Have you ever wondered what are the top 10 highest mountain peaks in the world? Perhaps you know the highest mountain peak in the world but what about others who might be less in terms of height but treacherous to climb. Look no further. Below you will find list of top 10 highest mountain peaks in the world in descending order.
Top 10 highest mountain peaks in the world:
10) Annapurna I –
Annapurna I is the highest of the 4 peaks of the Annapurna massif. The other being Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Annapurna IV. It stands at around 8,091 m (26,545 ft) above sea level and perhaps one of the toughest peaks to climb in the world(In recent years Kanchenjunga has surpassed this figure). In hinduism Annapurna is the name of the kitchen goddess. Annapurna ranges are in Nepal.
9) Nanga Parbat –
Nanga Parbat is a Hindi phrase which means “naked mountain” in English. It is the 9th highest mountain peak in the world and 2nd highest mountain peak in Pakistan. It was one of the most difficult mountain peak to climb till the 1950s after which it became relatively less difficult. Nanga Parbat was first climbed in the year 1953 by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl . Nanga Parbat also holds 14th rank in the list of most prominent peaks in the world.
8) Manaslu –
Manaslu also known as Kutang is the eighth highest mountain peak in the world. It is located in the nepalese himalyas. Manaslu is 8,156 metres (26,759 ft) above mean sea level. Manaslu is also famous for its trekking circuit. One is required to pay a fee of 50$ a week and must trek in group of two or more along with a registered guide. Manaslu sure seems to be an ideal peak to climb for mountaineering enthusiasts.
7) Dhaulagiri I –
Dhaulagiri which is derived from a sanskrit word meaning “Dazzling Mountain” in english is the seventh highest mountain peak in the world and is 8,167 metres (26,795 ft) above sea level. Until 1838 Dhaulagiri was considered as the highest mountain peak to be surveyed in the world after which Kanchenjunga took place and finally Mount Everest.
6) Cho Oyu –
Standing at the border of Nepal and China is Cho Oyu, the world’s 6th largest mountain peak. Cho Oyu means “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan. Cho Oyu stands tall at 8,201 metres (26,906 ft) above sea level. Due to its moderate slope Cho Oyu is considered as one of the easiest eight thousanders(mountains more than 8000 meters above sea level) to be climbed.
5)Makalu –
Makalu is the fifth highest mountain peak in the world and is located at the border of Nepal and China. It stands at 8,481 meters (27,825 ft) above sea level and is notable because of its isolated peak which looks like a four sided pyramid. Makalu is considered as one of the most difficult eight thousanders to climb. It is particularly noted for its steep ridges and cutting edge pitches. In fact one must have sound knowledge of technical rock/snow climbing to climb the final ascent.
4) Lhotse –
Located at the border between Tibet and the Khumbu region of Nepal Lhotse stands at 8,516 meters (27,940 ft) above sea level and is the fourth highest mountain peak in the world. Lhotse was first climbed in the year 1956 by a Swiss team.It is notable in its close proximity to Mount Everest.
3) Kanchenjunga –
Until 1852 Kanchenjunga was considered as the highest mountain peak in the world but after the British Great Trignometric survey it was discovered that Kanchenjunga was actually the third highest after K2 at second and Mount Everest at first. Kanchenjunga stands at an elevation of 8,586 m (28,169 ft) above sea level. It was first climbed by the British Mountaineers in the year 1955.
2) K2-
K2 has a peak elevation of 8,611 m (28,251 feet) above sea level and is the second highest mountain peak in the world after the great Mount Everest. K2 is located at the border of china and Pakistan. To climb K2 from the China side is very dangerous which is why it is mostly climbed from the Pakistan side. K2 is the second most difficult mountain to climb after Annapurna. 1 of every 4 mountaineer has died climbing the K2 summit. Unlike Annapurna K2 has never been climbed in winter.
1) Mount Everest –
Mount Everest is the highest mountain peak in the world standing at an elevation of 8,848 metres (29,029 ft) above seal level. Mount Everest was given its name by the then British Surveyor General of India Andrew Waugh who named the mountain after his predecessor in the post, Sir George Everest. Although Tibetans had always called the mountain “Chomolungma”. Mount Everest may not be the most difficult eight thousanders to climb but it does possess risks of bad weather and altitude sickness.
These were the top 10 highest mountain peaks in the world. Let us know if you have an interesting fact to share about some of them.