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

An adventurer looks up "10 Highest Mountains in the World" online in a fit of free-spirited search. Google, the expert, provides a meticulously curated list accompanied by stunning high-resolution images. The adventurer is thrilled. They are overjoyed when they find out eight out of ten of the majestic peaks lie 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 delve into the essential details of these breathtaking 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 expedition of teams from Nepal and China recently confirmed the height after a remeasurement. The iconic Sagarmatha boasts glorious views of snow-capped peaks against a 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 surroundings become holistic. 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 season. The Sagarmatha district, Province 1 of Nepal, is the location of all these experiences.

Where Are The 10 Highest Mountains In The World? 

Researchers discover additional hidden peaks beyond the highest ones in the world. Years of mountain research have revealed 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 are scattered over Pakistan, China, and India. Pakistan consists of the second-highest mountain range in the world, the 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.  

Nepal has fourteen formally recognized eight-thousand-meter peaks after adding six more 8000ers.

The Nepalese government has currently (February 4, 2025) processed six mountains rising beyond eight thousand meters. The eight formally identified mountains are above 8,000 meters.

The government has changed its peak profile and formally named fourteen mountains higher than 8,000 meters. The government now acknowledges twenty mountains, totaling more than 8,000 meters, as the highest in the world.

Experts point out, therefore, that the revised list for worldwide acceptance must be approved by the authority accredited by the International Olympic Committee, the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA).

The Department of Tourism has changed the updated peak profile on its website, adding six more eight-thousanders to Nepal's official list. Now, only Nepal has 14 of the highest mountains in the world.

From the Kanchenjunga range, four mountains have lately been found; two are from Everest. From the Kanchenjunga Himalaya range are the 8,505-meter Yalung Khang, 8,077-meter Yalung Khang West, 8,493-meter Kanchenjunga Central, and 8,476-meter Kanchenjunga South.

Two peaks from the Mahalangur Himal range, which includes Everest, are Lhotse Middle (8,410 meters) and Lhotse Shar (8,400 meters).

The eight thousand featured here from Nepal include Everest (8,848.86 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,263 meters), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Manaslu (8,163 m).

One in Shishapangma in China is 8,027 meters; Pakistan has eight-thousanders K2 (8,611 meters), Nanga Parbat (8,125 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), and Gasherbrum II (8,034 m).
 

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's name signifies Sagar (sky) and Matha (head). The translation goes as follows: the peak of Everest reaches the sky. 

2. K2

Locally known as Chhogori, the 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 "Turquoise 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 portraying 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." 

Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World with Countries and Locations

The list of the top 10 highest mountains in the world and their locations is as follows:

Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World

First, provide an introduction, followed by a detailed description of each mountain below, ensuring that each description is of equal length. Each description should have an equal length. It must include where they are located, what is 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. First climbed by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary in 1953, the imperial beauty welcomes travelers from Nepal's southern ridge. A limited number of special permits allow climbers to embrace May's peak (summer monsoon season). The most popular route starts from Lukla to Namche Bazaar.  After the epic journey by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, travelers around the world have visited the Mt. Everest Base Camp trek and the most popular Kala Patthar (5,555 m). In 2024, spring data show 800 to 900 trekkers entering the Sagarmatha National Park to see Mt. Everest. 

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 the ridges, all of which were located on the Pakistani side. The standard route runs from Abruzzi Spur on the Pakistani side. K2 infamously remains untouched during the winter season and barely climbable during summer. 

3. The third-highest Mountain in the World

Situated in Taplejung, Nepal, Kanchenjunga (8586 m) takes third place in the world’s highest mountains. Englishmen Joe Brown and George Band first slew the peak in 1955. Climbers must 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. To see Mount Kanchenjunga from the nearest distance, it is best to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. There are North and South Base Camps, two base camps for the Kanchenjunga Expedition, but the South Base Camp is most commonly used for the expedition due to better access. Basically, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek can be done in 17 days, ranging from a short time to more than three weeks to explore the verdant side of the region. 

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. Most of the Lhotse ExpeditionExpedition route is the same as the Everest route, so during the spring and autumn seasons, you can see many expedition groups at Everest Base Camp. 

5. Fifth-Highest Mountain in the World

Mahalangur Himalayas, Makalu (8485 m), boasts its 5th position in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It was 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 lies in the Makalu-Barun Valley's pristine scenery.  Makalu Base Camp Trek is now known as the tea house trek, where trekkers can stay overnight at tea houses and hotels and eat food chosen from menu cards. 

6. The Sixth-Highest Mountain in the World

The turquoise goddessCho Oyu (8188 m) stands at the Nepal-Tibet border. The safest of all eight-thousanders, Cho Oyu, was first climbed by Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama in 1954. The Lhotse trek opens in March-May with Nangpa La as its standard pass. Mostly, Mt. Cho Oyu was climbed from the Tibet side; however, this spring (2024), a French climber named Alasdair McKenzie, along with a team of veteran Nepali Sherpas (Tenging Gyaljen, Gelje, and others), has made history by climbing Mt. Cho Oyu from the Nepal side for the first time. The Cho Oyu base camp is near the most popular Gokyo Lakes trek.

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. After Dhaulagiri's expedition, many mountaineers follow the footprints of the pioneer legend, and many trekkers even do the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek for the ultimate adventure.

8. The 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. Manaslu needs unique permits that cost about $70 in order for climbers to enter the surrounding vast conservation area. Recently, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has become popular to observe Mt. Manaslu and the snow-covered mountain in the Himalaya near the Tibet border.

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 make 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. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and the ABC Trek via Poon Hill are the most popular treks in the region. 

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 find yourself. Escape and breathe the air of the Himalayas.