Where is the highest point on our planet? The highest mountains on earth What are the names of the highest mountains on earth
The process of formation of mountains on Earth lasts millions of years. They arise from collisions of huge tectonic plates that make up the earth's crust.
Today we will get acquainted with the highest mountains on 6 continents and see how they look against the backdrop of the highest mountain peaks in the world - the “eight thousand meters”, whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters.
How many continents are there on Earth? It is sometimes believed that Europe and Asia are 2 different continents, although they are one continent:
Before we start talking about the tallest mountains on the 6 continents, let's take a look at the overall chart of the tallest peaks on Earth.
“Eight-thousanders” is the common name for the 14 highest mountain peaks in the world, whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters. They are all in Asia. Conquering all 14 “eight-thousanders” on the planet—conquering the “Crown of the Earth”—is a major achievement in high-altitude mountaineering. As of July 2012, only 30 climbers managed to do this.
North America - Mount McKinley, 6,194 m
This is the highest double-peaked mountain in North America, named after the 25th President of the United States. Located in Alaska.
Indigenous peoples called this peak “Denali,” which means “great,” and during the period of Russian colonization of Alaska it was simply called Big Mountain.
Mount McKinley as seen from Denali National Park:
The first ascent of the main summit of McKinley took place on June 7, 1913. There are 5 large glaciers on the slopes of the mountain.
South America - Mount Aconcagua, 6,962 m
This is the highest point of the American continent, South America, as well as the western and southern hemispheres. They belong to the longest mountain range in the world - the Andes.
The mountain is located in Argentina and means "Stone Guardian" in the Quechua language. Aconcagua is the largest extinct volcano on our planet.
In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered a technically easy mountain if you climb along the northern slope.
The first recorded ascent of the mountain was in 1897.
Europe - Mount Elbrus, 5,642 m
This stratovolcano in the Caucasus is the highest peak in Russia. Considering that the border between Europe and Asia is ambiguous, Elbrus is often also called the highest European mountain peak.
Elbrus is a two-headed volcano with a saddle. The Western peak has a height of 5,642 m, the Eastern - 5,621 m. The last eruption dates back to 50 AD...
In those days, the eruptions of Elbrus were probably reminiscent of the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. From the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose many kilometers upward, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful tremors.
Nowadays, both peaks of Elbrus are covered with eternal snow and ice. On the slopes of Elbrus, 23 glaciers diverge in different directions. The average speed of glacier movement is about 0.5 meters per day.
The first successful ascent to one of the peaks of Elbrus was made in 1829. The average annual death toll during climbing on Elbrus is 15-30 people.
Asia - Mount Everest, 8,848 m
Everest (Qomolungma) is the top of our world! The first highest eight-thousander and the highest mountain on Earth.
The mountain is located in the Himalayas in the Mahalangur Himal range, with the Southern peak (8760 m) lying on the border of Nepal, and the Northern (main) peak (8848 m) located in China.
Everest has the shape of a triangular pyramid. At the top of Chomolungma there are strong winds blowing at speeds of up to 200 km/h, and the air temperature at night drops to -60 Celsius.
The first ascent to the top of Everest took place in 1953. From the first ascent to the summit until 2011, more than 200 people died on the slopes of Everest. Now the climb to the top takes about 2 months - with acclimatization and setting up camps.
View from space:
Climbing Everest is not only extremely dangerous, but also expensive: the cost of climbing in specialized groups is up to 65 thousand US dollars, and the climbing permit alone, issued by the Nepalese government, costs 10 thousand dollars
Australia and Oceania - Mount Puncak Jaya, 4884 m
The highest peak of Australia and Oceania, which is located on the island of New Guinea. It is located on the Australian Plate and is the highest mountain in the world located on an island.
The mountain was discovered in 1623 by Dutch explorer Jan Carstens, who saw the glacier at the top from afar. Therefore, the mountain is sometimes called the Carstens Pyramid.
The first ascent of Puncak Jaya took place only in 1962. The name of the mountain roughly translates from Indonesian as “Victory Peak.”
Antarctica - Windson Massif, 4,892 m
These are the highest mountains in Antarctica. The existence of the mountain range became known only in 1957. Since the mountains were discovered by American aircraft, they were subsequently named Vinson Massif, in honor of the famous American politician Carl Vinson.
View of Vinson Massif from space:
Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro, 5,895 m
It is the highest point in Africa, a huge dormant volcano with two well-defined peaks in northeastern Tanzania. The mountain has no documented eruptions, but local legends speak of volcanic activity 150-200 years ago.
The higher one is the peak of Kibo, an almost regular cone with powerful glaciation.
The name comes from the Swahili language and supposedly means "mountain that sparkles."
The snow cap that has covered the mountaintop for 11,000 years since the last Ice Age is rapidly melting. Over the past 100 years, the volume of snow and ice has decreased by more than 80%. It is believed that this is not caused by a change in temperature, but by a reduction in snowfall.
The highest peak in Africa was first conquered by German explorer Hans Meyer in 1889.
All cat sleeping positions
Since Sir Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Chomolungma in 1953, every climber has dreamed in his heart of repeating this feat. The name “the highest mountain in the world” was given to Everest for a reason - the height of the mountain is 8.85 thousand meters. A lot of tourists and climbers from all over the world flock there every year.
Everest - the highest mountain in the world When people talk about something extremely high, they mean distance above sea level. However, if we judge only by this parameter, then the exact height of the mountain will be 8 kilometers 849 meters. There is currently no competition in height on the planet. The mountain extends into the layers of the atmosphere much higher than other mountain peaks.
Interesting fact: At the moment there are 18 routes along which you can climb the mountain, making your dream come true.
Tallest mountain in the world from the center of the Earth
In this case, the highest point, in terms of proximity to the center of the planet, is considered to be the peak of Chimborazo. Its elevation above sea level is 6 kilometers 384 meters. Chimborazo is a layered volcano located in Ecuador. The volcano is part of the Andes mountain range.
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in the world from the center of the Earth The Earth is not a smooth ball; it rises at the sides of the equator and flattens out a little at the poles. Thus, mountains near the Equator are located further from the center of the planet than those at the poles. Chimborazo is located closer to the Equator than Everest. This means that it is closer to space than even the highest point of Chomolungma (another name for Everest).
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Tallest mountain in the world from base to summit
Chomolungma is the highest mountain peak above sea level, but the highest mountain from base to summit is the Hawaiian Mount Mauna Kea, local people call it the White Mountain. The distance above sea level is 4 kilometers 205 meters, but the mountain goes down almost another 6 kilometers, since most of Mauna Kea is submerged in the depths of the sea.
The height of the mountain in its entirety is more than 10 kilometers, which is 1345 m more than the size of Everest. In fact, it's not really a mountain - Mauna Kea is an extinct volcano that arose about a million years ago. It was then that the tectonic plate on which the island is located moved over a plume of hot mantle inside the planet. The last volcanic eruption occurred approximately 2.6 thousand years BC.
The peak of White Mountain is a real find for astronomical observations. The humidity there is low, the sky is mostly clear, and the nearest light sources are at a decent distance, without illuminating the night sky. Thus, at the peak there is an excellent view of any celestial bodies. There are currently approximately 13 telescopes installed at the top of the mountain.
It's also worth noting that Everest officially remains the tallest mountain above sea level alone. Using this parameter, the remaining mountains cannot even claim the title of insurmountable peak of the Andes, which belongs to the peak of Mount Aconcagua, rising 6 kilometers 961 meters above the sea. However, even she is not a rival to Everest.
Where is Everest?
Everest is located in the Himalayan mountains on the Mahalangur Himal ridge. The Nepal-China border is also located there.
Interesting fact: there is an annual increase in the mountain of several millimeters.
What does Everest look like?
Everest looks like a three-sided pyramid with a more sloping southern slope. It is because of this that on the southern part of the mountain and on its edges, coarse-grained and fine-grained snow simply cannot be retained, so the stone protrudes under them. The northeastern shoulder of the mountain reaches 8393 meters in height, the distance from the top to the mountain foot is approximately 3550 meters. Mountain peaks are generally composed of sedimentary rock deposits.
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The southern part of the mountain passes into the South Col pass, located at an altitude of 7906 meters, and also from Lhotse - 8516 meters. Some call it the South Summit of the mountain.
Interesting fact: The youngest climber who climbed to the top was 13 years old, and the oldest was 80.
In the north of the mountain there is the North Col, measuring 7020 meters, connecting the mountain with the separate peak of Changze, 7553 meters high. Towards the east, the Kangshung wall ends abruptly, 3350 meters. Glaciers constantly flow from the entire mountain range, ending quite high - at an altitude of 5 kilometers. Part of the mountain belongs to the Nepal National Park, the rest belongs to the PRC.
Interesting fact: To climb to the top of the mountain you will have to spend from 40 days to two months.
The summit of Everest aggressively welcomes climbers. There are constant winds raging there, the rarefied atmosphere makes it difficult to breathe normally. The speed of some air currents develops up to 80 m/s, maybe even higher. The strongest winds and storms often blow here. The air around is very cold - the temperature drops to -60, which feels like -100 degrees Celsius. In summer, the mountain is a little warmer than usual - the temperature rises to -19. There are never positive temperatures at the top. Without special equipment and acclimatization, it is not possible to survive on the mountain.
Flora and fauna of Everest
The climate is too aggressive for a mass of animals and plants to appear on the mountain. From the flora there you can find small shrubs, mosses, lichens and some conifers. Animals on Everest are also not very common: jumping spiders, grasshoppers, flies and a few birds.
Every year there are fewer and fewer places on the planet that have not been spoiled by humanity, and the mountain area is also included among them. During the ascent, tourists are surrounded by picturesque landscapes. On the Nepal side, the mountain is fenced by two more mountain ranges, so for good visibility you have to walk several thousand meters.
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Why is Everest called that?
The first map of Tibet was released in 1719, it was compiled according to the results of Chinese intelligence. The reconnaissance was carried out by lamas on the orders of the ruler of China. The European copy of the map reflected only the approximate location of the mountain; its name was not the same as on the Chinese original map.
From the Indian point of view, the mountain was called Discovery, but the last name was determined only in 1856. The mountain is named after the previous leader of the expeditions of the Survey of India, colonized by Britain, George Everest. Until about the 20th century, one could hear a lot of names for the mountain from the Indian side, but geography as a science did not take them seriously due to inaccuracies in location. The first representative of the Indian Review who was able to visit the area near Everest was Natha Singh. It was he who first heard the name of Everest as “Cholungbif”.
At the beginning of the winter of 1920, thanks to an employee of the British mission, Charles Bell, who at that time was trying to resolve the issue related to the ascent of the first English explorers to the mountain, a parchment was handed over. This parchment was presented by the Dalai Lama along with permission to climb. The words were written in Tibetan on the parchment that there was a monastery on the mountain. Part of the sentence was: "Cha-Mo Lung." This excerpt of the phrase interested researchers. A little later in Lhasa, the researcher was told that this was not a set of words, but the abbreviated name of Everest “Cha-Dzi-Ma-Lung-Ma”, next to it was the prefix “Lho”, which translates as the southern side.
In a special document that allowed the British expedition to climb the mountain peaks, issued by official representatives of the Tibetan authorities, the mountain was called “Chha-Mo-Lung Ma”. Later, this name was found in all climbing permit documents issued by the Tibetan government until 1936.
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The new name of the mountain became official many years later - in the 1960s. it was then that it became a documented geographical name for the area. Many translations of the name Chomolungma from Tibetan indicate that the mountain was called the Divine Mother of the Earth or Wind. Local residents refer to Everest as “the mountain over whose peaks no birds can fly.” Judging from the Nepalese side, the mountain was called “Sagannatha”, a similar name has been found since the 1960s, when the territories of Nepal and China were divided along the top of the mountain.
The meaning of “Chha-Mo-Lung Ma” is translated as “Divine Mother of Life Energy”. Everest is named after the deity of one of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Sharab Zhamma. The name of the goddess can be translated as the wisest and most loving mother. Thus, for certain schools of Buddhism, the mountain represents maternal energy. The mountain is also sometimes called “Chomogangkar”, which is also translated as “Holy Mother”. Because of the snow on the peaks, the phrase “white as snow” is added.
Chomolungma is the highest mountain. This fact forces tourists from all over the world to fly to this place. Climbing occurs regularly, but not every climber can survive the climb.
You will have to climb to the top within two months. This is subject to acclimatization, as well as regular tourist camps. When climbing, climbers lose about 15 kilograms. Countries around the mountain charge not only for climbing the peak, but also for related services such as translator, transport and communications. Each expedition climbs according to the order, the cheapest ascent is from Tibet. The most standard climb to the mountain starts from the north.
The rise is mainly carried out in the spring and autumn. Then there are no monsoons, so climbing is somewhat easier. The most suitable season for conquering Chomolungma is spring. In spring it is much easier to climb the opposite slopes of the mountain. In autumn it is much easier to climb on the south side.
|
Mountain peak |
Mountain system |
Mainland |
Height |
| Jomo-lungma (Everest) | Himalayas | Eurasia | 8848 m |
| Peak of Communism | Pamir | Eurasia | 7495 m |
| Pobeda Peak | Tien Shan | Eurasia | 7439 m |
| Aconcagua | Andes | South America | 6962 m |
| McKinley | Cordilleras | North America | 6168 m |
| Kilimand-jaro | Kilimand-jaro massif | Africa | 5891.8 m |
| Elbrus | B. Caucasus | Eurasia | 5642 m |
| B. Ararat | Armenian Highlands | Eurasia | 5165 m |
| Vinson Massif | Ellsworth | Antarctica | 4892 m |
| Kazbek | B. Caucasus | Eurasia | 5033.8 m |
| Mont Blanc | Western Alps | Eurasia | 4810 m |
| Belukha | Altai | Eurasia | 4509 m |
However, if we take as a basis the height not above sea level, but from the base of the mountain, then the recognized leader among the highest mountains in the world becomes Mount Mauna Kea is a shield volcano located in the Hawaiian Islands.
The height of Mauna Kea from base to peak is 10,203 meters, which is 1,355 meters higher than Chomolungma. Most of the mountain is hidden under water, and Mauna Kea rises 4,205 meters above sea level.
The Mauna Kea volcano is about a million years old. The volcano's peak activity occurred during the shield stage around 500,000 years ago. Currently, the volcano is considered inactive - according to scientists, the last eruption was 4-6 thousand years ago.
The highest mountains in the world by continent. Descriptions of the seven highest peaks of the world by part of the world.
“Seven Summits” is a mountaineering project that includes the highest peaks of the world in parts of the world. North and South America, as well as Europe and Asia are considered separately. Climbers who conquer all seven peaks become members of the “7 Peaks Club”
List of "seven peaks":
- Chomolungma (Everest) (Asia)
- Aconcagua (South America)
- McKinley (North America)
- Kilimanjaro (Africa)
- Elbrus or Mont Blanc (Europe)
- Vinson Massif (Antarctica)
- Kosciuszko (Australia) or Carstens Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) (Australia and Oceania)
The seven highest mountain peaks by part of the world. Map.
Chomolungma (Everest) – the first of the “seven peaks”, the highest mountain in Asia and the highest peak in the world.
Chomolungma belongs to the Himalaya mountain system, the Mahalangur Himal ridge. The southern peak (8760 m) lies on the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region (China), the Northern (main) peak (8848 m) is located in China.
Geographic coordinates of Mount Chomolungma - 27°59′17″ N. w. 86°55′31″ E d.
The fact that Qomolungma (Everest) is the highest mountain in the world was determined by the Indian mathematician and topographer Radhanath Sikdar in 1852 on the basis of trigonometric calculations, when he was in India 240 km from Qomolungma.
The highest mountain in the world and Asia has the shape of a triangular pyramid. The southern slope is steeper; snow and firn are not retained on it, so it is bare. Many glaciers descend from the top of the mountain range, ending at an altitude of 5000 meters.
The first ascent of the world's largest mountain was made on May 29, 1953 by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary through the South Col.
The climate of the highest peak of the world, Chomolungma, is extremely harsh. The wind speed there reaches 55 m/sec, and the air temperature drops to −60 °C. As a result, climbing the highest mountain in the world is fraught with many difficulties. Despite the modern equipment and equipment used by climbers, for every twentieth of them, conquering the highest peak of the world turns out to be the last thing in life. From 1953 to 2014, about 200 climbers died on the slopes of Everest.
Aconcagua- the second of the “seven peaks”, the highest mountain in South America and the highest peak in the western and southern hemispheres of the Earth.
Mount Aconcagua is located in the central Andes region of Argentina. The absolute height is 6962 m. The highest peak of South America was formed by the collision of the Nazca and South American lithospheric plates. The mountain has many glaciers, the largest of which are the northeastern (Polish glacier) and eastern.
Geographic coordinates of Mount Aconcagua 32°39′ S. w. 70°00′ W d.
Climbing the highest peak in the western and southern hemispheres of the Earth is technically considered easy if carried out along the northern slope. From the south or southwest it is much more difficult to conquer the top of Aconcagua. The first ascent of the highest mountain in South America was recorded in 1897 by the expedition of Englishman Edward Fitzgerald.
McKinley– the third of the “seven peaks”, the highest mountain in North America. Height – 6168 meters.
The geographic coordinates of Mount McKinley are 63°04′10″ N. w. 151°00′26″ W. d.
Mount McKinley is located in Alaska, in the center of Denali National Park. Until 1867, it was considered the highest peak of the Russian Empire, until Alaska was sold to the United States. The first explorer of Mount McKinley is considered to be the Russian leader of the expedition, Lavrentiy Alekseevich Zagoskin, who first saw it from both sides.
North America's tallest mountain was first conquered by American climbers under the command of Reverend Hudson Stack, who reached the mountain's summit on March 17, 1913.
Mount McKinley used to be called something else. The Athabascan Indians - the indigenous people - called it Denali, which means "great." While Alaska belonged to the Russian Empire, the mountain was simply called “Big Mountain.” In 1896, the tallest mountain in North America received its modern name in honor of the 25th American president.
Kilimanjaro– the fourth of the “seven peaks”, the highest mountain in Africa. Height - 5,891.8 m.
The geographic coordinates of Mount Kilimanjaro are 3°04′00″ S. w. 37°21′33″ E. d.
Kilimanjaro is a potentially active stratovolcano in northeastern Tanzania. Africa's highest peak consists of three main peaks, which are also extinct volcanoes: Shira in the west with 3,962 m above sea level, Kibo with 5,891.8 meters in height in the center and Mawenzi with 5,149 meters in height in the east.
The top of the Kibo volcano is covered with an ice cap. Once upon a time this cap was clearly visible from afar, but currently the glacier is actively melting. Over the past 100 years, the glacier covering the top of Africa's tallest mountain has shrunk by more than 80%. The melting of the glacier is associated with a decrease in precipitation associated with deforestation in the area adjacent to the mountain. According to some scientists, the Kilimanjaro ice cap will disappear by 2020.
The first ascent of Africa's highest peak was made in 1889 by Hans Meyer. The climb to Kilimanjaro is not considered difficult from a technical point of view, although it is incredibly spectacular. Due to its proximity to the equator, the mountain presents all types of altitudinal zones, which the climber sequentially passes one after another. Thus, during the ascent you can see all the main climate zones of the Earth in a few hours.
Elbrus- the fifth of the “seven peaks”, the highest mountain in Europe and the highest peak in Russia.
Geographic coordinates of Mount Elbrus - 43°20′45″ N. w. 42°26′55″ E. d.
The border between Asia and Europe is ambiguous, as a result of which there is debate whether Elbrus belongs to Europe. If yes, then this mountain is the highest point in Europe. If not, then the palm goes to Mont Blanc, which is discussed below.
Elbrus is located in the Greater Caucasus, on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. It is the highest mountain in Russia. The highest peak in Europe is a double-peaked saddle-shaped volcanic cone. The western peak has a height of 5642 m, the eastern one - 5621 m. The last eruption was in the 50s AD.
The largest mountain in Europe is covered with glaciers with a total area of 134.5 km²; the most famous of them: Big and Small Azau, Terskol.
The first documented ascent of Mount Elbrus dates back to 1829 and was made during an expedition led by General G. A. Emmanuel, head of the Caucasian fortified line. Climbing Mount Elrus according to the mountaineering classification is not technically difficult. Although there are routes of increased difficulty.
Vinson Massif– the sixth of the “seven peaks”, the highest mountain in Antarctica. Height – 4897 meters.
The geographic coordinates of Vinson Massif are 78°31′31″ S. w. 85°37′01″ W d.
The Vinson Massif is located 1,200 km from the South Pole and is part of the Ellsworth Mountains. The massif extends 21 km in length and 13 km in width. The highest peak of the Vinson massif is Vinson Peak.
The highest mountain in Antarctica was discovered by American pilots in 1957. The first ascent of the highest peak of the southern continent was made on December 18, 1966 by Nicholas Clinch.
Mont Blanc- the highest mountain in Europe, the fifth of the “seven peaks”, if Elbrus belongs to Asia. Height – 4810 meters.
The geographic coordinates of Mont Blanc are 45°49′58″ N. w. 6°51′53″ E. d.
The highest peak in Europe is located in the Alps mountain system on the border of France and Italy. Mont Blanc is part of the Mont Blanc crystalline massif, which is about 50 km long. The ice cover of the massif covers an area of 200 km², the largest glacier is the Mer de Glace.
The first ascent of the highest point in Europe, Mont Blanc, was made by Jacques Balmat and Dr. Michel Paccard on August 8, 1786. In 1886, during his honeymoon, the highest mountain in Europe was conquered by the future President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt.
Kosciuszko– the seventh of the “seven peaks”, the highest mountain in mainland Australia. Height – 2228 meters.
The geographical coordinates of Mount Kosciuszko are 36°27′ S. w. 148°16′ E. d.
The highest peak of the Australian continent is located in the Australian Alps in the south of the state of New South Wales in the territory of the national park of the same name. Mount Kosciuszko was discovered in 1840.
The first ascent of Australia's highest mountain in 1840 was made by the Polish traveler, geographer and geologist Pavel Edmund Strzelecki. He named the mountain in honor of the military and political figure Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Carstens Pyramid (Puncak Jaya)- the seventh of the “seven peaks”, the highest mountain in Australia and Oceania.
There are disagreements about which mountain should be considered the last, seventh peak. If you consider only the Australian continent, then this would be Kosciuszko Peak. If we consider the whole of Australia and Oceania, then it will be the Carstens Pyramid with a height of 4884 m. In this regard, there are currently two “Seven Summits” programs, including the first and second option. But the main option is still recognized as the program with the Carstens Pyramid.
Geographical coordinates of Mount Puncak Jaya are 4°05′ S. w. 137°11′ E. d.
Mount Puncak Jaya is located in the western part of the island of New Guinea and is part of the Maoke massif. The highest peak in Oceania is also the highest mountain located on the island. The mountain was discovered in 1623 by Dutch explorer Jan Carstens. In honor of him, Mount Puncak Jaya is sometimes called the Carstens Pyramid.
The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1962 by a group of four Austrian climbers led by Heinrich Harrer.
The highest mountains in the world by continent and country. The highest peaks on Earth.
Note: there is still debate among scientists whether or not to classify the Caucasus Mountains as Europe. If so, then Elbrus will be the highest peak in Europe; if not, then Mont Blanc. Until unanimity has been reached on this issue, we have classified the Caucasus as part of Europe, and therefore the Caucasus Mountains (Russia) are included in the list of the highest mountains in Europe.
| Mountain peak | A country | Height, m | ||
The highest mountains in Europe |
||||
| Elbrus | Russia | 5642 | ||
| Dykhtau | Russia | 5203 | ||
| Koshtantau | Russia | 5152 | ||
| Pushkin Peak | Russia | 5100 | ||
| Dzhangitau | Russia | 5085 | ||
| Shkhara | Russia | 5068 | ||
| Kazbek | Russia - Georgia | 5033,8 | ||
| Mizhirgi | Russia | 5025 | ||
| Katyn-Tau | Russia | 4970 | ||
| Shota Rustaveli | Russia | 4860 | ||
| Gestola | Russia | 4860 | ||
| Mont Blanc | France | 4810 | ||
| Jimara | Russia | 4780 | ||
| Ushba | Georgia | 4695 | ||
| Wilpata | Russia | 4646 | ||
| Sauhokh | Russia | 4636 | ||
| Dufour | Switzerland - Italy | 4634 | ||
| Kukurtli-Kolbashi | Russia | 4624 | ||
| Maylihoh | Russia | 4597,8 | ||
| Sallynngantau | Russia | 4507 | ||
| Weisshorn | Switzerland | 4506 | ||
| Tebulosmta | Russia | 4492 | ||
| Sugan | Russia | 4489 | ||
| Matterhorn | Switzerland | 4478 | ||
| Bazarduzu | Russia - Azerbaijan | 4466 | ||
The highest mountains in North America |
||||
| McKinley | Alaska | 6168 | ||
| Logan | Canada | 5959 | ||
| Orizaba | Mexico | 5610 | ||
| St. Elijah | Alaska - Canada | 5489 | ||
| Popocatepetl | Mexico | 5452 | ||
| Foraker | Alaska | 5304 | ||
| Iztaccihuatl | Mexico | 5286 | ||
| Lukeinia | Canada | 5226 | ||
| Bona | Alaska | 5005 | ||
| Blackburn | Alaska | 4996 | ||
| Sanford | Alaska | 4949 | ||
| Wood | Canada | 4842 | ||
| Vancouver | Alaska | 4785 | ||
| Churchill | Alaska | 4766 | ||
| Fairweather | Alaska | 4663 | ||
| Bare | Alaska | 4520 | ||
| Hunter | Alaska | 4444 | ||
| Whitney | California | 4418 | ||
| Elbert | Colorado | 4399 | ||
| Array | Colorado | 4396 | ||
| Harvard | Colorado | 4395 | ||
| Rainier | Washington | 4392 | ||
| Nevado de Toluca | Mexico | 4392 | ||
| Williamson | California | 4381 | ||
| Blanca Peak | Colorado | 4372 | ||
| La Plata | Colorado | 4370 | ||
| Uncompahgre Peak | Colorado | 4361 | ||
| Creston Peak | Colorado | 4357 | ||
| Lincoln | Colorado | 4354 | ||
| Grays Peak | Colorado | 4349 | ||
| Antero | Colorado | 4349 | ||
| Evans | Colorado | 4348 | ||
| Longs Peak | Colorado | 4345 | ||
| White Mountain Peak | California | 4342 | ||
| North Palisade | California | 4341 | ||
| Wrangel | Alaska | 4317 | ||
| Shasta | California | 4317 | ||
| Sill | California | 4317 | ||
| Pikes Peak | Colorado | 4301 | ||
| Russell | California | 4293 | ||
| Split Mountain | California | 4285 | ||
| Middle Palisade | California | 4279 | ||
The highest mountains in Asia |
||||
| Chomolungma (Everest) | China - Nepal | 8848 | ||
| Chogori (K-2, Godwin-Austen) | Kashmir - China | 8614 | ||
| Kanchenjunga | Nepal - India | 8586 | ||
| Lhotse | Nepal - China | 8516 | ||
| Makalu | China - Nepal | 8485 | ||
| Cho Oyu | China - Nepal | 8201 | ||
| Dhaulagiri | Nepal | 8167 | ||
| Manaslu | Nepal | 8156 | ||
| Nangaparbat | Pakistan | 8126 | ||
| Annapurna | Nepal | 8091 | ||
| Gasherbrum | Kashmir - China | 8080 | ||
| Broad Peak | Kashmir - China | 8051 | ||
| Gasherbrum II | Kashmir - China | 8035 | ||
| Shishabangma | China | 8027 | ||
| Gyachung Kang | Nepal - Tibet (China) | 7952 | ||
| Gasherbrum III | Kashmir - China | 7946 | ||
| Annapurna II | Nepal | 7937 | ||
| Gasherbrum IV | Kashmir - China | 7932 | ||
| Himalchuli | Nepal | 7893 | ||
| Dastoghil | Pakistan | 7884 | ||
| Ngadi Chuli | Nepal | 7871 | ||
| Nuptse | Nepal | 7864 | ||
| Kuniang Kish | Pakistan | 7823 | ||
| Masherbrum | Kashmir - China | 7821 | ||
| Nandadevi | India | 7816 | ||
| Chomolonzo | Tibet (China) | 7804 | ||
| Batura-Shar | Pakistan | 7795 | ||
| Kanjut Shar | Pakistan | 7790 | ||
| Rakaposhi | Kashmir (Pakistan) | 7788 | ||
| Namjagbarwa | Tibet (China) | 7782 | ||
| Kamet | Kashmir (Pakistan) | 7756 | ||
| Dhaulagiri II | Nepal | 7751 | ||
| Saltoro Kangri | India | 7742 | ||
| Ulugmuztag | China | 7723 | ||
| Jeanne | Nepal | 7711 | ||
| Tirichmir | Pakistan | 7708 | ||
| Molamenking | Tibet (China) | 7703 | ||
| Gurla Mandhata | Tibet (China) | 7694 | ||
| Kongur | China | 7649 | ||
| Gungashan (Minyak-Gankar) | China | 7556 | ||
| Muztagata | China | 7546 | ||
| Kula Kangri | China - Bhutan | 7538 | ||
| Ismoil Somoni Peak (formerly Communism Peak) | Tajikistan | 7495 | ||
| Victory Peak | Kyrgyzstan - China | 7439 | ||
| Jomolhari | Butane | 7314 | ||
| Pumori | Nepal-Tibet | 7161 | ||
| Peak named after Abu Ali ibn Sino (formerly Lenin Peak) | Tajikistan | 7134 | ||
| Korzhenevsky peak | Tajikistan | 7105 | ||
| Khan Tengri Peak | Kyrgyzstan | 6995 | ||
| Ama Dablam (Ama Dablan or Amu Dablan) | Nepal | 6814 | ||
| Kangrinboche (Kailas) | China | 6714 | ||
| Khakaborazi | Myanmar | 5881 | ||
| Damavand | Iran | 5604 | ||
| Bogdo-Ula | China | 5445 | ||
| Ararat | Türkiye | 5165 | ||
| Jaya | Indonesia | 5030 | ||
| Mandala | Indonesia | 4760 | ||
| Klyuchevskaya Sopka | Russia | 4750 | ||
| Trikora | Indonesia | 4750 | ||
| Belukha | Russia | 4509 | ||
| Munhe-Khairkhan-Uul | Mongolia | 4362 | ||
The highest mountains in South America |
||||
| Aconcagua | Argentina | 6962 | ||
| Ojos del Salado | Argentina | 6893 | ||
| Bonete | Argentina | 6872 | ||
| Bonete Chico | Argentina | 6850 | ||
| Mercedario | Argentina | 6770 | ||
| Huascaran | Peru | 6746 | ||
| Llullaillaco | Argentina - Chile | 6739 | ||
| Erupakha | Peru | 6634 | ||
| Galan | Argentina | 6600 | ||
| Tupungato | Argentina - Chile | 6570 | ||
| Sahama | Bolivia | 6542 | ||
| Coropuna | Peru | 6425 | ||
| Ilyampu | Bolivia | 6421 | ||
| Ilyimani | Bolivia | 6322 | ||
| Las Tortolas | Argentina - Chile | 6320 | ||
| Chimborazo | Ecuador | 6310 | ||
| Belgrano | Argentina | 6250 | ||
| Toroni | Bolivia | 5982 | ||
| Tutupaka | Chile | 5980 | ||
| San Pedro | Chile | 5974 | ||
The highest mountains in Africa |
||||
| Kilimanjaro | Tanzania | 5891,8 | ||
| Kenya | Kenya | 5199 | ||
| Rwenzori | Congo (DRC) - Uganda | 5109 | ||
| Ras Dasheng | Ethiopia | 4620 | ||
| Elgon | Kenya - Uganda | 4321 | ||
| Toubkal | Morocco | 4165 | ||
| Cameroon | Cameroon | 4100 | ||
The highest mountains of Australia and Oceania |
||||
| William | Papua New Guinea | 4509 | ||
| Giluwe | Papua New Guinea | 4368 | ||
| Mauna Kea | O. Hawaii | 4205 | ||
| Mauna Loa | O. Hawaii | 4169 | ||
| Victoria | Papua New Guinea | 4035 | ||
| Chapel | Papua New Guinea | 3993 | ||
| Albert-Edouard | Papua New Guinea | 3990 | ||
| Kosciuszko | Australia | 2228 | ||
The highest mountains in Antarctica |
||||
| Vinson array | 4892 | |||
| Kirkpatrick | 4528 | |||
| Markham | 4351 | |||
| Jackson | 4191 | |||
| Sidley | 4181 | |||
| Minto | 4163 | |||
| Verterkaka | 3630 | |||
| Menzies | 3313 | |||
This article was dedicated to the highest mountains and highest peaks in the world.
The eight-thousanders are a group of 14 mountains, the peaks of which are located at an altitude of more than 8,000 meters above sea level, in the “death zone”. These mountains are independent of each other and are located in the Karakoram and Himalaya mountain systems. The “death zone” in the mountains is an altitude of more than 8,000 meters, at which there is not enough oxygen for breathing. Low oxygen concentrations can cause altitude sickness in humans, which causes swelling of the brain or lungs, and can even be fatal. Most climbers prefer to avoid this condition and carry an oxygen tank with them, but only a few brave climbers have managed to reach peaks above the "death zone" without the aid of supplemental oxygen.
The meaning of eight-thousander mountains
Eight-thousanders have a great influence on the weather and climate in the Indian subcontinent. The great height and length of the mountains acts as a protective barrier from other peoples. The mountains also allow the summer monsoons to bring rain and snow to a region that depends on agriculture. Special terraces can be located on mountain slopes; they allow the cultivation of crops. Glaciers and snow on the mountains melt and fill the watersheds and rivers of the region with water. The Himalayas contain vast reserves of animals and plants. The climbing season also attracts thousands of mountaineering tourists every year.
List of eight-thousanders
The 14 highest mountains in the world included in this list are those with an altitude of more than 8,000 meters above sea level. Although there are many mountain regions in the world, it is unlikely that there are other peaks that were not included in this list. For example, Mount Mauna Kea with a height of 4207 meters above sea level, which is located on the island of Hawaii and is a dormant volcano, can be considered the highest volcano and mountain in the world (if we take into account its height from the foot on the ocean floor to the peak, the height will be 10,203 m), however it is not included in this list.
| № | Vertex names |
Altitude (meters) |
Location |
| 1 | Everest | 8848 m | Nepal, China |
| 2 | Chogori | 8611 m | Pakistan, China |
| 3 | Kanchenjunga | 8586 m | Nepal, India |
| 4 | Lhotse | 8516 m | Nepal, China |
| 5 | Makalu | 8485 m | Nepal, China |
| 6 | Cho Oyu | 8188 m | Nepal, China |
| 7 | Dhaulagiri I | 8167 m | Nepal |
| 8 | Manaslu | 8163 m | Nepal |
| 9 | Nangaparbat | 8126 m | Pakistan |
| 10 | Annapurna I | 8091 m | Nepal |
| 11 | Gasherbrum I | 8080 m | Pakistan, China |
| 12 | Broad Peak | 8051 m | Pakistan, China |
| 13 | Gasherbrum II | 8035 m | Pakistan, China |
| 14 | Shishabangma | 8027 m | China |
Below are the 10 highest mountains of our planet, with photos, descriptions, climbing features, as well as characteristics of flora and fauna.
Annapurna I (8,091 m), Nepal
Annapurna I Peak is located in the Annapurna mountain range, in central Nepal and the southern spur of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 8,091 meters above sea level.
Annapurna is only the tenth highest mountain peak in the world, but it is considered one of the most dangerous. On June 3, 1950, French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached the summit of Annapurna, making it the first 8,000-meter mountain to be successfully climbed by humans on their first attempt. Annapurna I has the highest mortality rate - about 32% fatalities.
The entire mountain range and its surrounding area belongs to the 7,629 km² Annapurna National Park, which is considered Nepal's first and largest conservation area. It is the most geographically and culturally diverse protected area in the world. There is a steep terrace, lush forest, barren plateaus, mountain deserts. In the territory of this reserve, 1226 species of plants, 38 species of orchids, 9 species of rhododendrons, 101 species, 478 species of birds, 39 species and 22 species were discovered. The Annapurna region is the most popular trekking area in Nepal.
Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Pakistan
Nanga Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world and rises to 8,126 meters above sea level. This is one of the most famous peaks in the world. It is located in the western part of the Himalayan range, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, in northern Pakistan. The first successful ascent was made in 1953 by Hermann Buhl.
This mountain is considered the second most difficult eight-thousander after K2 (the second highest peak in the world), and is also one of the most dangerous. It was only after 31 people had died trying to reach the summit that a successful ascent took place in 1953 and the peak was nicknamed “Killer Mountain.” Nanga Parbat is the third most dangerous eight thousand peak with a mortality rate of 22.3%. By 2012, at least 68 climbers had died on this mountain.
Much of the area around the mountain is now a protected national park, so wildlife has a chance to thrive. The valleys below the mountain contain wide meadows covered with lush grasses and wildflowers. They are surrounded by alpine forests, giving the area a distinctly Swiss feel. The higher elevations are dominated by coniferous forests, although birch and willow dwarf shrubs thrive in shaded areas.
This area is a temporary habitat for many migratory birds. About 230 species of birds are found in the mountainous region each year, although the exact number is difficult to count due to migration. Lower altitudes are home to endangered mammals such as the snow leopard, Himalayan bear, musk deer, Himalayan lynx, Marco Polo sheep, etc. They cover a variety of habitats, but human presence is a concern.
Manaslu I (8,163 m), Nepal
Manaslu is the eighth largest mountain on the planet and reaches an altitude of 8,163 m above sea level. It is considered part of the Mansiri Himal range of the Himalayas. Manaslu was first conquered by Japanese Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa on May 9, 1956.
Mount Manaslu is part of the Manaslu Protected Area, declared as such in December 1998. The area covered by the protected area is 1,663 km².
Unlike many other regions, the mountain's valley is home to many endangered animals, including snow leopards and red pandas. You can also find lynx, Himalayan bear, gray wolf, Assamese macaques, etc. More than 110 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, 11 species of butterflies and 3 species of reptiles have been recorded in this area. Conservation of wildlife in the area was achieved by the monks who banned hunting.
Lhotse (8,516 m), Nepal
The fourth highest mountain on the planet is Lhotse. It is part of the Mahalangur Himal mountain range and reaches an altitude of 8,516 meters above sea level. The first successful ascent was made by the Swiss Reiss and Luchsinger in 1956.
The mountain range is located in the Himalayas, on the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Mount Lhotse is located south of Everest and is joined by a ridge at an altitude of about 7,600 meters. It is sometimes considered part of the Everest mountain range.
Since Lhotse, like Mount Cho Oyu (see above), are located within the same national park, they have similar flora and fauna.
Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Nepal
Kanchenjunga is an impressive snow-capped mountain, 8,586 m high, which is part of the highest Himalayan mountain system and is located along the border between India and Nepal.
Until 1852, this mountain was considered the highest on Earth. However, it was later determined that Mount Everest and K2 were actually higher, and Kanchenjunga became the third highest eight-thousander in the world. In May 1955, two British climbers, Joe Brown and George Band, were the first to successfully climb the mountain.
Mount Kanchenjunga and its surrounding landscapes, with their varied topography and climate conditions, provide excellent habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The savannas and grasslands of the Terai Dooar form the backbone of the mountainous landscape and are rich in native flora and fauna. Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, one-horned rhinoceroses and Asian elephants are just some of the known mammal species of this ecoregion.
With increasing altitude, changes in temperature and precipitation, the vegetation pattern also changes. It is an ecosystem consisting of evergreen and deciduous trees, and a rich variety of fauna such as red pandas, Assamese macaques, Amur leopards, Himalayan bears, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, etc. Above the forest belt are the eastern Himalayan subalpine coniferous forests with their own flora and fauna. Gradually, the coniferous belt gives way to alpine meadows and shrubs and, finally, mountain deserts covered with moss and lichens. They lead straight to the icy and snowy peak of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Chogori or K2 (8,611 m), Pakistan
Mount K2, also known as Chogori, is considered the second highest peak in the world and has an altitude of 8,611 km. K2 is part of the Karakoram mountain range located on the China-Pakistan border. The mountain lies partly in the Tashkurgan-Tajik Autonomous County of China and partly in Baltistan, a region in northern Pakistan.
The first successful ascent to the summit of K2 was made on July 31, 1954 by two Italian climbers, Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni. Since then, many attempts have been made to climb K2, with many failures and a few successes. According to statistics, out of every four people who climb the mountain, one dies. Strong weather and the mountain's harsh terrain are responsible for a large number of climb-related deaths. K2 is currently one of the most difficult peaks in the world to climb. Nevertheless, the stunning beauty of the mountain and the desire to conquer it attract a large number of daredevils to it every year. K2 also forms a natural and almost impassable border between the two countries of China and Pakistan.
The lower valleys of the Karakoram Range receive little rainfall and thus support vegetation adapted to the arid climate of the region. Residents of nearby settlements use water from glaciers to irrigate fields. Livestock farming is also an important industry for the livelihood of these people.
The natural vegetation of the lowland region consists of shrubs and woodlands. At altitudes up to 3000 m, deciduous trees and shrubs such as willow, poplar and oleander grow, followed by coniferous vegetation. On the snow-capped peak of K2 there is permanent ice and the snow cover prevents the growth of flora. The fauna of the mountain ecosystems of the Karakoram Range includes herbivores as well as endangered predators such as snow leopards, lynxes and brown bears. The region's avian fauna includes golden eagles and snowy vultures.
Everest (8,848 m), Nepal/China
Mount Everest is considered the highest mountain in the entire world, its peak is at an altitude of 8,848 meters. It is part of the Mahalangur Himal mountain range shared by Nepal and Tibet (autonomous region of China).
Previously, there were various arguments regarding whether the height of a mountain should be determined by its mountain peak or its snow cap. Indian measurements in 1955 were the first to record a height of 8,848 meters, and Chinese measurements confirmed this height 20 years later. The mountain was named after India's chief surveyor, Sir George Everest, although he himself opposed the name.
Everest attracts many climbers. The first successful ascent was made by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Another team of Chinese climbers reached the summit for the first time on a route from Tibet in May 1960. A March 2012 report showed that by that time, 5,656 climbers had climbed the mountain and 223 deaths had occurred.
Everest has very little flora and fauna. At an altitude of 6,480 meters you can see moss. The small jumping spider, found at an altitude of 6,700 meters, is considered the only non-microscopic animal living at such a significant altitude. Some birds have also been reported to fly at high altitudes. Yaks are used by climbers to carry loads up the mountain. Other animals found on Mount Everest include the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, red panda, Himalayan bear, pika and ants.
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