The planet’s tallest mountains in the world all reach staggering heights above sea level and pose some of the greatest challenges in geography and mountaineering. In fact, the top 10 highest mountains on Earth each exceed 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in elevation – a group known as the “eight-thousanders.” These peaks are concentrated in the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges of Asia, straddling countries like Nepal, China, Pakistan, and India. Below we explore the world’s tallest mountains ranked 1 through 10 by elevation, detailing their heights, locations, and a bit of their significance and climbing history. Each entry includes the mountain’s name, height (meters and feet), the country or countries where it’s located, and what makes it noteworthy for climbers and enthusiasts.

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1. Mount Everest – 8,848 m (29,029 ft)

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, with a peak at approximately 8,848 m (29,029 ft) above sea level. It sits on the border between Nepal and the Tibet region of China, towering as the highest peak of the Himalayan range. Everest is known locally as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, reflecting its cultural significance. The mountain was first successfully climbed in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal, a historic feat that opened the door for countless expeditions to follow. Today, Everest draws hundreds of climbers every year as the ultimate mountaineering challenge, and even its Base Camp has become a popular trekking destination. However, extreme altitude, harsh weather, and recent overcrowding on its slopes all serve as reminders that the world’s tallest mountain remains a formidable and dangerous endeavor.

2. K2 – 8,611 m (28,251 ft)

K2 (8,611 m), the world’s second-highest mountain, rises sharply in the Karakoram range on the Pakistan–China border. Often called “Chogori” by locals, K2 earned the ominous nickname “Savage Mountain” after climber George Bell remarked, “It’s a savage mountain that tries to kill you,” during a 1953 expedition. Indeed, of the five highest peaks, K2 has historically been the deadliest – with a very high fatality-to-summit ratio – underscoring its extreme difficulty and perilous conditions. The summit was first reached in 1954 by an Italian team led by Ardito Desio (achieved by climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni). Unlike Everest, K2 has no commercial climbing route and is renowned for its steep faces and technical challenges. It remained unclimbed in winter until a Nepali team accomplished that milestone in 2021. For experienced mountaineers, K2’s combination of height and hazard makes it a pinnacle of achievement in the realm of high-altitude climbing.

3. Kangchenjunga – 8,586 m (28,169 ft)

Kangchenjunga is the third-highest mountain on Earth at 8,586 m (28,169 ft), straddling the border between eastern Nepal and India (Sikkim). It is the tallest peak in India and was actually assumed to be the world’s highest mountain until 1852, when new calculations identified Everest as higher. Kangchenjunga is revered locally – its name means “The Five Treasures of Snow,” referring to its five prominent peaks – and has long been considered a sacred mountain. In fact, the first ascent party in 1955 (Joe Brown and George Band of a British expedition) famously stopped just short of the true summit to honor a promise that the top remain inviolate. Kangchenjunga’s massive glacial ridges and remote location kept it less frequented than Everest, preserving a wild allure. The mountain’s dramatic heights and deep valleys (it anchors the Kangchenjunga Himal section of the Himalayas) make it a favorite for photographers and a significant challenge for climbers seeking the highest peaks beyond the more well-trodden Everest region.

4. Lhotse – 8,516 m (27,940 ft)

Lhotse, at 8,516 m (27,940 ft), is the fourth-highest mountain in the world and is connected to Mount Everest via the South Col, essentially forming Everest’s immediate neighbor. In fact, Lhotse means “South Peak” in Tibetan, signifying its position just south of Everest. Lhotse lies on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China) and shares much of the Everest climbing route before diverging near Camp III on the Lhotse Face. The mountain’s main summit was first climbed in 1956 by Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss of Switzerland during a Swiss expedition. While Lhotse’s proximity to Everest means it gets less attention, it is a spectacular peak in its own right – featuring one of the steepest couloirs (the Reiss couloir) leading to its summit. For decades, Lhotse Middle (the central peak) remained the highest unclimbed point on Earth until it was finally summited in 2001 by a Russian team. Today, climbers often tackle Lhotse to escape the crowds on Everest, finding a slightly quieter – yet equally majestic – high mountain experience.

5. Makalu – 8,485 m (27,838 ft)

Makalu is the world’s fifth-highest mountain, reaching 8,485 m (27,838 ft) on the Nepal–China (Tibet) border. It is located about 19 km southeast of Everest in the Mahalangur Himalaya, but Makalu stands apart as an isolated pyramid of rock and ice that is recognizable by its four-sided, steep granite faces. This mountain’s striking shape and remoteness make it one of the visually spectacular of the 8,000-meter peaks. Makalu was first summited in May 1955 by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition led by Jean Franco. Notably, that expedition saw an unprecedented ten team members reach the top over the course of three days – a remarkable success at the time, when typically only one or two climbers from a team attained the summit. Climbers tackling Makalu face technical challenges, especially on the final pyramid section, which requires rock and ice climbing at extreme altitude. While less famous than some neighbors, Makalu’s formidable reputation and lofty mountain heights have cemented its status as a prized objective for skilled mountaineers seeking the harder side of the Himalayas.

6. Cho Oyu – 8,188 m (26,864 ft)

Cho Oyu (8,188 m or 26,864 ft) ranks as the sixth-highest mountain in the world. It straddles the Nepal–China border west of Everest and is part of the Mahalangur Himalaya, where it stands as the westernmost major peak of the Khumbu sub-section of the range. The name Cho Oyu is Tibetan for “Turquoise Goddess,” a nod to the stunning colors often seen on its towering slopes at sunrise and sunset. Notably, Cho Oyu is considered the most accessible of the eight-thousanders – sometimes dubbed the “easy” 8,000-meter peak (a relative term) – due to its comparatively moderate slopes and a route that presents fewer technical hurdles. It was first climbed on October 19, 1954, by the Austrian expedition of Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama. Because of the safer climbing routes and proximity to a trade pass (the Nangpa La between Tibet and Nepal), Cho Oyu has the lowest death-to-summit ratio among the 8,000 m peaks. Many climbers use Cho Oyu as a training ascent before attempting Everest. Despite being termed “easier,” Cho Oyu is still an extreme altitude climb, and its gentle image belies the fact that it is a colossal mountain that commands respect.

7. Dhaulagiri I – 8,167 m (26,795 ft)

Dhaulagiri I is the seventh-highest mountain in the world, with a summit elevation of 8,167 m (26,795 ft). It lies entirely within north-central Nepal, making it the highest mountain located within the borders of a single country (all higher peaks are shared between nations). The name Dhaulagiri comes from Sanskrit, meaning “White Mountain,” which is fitting as it’s a massive snow- and ice-covered peak visible for miles around. Dhaulagiri was first climbed on May 13, 1960, by a Swiss/Austrian/Nepali expedition – a team effort that included Kurt Diemberger among others. This ascent was notable as the last of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks to be conquered (all fourteen had been climbed after Dhaulagiri’s first ascent). Geographically, Dhaulagiri I stands just 34 km west of Annapurna I, and the two giants are separated by the Kali Gandaki River valley, which is often cited as the world’s deepest gorge. Trekkers on the famous Annapurna Circuit are treated to splendid views of Dhaulagiri’s aesthetically stunning silhouette, especially at sunrise. Though less frequently climbed than some other eight-thousanders, Dhaulagiri’s south and west faces provide serious climbing challenges, and its prominent stature has earned it a revered place in Himalayan lore.

8. Manaslu – 8,163 m (26,781 ft)

Manaslu, at 8,163 m (26,781 ft), is the eighth-highest mountain in the world and is located in the Mansiri Himal of west-central Nepal. The name Manaslu comes from the Sanskrit word “manasa,” meaning “soul” or “spirit,” giving it the nickname “Mountain of the Spirit.” Manaslu features a long ridgeline and a large summit plateau, and it towers dramatically above the surrounding valleys, making for a striking presence. This peak was first summited on May 9, 1956, by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu as part of a Japanese expedition. Japanese climbers have a long association with Manaslu, treating it with the same reverence as Everest is by others – in fact, multiple Japanese expeditions attempted it before success, and the first ascent was seen as a matter of national pride. Early attempts caused friction with local villagers (who blamed climbers for triggering avalanches that destroyed a monastery), delaying subsequent climbs. Today, Manaslu is a popular 8,000-meter objective in the autumn climbing season, sometimes used as a training peak for Everest. It is known for heavy snowfall and avalanche risk, but climbers are drawn to Manaslu’s comparatively remote wilderness and the cultural experience of trekking through the Nubri Valley to reach its base.

9. Nanga Parbat – 8,126 m (26,660 ft)

Nanga Parbat is the ninth-highest mountain on Earth, reaching 8,126 m (26,660 ft) in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, at the western end of the Himalayan range. Its name means “Naked Mountain” in Sanskrit, a reference to its sheer unclothed rock faces that rise abruptly above the surrounding terrain. Nanga Parbat is infamously known as the “Killer Mountain,” a sobriquet earned due to the tragic number of climbers who perished on its slopes, especially in the early attempts before the first successful ascent. The mountain’s enormous south wall, the Rupal Face, soars about 4,600 m (15,000 ft) from base to summit – often cited as the highest continuous mountain face in the world. Nanga Parbat was first climbed on July 3, 1953, by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl, who achieved the summit alone in a pioneering solo ascent without supplemental oxygen. This bold accomplishment came after numerous failed expeditions (mostly German-led) in the 1930s and 40s, which contributed to its deadly reputation. To this day, Nanga Parbat’s routes – whether the Rupal Face or the slightly less steep Diamir Face – demand technical skill and commitment. The mountain stands isolated and majestic, guarding the entrance to the western Himalayas, and remains a prized but fearsome goal for high-altitude mountaineers.

10. Annapurna I – 8,091 m (26,545 ft)

Annapurna I in north-central Nepal is the tenth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,091 m (26,545 ft). Despite being the lowest of the top ten peaks, Annapurna I is notorious among climbers for its high level of danger. In 1950, it became the first 8,000-meter peak ever to be climbed, when French mountaineers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached the summit during a landmark expedition. That pioneering climb (achieved without modern gear or high-altitude oxygen) is legendary, but it came at great cost – the team’s desperate descent in bad weather is one of mountaineering’s epic survival stories. Annapurna’s steep, avalanche-prone terrain has given it the highest fatality rate of all the eight-thousanders for much of modern climbing history. In fact, for decades roughly one in three people who attempted Annapurna’s summit did not return, making it statistically the most dangerous 8,000 m peak. (Improved techniques have lowered this death rate in recent years, but it remains extremely risky.) The mountain’s name, derived from a Hindu goddess of nourishment, also graces the entire Annapurna Massif and region, which is famous for trekking. Trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit or Sanctuary routes can admire Annapurna I from safer vantage points. But for mountaineers, Annapurna I’s combination of technical difficulty, objective hazards, and historical significance marks it as an awe-inspiring, if daunting, finale to the list of the world’s ten highest mountains.

The Global Significance of the Highest Peaks

The world’s tallest mountains are far more than just points on a list – they are natural monuments that have shaped culture, climate, and the limits of human adventure. All of the top 10 highest peaks rise from the mighty Himalaya and Karakoram ranges, dominating Asian landscapes and influencing weather patterns and water resources for surrounding regions. These mountain heights have tested the courage and ingenuity of climbers from around the globe, driving advances in gear, high-altitude medicine, and our understanding of human physiology under extreme conditions. Each of these summits carries its own legacy of exploration: from Everest’s iconic status as “because it’s there,” to K2’s fearsome reputation, to the spiritual reverence of Kangchenjunga and Manaslu. Collectively, the highest mountains remind us of Earth’s awe-inspiring extremes. They attract not only seasoned alpinists but also inspire millions of nature enthusiasts and students who learn about their geography and history. In summary, these top 10 highest mountains in the world stand as towering symbols of our planet’s grandeur – peaks that challenge our limits and ignite our imagination, fostering respect for the power and beauty of nature at its most sublime.

FAQ

What is the tallest mountain in the world?

Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world at 8,848 m (29,029 ft) above sea level, located on the Nepal–China border.

Which mountain is harder to climb, Everest or K2?

K2 is widely regarded as technically harder and deadlier than Everest due to steeper routes, harsher weather, and no commercial climbing path.

How many of the tallest mountains are in the Himalaya?

All ten of the world’s highest peaks are located in the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges of Asia, spanning Nepal, China, Pakistan, and India.

What is an eight-thousander?

An eight-thousander is any mountain higher than 8,000 m (26,247 ft). There are fourteen such peaks, all in the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges.

Why is Annapurna considered so dangerous?

Annapurna I has historically held the highest fatality-to-summit ratio among eight-thousanders due to avalanche-prone slopes and technical terrain.

Sources: The heights, locations, and historical facts above are sourced from authoritative mountaineering data and references, including the Himalayan Database and public encyclopedic entries for each mountain, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for all highest peaks listed.