Where are the Top 5 highest mountains in the world? Mount Everest is located in Nepal's Himalayas and rises at 8,848 meters. It is the highest mountain in the world. You most likely already knew that. Most people globally recognize Mount Everest when asked to name a mountain. While K2, located on the China-Pakistan border, is well recognized as the second-highest mountain in the world, less is known about Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Or how would you explain that? It is not as simple as "K2," that is clear. Do you know how many mountains are the highest on Earth?
Though Everest normally gets all the attention, the whole continent of Asia is covered with massive mountains. Asia has all of the top 100 highest mountains in the world. Aside from Everest, none of the seven summits, the highest mountains on each continent, appear on this list. It's hard to find someone who knows which mountains are the sixth, seventh, or eighth highest in the world. Here are the Top 5 Highest Mountains in the World
Top 5 Highest Mountains In The World
Table of the Highest Mountains
| Mountain Name | Location | Elevation (Feet) | Prominence (Feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Everest | Himalayas, Nepal/China | 29,029 | 12,348 |
| K2 | Karakoram, Pakistan/China | 28,251 | 6,401 |
| Kangchenjunga | Himalayas, Nepal/India | 28,169 | 3,922 |
| Lhotse | Himalayas, Nepal/China | 27,940 | 3,034 |
| Makalu | Himalayas, Nepal/China | 27,838 | 2,675 |
1. Mount Everest (8,848.86 m)
Mount Everest is the first highest mountain in the world. It stands majestically at 8,848.86 meters (29,029 feet), capturing the imagination of adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and Tibet, this towering giant is not only the tallest mountain in the world but also a testament to human endurance and ambition.
Everest's appeal goes beyond its height to include the tales of those who have dared to submit it. Every climb, from the first successful climb according to Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953 through modern trips, is rich with daring and history. Pictures of massive line-ups close to the peak have sparked a lot of discussion about Everest's congestion. Everest is just one of the tallest mountains in the world, however; its neighbors, K2 and Kangchenjunga, also have amazing heights and unusual difficulty.
One thing is guaranteed: Mount Everest's innate appeal will not fade anytime soon. Humans are drawn to the mountain like flies to a light. Hiking to Everest Base Camp is quite popular, in addition to those attempting to go to the summit. It has become one of the world's most well-known multi-day adventures.
2. K2
What intrigues you about Kangchenjunga or the largest mountains in the world? K2, standing at an impressive 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), is renowned as the second highest mountain in the world. Nestled in the Karakoram Range on the border of Pakistan and China, K2 is often referred to as the "Savage Mountain" due to its notorious difficulty and high fatality rate among climbers. While Everest may claim the title of the highest peak in the world, K2 poses a greater challenge, with steep ascents and unpredictable weather conditions that test even the most experienced mountaineers.
The mountain is usually considered one of the hardest mountains in the world to climb, widely harder than Mount Everest, despite being the second largest mountain in the world. With almost 300 successful climbs and 77 deaths, K2 has the second-highest fatality rate per summit attempt among all mountains over 8000 meters. Annapurna I in Nepal is the world's tenth tallest mountain, so spoilers ahead: deaths are highest here. Unlike Annapurna, K2 has never been climbed in the wintertime, until now. From its first successful ascent in 1954 by Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni to the recent winter summits, K2 continues to captivate adventurers worldwide.
What fascinates you most about K2 or other major mountains of the world? Have you ever dreamt of climbing one of these giants? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s explore the wonders of our planet together!
3. Kangchenjunga
You thus understood that Mount Everest was the tallest peak on Earth. You knew K2 was the second highest as well. But most people would think if asked what Kangchenjunga was, that it was some kind of street snack. No, it is not. The third tallest peak on earth is Kangchenjunga. Situated in India between Nepal and Sikkim, it has three border-based peaks and two in the Taplejung District of Nepal and Sikkim, India.
Kangchenjunga, standing at a staggering 8,586 meters (28,169 feet), is the third highest mountain in the world and a jewel of the Himalayas. Known as the "Five Treasures of Snow," Kangchenjunga comprises five peaks, each steeped in local legend and reverence.
It was thought to be the highest mountain peak in the world until 1852, however, Mount Everest was soon claimed. Looking at the mountain's religious nature, the first successful ascent in 1955 promised the local Chogyal that climbers would not reach the actual peak.
Kangchenjunga is the highest peak in India. Until 1852, the summit was widely thought to be the highest mountain on Earth. This was the product of incorrect calculations, not ignorance of Mount Everest. Following additional research by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, it was discovered that Kangchenjunga was the third highest mountain in the world; students all over would be pleased to be learning about Mount Everest instead, which is much easier to remember and name.
4. Lhotse
Lhotse is one of the most well-known peaks on any list of the top 10 highest mountains in the world, owing mostly to its proximity to Mount Everest. The route up Lhotse is the same as it is up Mount Everest, from Everest Base Camp to Camp 3 and then to the Reiss couloir. From there, the top of Lhotse may be reached.
Climbing at 8,516 meters (27,940 feet), Lhotse is the fourth highest highest mountain in the world and an amazing neighbor to Mount Everest. Often overlooked because of its more well-known relative, Lhotse is known for both technical climbing difficulty and breathtaking beauty. Tibetan translates the peak's name as "South Peak," which fairly reflects its location near the tallest mountain in the world.
Climbers often use the same route to climb Lhotse as they do to Everest until they reach the Lhotse Face when the trails separate. This closeness to Everest generates a unique dynamic since many climbers want to conquer both peaks on the same trip. The first successful climb of Lhotse took place in 1956, and it has attracted explorers ever since with its spectacular characteristics and daunting obstacles.
5. Makalu
At 8,485 meters (27,838 feet), Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world, towering majestically in the Himalayas, just southeast of Mount Everest. Known for its striking pyramid shape and sharp ridges, Makalu is not just a visual marvel; it is also one of the most challenging climbs among the highest mountains in the world. The mountain’s name translates to "Great Black One," reflecting its imposing presence and dark, brooding appearance.
Makalu is the third of the four 8000 m-high mountains in the Everest Massif in Nepal. On May 15, 1955, a French team headed mountain Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy made the first known successful climb of Makalu Ever since then, it has drawn climbers from all over the world, each driven to tackle its complex routes and steep pitches. The mountain is well-known for its unpredictable temperature; hence, every climb challenges both ability and power.
FAQ on the Top 5 Highest Mountains in the World
What is the highest mountain in the world?
The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest, which stands at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet.
What are the top five highest mountains?
The top five highest mountains in the world are: Mount Everest (8,848.86 m)
K2 (8,611 m)
Kangchenjunga (8,586 m)
Lhotse (8,516 m)
Makalu (8,485 m)
Where is K2 located?
K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is located on the border between Pakistan and China, specifically within the Karakoram mountain range.
Why is Mount Everest so famous?
Mount Everest is famous not only for being the highest mountain in the world but also for its challenging climbing conditions and rich history of exploration and mountaineering achievements.
How difficult is it to climb these mountains?
Climbing these peaks is extremely challenging due to harsh weather conditions, altitude sickness, and technical climbing skills required. Mount Everest and K2 are particularly known for their dangers and high fatality rates among climbers.
Are there any other notable mountains over 8,000 meters?
Yes, 14 peaks in the world exceed 8,000 meters, all of which are located in the Himalayas or Karakoram ranges.
What makes these mountains significant beyond their height?
These mountains play crucial roles in local ecosystems, serve as important water sources for millions of people, and hold cultural significance for many communities surrounding them.
