7 Highest Mountains in the World

Are you curious to know the 7 highest mountains in the world? There are many different peaks in the world that look humongous. And you know, at the same time, they are too risky to climb. High above the clouds, where the oxygen levels are at a bare minimum, just imagining it gives goosebumps. The struggle to climb, on the other hand, to reach the summit is a different kind of pain. This is where lie the 7 highest mountains in the world.

For your information, these 7 highest mountain peaks are spread across different continents and countries. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the 7 highest mountain peaks in the world. And discovering what’s special about them.

Top 7 Highest Mountains in the World

We’ve compiled the list of the top 7 highest mountains in the world based on authentic research. These record-holder peaks are giant in appearance. At the same time, they are equally legendary, historical, and each carries its own story. Alright then, let’s get to know more about these 7 highest mountains in the world.

1) Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the biggest of all when it comes to gigantic peaks. The Everest is called by different names, such as:

• Sagarmatha in Nepali
• Chomolungma (Tibetan Name)
• Qomolangma Feng (Chinese Name)

To sum up, it is the world’s highest mountain with a height of 8,848 m (29,031.7 ft). Mt. Everest sits on the border of Nepal and Tibet, also known as China. Lies within the Mahalangur Himal range of the Himalayas. 

Not only is Mount Everest big in size, but it is equally tough to climb. Lately, Climbing Mount Everest has become a popular expedition for mountain climbers. Climbers need a lot of mountaineering experience, good physical condition, and the essential equipment to reach the summit.

And not to forget, without the guidance of Nepalese guides, the task becomes nearly impossible. Mt.Everest is very risky because avalanches can happen anytime. To add more, the weather only allows climbing for a short time. The biggest problem is the altitude. At very high points, the air has very little oxygen, which makes it hard to breathe.

This is why climbers carry bottled oxygen. The part of the mountain above 8000 meters or 26000 feet is called the death zone. Here, the climbers suffer altitude sickness.

In the past few years, climbing Everest has become quite a trend. More and more people want to reach the top. And this often causes traffic jams near the summit. Because of this, climbers are forced to spend extra time in the dangerous death zone. The mountain is also not like the previous; dirt and pollution have reduced its beauty.

Sadly, many climbers who die on Everest stay there because it is almost impossible to bring their bodies down. In this part, in 1996 Mount Everest disaster occurred too, which is one of the tragic incidents of Everest’s history, and the other one is the green boots.

Do you know,” the first ever recorded people to reach the top of the Everest was Edmund Hillary. He was a mountaineer from New Zealand. Along with him was his Tibetan guide Tenzing Norgay. They both together climbed the mountain in 1953. And they created the record together.

Interesting Info

In 1856, a team of surveyors measured the peak and hence called it the highest mountain in the world. The measurement at that time was recorded as 29,002 ft / 8,840 m. Then, after some time in 1865, the official and international name of the peak was given by the Royal Geographical Society: Mount Everest. They named it in honour of Sir George Everest. He is a former Surveyor General of India.

• Different Names: Sagarmatha (Nepali name), Chomolungma (Tibetan name), Qomolangma Feng (Chinese name)
• Meaning of Different Names: Sagarmatha means “Forehead of the Sky”, Chomolungma means “Mother Goddess of the World”, Everest, the Western name, after Sir George Everest
• Height: 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft)
• Climbing Routes: South Col Route from Nepal, North Col Route from Tibet
• Climate: Too cold. Temperatures can drop to −60 °C (−76 °F)
• Best Season: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to December)

If you’re interested in climbing the Mt. Everest, then we’ve a 14-day Everest base camp trekking package. Also, if you prefer shorter treks, then the Everest Base Camp short trek. Here, we take care of the required permits, accommodation, meals, and everything required for a successful trek.

2) Mount K2

Second on the list of the top 7 highest mountains in the world is Mount K2. The second-highest peak in the world after Everest. It is the highest peak in Pakistan. K2 lies in the Karakoram Range. It is partly in the Chinese-administered enclave of the Kashmir region.

The second-highest peak has a height of 8,611 m (28,251 ft). Surprisingly, climbing K2 is much more intense and dangerous compared to climbing Everest. K2 is often called the most difficult of the world’s 14 (8,000-meter peaks) by climbers.

It is also said as “The Savage Mountain”; it got the name when American climber and physicist George Bell nearly died on the mountain in 1953. After surviving, he expressed that it is a savage mountain that tries to kill you brutally.

Location & Height

• Height: 8,611 m (28,251 ft)

• Location: Pakistan–China border, in the Karakoram Range

Nicknames

• Often called the “Savage Mountain” due to its immense difficulty and high fatality rate.
• Called Chhogori, referred to as “King of Mountains.”
• Officially named Mount Godwin-Austen. The name was given after surveyor Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen.

Climbing Difficulty

Tagged as the hardest mountain to climb because of steep slopes, bad weather, and technical challenges.

Death Rate

One of the highest death rates among 8-thousanders. Statistically speaking, 1 in 4 climbers have not survived historically. The main reason behind it is tough routes and limited commercialized climbing infrastructure.

First Survey

Surveyed by the British Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in 1856 and marked as “K2.”

First Successful Ascent

Done by Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni of Italy on 31 July 1954.

Climbing routes

The most common climbing route is the Abruzzi Spur (South-East Ridge)

Climbing Season

Mainly July and August.

3) Kangchenjunga

Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 28,169 feet (8,586 metres). Located on the border between Nepal and India, Kanchenjunga Mountain (most of its parts) lies in the Taplejung district of Nepal. On the other hand, its eastern side touches the Indian state of Sikkim.

Kanchenjunga and its glaciers get heavy snow in the summer monsoon and lighter snow in the winter. The mountain has four main ridges that link it to nearby peaks. Most importantly, from these ridges flow four big glaciers. Basically, the mountain is part of the Kangchenjunga Himal section of the Himalayas. The mountain has five peaks, and the Annapurna is the biggest among them.

These include:

The Zemu in the northeast

The Talung in the southeast

The Yalung in the southwest, and the Kanchenjunga in the northwest.

Location & Height

• Height: 8,586 m (28,169 ft)

• Location: Border of eastern Nepal and Sikkim, India

Nicknames

• Also called as “Five Treasures of Snow,” which indicates its five peaks.

Climbing Difficulty

Highly challenging because of avalanches and snowstorms

Death Rate

Has a fatality rate of around 20%.

First Survey

Surveyed by the British as part of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in the 19th century.

First Successful Ascent

The first successful ascent was made by George Band and Joe Brown. They were part of the British expedition, on May 25, 1955.

Climbing routes

The most common climbing route is the Abruzzi Spur (South-East Ridge)

Climbing Season

Most favourable seasons are spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November)

4) Lhotse

Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain in the world. It sits at an elevation of 8,516 metres above sea level. The main summit is on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China). While the other parts, like Lhotse Middle (East), are 8,414 metres, and Lhotse Shar is 8,383 metres. To be more exact, it falls in the Khumjung Village Development Committee under the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality of Solukhumbu District. 

Many climbers who often go trekking to the Everest region go up Lhotse to acclimatize. One of the most common routes when trekking to the Everest starts up the northwest face of Lhotse. In order to reach Mount Lhotse, you’ve to take a flight to Lukla first, which is the main entry point.

Location & Height

• Height: 8,516 m (27,940 ft)

• Location: Border of Nepal and Tibet (China), just south of Mount Everest

Nicknames

• Called “South Peak” as an international name

• Called Lhotse in the Tibetan language

• Famous for the Lhotse Face, which is basically a steep icy wall

Climbing Difficulty

Quite difficult to climb. The route is very similar to Mount Everest, has a lot of steep icy sections.

Death Rate

The Death/Fatality rate is quite low in comparison to K2 and Kangchenjunga.

First Survey

Similar to other surveys, Lhotse was carried out in the 1850s by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India.

First Successful Ascent

Lhotse was first climbed by Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss of Switzerland on May 18, 1956.

Climbing routes

The climbing route of Lhotse is identical to the South Col route on Mount Everest.

Climbing Season

The perfect time to climb Lhotse is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).

5) Makalu

Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain on Earth, and is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas exactly southeast of Everest. Compared to other eight-thousanders, Makalu is more of an isolated peak shaped similar to a four-sided pyramid. Lying in the Makalu Barun National Park (inside the Khumbu region), the Makalu peak stands at an elevation of 8,485 metres.

Makalu has two small yet popular peaks called Makalu I and Makalu II. These are located about 3 km north-northwest of the main peak. Makalu I has a height of 8,463 meters. It lies in the Makalu rural municipality of Sankhuwasabha District in eastern Nepal. Mountaineers can climb this peak freely.

Location & Height

• Height: 8,485 m (28,251 ft)

• Location: 19 km southeast of Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet.

Nicknames

• Sometimes called a pyramid-shaped peak.

Climbing Difficulty

Moderately difficult; there are several factors making it difficult, these are deep ridges and edgy slopes.

Death Rate

High death rate in comparison to others. The fatality rate is around 9–10%. It means 1 in 10 climbers have historically lost their lives while trying to summit.

First Survey

Makalu was first surveyed in the 1840s and 1850s by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India.

First Successful Ascent

The first climbers on Makalu peak were Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy in May 15 1955. They were part of a French expedition.

Climbing routes

The most common climbing route is the Southeast Ridge route. It basically starts from Makalu Base Camp.

Climbing Season

The best climbing season is in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).

6) Cho Oyu

Mount Cho Oyu is situated 20 km west of Everest, at the border between China and Nepal. It is a Tibetan name that holds the meaning “Turquoise Goddess”. Cho Oyu has an altitude of 8,188 meters/26,864 feet.

Cho Oyu is easier compared to the other eight-thousanders. This is because of minimal icefall and more predictable avalanche conditions. The following peak gives you the best experience of high altitude climbing in the Himalayas. Especially, higher surrounding peaks can be visible, such as Ama Dablam, Mt Everest, and many more.

Location & Height

• Height: 8,188 m/26,864 ft

• Location: Nepal-Tibet border, west of Everest.

Nicknames

• Cho Oyu means “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan.

Climbing Difficulty

One of the easiest 8,000-meter peaks to climb.

Death Rate

Very low fatality rates in comparison to other humongous peaks.

First Survey

Measured in the early 19th century by the same project named the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India

First Successful Ascent

The first climbers were Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Pasang Dawa Lama (Part of the Austrian expedition). They climbed on October 19, 1954.

Climbing routes

Most of the climbers start their journey from the north (Tibetan side).

Climbing Season

The perfect climbing season is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).

7) Dhaulagiri I

Last on the list of the 7 highest mountain peaks in the world is Dhaulagiri I. It is the 7th biggest peak in the world. Having an altitude of 8,167 metres above sea level, this peak is more famous than the other eight-thousanders for expeditions. It is situated in the Dhaulagiri mountain range of the Himalayas in Nepal. 

Dhaulagiri I is also often called “White Mountain”. The peak is on the border of Dhaulagiri and Raghuganga rural municipality of Myagdi District.

Location & Height

• Height: 8,167 m/26,795 ft

• Location: Nepal, Gandaki Province in north-central Nepal

Nicknames

• Dhaulagiri means “White Mountain” in the Sanskrit language.

Climbing Difficulty

It is quite challenging to peak because of steep slopes and avalanches.

Death Rate

To date, around 15–16% of climbers have died while trying to summit Dhaulagiri.

First Survey

Dhaulagiri I was surveyed in the 1850s during the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India

First Successful Ascent

First steps on Dhaulagiri I was taken by a Swiss-Austrian-Nepali team, which was guided by Max Eiselin on May 13, 1960.

Climbing routes

The northeast ridge is the most followed route when climbing Dhaulagiri I.

Climbing Season

The ideal climbing season is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).

7 Highest Mountains in the World and Their Location

Here we’ll be discussing the 7 highest mountains in the world and their location. Let’s get started.

1) Mount Everest

The height/altitude/elevation of Mount Everest is 8,848.86 m (29,031 ft). It is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China).

2) Mount K2

The height/altitude/elevation of Mount K2 is 8,611 m (28,251 ft). The peak is located on the Pakistan/China border, in the Karakoram Range.

3) Kangchenjunga

The height/altitude/elevation of the Kangchenjunga is 8,586 m (28,169 ft). It is located on the border between Nepal and India.

4) Lhotse

The height/altitude/elevation of the Lhotse peak is 8,516 m (27,940 ft). It is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China).

5) Makalu

The height/altitude/elevation of the Makalu peak is 8,485 m (27,838 ft). Situated in the Mahalangur Himalayas, southeast of Everest.

6) Cho Oyu

The height/altitude/elevation of the Cho Oyu is 8,188 m (26,864 ft). Located at the border between China and Nepal, 20 km west of Mt Everest.

7) Dhaulagiri I

The height/altitude/elevation of Dhaulagiri I is 8,167 m (26,795 ft). It lies in the northwest of Pokhara.

7 Highest Mountains in the World in Order

On the basis of height, these mountains are listed from number one to seven. Let’s check out the list of the 7 highest mountains in the world in order:

1) Mount Everest: 8,848.86 m (29,031 ft)

2) Mount K2: 8,611 m (28,251 ft)

3) Kangchenjunga: 8,586 m (28,169 ft)

4) Lhotse: 8,516 m (27,940 ft)

5) Makalu: 8,485 m (27,838 ft)

6) Cho Oyu: 8,188 m (26,864 ft)

7) Dhaulagiri I: 8,167 m (26,795 ft)

7 Summits in Order of Difficulty

Ranking of the 7 summits in order of difficulty is different than that of the order in terms of height. Let’s see the list of 7 summits in order of difficulty (ranked).

1) Mount K2 (Known as the hardest to climb, the savage mountain)

2) Mount Annapurna (Considered one of the hardest)

3) Kangchenjunga (Around 20% Fatality rate)

4) Makalu (Has a Fatality rate of around 9–10%)

5) Dhaulagiri

6) Everest

7) Cho Oyu (The easiest 8000m peak)

What are the 7 Highest Mountains in the World?

The 7 highest mountains in the world are Mt Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Dhaulagiri I. These peaks are located in different parts of the world. To be more specific, 6 of the highest mountain peaks in the world stand proudly in the country of Nepal, alone. These are: Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Dhaulagiri I.

The only peak remaining in the top 7 highest mountains in the world is Mount K2, which is in Pakistan. Height is one of the factors that make these 7 highest mountain peaks in the world stand out all the time. However, they also hold immense natural beauty, pristine views, and feature amazing landscapes.

This is why the adventurers and travelers from all over the globe come to visit these 7 highest mountain peaks.