in 1897 was able to climb the mountain for the first time. The smallest climber to conquer it, on December 16, 2008, was ten-year-old Matthew Monitz. In 2007, Scott Lewis was the oldest. At the time of the ascent he was 87 years old.

The climb up the slope from the north side is technically simple; the top of the mountain is covered with glaciers and snow. There is no need to use special climbing equipment. Most often, climbers choose the Polish Glacier, located on the northeast side, for climbing.

The highest (largest) peak in Africa

The highest point of the African continent (5895 meters) is Kilimanjaro. The peak is located on the northeastern side of Tanzania in the territory belonging to the park of the same name.

Photo

Geographical coordinates

3.07583° south latitude, 37.35333° east longitude.

The ice cap that covers the volcano is rapidly melting. The glacier, which consists of 3 peaks (Mawenzi, Shira, Kiba), has shrunk by 85% over the past 100 years. Scientists believe that the snow will completely melt in 20 years.

The mountain is a volcano made of solidified lava, ash and tephra. It was formed during a lava eruption in the Rita Valley 360,000 years ago. There is a possibility that Kiba Peak is a dormant volcano, which means its eruption is quite possible. Some scientists believe that the name comes from the Swahili language, and is translated as “mountain”, others think that it comes from the Kichagga language - “whiteness”.

On October 6, 1889, on the third attempt, G. Meyer and L. Purtscheller conquered the volcano for the first time. The climb up it is technically simple and picturesque. Despite this, out of 40 thousand people who have the desire to climb the mountain, not many achieve their goal. On January 21, 2008, seven-year-old Keats Boyd climbed to the top, becoming the youngest climber to do so.

The highest mountain in Antarctica

Vinson Peak is located in the Ellsworth Massif on the Sentinel Ridge, the highest point in Antarctica, reaching 4892 meters. It was discovered by American pilots in 1957. Geographical coordinates: 78.5254°S, 85.6171°W.

The peak is named after Carl Vinson, an American congressman. It was not the first time that she was conquered. The ascent is not difficult, but being in Antarctica 1200 km from the Pole is a dangerous undertaking. In 1966, Nicholas Clinch was able to do this for the first time. About 1,500 people tried to climb Vinson Peak.

Australia and Oceania have their own highest peak

The highest point in Australia and Oceania is Puncak Jaya, 4884 m high. The peak is located on the western side of New Guinea on the Maoke massif. Translated from Indonesian as “mountain of victory.” Jan Carstens saw the peak from afar in 1623, so it was first named after him. Then it was renamed Sukarno, after the name of the President of Indonesia. Only since 1969 the peak has its modern name. Geographic coordinates: 4.0833° south latitude and 137.183° east longitude.

Australian climbers, led by Heinrich Harrer, first climbed the mountain in 1962. Conquering the peak is considered the most difficult according to the technical rating, but does not require much physical effort.

To get to this mountain you need permission from the government. Not far from the summit, the largest deposits of gold, silver and copper in the world were found. For this reason, from 1995 to 2005, access to it was completely closed. And only in 2006 it was opened, but only with the help of travel agencies.

They say the high mountains are still rising

And it is true. Moreover, mountains can not only grow, but also “walk” and shrink.

This occurs due to the collision of tectonic plates, which results in the formation of bulging folds.

For example, over the course of a year, Everest increases by 3-6 mm, while moving 7 cm to the northeast.

Also contribute to the growth of a volcanic eruption, when magma bursts out, taking rocks with it. Peaks decrease due to weathering (as in the Urals) or natural disasters.

Each peak of the planet is beautiful and inaccessible in its own way. Not all people are able to visit there, but thanks to the Internet you can see videos and panoramic photographs of the mountains.

Not everyone can travel around the world in search of the highest mountain in the world, but it is quite possible to take a virtual trip.

The highest mountains in the world

How far will a person have to travel to reach the highest point on our planet? Which mountains are recognized as the highest on Earth? Who conquered them first and what difficulties await them on the way to the top? You might also be interested in learning about the longest mountains in the world.

Makalu

Height: 8485 m.
A country: China/Nepal
Mountain system: Himalayas


Our rating opens with the Tibetan “Black Giant” Makalu - one of the five highest “eight-thousanders”. Europeans learned about this snowy beauty back in the middle of the 19th century, but the first expedition to its peak was launched only a hundred years later. This is because in those years the hearts of brave climbers were captivated by its closest neighbor, Everest, and the peak of Makalu remained “in the shadow” of this giant and was “defeated” only in 1955. The legendary ascent was made by the French under the leadership of Jean Franco.

Lhotse

Height: 8516 m.
A country: China/Nepal
Mountain system: Himalayas


There are not so many points on the map of our planet that have surpassed the 8-kilometer mark in height. Mount Lhotse is one of them. Its last peak (Lhotse Middle) was conquered by climbers only in 2001. The first to set foot on this pointed rocky peak were members of a Russian expedition led by V. Kozlov and N. Cherny. The main peak was conquered in 1956 by a group of Swiss climbers while climbing neighboring Everest. But the eastern wall of Lhotse remains unconquered to this day.

Kanchenjunga

Height: 8568 m.
A country: India/Nepal
Mountain system: Himalayas


The third highest point on our planet is located on the Kanchenjunga mountain range, which, in turn, belongs to the Himalaya system. Kanchenjunga has five peaks, hence the name, which translated from Tibetan means “Five Treasures of the Great Snows.” The highest is Main Kanchenjunga (8568 m). However, three more of them rightfully bear the proud title of eight-thousander: Yalong-Kang (8505), South (8491) and Central (8478).


The first attempt to conquer the wayward peak was made in 1905, but was unsuccessful. Having gone three quarters of the way, the group led by Aleister Crowley turned back. Only in 1955 the Englishmen Joe Brown and George Bend were able to reach the main peak.

Among local population There is a widespread legend that Mount Kanchenjunga is a woman, and therefore hates in advance all the girls who set foot on its slope. Only one woman has been to its summit, Englishwoman Ginette Harrison, who climbed in 1998.

Chogori

Height: 8611 m.
A country: China/Pakistan
Mountain system: Karakoram


The second highest mountain in the world after Everest also belongs to the Himalaya mountain range. Chogori, known among mountaineers as K-2, lies on the border between Pakistan and China. The letter “K” means “Karakorum”, and “2” is the serial number of the peak, which was assigned to it by the traveler Colonel Montgomery in 1856.


According to statistics, every fourth person who dares to conquer the top of Chogori is doomed to death. That’s why this peak has another name – killer mountain. The legendary Russian climber Pyotr Kuznetsov found his final refuge on its slopes.

The highest mountain is Everest

Height: 8848 m.
A country: Nepal/PRC
Mountain system: Himalayas


The highest mountain peak in the world is Chomolungma, better known to us as Everest. It is located in perhaps the most “philosophical” part of the earth - in Tibet. This majestic snow-capped pyramid has amazed many generations of travelers, and even now, when the summit of Everest has been conquered several times, it inspires thousands of brave climbers to pack their things and set off on a long journey to the top full of deadly dangers.

Everest, one of the most beautiful places in the world, is part of the Himalaya mountain system. The mountain is located between Nepal and China, but its peak is still located in China, in the Tibet Autonomous Region. According to various sources, the height of Everest ranges from 8844 to 8852 meters.

This data is constantly changing. In the spring of 2010, Chinese residents officially recorded the highest mountain at 8848 meters. And in 2016, scientists “proved” that the summit of Everest is actually 4 meters lower than the stated height. By the way, it has already been proven that Chomolungma grows annually by about five millimeters due to the movement of lithospheric plates, at the junction of which Everest is located.

The tallest mountain on the planet has quite a few names. The people of Tibet call Everest the “Mother of the gods of the earth” (“Divine (qomo) mother (ma) of life (lung)” - Chomolungma). But the Nepalese call it Sagarmatha. It means "Forehead of Heaven" or "Mother of the Gods." Well, the name “Everest” was given to the mountain by the British in honor of George Everest, who headed the geodetic survey of British India in 1830-1843. A few years after the scientist’s death, in 1856, his successor Andrew Waugh proposed giving the mountain the name Everest. By the way, it was he who presented data from a study of the heights of “Peak XV” and confirmed that this is probably the highest peak in the whole world.

History of climbing Everest

The first time a person climbed the highest mountain was on May 29, 1953. The pioneers of Everest were New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpas (Sherpas are one of the peoples of Nepal) Tenzing Norgay. They passed through the South Col along the route that the Swiss had explored shortly before. The conquerors took oxygen equipment with them on their hike. The team itself consisted of 30 people. In May 1982, 11 climbers from the Soviet Union climbed this “roof of the world.” They climbed the southwestern slope, which had previously been considered impassable. The Ukrainians Mikhail Turkevich and Sergei Bershov especially distinguished themselves during the expedition - they were the first in history to climb Everest at night.


Well, in 2001, an amazing feat was accomplished - a blind American named Eric Weihenmayer climbed the mountain. Before this ascent, he had already visited everything highest peaks all seven continents, he visited the highest mountains of Russia. In this way, the man wanted to prove that all the tasks that seem unattainable to people are actually achievable. Another Everest record was set on May 14, 2005. Test pilot Didier Delsalle of Eurocopter became the first in the world to successfully land a helicopter on a mountain peak.


Three years later, the most old man. He became 76-year-old Nepalese Bahadur Sherkhan.


Two years later, the youngest person appeared on the peak of Everest, 13-year-old American citizen Jordan Romero, who conquered the peak with his father. Previously, this record was assigned to a 15-year-old boy.


Another unusual ascent was made by a group of Nepalese. 20 people went on a risky expedition to collect waste that climbers leave on the slopes. They collected approximately 1,800 kilograms of garbage.


The dangers of Everest

Every year about 500 people try to reach the top of Everest. They are not afraid that at night the air temperature there can drop to -600 C, and the wind literally knocks them off their feet - its gust speed reaches 200 meters per second. However, according to some estimates, about 5 thousand climbers have already climbed the highest mountain. Each rise takes approximately 2 months. At this time, the period of acclimatization and installation of camps begins. By the way, during such a hike, travelers lose weight by an average of 10-15 kilograms.


And one more difficulty, although insignificant compared to the previous ones. States on whose territory the approaches to the mountain are located request a large sum of money for the right to climb to the top of Everest. The authorities also establish the order of departures for mountaineering companies. You will have to pay the least amount for climbing Chomolungma from Tibet. Well, it’s better to try to conquer the peak in spring and autumn, since the monsoons are not so active at this time.


Travel companies are called different prices trekking to the mountain from Nepal: on average from 20 to 60 thousand dollars. On the Chinese side, this can be done cheaper: you will have to spend about 4.6 thousand dollars per person. It is worth adding that these funds are used to purchase an ascent attempt, but do not at all guarantee a successful result.

How much does it cost to conquer Everest?

Experts say that the success of the expedition depends on the weather and the team’s equipment. Before climbing Everest, you must undergo acclimatization. The most difficult thing, experienced people say, is the last three hundred meters of the way to the top. Climbers call them the “dead zone” or “the longest mile on Earth.” In this area you need to go through a very smooth and steep rocky slope, which is covered with snow. But the main obstacle is not the slippery surface, but the rarefied air, which literally overshadows the climber’s consciousness.

Pay for a dream

Thousands of climbers have tried to climb Everest. Some paid for this with their lives. From the time the peak was discovered until today, more than two hundred people have died during expeditions. According to some reports, this most often happened due to lack of oxygen. Sometimes people died in avalanches, on descents or ascents, due to heart failure or frostbite.

The dead climbers who are found are buried by the people of Nepal. They follow sincerely centuries-old traditions and do everything so that the souls of steeplejacks find peace. According to beliefs, if a special solemn ceremony is not held to “save the souls of the dead,” then the dead climbers will not find peace and will wander on the “roof of the world.” And local climbers set off to the top of the highest mountain only with talismans and rituals, so as not to meet the spirits of Chomolungma.

The Dark Side of Everest

According to Nepalese Buddhist and professional guide Pemba Dorja, in May 2004, on his journey to the top of Everest, he took with him a medallion with the image of the Dalai Lama and an amulet from a Buddhist monastery. The man climbed to the peak in a record 8 hours and 10 minutes. And in the “dead zone”, which is located at an altitude of 8 kilometers above sea level, he met the shadows of people who extended their hands and asked for food. The Nepalese is sure that if he had not had the amulets, he would not have returned alive.

Alternative record holders

In 2016, scientists shocked the public with the news that Everest was no longer the highest point on the planet. The earth, according to them, has the shape of a geoid - a figure flattened at the poles and convex at the equator. This means that if you measure the height of mountains from the center of the earth, then those located along the equator mountain ranges will have an a priori advantage in height. Of course, such messages only caused the surveyors to laugh loudly. But – for the sake of interest – we present below data on the “new record holders”.

Chimborazo

Mauna Kea volcano juts above the surface Pacific Ocean by 4.2 kilometers – an impressive figure. But this, as they say, is only a small part of the iceberg. Most of its base is hidden under water, and overall height the mountain is 10203 meters. Therefore, if we take into account solely the distance from the foot to the top, and not the height of the mountain above sea level, then Mauna Kea can safely be considered the highest mountain in the world.
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