The Top 5 Highest Mountains in the World and Their Locations

Mountains have captivated humanity throughout history, standing as symbols of majesty, challenge, and the beauty of nature.

They have inspired not just adventurers but also artists and spiritual seekers, representing the lofty heights of the natural world and human aspiration.

Among all the mountains across the globe, the highest peaks hold a particular fascination. These towering giants are not only geographical landmarks but also sacred spaces in many cultures, revered as bridges between the earth and the heavens.

Here’s a look at the 5 highest mountains in the world:

Mount Everest – 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It sits on the border between Nepal and China in the Himalayas. The mountain was formed by the Indian tectonic plate pushing against the Eurasian plate, which is still happening, slowly making Everest even taller.

Climbing Everest is dangerous but is a famous challenge that many climbers aspire to achieve. The first people confirmed to reach the top were Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

K2 – 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) K2 is the world’s second-highest mountain and is located on the border between China and Pakistan in the Karakoram Range. It is often called the “Savage Mountain” because of its difficult climbs and high risk for climbers. K2 is known for its steep, challenging climbs and severe weather conditions.

There are no commercial climbing routes, which makes reaching the summit a true accomplishment for experienced mountaineers.

Kangchenjunga – 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) Kangchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world and is located between Nepal and India. Its name means “The Five Treasures of Snows,” reflecting its five high peaks.

The mountain is considered sacred by the local people of Sikkim. Kangchenjunga offers tough climbing routes and is less traveled compared to Everest.

Lhotse – 8,516 meters (27,940 feet) Lhotse is connected to Everest and lies on the border between Tibet and the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is the fourth-highest mountain in the world.

Lhotse is known for the Lhotse Face, a large and steep icy slope that climbers on the standard route to Everest’s summit must cross. This makes it an important part of climbing Everest but also a formidable challenge in its own right.

Makalu – 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world and is famous for its pyramid shape with four sharp ridges. It is located about 19 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest, in the eastern Himalayas. The area around Makalu is wild and less disturbed than other areas of the Himalayas.

The mountain is known for its difficult weather conditions and challenging routes, making it a tough climb for even the most skilled climbers.