10 Highest Mountains in the World Have to See Once in Your Lifetime !

  • Jul 10, 2023
  • Karna Rana

Nepal is known as the kingdom of the Himalayas. Here are 8 out of the 10 highest mountains in the world. Mt. Everest is the roof of the World, an elevation of 8,848.86 meters. Mt. K2 and Nanga Parbat are outside Nepal. Owing to the semi-tropical latitude and rainfall, the mountains are covered in vegetation up to around 3,500-4,000m (the tree line generally goes up to about 3,900m). Beyond the first ridge of the Himalayas is a high altitude or ‘cold’ desert. This includes the Upper Mustang, Manang, and Dolpo. This trans-Himalaya region is in a rain shadow, as the monsoon clouds drop rain on the south side of the mountains, leaving these areas dry during the summer.

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An adventurer looks up "10 Highest Mountains in the World" online in a fit of free-spirited search. Google, the know-it-all, presents a perfectly curated list accompanied by jaw-dropping high-resolution shots. The adventurer is thrilled. Overjoyed when they find out eight out of ten of the majestic peaks lay across a small nation called Nepal. That adventurer is you. 

No matter who or where you are, the world's highest mountains call for you. As the saying goes, "There are no "bad" adventurers, just unprepared ones." A relatively inexperienced adventurer needs to check where the world's ten highest mountains are before heading out. 

Take notes on important details of the journey before embarking on it. Let's take a look at the unmissable information on these larger-than-life peaks. 

Where is the Highest Peak in the World?

Mount Everest, formally known as Sagarmatha, reigns as the highest peak in the world. The world's highest peak officially stands at 8848.86 meters tall. A joint excursion of teams from Nepal and China recently confirmed the height after a re-measurement. The iconic Sagarmatha boasts glorious views of grounded snow peaks against the mesmerizing blue backdrop. 

Everest Base Camp Trek undeniably stands as the most popular trek in the whole world. The highest peak in the world is standing right before them. The air feels crisp and untouched. The snow-clad surrounding become holistic. The feat of standing at its head becomes a feat of a lifetime. 

Following suit, the Everest Three Passes Trek consisting of challenging passes and exquisite teahouse trails remains an alternative to the crowded EBC Trek. Hundreds of lighter trekking routes open every trekking season. All these experiences situate in the Sagarmatha district, Province 1 of Nepal.

Where Are The 10 Highest Mountains In The World? 

Researchers discover other hidden peaks other than the highest peaks in the world. Years of mountain research bring astounding facts about mountains around the world. The large landforms rise apart from their surroundings to form beautiful crevices, deadly steeps, and an overall mesmerizing snowy ambiance. Critically falling onto the South Asian belt, Nepal is home to eight of the world's 14 tallest peaks. Other peaks scatter over Pakistan, China, and India. Pakistan consists of even the second-highest mountain range in the world, Karakoram Range. If you are curious about the list of the top 8 Highest mountains in Nepal, you can get more details on the Top 10 Highest mountains in Nepal.  

What Are The 10 Highest Mountains In The World? 

Each of the world's highest mountains has a significant name showcasing the rich history and culture behind them. 

1. Sagarmatha (Mount Everest)

The World’s highest mountain name signifies Sagar (sky) and Matha (head). The translation goes as the peak of Everest reaches the sky. 

2. K2

Locally known as Chhogori, Balti words Chhogo and Ri mean "big" and "mountain," respectively. The Chinese regard K2 as Qogir (for Chhogori). 

3. Kanchenjunga

The Tibetan word Kangchendzönga was simplified into Kanchenjunga. Kangchendzönga means "the five treasures of high snow," signifying the mountain's prominent five peaks.  

4. Lhotse

Locals derived Lhotse from the Tibetan word. Lhotse means South Peak. 

5. Makalu

Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world, came from the Sanskrit name Maha Kala. Maha Kala translates to “Big Black” to signify the Hindu God Shiva. Various Hindu texts depict Shiva with dark skin.

6. Cho Oyu

 Long ago, Tibetans named Cho Oyu as such. Cho Oyu means "Turquois Goddess." 

7. Dhaulagiri

Dhaulagiri remains one of the most epic derivations from Sanskrit. The Sanskrit word Dhaula means dazzling beautiful white while Giri means peak.  

8. Manaslu

Derived from the Sanskrit word Manasa, Manaslu means "mountain of the spirit." The meaning encompasses "intellect," almost as if framing the peak as a wise old soul.

9. Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat in Sanskrit means "Naked Mountain." Its local Tibetan name Diamer however, means "Huge Mountain." 

10. Annapurna I

The name Annapurna comes from the Sanskrit words Purna, which means "filled," and anna, which means "food." It means "everlasting food." 

Here is a list of the 10 Most Popular Trek in Nepal:

  1. Everest Base Camp Trek -14 Days
  2. Everest Base Camp Trek and Fly Back Helicopter -9 Days
  3. Everest 3 Passes Trek -21 Days
  4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill -12 Days
  5. Upper Mustang Trek-15 Days
  6. Manaslu Circuit Trek -14 Days
  7. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek -16 Days
  8. Nar Phu Valley Trek -9 Days
  9. Langtang Valley Short Trek - 7 Days
  10. Makalu Base Camp Trek -20 Days

Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World with Countries and Locations

The List of the Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World and their location is as below:

Mountain

Location

Height

First to the summit (nationality)

Date

Meters

Feet

 1. Everest

Nepal/Tibet

8,848.86

29,035

Edmund Hillary (New Zealander, UK), Tenzing Norgay (Nepalese)

May 29, 1953

 2. K2 (Godwin Austen)

Pakistan/China

8,611

28,250

A. Compagnoni, L. Lacedelli (Italian)

July 31, 1954

 3. Kangchenjunga

Nepal/India

8,586

28,169

G. Band, J. Brown, N. Hardie, S. Streather (UK)

May 25, 1955

 4. Lhotse

Nepal/Tibet

8,516

27,940

F. Luchsinger, E. Reiss (Swiss)

May 18, 1956

 5. Makalu

Nepal/Tibet

8,463

27,766

J. Couzy, L. Terray, J. Franco, G. Magnone-Gialtsen, J. Bouier, S. Coupé, P. Leroux, A. Vialatte (French)

May 15, 1955

 6. Cho Oyu

Nepal/Tibet

8,201

26,906

H. Tichy, S. Jöchler (Austrian), Pasang Dawa Lama (Nepalese)

Oct. 19, 1954

 7. Dhaulagiri

Nepal

8,167

26,795

A. Schelbert, E. Forrer, K. Diemberger, P. Diener (Swiss), Nyima Dorji, Nawang Dorji (Nepalese)

May 13, 1960

 8. Manaslu

Nepal

8,163

26,781

T. Imamishi, K. Kato, M. Higeta, (Japanese) G. Norbu (Nepalese)

May 9, 1956

 9. Nanga Parbat

Pakistan

8,125

26,660

Hermann Buhl (Austrian)

July 3, 1953

10. Annapurna

Nepal

8,091

26,545

M. Herzog, L. Lachenal (French)

June 3, 1950

Top 10 highest mountains in the world

Intro and then describe each below with appropriate length. Must give equal length to each. Must include where they are located, the special about it, height, how to get there, who climbed it first, and when, any Nepali who climbed this mountain, weather, people and culture, and any interesting facts.

1. What is The Highest Mountain in The World?

Sagarmatha/Everest (8848.86 m), the highest mountain globally, sits on the Nepal-China border at Solukhumbu. Climbed first by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary in 1953, the imperial beauty welcomes travelers from Nepal's southern ridge. A limited amount of special permits allows climbers to embrace May's peak (summer monsoon season). The most popular route starts from Lukla to Namche Bazaar. 

2. The Second Highest Mountain in the World

K2 (8611 m), the second-highest mountain in the world, falls on the Gilgit-Baltistan region's Pakistan-China border. Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni successfully climbed it in 1954. Climbers attempted and succeeded in summiting the peak from almost all ridges, all of those located on the Pakistan side. The standard route runs from Abruzzi Spur on the Pakistan side. K2 infamously remains untouched during the winter season and barely climbable during summer. 

3. Third Highest Mountain in the World

Situated in Taplejung, Nepal, Kanchenjunga (8586 m) takes third position in the world’s highest mountains. Englishmen Joe Brown and George Band first slew the peak in 1955. Climber access three routes from Nepal and one from India to get to the summit. The Limbu community of Nepal considers Kanchenjunga as an abode of the divine goddess Yuma Sammang. 

4. The Fourth Highest Mountain in the World

Silent Lhotse rises to 8516 m and quietly perches on the edge of the Nepal-Tibet border (Khumbu region). Climbers access the standard route from South Col to Yellow Band beyond Camp 3. Successfully first climbed in 1956 by Ernst Reiss, Lhotse welcomes climbers from September to November. The popular Lhotse face lies on the western flank of it. 


5. Fifth Highest Mountain in the World

Mahalangur Himalayas, Makalu (8485 m) boasts its 5th position from the Khumbu region of Nepal. First climbed in 1954 by American climber Riley Keegan. Makalu became infamous for its extreme difficulty and sharp ridges, yet climbers attempting in spring (March) succeeded the most. Part of Makalu's charm falls into the Makalu-Barun Valley's pristine scenery.

6. The Sixth Highest Mountain in the World

Turquoise Goddess Cho Oyu (8188 m) stands at the Nepal-Tibet border. The safest of all eight-thousanders, Cho Oyu, got slain first by Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama in 1954. Lhotse trek opens in March-May with Nangpa La as its standard pass. 

7. Seventh Highest Mountains in the World

The Snow White of the Highest Mountains in the world, Dhaulagiri (8167 m) in the Gandaki Province of Nepal welcomes climbers from the northeast ridge. Early spring (March) brings climbers from all over the world to Dhaulagiri. Nawang Dorje Sherpa and Nyima Dorje were the first climbers to conquer the snow-capped beauty. 

8. Eighth Highest Mountain Peak in the World

The Hanging Peak of Manaslu (8163 m) lies in Gorkha of Nepal, flirting with climbers and trekkers trotting in warm summer months. Surrounded by a massive Conservation area, Manaslu requires special permits costing about $70 for climbers to step afoot. 

9. Ninth Highest Mountain in the World

The Naked Mountain Nanga Parbat (8126 m) flaunts itself in the Diamer district of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Nanga Parbat, most welcoming from the northern ridge, allowed Austrian climber Hermann Buhl to be the first ascent to its summit. Seven Years in Tibet is one of the most remarkable Himalayan novels based around the immaculate vibes of Nanga Parbat.

10. Tenth Highest Mountain in the World

Annapurna I (8091 m), the Annapurna massif leader, ranks as the tenth highest peak in the world. The peak in the Gandaki region of Nepal, infamous for steep trails, keeps inexperienced climbers away. Featured at the Annapurna Conservation Area center, the peak remains accessible with plentiful tea houses along the way. Trekkers require a special permit and mostly travel during the expedition. 

Conclusion

Explore the world’s highest mountains. Adventurers in pursuit of once-in-a-lifetime experiences come to Nepal to bring meaning to their journeys. Let the snowy peaks speak to your inner self. Surrender your fears and set out on a journey to finding yourself. Escape and breathe the air of the Himalayas.

Karna Rana

Karna Rana

Namaste!

I hearty welcome to Nepal, known as the Kingdom of Himalayans, and the roof of the World “Mt. Everest.” Nepal has been named a Heaven on Earth and is a wonder in the Himalayan. It is the Shangri-La, a cultural Museum, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, and the country of the living Goddess “Kumari.”

I am Karna Rana Trekking Tour Operator and Mountain Guide, specializing in Trekking, Tour, Travel in Nepal, Hiking in the Himalayan and other Outdoor Activities, Peak Climbing, Expedition, Adventure Trekking, Rafting, etc. applying for my field expiring in 2000. Meanwhile, I have completed my Master’s degree in Rural Development (2016) from the Tribhuvan University of Kathmandu, Nepal’s leading educational institution. I have been applying my field experience in tourism, especially in remote areas of the country, for sustainable eco-tourism for local empowerment. I enjoyed writing my blog own word sharing my travel experience in the Himalayan, aiming to provide the right information and help to the Nepal Traveler.

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