🌍The World's Top 10 Highest Mountains (8 Are in Nepal 🇳🇵)
Mountains have fascinated human beings for centuries. They symbolize endurance, mystery, and the natural world’s raw power. Among all the mountain ranges, the Himalayas stand out as home to most of the world’s tallest peaks. This article explores the ten highest mountains on Earth, focusing on their heights, locations, history, and significance.
1. Mount Everest (Sagarmatha)
Height: 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet)
Location: Nepal
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| Mount Everest Mountain in Nepal |
Mount Everest is globally recognized as the tallest mountain on Earth. In Nepal, it’s called Sagarmatha. Discovered and measured by the British in the 19th century, Everest has been a symbol of ultimate adventure.
Significance: Everest represents not only physical challenge but also cultural and spiritual value to local communities. The Sherpa people, known for their mountaineering skills, consider it sacred.
Over 6,000 climbers have reached its summit. However, due to thin air, extreme cold, and avalanches, Everest is still dangerous. Many climbers have lost their lives in pursuit of this peak.
2. K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen)
Height: 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)
Location: Pakistan
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| K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) Mountain in Pakistan |
K2 is the second-highest mountain on Earth but often regarded as the most dangerous to climb. Located in the Karakoram Range, its steep slopes and unpredictable weather contribute to a higher fatality rate.
Nicknamed: “Savage Mountain”
Fewer people have summited K2 compared to Everest. Its name comes from the notation used during the British Great Trigonometrical Survey, where it was the second peak measured in the Karakoram.
3. Kangchenjunga
Height: 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
Location: Nepal
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| Kangchenjunga Mountain in Nepal |
Kangchenjunga means "The Five Treasures of Snow," referring to its five prominent peaks. It is the highest mountain in India and the third-highest in the world.
Traditionally, climbers stop just short of the summit out of respect for local spiritual beliefs that consider the summit sacred. Kangchenjunga is less crowded than Everest, with fewer climbers attempting it each year.
4. Lhotse
Height: 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
Location: Nepal
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| Lhotse Mountain in Nepal |
Lhotse is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Everest, as they share much of the same route. However, Lhotse itself is a significant challenge.
Features: Lhotse has one of the steepest faces in mountaineering, known as the Lhotse Face.Its proximity to Everest has allowed many climbers to attempt both peaks during a single expedition.
5. Makalu
Height: 8,485 meters (27,838 feet)
Location: Nepal
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| Makalu Mountain in Nepal |
Makalu is famous for its sharp ridges and pyramid-like structure. It’s technically demanding due to its steep pitches and knife-edge ridges.
Makalu is considered harder than Everest in terms of technical climbing skills, despite its slightly lower height.
6. Cho Oyu
Height: 8,188 meters (26,864 feet)
Location: Nepal
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| Cho Oyu Mountain in Nepal |
Cho Oyu, meaning "Turquoise Goddess," is the sixth-highest mountain. It is often considered the easiest of the 8,000-meter peaks to climb because of its comparatively moderate slopes.
Cho Oyu is popular among mountaineers preparing for Everest, acting as a training ground for acclimatization.
7. Dhaulagiri I
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| Dhaulagiri I in Nepal |
Height: 8,167 meters (26,795 feet)
Location: Nepal
Dhaulagiri means "White Mountain." It is the highest mountain located entirely within Nepal.
First Ascent: Kurt Diemberger, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nyima Dorje Sherpa, and Nawang Dorje Sherpa on May 13, 1960.
It presents tough climbing conditions due to heavy snow and frequent avalanches. Dhaulagiri stands prominently above the plains of Nepal, making it visually stunning from a distance.
8. Manaslu
Height: 8,163 meters (26,781 feet)
Location: Nepal
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| Manaslu Mountain in Nepal |
Manaslu means "Mountain of the Spirit" in Sanskrit. It is the eighth-highest mountain and known for its challenging snow ridges.
Manaslu has gained popularity as an alternative to Everest because of its remote beauty and relatively fewer climbers.
9. Nanga Parbat
Height: 8,126 meters (26,660 feet)
Location: Pakistan
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| Nanga Parbat Mountain in Pakistan |
Nanga Parbat, meaning "Naked Mountain," is also known as the “Killer Mountain” because of its dangerous climbing history. It is part of the Himalayas but located in Pakistan.
The Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat is one of the highest mountain faces in the world, rising over 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) from base to summit.
10. Annapurna I
Height: 8,091 meters (26,545 feet)
Location: Nepal
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| Annapurna I Mountain in Nepal |
Annapurna is revered both as a mountain and a goddess in Nepalese culture. It holds the record for one of the highest fatality rates among 8,000-meter peaks.
Annapurna was the first 8,000-meter peak ever summited. Despite its height being lower than Everest, it is more technically dangerous due to avalanches and unpredictable weather.
The Importance of High Mountains Beyond Height
While height is the main factor ranking these peaks, each mountain holds unique importance:
Cultural Significance: Many peaks are sacred in local religions. For example, Kangchenjunga is worshipped by people in Sikkim and eastern Nepal.
Environmental Role: These mountains regulate regional climates. Their glaciers feed major rivers like the Ganges and the Indus.
Economic Impact: Adventure tourism, especially in Nepal and Pakistan, relies heavily on mountaineering. Sherpa communities, for instance, depend on guiding services.
Climbing Challenges at High Altitudes
Climbing mountains above 8,000 meters involves severe physical risks:
Altitude Sickness: Above 7,500 meters, the body struggles to get enough oxygen.
Weather: Sudden storms, extremely low temperatures (-40°C), and strong winds can trap climbers.
Avalanches and Icefalls: Constant dangers on peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Technical Difficulty: Some mountains require not just stamina but also specialized climbing techniques.
This is why these peaks are known as “Eight-Thousanders.” There are 14 such mountains globally — all located in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges.
Interesting Facts:
Everest’s Growth: Mount Everest’s height changes slightly due to tectonic activity. It grew about 4 meters after the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
No Two Summits Are the Same: Even if two mountains are close in height, their climbing experiences differ vastly.
Female Climbers: In recent decades, women from Nepal, Japan, and other countries have made record-setting ascents.
Environmental Concerns: Increased climbing has led to litter and human waste on Everest. Efforts are now in place to reduce the environmental impact.
Conclusion
The world’s highest mountains are not just geographic marvels — they are repositories of culture, spirituality, adventure, and human perseverance. From Mount Everest’s iconic status to Annapurna’s deadly beauty, each peak offers a distinct story.
For Nepal and surrounding countries, these mountains represent national pride as well as economic lifelines through tourism and international attention. Climbers who attempt these giants train for years and often put their lives at risk for the experience of standing on the roof of the world.
- Prakash Dahal
Editor and Publisher
Prakash Dahal Online Services.
Gothswarko Serophero Online Newspaper.
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