From Mount Everest to Annapurna I; check out top 10 highest mountains in the world

9] Nanga Parbat (Pakistan)

Nanga Parbat (Photo: X/@Alpine_Pakistan)

Towering at a staggering 26,660 feet (8,126 meters), Nanga Parbat, Urdu for “Naked Mountain,” is the world’s ninth-highest peak. However, its beauty is matched by its danger, earning it the nickname “The Killer Mountain.” The treacherous ascent features exposed ridges, demanding ice climbs, and unpredictable weather, making it a formidable challenge only for the most skilled and experienced climbers with a high tolerance for risk.

8] Manaslu (Nepal)

Manaslu (Photo: X/@earthcurated)

Towering at 26,763 feet (8,163 meters), Manaslu, or “Mountain of the Spirit” in Sanskrit, is the world’s eighth-highest peak. It presents a formidable challenge for climbers with its high avalanche risk and sections that demand advanced ice climbing skills. However, unlike other 8,000-meter giants, Manaslu offers a more traditional trekking approach. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for seasoned climbers seeking a thrilling yet scenic ascent.

7] Dhaulagiri I (Nepal)

Dhaulagiri I (Photo: X/@wspinanie)

Crowned “The White Mountain” for its snow-clad peak, Dhaulagiri I pierces the Nepalese sky at a staggering 26,795 feet (8,167 meters), claiming the prestigious title of the world’s seventh-highest mountain. This is a realm reserved for mountaineering royalty. The path to the summit is a brutal ballet across treacherous icefalls, bone-chilling ridges, and near-vertical cliffs. The mountain cloaks itself in unpredictable weather and avalanches constantly threaten, transforming the climb into a thrilling yet perilous dance with nature.

6] Cho Oyu (Nepal/China)

Cho Oyu (Photo: X/@russianclimb)

Nicknamed “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, Cho Oyu stands tall at 26,864 feet (8,201 meters), claiming the prestigious title of the world’s sixth-highest mountain. Unlike some of its more formidable Himalayan neighbours, Cho Oyu’s ascent route is considered less demanding, making it a tempting first foray into the realm of 8,000-meter peaks for seasoned climbers. However, don’t be fooled by its relative ease. The climb still demands peak physical condition, meticulous altitude acclimatization, and the ability to navigate unpredictable weather conditions. The reward for conquering Cho Oyu is a breathtaking panorama – a front-row seat to some of the Himalayas’ most iconic giants, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.

5] Makalu (Nepal/China)

Makalu (Photo: X/@m_rodak)

Towering over the Himalayas at a staggering 27,838 feet (8,481 meters), Makalu isn’t just the world’s fifth-highest mountain. It’s a legendary challenge nicknamed “The Black Giant” for its imposing pyramid peak. Unlike crowded Everest, Makalu offers a true test for mountaineers. The unforgiving ascent is a dance along knife-edge ridges and steep slopes, demanding exceptional technical skills from climbers. The remoteness of the mountain adds another layer of difficulty, with unpredictable weather patterns as an ever-present threat. But for those who conquer Makalu, the reward is unmatched – a solitary triumph over a formidable peak, forever etched in memory.

4] Lhotse (Nepal/China)

Lhotse (Photo: X/@sst8848)

Towering at a staggering 27,940 feet (8,516 meters), Lhotse, aptly named “South Peak” in Tibetan, reigns as the world’s fourth-highest mountain. This formidable giant shares its base camp with the legendary Everest, tempting ambitious climbers with the ultimate challenge – the “Everest-Lhotse Traverse.” This daring feat, however, demands seasoned experience. The treacherous Khumbu Icefall, a labyrinth of crevasses and shifting ice formations, serves as the initial hurdle. Beyond this lies a test of technical mastery, where exceptional ice climbing skills are paramount to navigate the ascent’s most demanding sections.

3] Kangchenjunga (India/Nepal)

Kangchenjunga (Photo: X/@sst8848)

A 28,169 feet (8,586 meters) tall on the border of India and Nepal, Kangchenjunga, which translates to “The Five Treasures of Snow” in Tibetan, holds the distinction of being the world’s third-highest mountain. This majestic peak isn’t just a formidable climb; it’s deeply significant to local cultures and spirituality. Conquering Kangchenjunga is no easy feat. The climb is demanding with challenging technical sections, harsh weather, and logistical hurdles. But for those who reach the top, the breathtaking view of the Himalayas stretching out below makes it an unforgettable and truly rewarding experience.

2] K2 (Pakistan/China)

K2 (Photo: X/@mountainblogit)

Towering at a staggering 28,251 feet (8,611 meters), K2 isn’t just Earth’s second-highest peak, it’s also a notorious challenge for climbers. Earning the nickname “The Savage Mountain,” K2’s path to the summit is brutal. Compared to Everest, K2 features steeper slopes, knife-edged ridges, and the constant threat of avalanches. Unpredictable weather throws another curveball at climbers. Unlike Everest with its established routes on the Nepali side, K2’s ascent is primarily on the Pakistani side, where climbing infrastructure is less developed.

1] Mount Everest (Nepal/China)

Mt. Everest(Photo: X/@subfossilguy)

Soaring high above the Himalayas, Mount Everest needs no introduction. It’s the undisputed king of mountains, reaching a mind-blowing height of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) – the highest point on Earth! Climbing Everest is the ultimate test for any climber. It takes years of experience, top physical condition, and the ability to handle harsh weather with very little air to breathe (less than a third of what you’d find at sea level). The climb here is one of the toughest tasks to complete. You’ll need to navigate dangerous icefalls, sharp ridges, and the infamous Khumbu Icefall – a maze of cracks and ever-shifting glaciers.