The alluring and enchanting world of mountains, sung in many songs and inspiring famous artists to write. One has only to remember the masterpieces of Nicholas Roerich. And how many legends and tales are associated with. The Himalayas and Andes, the Pyrenees and the Alps hold many secrets that have yet to be discovered.
Every continent of the earth has amazing mountain ranges. They are different in structure and height, so let's take the height as a characteristic, and consider the highest mountain peaks in different parts of our amazing world.
Roman-Kosh (1545 m.)
The Crimean mountains have harmoniously blended into the landscape of the peninsula in three ridges. The highest peak of the Crimean Mountains is Roman-Kosh, located in the Babugan-Yayla massif.
Its height is 1,545 meters, and the name is translated as forest pasture. The geology of the Crimean Mountains is relatively young, and the highest peak was formed from limestone rocks about 200 million years ago.
Unfortunately, Roman-Kosh is part of a nature reserve complex, and it is impossible to approach it.
Narodnaya (1895 m.)
The highest peak of the Ural Mountains is named with a double accent. The stress on the first syllable is associated with the Naroda River, which flows at the foot and further through the expanses of Siberia, and the second, more familiar to the ear, is associated with the tendency in the Soviet Union to give such ideological names.
The height of Narodnaya is 1,895 meters, and was discovered and described for the first time during the exploration of Siberia in 1846. The fabulously beautiful mountains of Russia are the natural border of Europe and Asia.
Belukha (4,509 m.)
Among the endless expanses of Siberia lies the largest mountain system in Russia - the South Siberian Mountains. Siberia also has its own high peak Belukha, whose height is 4,509 meters.
One of the most unique rivers in Siberia, the Katun, originates on the mountain slopes, and flows into the Ob. But Belukha got its romantic name due to the fact that from the foot to the top it is covered with snow-white snows.
Kazbek (5,033 m.)
We will stay in the Caucasus and visit the summit, which is comfortably located on the border of Georgia and the Russian Federation. Mount Kazbek, 5,033 meters high, was first conquered by a man in 1868.
The Caucasian five-thousander is famous not only for its beauty, but also for its numerous sights. The oldest monasteries in the region are located on the slopes of the mountain at a high altitude. And the old weather station of the Caucasus on one of the mountain slopes is used today as a shelter for climbers.
Elbrus (5 642 m.)
Perhaps the most famous peak not only in the Caucasus Mountains, but also in the world, Elbrus soared up to a height of 5,642 meters.
The stratovolcano in the heart of the Caucasus is the highest peak in Europe and the Russian Federation. But it is almost impossible to find out the exact origin of the name, since the peoples and ethnic groups who knew about the mountain called it in their own way.
Many legends and tales are connected with the peak, which take their roots in ancient times. Many peoples revered Elbrus as a sacred mountain.
Kilimanjaro (5895 m.)
In northeastern Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa, the potentially dangerous volcano Kilimanjaro, rises above the ground.
The height of the African giant is 5,895 meters, and the summit is covered with snow, which complicates the ascent.
It is interesting that ancient travelers and historians knew about Kilimanjaro. Ptolemy put it on his map in the 2nd century BC, but Europeans have known it since 1848.
Aneto Peak (3 404 m.)
The Pyrenees mountain system stretches across several European countries and is famous for its beautiful landscapes. Among the Pyrenean ridges rises the Aneto Peak with a height of 3,404 meters.
Some reference books also use the French name Pique de Neto, but very rarely, since the Peak is geographically located in Spain.
Of the interesting facts, we note that the top of the mountain is covered by the largest glacier in Europe.
Denali (6,135 m.)
From Europe we go to Alaska, where the highest peak in North America, the two-headed Denali, lurks among the snow and ice.
Its height is 6,135 meters, and before the transfer of Alaska to the USA, Denali was the highest peak of the Russian Empire.
The etymology of the name is also interesting. In Indian languages, the name is translated as "great", but the Russian colonialists of the 17th century called it simply Big Mountain.
Aconcagua (6,961 m.)
It is impossible not to mention the highest peak of the South American continent. Aconcagua is located in the Andes, with a height of 6,961 meters. Above are only Asian peaks.
She is included in the list of "Seven Peaks" that every climber of the Earth wants to conquer. But note that the ascent to the peak of South America is quite easy, and convenient tourist routes are laid on the slopes.
Kostsyushko (2,228 m.)
We have named the highest peaks of all continents, and for the sake of justice we are going to Australia. The highest peak of the green continent has the Polish name of Kosciuszko. The discoverer, a Pole by nationality, named him after Tadeusz Kosciuszko. 
There is also a high landmark in Antarctica, with the highest point at 4,892 meters. And it is called the highest place among the white expanses Vinson Massif.
The peak is named in honor of the American politician, and, like many presented in our review, is part of the Seven Summits climbing project.
And they learned about the massif relatively recently, a research expedition discovered it 1200 kilometers from the South Pole in 1957.
The shape of Everest, as Europeans call the mountain, is also interesting, in the form of a pyramidal trihedron. The Himalayas, as the highest mountains in the world, were naturally associated with the Gods. So the name Chomolungma in Tibetan means "Divine".
The Himalayas have always attracted explorers, and climbing Mount Everest is the dream of every climber in the world.
Conclusion
As we have seen, there are countless mountains on earth, and they are all unique and inimitable. The highest mountains of any continent always attract the attention of climbers and researchers in various fields of science. Even the project "Seven Peaks" was drawn up, which includes the seven highest peaks of the six parts of the world. But, of course, all climbers strive to the Himalayas to stand at least a little on the roof of the world.
Everest (Chomolungma) 8848 meters
Coordinates: 27 ° 59'N lat., 86 ° 55 'east etc.
The highest mountain in the world is Everest (Chomolungma). This mountain consists of two peaks: the southern one, lying on the border of Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region, which is 8760 meters, and the northern one, located in China, with a height of 8848 meters. The shape of the mountain is a triangular pyramid with a steeper southern slope. Due to the fact that firn and snow are not held on the southern side, the slope and ribs are bare. The summit itself is covered with almost nothing but sedimentary deposits. At night, the air temperature at the top of the mountain drops to -60 ° C, and the wind speed can reach 200 km / h. Partially this mountain became part of Sagarmatha, a national park in Nepal.
Chogori (K2) 8614 meters
Coordinates: 35052 ′ s. lat., 76 ° 30 ′ east etc.
The pre-peak in the east is 8230 meters, and in the south - 8132 m. Chogori is the second highest mountain after Everest and the northernmost eight-thousander in the world. This mountain peak is located in Kashmir, the northern territories of which, on the border with China, are controlled by Pakistan. Also, the mountain is included in the Karakorum massif, which is located from the Himalayas to the west. Sometimes Chogori are called: Karakorum 2, Godwin-Osten, Dapsang.
8598 meters away
Coordinates: 27042 ′ s. sh., 88009 ′ east etc.
Mount Kanchenjunga is located in the Himalayas, or rather at the border of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim, which is partly part of the national park. The name of this mountain range can be translated as "five treasures of the great snows". And the mountain is named so because it consists of five peaks: the main (8586 m), southern (8491 m), middle (8478 m), western (8505 m) and Kangbachen peak (7902 m). Until 1852, Kanchenjunga was considered the highest mountain peak in the world. However, after performing some calculations, it became known that Everest was still much higher and Kanchenjunga became the third highest mountain in the world.
8516 meters away
Coordinates: 27058 ′ s. sh., 86056 ′ east etc.
Lhotse is considered the fourth highest mountain, which has three peaks: the main (8516 m), middle (8414 m) and the eastern (8383 m). It received the name "South Mountain" and is located on the border of China and Nepal, at a distance of 3 km from Everest in the southern direction. Like Everest, it is partly included in Nepal's Sagarmath National Park.
Makalu 8481 meters
Coordinates: 27053 ′ s. sh., 87005 ′ east etc.
Makalu is the fifth peak in the world, the mass of which is expressed by the main (8400 m) and southeastern (8010 m) peaks. The mountain is located 22 kilometers east of Everest, in the Khumbu region. The western, eastern, southwestern and northeastern ridge departs from this mountain peak, on which the Chomo Lonzo massif is located, 7804 meters high. A distinctive feature of the area is powerful glaciation.
8201 meters away
Coordinates: 28006 ′ s. sh., 86040 ′ east etc.
Chl-Oyu has two peaks: Ngoyumba Ri-1, whose height is 7806 meters, and Ngoyumba Ri-2, which reached 7646 meters in height. Cho Oyu is located on the Nepal-Chinese border in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The top of the mountain entered the Everest mountain range and became part of the Sagarmatha National Park. Cho Oyu is the simplest 8000m peak in the world.
8167 meters away
Coordinates: 28042 ′ s. sh., 83030 ′ east etc.
Dhaulagiri closes the list of the highest mountains in the world. Nepal became the location of the multi-peaked mountain. In total, this mountain range has 11 peaks, of which the highest is Dhaulagiri I - 8167 m, and the lowest is Gurya Himal - 7193 m. If you translate the name of the mountain from Sanskrit, you get the phrase "White Mountain". The roof-like shape and thick snow and ice cover are the distinctive features of Dhaulagiri.
Most Dangerous Mountains (Killer Mountains) Video
All The Highest Mountains in the World
The formation of mountains on Earth lasts for millions of years. They arise from the collisions of the 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 background of the highest mountain peaks in the world - "eight-thousanders", whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters.
How many continents are there on Earth? Sometimes it is believed that Europe and Asia are 2 different continents, although they are one continent:
Before starting our story about the tallest mountains on 6 continents, let's take a look at a general diagram of the highest peaks on Earth.
"Eight-thousanders" is the common name for the 14 highest mountain peaks in the world, whose altitude exceeds 8,000 meters. They are all in Asia. The conquest of all 14 "eight-thousanders" of the planet - the conquest of the "Crown of the Earth" - is a great 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 two-headed mountain in North America, named after the 25th President of the United States. Located in Alaska.
The 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, view from Denali National Park:
The first ascent to the main peak 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
It is the highest point of the American continent, South America, and the western and southern hemispheres. Belong to the longest mountain range in the world - the Andes.
The mountain is located in Argentina and in the Quechua language means "Stone Guard". Aconcagua is the largest extinct volcano on our planet.
In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered a technically easy mountain if you climb 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 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 probably resembled the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. At the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose from the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful tremors.
Today 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 movement of glaciers 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 the ascent of Elbrus is 15-30 people.
Asia - Mount Everest, 8 848 m
Everest (Chomolungma) is the top of our world! The first 8000m peak and the highest mountain on Earth.
The mountain is located in the Himalayas in the Mahalangur-Himal ridge, with the South peak (8760 m) lying on the border of Nepal, and the North (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 up to 200 km / h, and the air temperature at night drops to -60 Celsius.
The first ascent to the summit of Everest took place in 1953. From the moment of the first ascent to the summit until 2011, more than 200 people have died on the slopes of Everest. Now the ascent to the top takes about 2 months - with acclimatization and setting up camps.
View from space:
Climbing Mount Everest is not only extremely dangerous, but also expensive: the cost of climbing as part of specialized groups is up to 65 thousand US dollars, and the only one permission to climb, issued by the government of Nepal, costs 10 thousand dollars
Australia and Oceania - Mount Punchak Jaya, 4884 m
The highest peak in Australia and Oceania, which is located on the island of New Guinea. It sits on the Australian Plate and is the tallest mountain in the world located on an island.
The mountain was discovered in 1623 by the Dutch explorer Jan Carstens, who saw from afar into the glacier at the summit. Therefore, the mountain is sometimes called the Pyramid of Carstens.
The first ascent of Punchak-Jaya took place only in 1962. The name of the mountain from the Indonesian language translates roughly as "Pobeda 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 planes, they were later named Vinson Massif, after the famous American politician Carl Vinson.
View of Vinson Massif from space:
Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro, 5895 m
It is the highest point in Africa, a huge dormant volcano with two well-defined peaks in northeastern Tanzania. The mountain has had no documented eruptions, but local legends speak of volcanic activity 150-200 years ago.
The higher one is Kibo Peak, an almost regular cone with powerful glaciation.
The name comes from the Swahili language and supposedly means “the mountain that sparkles”.
The snow cap that has covered the top of the mountain 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 decrease in the amount of snowfall.
The highest peak in Africa was first conquered by the German traveler Hans Meyer in 1889.
All cat sleeping positions
Answering the question about what is the highest point in the world, almost every high school student will confidently answer that it is. Other common names for the peak are Chomolungma and Sagarmatha. The summit lies at an altitude of 8848 meters above sea level. This indicator is recorded in numerous scientific papers and textbooks.
Location
The highest point of the world on the map is located on the border of states such as Nepal and China. The summit belongs to the Great Himalayas mountain range. At the same time, it should be noted that, based on the data that are all the time provided by instruments at the peak, as well as with the help of satellites, the researchers have proven that Everest, in the literal sense of the word, does not stand still. The fact is that the mountain is constantly changing its moving to the northeast from India towards China. According to scientists, the reason for this lies in the fact that they constantly move and creep one on top of the other.
Opening
The highest point in the world was discovered in 1832. Then the expedition, consisting of the staff of the British Geodetic Service, was exploring some of the peaks that were on Indian territory in the Himalayas. During the execution of the work, British scientists noted that one of the peaks (which until then was marked everywhere as "Peak 15") is higher in comparison with other mountains that make up the ridge. This observation was documented, after which the peak was called Everest - in honor of the head of the geodetic service.
Significance to locals
The fact that the world is Everest, the locals assumed several centuries before its official discovery by European researchers. They respected the peak very much and named it Chomolungma, which literally translated from the local language means “the goddess - mother of the Earth”. As far as Nepal is concerned, here it is known as Sagarmatha (heavenly peak). Residents of the districts located nearby the mountain say that at this peak, death and life are separated by a half step, and people from all directions of the world are equal before God, regardless of their religion. During the Middle Ages, at the foot of Everest, a monastery was built, which is called Ronkbuk. The building has survived to this day and is still inhabited.
Other opinions on altitude
In 1954, a number of studies and measurements of the summit were made using various instruments and aerial photography. According to their results, it was officially established that the highest point in the world has a height of 8848 meters. It should be noted that, in comparison with our time, the technique used then was not so accurate. This gave some scientists a reason to assert that the real indicator of the height of Chomolungma differs from the official value.
In particular, at the end of 1999 in Washington, within the framework of the meeting of the National Geographic Society, a proposal was made to consider that Everest lies above sea level at an altitude of 8850 meters, in other words, two meters higher. Members of the organization supported this idea. This event was preceded by the research of several expeditions led by a famous American scientist named Branford Washbourne. First, he brought high-precision electronic equipment to the summit with his people. Subsequently, this allowed the researcher, using a satellite, to record the slightest deviations in the height of the mountain (in comparison with previous data). Thus, the scientist was able to quite clearly show the growth dynamics of Chomolungma. Moreover, Washbourne identified the periods of the most significant increase in peak height.
Everest's growth process
The Himalayas are considered one of the most recent geological belts to form on our planet. In this regard, the process of their development is quite active (in comparison with others). Unsurprisingly, the world's highest point continues to rise. As studies show, the most intensive growth becomes during high seismic activity not only on the Eurasian continent itself, but also on the entire planet. For example, only during the first half of 1999 the height of the mountain increased by three centimeters. Several years ago, a geologist from Italy A. Desio, using modern radio equipment, established that now the summit of Chomolungma is at an elevation of 8872.5 meters above sea level, which is 25 meters higher than the officially recorded value.
The largest mountain on earth
There is no doubt that the highest point in the world is Mount Everest. At the same time, calling it the largest mountain on the planet will not be entirely correct. The fact is that, judging by such an indicator as the total height, the largest mountain should be called Mauna Kea, located not far from Hawaii. The peak rises only 4206 meters above sea level. Together with this, its base lies at a depth of more than ten thousand meters under water. Thus, the total size of Mauna Kea exceeds that of Everest by almost two times.
Other highest points of the planet
Be that as it may, each of the continents has the most outstanding peak. The names of the highest mountains in the world by continent are as follows. The highest in South America and the second after Everest on the planet is Aconcagua peak (6959 meters), which is part of the Andes and is located in Argentina. Peak McKinley (6194 meters) is located in the US state of Alaska and closes the top three world leaders in this indicator. In Europe, Elbrus is considered the highest (5642 meters), and in Africa - Kilimanjaro (5895 meters). There is also a record holder in Antarctica. The highest mountain here is Vinson (4892 meters).
There are 14 mountain peaks in the world with a height of more than 8,000 meters. Climbing such mountains is not an exercise for cowards. Currently, only 30 experienced climbers have managed to climb all 14 peaks. Why do people dream of conquering these mountains, if such an ascent can turn out to be fatal? Probably to prove something to yourself ... No one will argue with the fact that these giants cannot but bewitch. And today we have prepared for you a selection of the most incredible mountains in the world.
Located in Nepal
Height: 8848 meters
It has 2 peaks: southern (8760 meters) and northern (8848 meters).
The mountain is very beautiful, it has the shape of a triangular pyramid.
Everest is the highest mountain peak in the world, part of the Mahalangur-Himal mountain range.
During the attempts to climb Everest, more than 250 people died. Most of the deaths were associated with falls from heights, avalanches, ice collapses, as well as various health problems due to being in an alpine environment. Today, climbing the main route no longer presents such problems as in the last century. However, at high altitudes, climbers expect a lack of oxygen, gusty winds and low temperatures (below 60 degrees). In order to conquer Everest, you need to be not only brave, hardy, but also a wealthy person. You need to spend at least $ 8,000 on this business.
Located in the Himalayas, on the border of China and Pakistan
Height: 8614 meters
The second highest mountain in the world. Chogori is considered one of the most difficult mountain peaks for climbing, it was first conquered in 1954. The mortality rate is 25%.
Located in the Himalayas, on the border between China and Nepal, 3 km from Everest
Height: 8516 meters
This mountain was conquered in 1956.
Lhotse has 3 peaks, each of which reaches a height of over 8 kilometers.
Located in the Himalayas, on the border of Nepal and China, 12 kilometers from Everest
Height: 8485 meters
The second name is Black Giant.
This mountain is very difficult to climb, its slopes are too steep. Only a third of the expeditions were usually successful. Several dozen people died.
Located on the border of Nepal and PRC
Height: 8201 meters
It is considered not the most difficult to climb, but, nevertheless, 39 climbers died.
Located in the Nepalese part of the Himalayas
Height: 8167 meters
From the local language "dhaulagiri" is translated as "white mountain".
Almost all of its area is covered with glaciers and snow. It is considered one of the most difficult mountain peaks to climb.
For the first time they were able to conquer it in 1960. More than 60 climbers died on it.
Located in Nepal, part of the Mansiri-Himal mountain range
Height: 8156 meters
She was first conquered by a Japanese expedition in 1956.
Located in Pakistan
Height: 8125 meters
Second name: Nanga Parbata - Diamir (translated as "Mountain of the Gods").
It was first conquered in 1953.
In terms of mortality among climbers, it ranks third after Everest and K-2. This mountain is also called the "killer".
Located in Nepal
Height: 8091 meters
The first Himalayan eight-thousander, which was conquered in 1950.
The mountain has 9 peaks, one of which is "Machapuchare". Nobody has managed to climb it yet.
Locals consider this peak to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Therefore, climbing it is prohibited.
The highest of the 9 peaks is called Annapurna. About 40% of climbers who tried to climb it remain lying on its slopes.
Height: 8080 meters
First ascent: 1958.
The highest peak of the Gasherbrum mountain range, the second highest in the Karakorum and the eleventh highest among the world's eight-thousanders.
On July 5, 1958, members of the American expedition Peter Schoening and Andrew Kaufman made the first ascent to the summit along the southeast ridge.
Located in Kashmir, in the Pakistan-controlled Northern Territories on the border with China, Baltoro Muztag, Karakorum, 8 km from Mount Chogori
Height: 8051 meters
The peak belongs to the Baltoro Muztag mountain range and the multi-peaked Gasherbrum mountain range. It includes 2 peaks, the height of which exceeds 8 km.
In 1957 the Austrian expedition made its first ascent.
Located in the Pakistan-controlled Northern Territories on the border with China, Baltoro Muztag, Karakorum
Height: 8035 meters
The gracefully contoured peak, with sheer cliffs and eternal snow, belongs to the Baltoro Muztag mountain range. It is included in the Gasherbrum multi-peaked mountain range. The first ascent was made by the Australians in 1956.
Located in China, Langtang, Himalayas
Height: 8027 meters
Included in the Langtang mountain range. Consists of three peaks, two of which are more than 8 km. The first ascent took place in 1964. For 50 years, 21 people died while trying to climb, although among the eight-thousanders it is considered the easiest.