Many a mountaineer has set his/her sights on conquering the world’s highest mountain – Mt. Everest.
A select few have gone beyond that goal – to climb the highest mountains on each of our world’s continents, an impressive feat! As of 2016, more than 400 people have successfully climbed the highest summits in the world.
There are two very popular lists – by Dick Bass and Reinhold Messner, who disagree upon which should be the highest peak for Australasia.
Let’s take a look at the world’s highest mountains:
Asia – Mt. Everest
The mountain was first conquered by Sir Edmund Hillary, and the Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
The Southern route is the most commonly used route by climbers even though it is slightly more riskier than the Northern route.
As of 2016, more than 4500 people have had a successful summit on Mt. Everest, with some of them having summited the mountain several times.
Africa – Mt. Kilimanjaro
It is also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.
It was first climbed by Hans Meyer, and Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889.
North America – Mt. McKinley/Denali
The most popular route to its summit is via the ‘West Buttress’, which was first explored in 1951. It is also the easiest and the least technically demanding route on this peak.
South America – Mt. Aconcagua
Mt. Aconcagua stands at a height of approximately 6,962 metres above sea level.
The mountain’s northwestern route is considered one of the highest non technical ascents in the world. As a result, many climbers ignore the effects of altitude and climate which is the reason why this mountain has such a high death toll.
Antarctica – Mt. Vinson
Mt. Vinson was first summited in 1966 by climbers from the American Alpine Club. Since then, approximately 1200 people have climbed this mountain.
Australasia – Mt. Kosciuszko
Mt. Kosciuszko is one of the easiest climbs on this list.
Australasia – Mt. Puncak Jaya/Mt. Carstensz Pyramid
Most climbers prefer to climb both Mt. Kosciuszko, and Mt. Puncak Jaya in their quest to conquer the 7 summits.
Mt. Puncak Jaya is a much more challenging peak to overcome, and is also the tallest island peak in the world.
Europe – Mt. Elbrus
It is located in the Caucasus Mountain range, bordering both Europe, and Asia. Mt. Elbus is approximately 5,642 metres above sea level in height.
Its Western summit is slightly higher than its Eastern summit, and is often the more preferred one amongst climbers.
Europe – Mont. Blanc
Mont. Blanc is located between the borders of France, and Italy, and is the highest mountain in the Alps at an altitude of 4,810 metres above sea level.
Before we go:
What do you think of the Bass and Messner lists? Which one do you prefer? Do let us know about your choice via email. Until then, see you soon!
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