Mountains were formed over millions of years by the process of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is the process where pieces of Earth’s crust known as plates collide with each other forming the mountain ranges such as Himalayas, Alps, Rocky Mountains, Andes, Hindu Kush, and many more. These enormous landmarks have captivated millions of peoples all over the world for centuries. Thousands of people every year dream and try to conquer this giants. Mountains commonly serve as geographical markers to establish countries’ natural borders. Their height have an impact on weather patterns, slowing down storms that roll off the oceans and squeezing water from clouds. The opposite side is usually significantly dryer.
In general, the highest mountains above sea level are not the highest above the surrounding landscape. Denali, Kilimanjaro, and Nanga Parbat could be contenders for the title of tallest mountain on land based on this metric, though the term “surrounding base” is not well defined. Given that the bases of mountain islands are below sea level, Mauna Kea (4,207 m (13,802 ft.) above sea level) is the world’s tallest mountain and volcano, rising approximately 10,203 m (33,474 ft.) from the Pacific Ocean floor.
Top 10 Highest Mountains in The World
The topic of the highest mountain has been one of the most controversial subjects for years, as the height of a mountain can be a bit tricky to measure and the base of these mountains isn’t clear. There are at least 108 mountains on Earth with 7200 meters or greater above the sea level. Out of these 14 are above 8000 meters from the sea level. So, in this article, we are going to look at the list of the top 10 highest mountains in the world measured by sea level. Without further ado, let’s climb into the list of these gigantic mountains.
10. Annapurna (I)
Annapurna (I), in the Annapurna massif, is the 10th highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) above sea level. This mountain is located in the Annapurna massif of Gandaki Province, North-Central Nepal. Annapurna is named after the Hindu goddess of food and nourishment. The word Annapurna comes from Sanskrit, ‘anna’ meaning food and ‘purna’ meaning fulfilled. Lower-elevation meadows and agricultural fields are supplied with water by several streams that stream from the Annapurna Massif’s slopes.
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Country: Nepal
- Height: 8,091 meters (26,545 feet)
This peak was the first 8,000-meter mountain to be successfully summitted. This feat was achieved by the French expedition team led by Maurice Herzog in 1950 A.D. Though it has had tremendous climbing achievements recently, with the death rate dropping from 32% to under 20% from 2012 to 2022, Annapurna (I) had the greatest fatality-to-summit rate of any major eight-thousand peak for decades.
9. Nanga Parbat
Nanga Parbat, in the Himalayan range, is the ninth highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,126 meters (26,660 feet) above sea level. It is located in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, just south of the Indus River. Mountain gets its name from Sanskrit word ‘Nanga’ meaning naked and ‘Parbat’ meaning mountain. The name refers to the southern side of mountain, which is usually snowless. Nanga Parbat is the Himalaya’s westernmost significant summit.
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Country: Pakistani-administered Kashmir (Gilgit-Baltistan)
- Height: 8,091 meters (26,545 feet)
Nanga Parbat is infamous for being an extremely challenging ascend, earning the nickname Killer Mountain because of the high number of climber fatalities and the fact that it tests climbers to their limit. Its steep and snowy slopes, in addition to unpredictable weather and high elevation, combine for an exceedingly difficult climb. It was successfully summited by an Austrian-German expedition team led by Hermann Buhl for the first time in 1953 A.D.
8. Manaslu
Manaslu, in the Himalayan range, is the eighth highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Mansiri Himal, (part of Nepalese Himalayas) in the Gorkha district (Gandaki Province) in the Northern part of Nepal. Manaslu gets its name from Sanskrit word ‘manasa’ meaning ‘soul’. The name means “mountain of spirits”. Its beauty and formidable presence have made it a favorite climbing destination, despite the fact that it remains a difficult and risky climb.
- Mountain Range: Mansiri Himal, Himalayas
- Country: Nepal
- Height: 8,163 meters (26,781 feet)
On May 9, 1956, Japanese explorers Gyalzen Norbu and Toshio Imanishi made the first ascent of Mount Manaslu. Multiple routes have been developed since then, each with unique threats and challenges. Particularly the North Face of Manaslu is well-known for its steep and challenging terrain, which makes it a popular choice for professional climbers seeking a challenge.
7. Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri, in the Himalayan range, is the seventh highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Dhaulagiri Himal, (part of Nepalese Himalayas) in the Myagdi district (Gandaki Province) in the west central part of Nepal. Dhaulagiri gets its name from Sanskrit word ‘dhawala’ meaning dazziling, white, beautiful and ‘giri’ meaning mountain. Its beauty and formidable presence have made it a favorite climbing destination, despite the fact that it remains a difficult and risky climb.
- Mountain Range: Dhaulagiri Himal, Himalayas
- Country: Nepal
- Height: 8,167 meters (26,795 feet)
On May 13, 1960, a group of Austrian, Swiss, and Nepalese expeditioner made the first ascent of Dhaulagiri. Since then, Dhaulagiri has grown in popularity among mountaineers, despite the fact that it remains a difficult and risky climb. Its steep slopes, considerable avalanche risk, and acclimatization challenges make it a less popular peak to climb compared to some of the world’s tallest mountains.
6. Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu, in the Himalayan range, is the sixth highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,201 meters (26,906 feet) above sea level. This is the westernmost significant peak in the Khumbu Sub-region of the Mahalangur range. Cho Oyu is located on the boundary between Nepal and China. The name of mountain comes from Tibetan word ‘Cho Oyu’ meaning Turquoise Goddess. It takes about 56 days to successfully climb the mountain, which is available to expeditions. When it comes to mountaineering, Cho Oyu is not as difficult as its adjacent peaks.
- Mountain Range: Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
- Country: Nepal/China
- Height: 8,201 meters (26,906 feet)
On October 19, 1954, Australian Joseph Joechler, Italian Herbert Tichy, and Nepalese Pasang Dawa Lama made the first ascent of Mount Cho-Oyu. Since then, mountaineer have made the peak a popular destination, with multiple routes having been developed. That does not lower the difficulty, though, since the mountain’s altitude, climate, and vulnerability can still make for a challenging and dangerous climb.
5. Makalu (I)
Makalu (I), in the Himalayan range, is the fifth highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) above sea level. Mount Makalu, stands in the Mahalangur range of the Nepal Himalayas, southeast of Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Makalu is an isolated summit in the shape of a four-sided pyramid. Makalu I is located in Makalu Village Development Committee, Makalu rural municipality, Sankhuwasabha District of Nepal’s Eastern Development Region. Climbing Makalu is an intense physical and technical challenge due to its steep slopes and pyramid-shaped summit.
- Mountain Range: Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
- Country: Nepal/China
- Height: 8,485 meters (27,838 feet)
A French team led by Jean Franco and Lionel Terray successfully completed the first expedition of Makalu in 1955. The peak is now not as popular but still very sought-after by mountaineers because only a small number of climbers have made it to the top since then. While climbing Makalu is not a simple task due to its challenging terrain, prolonged route walk, and erratic weather, the rewards of reaching the summit are unmatched.
4. Lho Tse
Lho Tse, in the Himalayan range, is the fourth highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,516 meters (27,940 feet) above sea level. LhoTse is located in the eastern region of Nepal, in the Khumjung Village , which is part of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local municipality of the Solukhumbu District. ‘Lho Tse’ is a Tibetan word meaning south peak. It is open for expedition and takes approximately 60 days to climb LhoTse. Considering Mount Everest and Lhotse share a section of the summit ridge, Lhotse is a popular choice for climbers attempting to summit both summits in a single expedition.
- Mountain Range: Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
- Country: Nepal/China
- Height: 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger led a Swiss team that made the first successful expedition of Lho Tse in 1956. Multiple routes have been developed since then, each with different threats and challenges. Particularly the South Face of Lhotse, with its virtually vertical slope of 3,131 meters (10,272 ft.), is considered as one of the world’s steepest and challenging routes. Because of its near to Everest, Lhotse draws experienced climbers seeking a difficult yet worthwhile ascent.
3. Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga, in the Himalayan range, is the third highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) above sea level. Kanchenjunga Main is located in the border region between Koshi Province of Nepal and Sikkim state of India. The name “Kangchenjunga” comes as “Five Treasures of Snow,” and refers to the mountain’s five peaks. In Nepali and Sikkimese tradition, Kanchenjunga is revered as a deity. Kangchenjunga was thought to be the highest mountain in the world until 1852. However, calculations based on several readings and measurements conducted by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in 1849 concluded that Mount Everest, which was then known as Peak XV, was the highest mountain.
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Country: India/Nepal
- Height: 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
The mountain have a rich history of mountaineering. In 1955, a British team led by Charles Evans completed the first successful climb to Kangchenjunga. Since then, climbers have discovered it to be a popular destination, with several routes emerging throughout time. Despite its remote location and diverse terrain, the mountain remains a difficult and dangerous climb. For those who dare to traverse its daunting slopes, it remains a treasured and breathtaking summit.
2. Mount K2
Kanchenjunga, in the Karakoram range, is the second highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level. It is located in the China-Pakistan border at the Karakoram mountain range. The mountain’s name comes from the notation used by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of British India. At the time, there was no apparent local name for the mountain, thus it stuck. K2 is also known as the ‘Savage Mountain’. K2 is regarded as one of the most difficult and deadly mountains to climb.
- Mountain Range: Karakoram
- Country: Pakistan/China
- Height: 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)
The sharp slopes, severe weather, and snow avalanches make it a difficult and risky climb. In fact, the fatality rate for climbers attempting to summit K2 is over 25%, making it more dangerous than Everest. Numerous seasoned mountaineer have been drawn to the peaks of K2 by the prospect of climbing it, despite the risks involved. The first successful ascent was accomplished in 1954 by an Ardito Desio-led Italian expedition. Since then, a multitude of routes have been developed, each posing unique risks and difficulties for climbers. While K2 may not enjoy the same amount of popularity as Everest, any mountaineer have appreciate and admire it.
1. Mount Everest
With an astounding altitude of 8,848.86 meters (29,029 feet), Mount Everest is the world’s tallest peak. Located at the boundary of Nepal and Tibet in the Mahalangur Himalayan region of the Himalayas, Everest has long captivated the attention of adventurous and mountaineers worldwide. Mount Everest’s Sanskrit name is Sagarmatha which means “the head in the great blue sky”, being derived from ‘sagar’, meaning “sky”, and ‘matha’, meaning “head”. Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal) were the first to successfully summit Mount Everest in 1953, and countless of courageous individuals have since been following in their footsteps.
- Mountain Range: Himalayan
- Country: Nepal/China
- Height: 8,848.86 meters (29,029 feet)
Climbing to the summit of Everest is not a trip for the weak of heart. A tough task is set out by the elevation difficult terrain, and changing weather. It takes weeks to reach base camp alone, and before the actual climb even starts, it requires weeks of acclimatization Reaching the summit of Mount Everest, however, is a once-in-a-lifetime and unique experience for those who are prepared to put in the challenging journey.
Conclusion
Hope your climb to the list of top 10 highest mountains in the world was fun and you learned something. You can also read our other articles related to the science and the list of top 10s.
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Video Reference
Other References
- https://nepalhimalpeakprofile.org/cho-oyu
- https://nepalhimalpeakprofile.org/makalu-i
- https://nepalhimalpeakprofile.org/lho-tse
- https://www.climbing-kilimanjaro.com/
- https://www.satoriadventuresnepal.com/
- https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/
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Great post on the world’s highest mountains! Your insights into each peak really highlight their unique challenges and significance. It’s fascinating how the Everest Base Camp trek offers stunning views and rich culture, while the Annapurna Base Camp trek from luxury Pokhara combines comfort with breathtaking scenery. Both treks are perfect for adventure seekers looking to experience the majestic Himalayas!
Thank you so much for sharing a very informative article. after reading this travellers can easily travel to and explore Nepal. Thank you so much again for showing the beauty of Nepal