The highest mountain in the world is Everest (Chomolungma). Where is the highest point on our planet? The highest grief in the world

What do you know about the highest peak in the world? That it's called Everest. Some will also remember the alternative name - Chomolungma. Can you tell me the height? At least approximately. Where is it located? Also no? Then once again we will talk about the highest mountains on Earth.

The undisputed leader in terms of height, this mountain, like a magnet, attracts professional climbers, beginners and people simply thirsty for extreme sports from all over the world. Climbing it is the cherished dream of everyone who has made at least one climb to any other peak. And today thousands of people every year make this dream come true.

Everest with routes and key points

Brief information. Chomolungma, also known as Everest, also known as Sagarmatha, is the highest peak in the world. Its peak reaches a height of 8848 meters. Belongs to the Himalaya mountain system, divided between China and Nepal. Most of the climbing takes place from the Nepal side. It takes about two hours for an ordinary person to walk 7 kilometers 200 meters. Here you need to climb up rocky slopes in cold, and even thin air. It’s still a test, but every year thousands of people decide to take it. Not all of them reach the top. Not everyone returns home. Many die in the process.

Despite this, organizing the climb to Everest has now become a profitable business. Nowadays, solo climbers are rare; most often people turn to special companies that assign guides, conductors, instructors, doctors to them, select equipment, purchase licenses for climbing, provisions, and medicines. In this case, the recovery may take up to two months. This time is needed for acclimatization, which is carried out at critical points. This pleasure is not cheap. On average, a tourist spends 65 thousand dollars for a climb. But he exchanges them for unforgettable impressions.

The second highest mountain peak, Chogori, is inferior to Everest, but not by much - 8611 meters. It belongs to the Karakoram mountain system and is located on the border of China and Pakistan. This is the northernmost eight-thousander and the most inhospitable. It is much more difficult to climb it than the almost lived-in Everest, surrounded by well-functioning service. Despite the fact that the mountain is the second highest, it is climbed much less often, and the risk is much higher. For example, no one has yet managed to conquer it in winter. The mortality rate among climbers is staggering: about 30%. True, it is calculated not from the total number of tourists, but in comparison with the number of people who reached the top.

The third highest mountain has a height of 8586 meters. It was divided between Nepal and India, and it belongs to the same Himalayas as Everest, but is located a little to the south. Kanchenjunga translated into Russian means “five treasures of the great snows,” and this is not just an artistic image: it is divided into five independent peaks, of which only one is below 8000 meters, and then only 100. This mountain is especially familiar to fans of Nicholas’s work Roerich, because she was one of his main sources of inspiration and was repeatedly depicted on his canvases.

Another eight-thousander, and again from the Himalayas. It is also divided into two states already familiar to us - Nepal and China. The name of this mountain is “South Peak”, which has some meaning. It is, indeed, located a little south of the famous Everest. It is connected to it by the famous South Col pass. The other side - the South Wall - is steep. By the way, she was conquered only once. In 1990, the Soviet Union assembled a powerful expedition of 17 climbers. Only two of them reached the top, the rest provided them with a safe ascent, but an unprecedented result could only be achieved through joint team efforts. The mountain is divided into three peaks with heights of 8516, 8414 and 8383 meters, respectively.

Again the border between China and Nepal, again the same mountain range. The Himalayas are the leaders in the number of high peaks and Makalu is another confirmation. The height of this mountain is 8485 meters. It is believed that of all the eight-thousanders, this is the heaviest. Only less than a third of all expeditions reach the top, and most have to turn off halfway. The “black giant” (this is how the name of the mountain is translated) is not particularly kind to climbers.

This is the sixth highest eight-thousander. You can guess the rest yourself: Nepal-China, Himalayas, height – 8201 meters. Accordingly, you can climb it from both one and the other side. But, if on the Nepal side you have to face a very difficult wall, which not everyone can overcome, then on the Tibet side there is a convenient pass that makes Cho-oyu one of the most convenient eight-thousanders for climbing.

Reading the name of this mountain the first time is already a task, and only a few manage to climb it. “White Mountain” is one of the most massive. It is divided into 11 peaks, however, only one was able to overcome the eight-thousandth mark - Dhaulagiri I. By the way, for some time it was Dhaulagiri that was considered the highest peak in the world. True, this was a long time ago, from 1808 to 1832.

This is already the eighth eight-thousander, but we still have the same thing: the Himalaya mountain range, but, for a change, it belongs entirely to Nepal. “Mountain of Spirits” is how its name is translated. This is a sacred place. Perhaps this is why climbing is considered quite dangerous, and the mortality rate reaches 18% even today. The mountain has three peaks, the highest of which rises to 8156 meters.

For a change, the mountain is located in Pakistan, although it belongs to the already well-known Himalayas. It is divided into 4 peaks, of which the highest is 8125 meters. “Naked Mountain”, “Mountain of the Gods” - it’s all about the ninth eight-thousander. It is considered one of the most difficult to climb due to the climatic conditions and bare sheer peaks. The situation is complicated by the unsettled situation in the country. So, in 2013, a real tragedy occurred when militants attacked a climbers’ camp. 10 people died, including three Kharkov residents. Not surprisingly, the mortality rate is 22%.

Our list ends with another eight-thousander, the most dangerous. The mortality rate is 41%. The name of the mountain translates as “Goddess of Fertility,” but apparently this goddess requires human sacrifice. However, the number of climbers willing to climb its 8091-meter peak is sufficient.

These are the ten highest mountains and the first of 14 eight-thousanders. Several people have already managed to conquer them all, and thousands more dream of it. Perhaps you are among them.

The highest mountains in the world have different names, but at the same time they can be called briefly - Seven Peaks is a term that appeared in 1985 at the suggestion of Richard Bass (the man who was the first to conquer all seven peaks) and united the seven highest peaks on each continent. This association is not equal to the ranking of the highest mountains in the world, most of which are located in Nepal. This list is made up of mountains, each of which is the highest on its continent.

The highest peak in North America is located in Alaska and is the center of Denali National Park. The summit of Mount McKinley is 6194 meters away from the ground. This mountain is the third in the world in terms of topographic position, surpassed only by Everest and Aconcagua. And if you take into account the ratio of base to peak, then McKinley is the highest mountain in the world. The mountain got its name in honor of the American president, and the Indian name - Denali - means “great”.

Part of the Andes and with a height of 6959 meters, Mount Aconcagua is considered the highest peak in South America. The mountain is located in the Argentine province of Mendoza and is 15 km from the border with Chile. The name of the mountain comes from the Quechua words for “stone guardian.”


Europe – Mount Elbrus (Russia)

Elbrus is an inactive volcano with a height of 5642 meters, which is located in the Caucasus Mountains on the border of Russia and Georgia.

Elbrus has several other names, the most romantic of which, translated from Adyghe and Kabardino-Circassian, means “mountain that brings happiness.”


Asia – Mount Everest (Nepal/China)

The world's highest mountain, Everest, is located exactly on the border of Nepal and China. Everest is part of the Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world. This is where the highest mountains in the world are located. The height of Everest is 8848 meters. Everest attracts all climbers of the world and this is understandable. Technically, Everest's routes are not very difficult, but they come with the added challenges of altitude sickness, extreme winds and nasty weather conditions. The name Everest is English - in honor of the head of the geodetic service who first told the European community about this peak. The mountain has the Tibetan name Chomolungma (divine mother of life) and the equivalent Nepalese name Sagarmatha (mother of the gods).


The highest mountain on the African continent is an extinct volcano, the highest point of which is 5895 meters away from sea level. Moreover, Kilimanjaro has three peaks, two of which are extinct, and the third may well wake up. Kilimanjaro erupted 360,000 years ago, but volcanic activity at Kibo Peak (the highest of the three) was seen 200 years ago, indicating that the volcano is potentially active. In Swahili, the name Kilimanjaro means "sparkling mountain".


The highest point of Oceania is also the highest mountain in the world, which is located on an island. Puncak Jaya is located in the west of the island of New Guinea. The height of Mount Puncak Jaya, also called simply Jaya or Carstensz Pyramid, is 4884 meters. The name of the mountain means "mountain of victory" in Indonesian.


Antarctica - Mount Vinson

The seventh of the highest mountains in the world received its name in honor of Carl Vinson, an eminent American politician. The Vinson Mountains are part of the Ellsworth Mountains and have a high point 4,892 meters above sea level.


Seven mountains, each unique in its origin and beauty, attract climbers from all over the world. Climbers who have conquered the Seven Peaks are united in an informal community.

What is the largest mountain in the world, you ask? If by world we mean our planet, then two mountains claim this place: Mount Everest in the Himalayas and Mount Mauna Kea in the Hawaiian Islands. Let's look at each of them, and you decide for yourself which is the largest mountain in the world.

Is Mount Everest the largest mountain in the world or the highest?

(Photo of Mount Everest No. 1)

Mount Everest is named after Sir George Everest, surveyor of British India from 1830 to 1843. and is located in the Himalaya mountain system on the Mahalangur Himal ridge.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain peak in Asia and the highest point on the earth's surface. Its main northern peak is located in China and is 8848 m above sea level. Its southern highest point is located on the border of the Republic of Nepal and Tibet and is 8760 m above sea level.

(Photo of Mount Everest No. 2)

Mount Everest is also called "Qomolungma" in the local Tibetan language, which means "Goddess Mother of the World", or there is another name "Sagarmatha" in the ancient Indian language - "Ocean of the Mother."

Who decided that Everest is the largest mountain in the world? This important discovery was made by the Indian scientist - mathematician and topographer Radhanat Sikdar, who calculated the height of Chomolungma using trigonometry in 1852.

The largest mountain in the world resembles a triangular pyramid in shape, with a very steep bare slope on the south side. From its top, giant glaciers begin, which descend down the mountain and end at an altitude of 5000 m. The Arun River flows through a special through valley for more than 6 km in a southerly direction near Mount Everest.

Many climbers dream of conquering this top of the world, but for some, this risky climb turns out to be deadly. Until now, about 260 people have died on the slopes of Mount Chomolungma. What is the climate like on the largest mountain in the world? For the human body there is very rarefied air, containing little oxygen, add hurricane winds of 55 m/sec, and very low air temperature - 50-60 degrees (but it feels like 100-120 degrees), intense solar radiation also plays a role, as well as The usual dangers for mountains are avalanches, falling into gorges or from slopes. It is impossible to climb Everest without guides and special expensive equipment. But there were brave souls who were the first to conquer this largest mountain in the world - Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary, they climbed to the top through the South Col in 1953. This is a brief introduction to the beautiful majestic mountain that has broken all records for the highest altitude on land. Who is her rival on our planet? Is there really another largest mountain in the world?

Mauna Kea volcano is the largest mountain in the world

(Mauna Kea Photo #1)

The largest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea is an extinct shield volcano, which with its mega base is immersed in the depths of the Pacific Ocean for as much as 6 thousand meters. The visible part of the mountain to the top is 4200 m above sea level (the total height of the mountain is about 10203 m from the base to the top) and is located on the Hawaiian Islands, which have a number of active and extinct volcanoes. Opinions about its formation differed. Some believe that this extinct volcano is millions of years old, while others believe that this mountain, like other mountains, is quite young and was formed thanks to a global earthly catastrophe - the water Flood.

Ever since Sir Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, thousands of climbers have been eager to emulate his feat. Thanks to Everest's impressive title of being the world's tallest mountain, so many people have climbed it that every year this Himalayan beauty gradually turns into a literal garbage dump.

Everest is the highest mountain in the world (∼ 8,848 m)

When we talk about what is the highest mountain in the world, we usually think about the height above sea level. And if we take this parameter, then the height of the mountain (8849 meters above sea level) is beyond competition. Everest extends higher into the atmosphere than any other peak in the world.

However, the farthest point from the center of the Earth, and therefore the highest in terms of distance, is Chimborazo (6384 meters above sea level). This is a stratovolcano in Ecuador that is part of the Andes mountain range.

The earth is not flat, it bulges out at the equator and flattens out near the poles. This means that mountains near the equator are technically higher than those in other areas of the planet. And it so happens that Chimborazo is closer to the convex center of the Earth than Everest. It turns out that it is closer to the stars than the highest point of Mount Everest.

The hardest mountain for climbers

According to one report, Everest extends 6,382 meters from the center of the Earth. At the same time, Chimborazo extends over a distance of 6384 meters. Although the height difference between the two mountains is only 2 km, it is enough to give the title of “highest mountain” to the Ecuadorian stratovolcano.

So why does Mount Everest continue to receive all the laurels while Chimborazo remains relatively unnoticed? It all comes down to the difficulty of the climb.

If you are a climber and want to challenge yourself by conquering Everest, the journey to base camp will take 10 days. It will take another six weeks to acclimatize, followed by nine days to reach the summit. On the other hand, acclimatization on Chimborazo takes about two weeks, and the journey to the top takes about two days. Simply put, after Everest, climbing Chimborazo will seem like a walk in the park.

Above and below sea level

Mount Everest is the highest point above sea level, but if we are talking about sheer height from base to summit, then the honor of being called the highest mountain goes to the “White Mountain” (Mauna Kea) on the island of Hawaii. Its height above sea level is 4205 meters, but the mountain goes 5,998 meters down to the bottom. More than half of the mountain is submerged in water.

The total height of Mauna Kea is 10,203 meters. This is 1345 meters higher than Everest.

Mauna Kea is actually an extinct volcano on the big island of Hawaii. It was created about a million years ago when the Pacific Ocean tectonic plate moved over a plume of liquid magma deep within the Earth. Mauna Kea last erupted about 4,600 years ago.

The top of the mountain is an astronomer's paradise: It has low humidity, clear skies, and a great distance from any light pollution. That is, from the top of the volcano, perhaps the best view of celestial objects opens. There are currently 13 telescopes on the peak of Mauna Kea.

It is important to note again that Everest is the highest of the highest mountains when measured from sea level. If you use this parameter, then Chimborazo cannot even qualify for the title of “highest peak in the Andes.” This title belongs to Mount Aconcagua, which rises 6961 meters above sea level.

The highest mountains on each continent

  1. In Asia - Mount Everest (8,849 meters).
  2. In South America - Mount Aconcagua (6,961 meters).
  3. In North America - Mount McKinley (6,190 meters).
  4. In Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters).
  5. In Europe - Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters)
  6. In Antarctica there is the Vinson Massif (4,897 meters).

In Australia - Oceania - Mount Puncak Jaya (4,884 meters) in Oceania and Mount Kosciuszko - the highest point on the Australian continent (2,228 meters).

Top 10 highest mountains in the world

The problem with measurement is that it is often unclear where the dividing line lies between a mountain with several peaks and a single mountain. For this reason, it is better to use a measurement called “topographic elevation” (the height of a mountain peak above the bottom of the valley closest to the mountain). Taking into account first of all this criterion, and secondly the height above sea level, we have compiled a rating of the highest points on Earth.




Topographic elevation - 4,741 m.

It rises 5,642 m above sea level.

Mount Elbrus is an extinct volcano located in the western part of the Caucasus Range, in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, near the Russian-Georgian border. This is the highest peak in the Caucasus.


Excess - 4,884 m.

Height - 4,884 m.

This mountain, located on the Australian Plate on the island of New Guinea, was originally named after its discoverer, the Dutchman Jan Carstens. In 1965, it changed its name in honor of the Indonesian President Sukarno, and in 1969 it was renamed for the third time, to Jaya (Indonesian for Victory) and stopped there for now.


Excess - 4,892 m.

The height of the peak is 4,892 m.

Record holders of Antarctica and part of the Elsworth Mountains, which rise above the Ronne Ice Shelf.


Elevation - 4,922 m

The height according to GPS is 5,636 m, according to INEGI - 5,611 m.

Stratovolcano, the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. Orizaba last erupted in 1687, after which it “fell asleep” and has not woken up to this day.


Topographic elevation - 5,250 m

Altitude above sea level - 5,959 m.

The highest mountain in Canada and the second in North America, after McKinley. Due to active tectonic uplift, Logan is still growing in height. Until 1992, the exact height of the mountain was unknown and was assumed to range from 5,959 to 6,050 meters. In May 1992, the GSC expedition climbed Logan and established the current altitude of 5,959 meters using GPS


Topographic elevation - 5,585 m.

Above sea level - 5,776 m

Highest point in Colombia. The Colombian peak of Simon Bolivar is almost equal in height to it. Together they are the country's two closest peaks to the stars.


Topographic elevation - 5,885 m.

Above sea level - 5,895 m.

Kilimanjaro, and its three volcanic cones (Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira) is an inactive volcanic mountain in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. This is the highest mountain in Africa. There is no documented evidence of Kilimanjaro's eruption, but local legends say that the volcano was active 150-200 thousand years ago.


Topographic elevation - 6,144 m

Altitude above sea level - 6,190 m

The double-headed Mount McKinley (aka Denali), located in Alaska, is the highest mountain peak in the United States and North America. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was called Big Mountain and was the highest point of the Russian Empire.


Topographic elevation - 6,962 m.

Above sea level - 6,962 m.

The highest mountain in North and South America. It is located in the Andes mountain range, in the Argentine province of Mendoza. In 2013, the youngest climber, nine-year-old American Tyler Armstrong, climbed the mountain. And last year, Aconcagua was conquered by the youngest climber, twelve-year-old Romanian Dor Jeta Popescu.

1. Mount Everest (Qomolungma)


Topographic elevation - 8,848 m.

Altitude above sea level - 8,848 m.

The leader of the mountain charts was named after the English colonel, Sir George Everest, who was the chief surveyor of India from 1830 to 1843. Mount Everest is also known by the Tibetan name Qomolungma (Mother Goddess of Vital Energy) and the Nepalese name Sagarmatha (Forehead of Heaven).

Where is the tallest mountain in the world?

Qomolungma is located in the Mahalangur Himal mountain range in the Himalayas. Part of it lies on the border of Nepal and China, part on the territory of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Many human triumphs and tragedies have been associated with Everest. George Mallory (Great Britain) was the first climber to attempt Everest. In 1924, he died near the summit and his remains were found only in 1999, but the body of his teammate Andrew Irwin was not found.

Mount Everest has been the inspiration for many Guinness World Records, from the simple fact that it is the world's tallest peak to the world's tallest (by location) concert.

Despite the title of "the highest peak on Earth", Everest is not the tallest mountain on the planet. That is, Everest has no equal in height above sea level. But as for the height from the base to the top, the palm is held by Mauna Kea in Hawaii, USA. Its visible part is 4,205 meters, and the rest is under water. The total height of Mauna Kea reaches 10,203 meters.

Among climbers, the highest mountains in the world are called the “Seven Summits”. This list includes:

  1. Everest - 8848 m.
  2. Aconcagua - 6959 m.
  3. McKinley - 6194 m.
  4. Kilimanjaro - 5895 m.
  5. Elbrus - 5642 m.
  6. Vinson - 4892 m.
  7. Puncak Jaya - 4884 m.

Major mountain peaks

You can often hear the question: which mountains are the highest? This is Everest. The mountain is considered the highest on the entire planet. Thousands of climbers strive to get here. Basically, if you climb along a proven route, no technical difficulties ever arise. But these beautiful mountains are not conquered by everyone. Climbers face different problems:

  • strong winds;
  • lack of oxygen;
  • unpredictable weather;
  • various diseases.

By the way, Lhotse - this mountain, exceeding 8000 m, ranks fourth among the highest peaks in the world. It is located closest to Everest. However, climbers are in no hurry to conquer its peak; there have been very few ascents.

The highest mountains in the world are mainly found in the Andes. Among them, Aconcagua is considered the highest. This mountain is famous for several glaciers, the most famous being the Polish Glacier. The Andes mountains are perhaps the most beautiful in the world.

The highest mountains are also in Alaska. A prominent representative was Mount McKinley, reaching 6194 m. Which mountains are the highest? We can consider that this mountain, having such a height, is one of the highest points on the entire Earth.

Features of highly elevated areas

The highest mountains in Africa are represented by Kilimanjaro. It is located in Tanzania and is of volcanic origin.

It contains several volcanic formations:

  • Kiba;
  • Mawenzi;
  • Shira.

The mountain is more than a million years old. This is the oldest mountain on the planet. Its formation is associated with a volcanic eruption and lava falling into a beautiful rift valley. Beautiful mountains have always interested climbers. Every year tens of thousands of people try to conquer this height.

In Europe and Russia, Elbrus is considered the highest mountain. This is a long-extinct volcano, but beneath it, molten magma rages at great depths.

The most beautiful hills are the Caucasus Mountains, among which Elbrus stands out. If you translate the word “Elbrus” into Russian, you get “high mountain”. Elbrus glaciers feed several rivers:

  • Kuban;
  • Malka;
  • Baksan.

Antarctica is considered another beautiful place. It is here that the Visson massif is located, reaching an altitude of 4892 m.

You can meet Mount Puncak Jaya if you visit Australia. Two Austrian climbers were able to conquer this height for the first time. This happened in the early 60s of the last century. Today, to conquer the rock, you must obtain government permission. Only specialized travel agencies can obtain such permission.

Annapurna is a mountain in Tibet that is considered the most difficult to climb on Earth. In the middle of the 20th century, French climbers managed to climb its peak. This ascent is considered the most outstanding in the world for the entire history of mountaineering.

No oxygen was used during the ascent. This can be called a feat, because at an altitude of more than 8000 m the air contains only 30% oxygen. A person can only be in such conditions for a short period of time. It took exactly two weeks for climbers to descend from this mountain. The mountain in Tibet is one of the most dangerous peaks in the world; more than 40% of climbers die while climbing.

The second highest peak (Chogori) is located in Karakorum. The peak is located at an altitude of more than 8611 m. It is the most difficult mountain to climb. Moving along the easiest route, climbers have to pass through difficult glaciers. On their way there are rocks with steep sections. You have to overcome frequent seracs, which are icy blocks that barely hold on and can suddenly collapse. Since it is very difficult to climb this mountain, it is considered the most dangerous on the planet. Almost 24% of people who dare to conquer it die during the ascent.

Kanchenjunga is also a very dangerous peak, which reaches 8586 m and is located in the Himalayas. This mountain also received another name in the world, namely “Five Treasures Peak”. Climbing Kanchenjunga is associated with the death of many climbers.

In recent years, the percentage of accidents has increased significantly and amounted to 22%. The main reasons were various difficulties (avalanches, atmospheric conditions and technical difficulties).

Other mountain peaks

The most famous highlands on Earth are the following:

  1. Nanga Parbat.

The height of the mountain reaches 8126 m. The rock is located in the north of the Himalayas and is considered their northern end.

To get to this height, you need to go through a narrow mountain climb. The southern part of this ridge, exceeding 4600 m, is considered the mountain slope with the largest dimensions on the planet. Since the difficulty of climbing the mountain has a very high coefficient, this mountain received the second name “Killer Mountain”.

In the west of Europe, right in the Alps, this high peak is located, reaching 4810 m. A mountain range stretching for 50 km is also named by this name.

A huge area is hidden under the ice. Almost 200 km² is covered with a thick ice crust. The name means "white mountain".

Near the top there are famous ski resorts:

  • Chamonix - France;
  • Courmayeur - Italy.

Mont Blanc was first conquered in 1786 by two French climbers Balmat and Paccard. Local residents call this massif the “cursed mountains” due to the high mortality rate.

Basically, for modern mountaineering, climbing this rock is not considered particularly difficult. However, almost every year accidents are recorded here. The main reasons are considered to be poor preparedness, poor organization, climatic conditions and avalanches.

This most beautiful mountain on Earth is located in the Alps. It shares Italy with Switzerland. Its peak reaches 4478 m. The mountain is unique in its shape, which looks like a horn that begins to grow directly from the numerous valleys surrounding the massif. The highest mortality rate is recorded among climbers trying to conquer this mountain.