- The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest, sitting pretty at 8,848m in the Himalayas in Nepal.
- There are at least 108 mountains on Earth with elevations of 7,200 metres (23,622 ft) or greater above sea level. The vast majority of these mountains are located on the edge of the Indian and Eurasian plates in China, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
- The dividing line between a mountain with multiple peaks and separate mountains is not always clear. A popular and intuitive way to distinguish mountains from subsidiary peaks is by their height above the highest saddle connecting it to a higher summit, a measure called topographic prominence or re-ascent (the higher summit is called the “parent peak“).
- A common definition of a mountain is a summit with 300 m (980 ft) prominence. Alternatively, a relative prominence (prominence/height) is used (usually 7–8%) to reflect that in higher mountain ranges everything is on a larger scale.
- It is very unlikely that all given heights are correct to the nearest metre; indeed, the sea level is often problematic to define when a mountain is remote from the sea.
- As an extreme example, Ulugh Muztagh on the north Tibetan Plateau is often listed as 7,723 m (25,338 ft) to 7,754 m (25,440 ft), but appears to be only 6,973 m (22,877 ft) to 6,987 m (22,923 ft).
- Some mountains differ by > 100 m (330 ft) on different maps, while even very thorough current measurements of Mount Everest range from 8,840 m (29,003 ft) to 8,848 m (29,029 ft).
- These discrepancies serve to emphasize the uncertainties in the listed heights.
- The highest mountains above sea level are generally not the highest above the surrounding terrain. There is no precise definition of surrounding base, but Denali, Mount Kilimanjaro and Nanga Parbat are possible candidates for the tallest mountain on land by this measure.
- The bases of mountain islands are below sea level, and given this consideration Mauna Kea (4,207 m (13,802 ft) above sea level) is the world’s tallest mountain and volcano, rising about 10,203 m (33,474 ft) from the Pacific Ocean floor.
- Mount Lamlam on Guam is periodically claimed to be among the world’s highest mountains because it is adjacent to the Mariana Trench; the most extreme claim is that, measured from Challenger Deep 313 kilometres (194 mi) away, Mount Lamlam is 37,820 feet (11,530 m) tall.
- Ojos del Salado has the greatest rise on Earth: 13,420 m (44,029 ft) vertically to the summit[citation needed] from the bottom of the Atacama Trench, which is about 560 km (350 mi) away, although most of this rise is not part of the mountain.
- The highest mountains are also not generally the most voluminous.
- Mauna Loa (4,169 m or 13,678 ft) is the largest mountain on Earth in terms of base area (about 2,000 sq mi or 5,200 km2) and volume (about 10,000 cu mi or 42,000 km3), although, due to the intergrade of lava from Kilauea, Hualalai and Mauna Kea, the volume can only be estimated based on surface area and height of the edifice.
- Mount Kilimanjaro is the largest non-shield volcano in terms of both base area (245 sq mi or 635 km2) and volume (1,150 cu mi or 4,793 km3).
- Mount Logan is the largest non-volcanic mountain in base area (120 sq mi or 311 km2).
- The highest mountains above sea level are also not those with peaks farthest from the centre of the Earth, because the figure of the Earth is not spherical. Sea level closer to the equator is several kilometres farther from the centre of the Earth.
- The summit of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest mountain, is usually considered to be the farthest point from the Earth’s centre, although the southern summit of Peru’s tallest mountain, Huascarán, is another contender.
- Both have elevations above sea level more than 2 km (1.2 mi) less than that of Everest.
- The summit of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest mountain, is usually considered to be the farthest point from the Earth’s centre, although the southern summit of Peru’s tallest mountain, Huascarán, is another contender.
Highest Mountains in the World (Height- 8000 metres & above)
- The Himalayas and Karakoram ranges are the highest mountain ranges in the world.
- These two mountain ranges envelop 14 highest mountains that are over 8000 metres i.e. more than 29000 feet of height. These mountains are also known as Eight-thousanders.
| Mountain | Metres | Feet | Range | Location & Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Everest | 8,848 | 29,029 | Himalayas | Nepal/China |
| K2 | 8,611 | 28,251 | Karakoram | India |
| Kangchenjunga | 8,586 | 28,169 | Himalayas | Nepal/India |
| Lhotse | 8,516 | 27,940 | Himalayas | Nepal/China – Climbers ascend Lhotse Face in climbing Everest |
| Makalu | 8,485 | 27,838 | Himalayas | Nepal/China |
| Cho Oyu | 8,201 | 26,906 | Himalayas | Nepal/China – Considered “easiest” eight-thousander |
| Dhaulagiri | 8,167 | 26,795 | Himalayas | Nepal – Presumed world’s highest from 1808-1838 |
| Manaslu | 8,163 | 26,781 | Himalayas | Nepal |
| Nanga Parbat | 8,126 | 26,660 | Himalayas | India |
| Annapurna | 8,091 | 26,545 | Himalayas | Nepal – First eight-thousander to be climbed (1950) |
| Gasherbrum I (Hidden peak; K5) | 8,080 | 26,509 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Broad Peak | 8,051 | 26,414 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Gasherbrum II (K4) | 8,035 | 26,362 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan)/China Border |
| Shishapangma | 8,027 | 26,335 | Himalayas | China |
Highest Mountains in the World (Height – 7500 metres & above)
| Mountain | Metres | Feet | Range | Location and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasherbrum III | 7,952 | 26,089 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Gyachung Kang | 7,952 | 26,089 | Himalayas | Nepal (Khumbu)/China |
| Annapurna II | 7,937 | 26,040 | Himalayas | Nepal |
| Gasherbrum IV (K3) | 7,932 | 26,024 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Himalchuli | 7,893 | 25,896 | Himalayas | Manaslu, Nepal |
| Distaghil Sar | 7,885 | 25,869 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Ngadi Chuli | 7,871 | 25,823 | Himalayas | Manaslu, Nepal |
| Nuptse | 7,861 | 25,791 | Himalayas | Everest Massif, Nepal |
| Khunyang Chhish | 7,852 | 25,761 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Masherbrum (K1) | 7,821 | 25,659 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Nanda Devi | 7,816 | 25,643 | Himalayas | India (Uttarakhand) |
| Chomo Lonzo | 7,804 | 25,604 | Himalayas | Makalu Massiff, Nepal/China |
| Batura Sar | 7,795 | 25,574 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Kanjut Sar | 7,790 | 25,558 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Rakaposhi | 7,788 | 25,551 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Namcha Barwa | 7,782 | 25,531 | Himalayas | China |
| Kamet | 7,756 | 25,446 | Himalayas | India (Uttarakhand) |
| Saltoro Kangri | 7,742 | 25,400 | Karakoram | India |
| Jannu | 7,710 | 25,295 | Himalayas | Kangchenjunga, Nepal |
| Tirich Mir | 7,708 | 25,289 | Hindu Kush | Pakistan – #1 in Hindu Kush |
| Molamenqing | 7,703 | 25,272 | Himalayas | Shishapangma group, China |
| Gurla Mandhata | 7,694 | 25,243 | Himalayas (Nalakankar) | China |
| Saser Kangri | 7,672 | 25,171 | Karakoram | India (Jammu and Kashmir) |
| Chogolisa | 7,665 | 25,148 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Kongur Tagh | 7,649 | 25,095 | Pamir or Kunlun Mountains | China |
| Shispare | 7,611 | 24,970 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Silberzacken | 7,597 | 24,925 | Himalaya | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Changtse | 7,583 | 24,879 | Himalayas | Everest Massif, China |
| Trivor | 7,577 | 24,859 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Gangkhar Puensum | 7,570 | 24,836 | Himalayas | Bhutan/China |
| Gongga Shan | 7,556 | 24,790 | Daxue Shan | Sichuan, China |
| Annapurna III | 7,555 | 24,787 | Himalayas | Nepal |
| Kula Kangri | 7,554 | 24,783 | Himalayas | China (possibly also Bhutan) |
| Muztagh Ata | 7,546 | 24,757 | Kongur Tagh | China (Xinjiang) |
| Skyang Kangri | 7,545 | 24,754 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Liankang Kangri | 7,535 | 24,721 | Himalayas | Bhutan/China |
| Yukshin Gardan Sar | 7,530 | 24,705 | Karakoram | India (currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan) |
| Annapurna IV | 7,525 | 24,688 | Himalayas | Nepal |
| Saser Kangri II | 7,518 | 24,665 | Karakoram | India |
| Mamostong Kangri | 7,516 | 24,659 | Karakoram | India |
Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World
Mount Everest
- Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. The elevation of Mount Everest is 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level, and it has a prominence of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), which is the distance between the summit and the lowest contour line encircling it and no higher peak.
- Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 40,008 kilometers (24,860 miles). It is located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and China, and it is part of the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal and the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in China.
- Everest was first surveyed and measured in 1856 by the Great Trigonometric Survey of India, and it was given its official English name in 1865 in honor of Sir George Everest, the Surveyor General of India at the time.
- It is known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet.
K2
- K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen, is the second-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level.
- It is located in the Karakoram range on the border of India and China, and it is part of the Karakoram mountain range. K2 has a prominence of 4,020 meters (13,190 feet). Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 1,316 kilometers (818 miles).
- K2 is known for its steep and exposed climbing routes, and it is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous mountains to climb. It has a higher fatality rate than Mount Everest, and fewer people have successfully reached the summit of K2 than any other 8,000-meter peak.
Kangchenjunga
- Kangchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) above sea level.
- It is located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and India, and it is part of the Kangchenjunga Himal mountain range.
- Kangchenjunga has a prominence of 3,922 meters (12,867 feet). Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 124 kilometers (77 miles).
- Kangchenjunga is known for its remote and rugged terrain, and it is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous mountains to climb. It was first successfully climbed in 1955 by a British expedition, and since then, only a few hundred people have reached the summit.
- Despite the risks and challenges associated with climbing Kangchenjunga, it remains a popular destination for experienced climbers, and it is considered one of the “eight-thousanders,” or the 14 peaks in the world that are over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in elevation.
Lhotse
- Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,516 meters (27,940 feet) above sea level.
- It is located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and China, and it is part of the Everest massif. Lhotse has a prominence of 610 meters (2,000 feet). Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 2.66 kilometers (1.65 miles).
- Lhotse is often climbed as part of a combined ascent of Mount Everest, and it has two main peaks: Lhotse Main (8,516 meters/27,940 feet) and Lhotse Middle (8,414 meters/27,605 feet).
- It was first successfully climbed in 1956 by a Swiss expedition, and since then, it has become a popular destination for experienced climbers.
Makalu
- With a height of 8,485 metres (27,838 feet), Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. It is situated along the boundary between Nepal and Tibet in the Nepal Himalayas’ Mahalangur range.
- With four angular ridges and a top that resembles a pyramid, the mountain is renowned for its unusual design. Due to its exposed, steep terrain, Makalu is one of the hardest and most demanding summits to climb.
- The red panda and the snow leopard, both of which are endangered, are among the many plant and animal species that call Makalu home. A number of ethnic groups, including the Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu, who have a strong spiritual bond with the mountain, call the mountain’s environs home.
Cho Oyu
- Cho Oyu is the sixth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and China, and it is part of the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality in Nepal.
- Cho Oyu has a prominence of 2,340 meters (7,680 feet). Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 29 kilometers (18 miles).
- Cho Oyu is known for its technical climbing routes, and it was first successfully climbed in 1954 by a Swiss expedition.
- It is considered one of the easier of the “eight-thousanders,” or the 14 peaks in the world that are over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in elevation.
Dhaulagiri
- Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) above sea level.
- It is located in the Himalayas in Nepal, and it is part of the Dhaulagiri massif. It has a prominence of 3,357 meters (11,014 feet). Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 318 kilometers (198 miles).
- Dhaulagiri is known for its steep and exposed climbing routes, and it was first successfully climbed in 1960 by a Swiss expedition.
- It is considered one of the more difficult of the “eight-thousanders,” or the 14 peaks in the world that are over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in elevation, and it is often considered a challenging and demanding mountain to climb.
Manaslu
- Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas in Nepal, and it is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Manaslu has a prominence of 3,092 meters (10,144 feet). Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 106 kilometers (66 miles).
- Manaslu was first successfully climbed in 1956 by a Japanese expedition, and it has become a popular destination for experienced climbers.
- It is considered one of the more challenging of the “eight-thousanders,” or the 14 peaks in the world that are over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in elevation.
Nanga Parbat
- Nanga Parbat is the ninth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,126 meters (26,660 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas in India. Nanga Parbat has a prominence of 4,608 meters (15,118 ft). Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 189 kilometers (117 miles).
- Nanga Parbat is known for its steep and challenging climbing routes, and it was first successfully climbed in 1953 by an Austrian expedition.
- It is considered one of the more difficult of the “eight-thousanders,” or the 14 peaks in the world that are over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in elevation, and it is known for its technical climbing routes and its avalanche-prone slopes.
- Lying immediately southeast of the northernmost bend of the Indus River in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Kashmir, Nanga Parbat is the westernmost major peak of the Himalayas, and thus in the traditional view of the Himalayas as bounded by the Indus and Yarlung Tsangpo/Brahmaputra rivers, it is the western anchor of the entire mountain range.
Mt. Annapurna
- Annapurna is the tenth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) above sea level.
- It is located in the Himalayas in Nepal, and it is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Annapurna has a prominence of 2,984 meters (9,790 feet). Its isolation, or the distance from the nearest higher peak, is 34 kilometers (21 miles).
- Annapurna is known for its steep and challenging climbing routes, and it was first successfully climbed in 1950 by a French expedition.
- It is considered one of the more difficult of the “eight-thousanders,” or the 14 peaks in the world that are over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in elevation, and it is known for its technical climbing routes and its avalanche-prone slopes.