The highest peaks of the world on all continents. What are the highest mountains in the world? The highest mountains on the globe

When asked what the highest point in the world is, almost every high school student will confidently answer that it is. Other common names for the peak are Chomolungma and Sagarmatha. The peak lies at an altitude of 8848 meters above sea level. This indicator is recorded in numerous scientific papers and textbooks.

Location

The highest point in the world on the map is located on the border of countries such as Nepal and China. The peak belongs to the Greater Himalayas mountain range. At the same time, it should be noted that based on the data that is constantly provided by instruments at the peak, as well as with the help of satellites, researchers have proven that Everest, in the literal sense of the word, does not stand still. The fact is that the mountain changes its shape all the time, moving to the northeast from India towards China. According to scientists, the reason for this lies in the fact that they are constantly moving and crawling onto one another.

Opening

The highest point in the world was discovered in 1832. Then an expedition consisting of employees of the British Geodetic Service was engaged in the study of some peaks that were located on Indian territory in the Himalayas. While carrying out the work, English scientists noted that one of the peaks (which had previously been marked everywhere as “Peak 15”) was higher than the other mountains that make up the ridge. This observation was documented, after which the peak began to be called Everest - in honor of the head of the geodetic service.

Importance to local residents

The fact that the world is Everest was assumed by local residents several centuries before its official discovery by European explorers. They respected the peak very much and named it Chomolungma, which literally translated from the local language means “goddess - mother of the Earth.” As for Nepal, here it is known as Sagarmatha (heavenly peak). Residents of areas located nearby the mountain say that on this peak, death and life are separated by half a step, and people from all directions of the world are equal before God, regardless of their religion. During the Middle Ages, a monastery called Ronkbuk was built at the foot of Everest. The structure has survived to this day and is still inhabited.

Other opinions about height

In 1954, a number of studies and measurements of the peak were carried out using various instruments and aerial photography. Based on their results, it was officially established that the highest point in the world has a height of 8848 meters. It should be noted that, compared to our time, the technology used then was not so accurate. This gave some scientists reason to claim that the real height of Chomolungma differs from the official value.

In particular, at the end of 1999 in Washington, as part of a meeting of the National Geographic Society, a proposal was put forward 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 Washburn. First, he and his people delivered high-precision electronic equipment to the summit. Subsequently, this allowed the researcher, using a satellite, to record the slightest deviations in the height of the mountain (compared to previous data). Thus, the scientist was able to 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 that formed on our planet. In this regard, the process of their development is quite active (compared to others). It's no surprise that the world's highest point continues to rise. As studies show, growth becomes most intense during times of high seismic activity not only on the Eurasian continent itself, but throughout the entire planet. For example, during the first half of 1999 alone, the height of the mountain increased by three centimeters. Several years ago, a geologist from Italy A. Desio, using modern radio equipment, established that the peak of Chomolungma is now at 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 Everest. At the same time, calling it the largest mountain on the planet would not be entirely correct. The fact is that, judging by such an indicator as the total height, then the largest mountain should be called Mauna Kea, located not far from Hawaii. The peak rises above sea level only 4206 meters. At the same time, its base lies at a depth of more than ten thousand meters under water. Thus, the total size of Mauna Kea is almost twice that of Everest.

Other highest points on the planet

Be that as it may, each of the continents has the most prominent peak. The names of the highest mountains in the world by continent are as follows. The highest peak in South America and the second highest on the planet after Everest is Aconcagua Peak (6959 meters), which is part of the Andes and is located in Argentina. Mount McKinley (6194 meters) is located in the American state of Alaska and closes the top three world leaders in this indicator. In Europe, Elbrus (5642 meters) is considered the highest, and in Africa - Kilimanjaro (5895 meters). Antarctica also has its own record holder. The highest mountain here is Vinson (4892 meters).

What do you know about the highest peak in the world? That it's called Everest. Some will also remember the alternative name - Chomolungma. Can you tell me the height? At least approximately. Where is it located? Also no? Then once again we will talk about the highest mountains on Earth.

The undisputed leader in terms of height, this mountain, like a magnet, attracts professional climbers, beginners and people simply thirsty for extreme sports from all over the world. Climbing it is the cherished dream of everyone who has made at least one climb to any other peak. And today thousands of people every year make this dream come true.

Everest with routes and key points

Brief information. Chomolungma, also known as Everest, also known as Sagarmatha, is the highest peak in the world. Its peak reaches a height of 8848 meters. Belongs to the Himalaya mountain system, divided between China and Nepal. Most of the climbing takes place from the Nepal side. It takes about two hours for an ordinary person to walk 7 kilometers 200 meters. Here you need to climb up rocky slopes in cold, and even thin air. It’s still a test, but every year thousands of people decide to take it. Not all of them reach the top. Not everyone returns home. Many die in the process.

Despite this, organizing the climb to Everest has now become a profitable business. Nowadays, solo climbers are rare; most often people turn to special companies that assign guides, conductors, instructors, doctors to them, select equipment, purchase licenses for climbing, provisions, and medicines. In this case, the recovery may take up to two months. This time is needed for acclimatization, which is carried out at critical points. This pleasure is not cheap. On average, a tourist spends 65 thousand dollars for a climb. But he exchanges them for unforgettable impressions.

The second highest mountain peak, Chogori, is inferior to Everest, but not by much - 8611 meters. It belongs to the Karakoram mountain system and is located on the border of China and Pakistan. This is the northernmost eight-thousander and the most inhospitable. It is much more difficult to climb it than the almost lived-in Everest, surrounded by well-functioning service. Despite the fact that the mountain is the second highest, it is climbed much less often, and the risk is much higher. For example, no one has yet managed to conquer it in winter. The mortality rate among climbers is staggering: about 30%. True, it is calculated not from the total number of tourists, but in comparison with the number of people who reached the top.

The third highest mountain has a height of 8586 meters. It was divided between Nepal and India, and it belongs to the same Himalayas as Everest, but is located a little to the south. Kanchenjunga translated into Russian means “five treasures of the great snows,” and this is not just an artistic image: it is divided into five independent peaks, of which only one is below 8000 meters, and then only 100. This mountain is especially familiar to fans of Nicholas’s work Roerich, because she was one of his main sources of inspiration and was repeatedly depicted on his canvases.

Another eight-thousander, and again from the Himalayas. It is also divided into two states already familiar to us - Nepal and China. The name of this mountain is “South Peak”, which has some meaning. It is, indeed, located a little south of the famous Everest. It is connected to it by the famous South Col pass. The other side - the South Wall - is steep. By the way, she was conquered only once. In 1990, the Soviet Union assembled a powerful expedition of 17 climbers. Only two of them reached the top, the rest provided them with a safe ascent, but an unprecedented result could only be achieved through joint team efforts. The mountain is divided into three peaks with heights of 8516, 8414 and 8383 meters, respectively.

Again the border between China and Nepal, again the same mountain range. The Himalayas are the leaders in the number of high peaks and Makalu is another confirmation. The height of this mountain is 8485 meters. It is believed that of all the eight-thousanders, this is the heaviest. Only less than a third of all expeditions reach the top, and most have to turn off halfway. The “black giant” (this is how the name of the mountain is translated) is not particularly kind to climbers.

This is the sixth highest eight-thousander. You can guess the rest yourself: Nepal-China, Himalayas, height – 8201 meters. Accordingly, you can climb it from both one and the other side. But, if on the Nepal side you have to face a very difficult wall, which not everyone can overcome, then on the Tibet side there is a convenient pass that makes Cho-oyu one of the most convenient eight-thousanders for climbing.

Reading the name of this mountain the first time is already a task, and only a few manage to climb it. “White Mountain” is one of the most massive. It is divided into 11 peaks, however, only one was able to overcome the eight-thousandth mark - Dhaulagiri I. By the way, for some time it was Dhaulagiri that was considered the highest peak in the world. True, this was a long time ago, from 1808 to 1832.

This is already the eighth eight-thousander, but we still have the same thing: the Himalaya mountain range, but, for a change, it belongs entirely to Nepal. “Mountain of Spirits” is how its name is translated. This is a sacred place. Perhaps this is why climbing is considered quite dangerous, and the mortality rate reaches 18% even today. The mountain has three peaks, the highest of which rises to 8156 meters.

For a change, the mountain is located in Pakistan, although it belongs to the already well-known Himalayas. It is divided into 4 peaks, of which the highest is 8125 meters. “Naked Mountain”, “Mountain of the Gods” - it’s all about the ninth eight-thousander. It is considered one of the most difficult to climb due to the climatic conditions and bare sheer peaks. The situation is complicated by the unsettled situation in the country. So, in 2013, a real tragedy occurred when militants attacked a climbers’ camp. 10 people died, including three Kharkov residents. Not surprisingly, the mortality rate is 22%.

Our list ends with another eight-thousander, the most dangerous. The mortality rate is 41%. The name of the mountain translates as “Goddess of Fertility,” but apparently this goddess requires human sacrifice. However, the number of climbers willing to climb its 8091-meter peak is sufficient.

These are the ten highest mountains and the first of 14 eight-thousanders. Several people have already managed to conquer them all, and thousands more dream of it. Perhaps you are among them.

There are many highest peaks on planet Earth. People conquer them, sing them, and study with interest where the highest mountains are. One of these places is called Everest - this is the highest mountain in the world, known not only for its height, but also for numerous ascents in attempts to conquer it, hundreds of lives lost and an interesting history of exploration. In addition to it, there are 13 more mountains that have exceeded the mark of 8000 meters.

The highest mountains

The list of the largest mountains on planet Earth includes 117 names. It includes most of the highest peaks, which number more than 7200 meters. Most of them are located in Asia, in the Himalayas - a chain stretching from India to Bhutan. The ranking opens with the highest peak on earth - Everest. The highest mountains on earth also belong to the Himalayan eight-thousanders: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, Karakorum, Lhotse, Makalu, Manaslu, Nanga Parbat, Chogori. Let's pay attention to those mountains that are located on other continents of the world:

  • In first place is Everest (Chomolungma), 8848 meters. It is located in the central Himalayas.
  • The American mountain Aconcagua from Argentina takes second place and reaches 6961 m.
  • In Alaska there is Mount McKinley, 6168 m.
  • The famous Kilimanjaro from Africa takes fourth place thanks to its 5891.8 meters.
  • Elbrus, popular among climbers, is located in the Greater Caucasus. Height - 5642 m. Its first conquest in the Caucasus Mountains dates back to 1829.
  • Vinson, whose height is 4897 meters. This is the highest peak in Antarctica.
  • Mont Blanc is the largest peak in Europe. Reaches 4810 m.
  • Kosciuszko is a mountain that Australia can boast of. Height - 2228 meters.
  • Pyramid of Carstens (4884 m). Refers to the highest peaks of Australia and Oceania.

The highest peak in the world

Any height on land is usually measured from sea level, which determines which mountains are the highest. Since its position is constantly changing, a constant average annual indicator is taken as a basis. It does not depend on water fluctuations, ebbs, flows and evaporation, therefore it is an accurate mark. The elevation above this level is calculated vertically from the mountain, the position of which is determined to the average surface level. Thus, it was revealed that the largest points on the earth reach almost 9 thousand meters.

What is the name of

The highest mountain in the world is part of the Himalaya mountain belt, located on the Mahalangur Himal mountain range and is known by the names: Chomolungma, Everest, Sagarmatha, Chomo Kankar. The first name was given to the mountain by the inhabitants of Tibet. It means Goddess of Peace or Divine Mother. The second name, Everest, appeared in 1856. The mountain is named after Sir George Everest, who was the first to conquer it. The European name was preceded by the local name Chomo-Kankar or Queen of Snow White. Sagarmatha is a Nepali word that means Mother of the Gods.

Where is

The Himalayas have gathered in their chain the highest mountains in the world. This is Everest, which is located on the border of Nepal with the border of China. There is a smaller peak in Nepal, and the highest one in China. Everest is the crown of the main ridge of the entire chain. Around the base of the mountain is the national park of the country Nepal - Sagarmatha. In the same region there is a base camp from where you can begin your ascent. The closest settlement where the base for climbers is located is also located on Nepalese territory. This is the village of Lukla.

What height

There are two highest points on Chomolungma: the southern one, whose peak reaches 8760 meters from sea level, and the northern one, which is the main one, reaching 8848 meters. On the southern slopes and on the eastern side, the mountain consists of sheer cliffs that are not even covered with snow. The northern slopes reach 8393 meters. Because of these three sides, Everest has the shape of a triangle. From the ground to its highest point, the mountain stretches upward for three and a half kilometers.

Climbing history

Although the mountain is characterized by harsh natural conditions, temperatures exceed -60 degrees and strong winds constantly blow, climbers regularly try to conquer Chomolungma, one of the most difficult peaks. The history of ascents began in 1921, but the mountain did not give up immediately. The first to reach the top was an Englishman, in whose honor the mountain bears one of its names. This dates back to 1953. Since then, four thousand more people have climbed. Every year 400 people storm Chomolungma. Of the total number of climbers, 11% have died and continue to die.

The highest peak in the world

Long before Everest became the answer to the question of what the largest mountain in the world is called, it was the extinct Chimborazo volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The top of the volcano is located at the farthest distance from the center of the Earth. According to the navigation satellite system, with which measurements were made in 2016, the volcano reaches a height of 6384 meters from the center of the Earth. Based on this indicator, Everest loses three meters to it and takes second place. The length of the Himalayan peak is 6381 meters.

Ever since Sir Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, thousands of climbers have been eager to emulate his feat. Thanks to Everest's impressive title of being the world's tallest mountain, so many people have climbed it that every year this Himalayan beauty gradually turns into a literal garbage dump.

Everest is the highest mountain in the world (∼ 8,848 m)

When we talk about what is the highest mountain in the world, we usually think about the height above sea level. And if we take this parameter, then the height of the mountain (8849 meters above sea level) is beyond competition. Everest extends higher into the atmosphere than any other peak in the world.

However, the farthest point from the center of the Earth, and therefore the highest in terms of distance, is Chimborazo (6384 meters above sea level). This is a stratovolcano in Ecuador that is part of the Andes mountain range.

The earth is not flat, it bulges out at the equator and flattens out near the poles. This means that mountains near the equator are technically higher than those in other areas of the planet. And it so happens that Chimborazo is closer to the convex center of the Earth than Everest. It turns out that it is closer to the stars than the highest point of Mount Everest.

The hardest mountain for climbers

According to one report, Everest extends 6,382 meters from the center of the Earth. At the same time, Chimborazo extends over a distance of 6384 meters. Although the height difference between the two mountains is only 2 km, it is enough to give the title of “highest mountain” to the Ecuadorian stratovolcano.

So why does Mount Everest continue to receive all the laurels while Chimborazo remains relatively unnoticed? It all comes down to the difficulty of the climb.

If you are a climber and want to challenge yourself by conquering Everest, the journey to base camp will take 10 days. It will take another six weeks to acclimatize, followed by nine days to reach the summit. On the other hand, acclimatization on Chimborazo takes about two weeks, and the journey to the top takes about two days. Simply put, after Everest, climbing Chimborazo will seem like a walk in the park.

Above and below sea level

Mount Everest is the highest point above sea level, but if we are talking about sheer height from base to summit, then the honor of being called the highest mountain goes to the “White Mountain” (Mauna Kea) on the island of Hawaii. Its height above sea level is 4205 meters, but the mountain goes 5,998 meters down to the bottom. More than half of the mountain is submerged in water.

The total height of Mauna Kea is 10,203 meters. This is 1345 meters higher than Everest.

Mauna Kea is actually an extinct volcano on the big island of Hawaii. It was created about a million years ago when the Pacific Ocean tectonic plate moved over a plume of liquid magma deep within the Earth. Mauna Kea last erupted about 4,600 years ago.

The top of the mountain is an astronomer's paradise: It has low humidity, clear skies, and a great distance from any light pollution. That is, from the top of the volcano, perhaps the best view of celestial objects opens. There are currently 13 telescopes on the peak of Mauna Kea.

It is important to note again that Everest is the highest of the highest mountains when measured from sea level. If you use this parameter, then Chimborazo cannot even qualify for the title of “highest peak in the Andes.” This title belongs to Mount Aconcagua, which rises 6961 meters above sea level.

The highest mountains on each continent

  1. In Asia - Mount Everest (8,849 meters).
  2. In South America - Mount Aconcagua (6,961 meters).
  3. In North America - Mount McKinley (6,190 meters).
  4. In Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters).
  5. In Europe - Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters)
  6. In Antarctica there is the Vinson Massif (4,897 meters).

In Australia - Oceania - Mount Puncak Jaya (4,884 meters) in Oceania and Mount Kosciuszko - the highest point on the Australian continent (2,228 meters).

Top 10 highest mountains in the world

The problem with measurement is that it is often unclear where the dividing line lies between a mountain with several peaks and a single mountain. For this reason, it is better to use a measurement called “topographic elevation” (the height of a mountain peak above the bottom of the valley closest to the mountain). Taking into account first of all this criterion, and secondly the height above sea level, we have compiled a rating of the highest points on Earth.




Topographic elevation - 4,741 m.

It rises 5,642 m above sea level.

Mount Elbrus is an extinct volcano located in the western part of the Caucasus Range, in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, near the Russian-Georgian border. This is the highest peak in the Caucasus.


Excess - 4,884 m.

Height - 4,884 m.

This mountain, located on the Australian Plate on the island of New Guinea, was originally named after its discoverer, the Dutchman Jan Carstens. In 1965, it changed its name in honor of the Indonesian President Sukarno, and in 1969 it was renamed for the third time, to Jaya (Indonesian for Victory) and stopped there for now.


Excess - 4,892 m.

The height of the peak is 4,892 m.

Record holders of Antarctica and part of the Elsworth Mountains, which rise above the Ronne Ice Shelf.


Elevation - 4,922 m

The height according to GPS is 5,636 m, according to INEGI - 5,611 m.

Stratovolcano, the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. Orizaba last erupted in 1687, after which it “fell asleep” and has not woken up to this day.


Topographic elevation - 5,250 m

Altitude above sea level - 5,959 m.

The highest mountain in Canada and the second in North America, after McKinley. Due to active tectonic uplift, Logan is still growing in height. Until 1992, the exact height of the mountain was unknown and was assumed to range from 5,959 to 6,050 meters. In May 1992, the GSC expedition climbed Logan and established the current altitude of 5,959 meters using GPS


Topographic elevation - 5,585 m.

Above sea level - 5,776 m

Highest point in Colombia. The Colombian peak of Simon Bolivar is almost equal in height to it. Together they are the country's two closest peaks to the stars.


Topographic elevation - 5,885 m.

Above sea level - 5,895 m.

Kilimanjaro, and its three volcanic cones (Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira) is an inactive volcanic mountain in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. This is the highest mountain in Africa. There is no documented evidence of Kilimanjaro's eruption, but local legends say that the volcano was active 150-200 thousand years ago.


Topographic elevation - 6,144 m

Altitude above sea level - 6,190 m

The double-headed Mount McKinley (aka Denali), located in Alaska, is the highest mountain peak in the United States and North America. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was called Big Mountain and was the highest point of the Russian Empire.


Topographic elevation - 6,962 m.

Above sea level - 6,962 m.

The highest mountain in North and South America. It is located in the Andes mountain range, in the Argentine province of Mendoza. In 2013, the youngest climber, nine-year-old American Tyler Armstrong, climbed the mountain. And last year, Aconcagua was conquered by the youngest climber, twelve-year-old Romanian Dor Jeta Popescu.

1. Mount Everest (Qomolungma)


Topographic elevation - 8,848 m.

Altitude above sea level - 8,848 m.

The leader of the mountain charts was named after the English colonel, Sir George Everest, who was the chief surveyor of India from 1830 to 1843. Mount Everest is also known by the Tibetan name Qomolungma (Mother Goddess of Vital Energy) and the Nepalese name Sagarmatha (Forehead of Heaven).

Where is the tallest mountain in the world?

Qomolungma is located in the Mahalangur Himal mountain range in the Himalayas. Part of it lies on the border of Nepal and China, part on the territory of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Many human triumphs and tragedies have been associated with Everest. George Mallory (Great Britain) was the first climber to attempt Everest. In 1924, he died near the summit and his remains were found only in 1999, but the body of his teammate Andrew Irwin was not found.

Mount Everest has been the inspiration for many Guinness World Records, from the simple fact that it is the world's tallest peak to the world's tallest (by location) concert.

Despite the title of "the highest peak on Earth", Everest is not the tallest mountain on the planet. That is, Everest has no equal in height above sea level. But as for the height from the base to the top, the palm is held by Mauna Kea in Hawaii, USA. Its visible part is 4,205 meters, and the rest is under water. The total height of Mauna Kea reaches 10,203 meters.

Mountains are great and mighty and surround people all over the world. Some of them reach unprecedented heights, while some remain small protrusions on the ground. The largest mountains have always attracted people, but conquering them is not so easy. There are 14 mountains in the world exceeding 8000 m in height. About 150 years ago, such a height was considered fatal for humans. Now everyone knows that people were able to conquer even the highest and most inaccessible peaks, but there were many casualties along the way. In this article, we will indicate where the largest mountains are located, as well as some interesting facts about them.

Everest is the highest and largest mountain in the world. It is located in the Himalaya mountain system on the Mahalangur Himal ridge. The northern summit of Everest is the highest point on the planet and is located in China. Its height reaches 8848 m above sea level. The southern peak is slightly inferior and reaches a height of 8760 m above sea level, located on the border of the Republic of Nepal and Tibet.

Mount Everest has several names. In the Tibetan language, its name is “Chomolungma”, which means “Goddess Mother of the World”, and in the ancient Indian language the mountain is called “Sagarmatha” - the ocean of the mother. The mountain received the official name Everest in honor of Sir George Everest, head of the Geodetic Survey of India.

Everest has the shape of a triangular pyramid; its southern slope is quite steep, and snow does not linger on it. The glaciers covering the mountain begin at an altitude of 5000 km. The Arun River flows near Everest, its length is more than 6 km.

In 1852, topographer and mathematician Radhanath Sikdar, after making trigonometric calculations, came to the conclusion that Everest is the largest mountain in the world

Everest attracts many climbers with its inaccessibility, but not everyone decides to conquer it. To climb the mountain you need not only a great desire, but also excellent health and endurance, and at least $8,000. Climbing the mountain is dangerous, and approximately 260 people have died trying to do so. The reason for this is the harsh climate and difficult conditions. throughout the entire ascent, the air becomes increasingly thinner and less saturated with oxygen. The air temperature is no higher than -50-60°C, and the wind speed can reach 55 m/sec. In such conditions, a person feels the temperature as -100-120°C. Solar radiation also poses a danger to climbers. We must not forget about the standard risks when climbing peaks, such as avalanches, steep slopes and cliffs, and relief crevices hidden under the snow.

The famous Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary were the first to conquer Everest. In 1953, climbers developed a route through the South Col and were able to reach the highest point on the planet. Today, almost anyone can climb Everest (of course, if their health allows it and they have the opportunity to purchase expensive equipment). Tourist routes have been laid up the largest mountain, and mountaineering guides help make the dream of many mountain peak lovers come true. Throughout the history of the ascent, several records have been recorded, for example, the smallest participant in the expedition is a girl from India, Purna Malavath. At the time of the climb, she was only 13 years and 11 months old, and the oldest participant in the Everest expedition is Yuichiro Miura, who completed this difficult journey at the age of 80.

Everest is considered the largest mountain above sea level, but if you include the part of the Mauna Kea volcano submerged in water, it is significantly larger than Everest. This mountain peak is located on the island of Hawaii and is currently considered a dormant volcano. Scientists suggest that the last eruption took place at least 4,500 years ago. The Mauna Kea volcano rises 4,200 meters above sea level, and its total height is 10,203 meters. The volcano, having a large mass, gradually slides and smoothes out under its own weight, this happens at a speed of 0.02 mm per year. Based on these dimensions, we can say that Mauna Kea is the largest mountain in the world.


More than half of Mauna Kea is under the Pacific Ocean

In addition to Mauna Kea, there are a number of extinct volcanoes on the Hawaiian Islands, but all of them are much smaller. For local residents, they are sacred, and only the leaders have the right to climb to the top of the famous Mauna Kea. Ordinary residents of these lands are strictly prohibited from visiting these places.

Hawaiians settled on the slopes of the volcano in ancient times, and the surrounding vast forests allowed them to survive. Here they found food, and starting from the 18th century, after the first arrival of Europeans on the islands, local residents began to have large and small livestock. The diet has improved markedly, but the breeding of these animals has had a negative impact on the environmental situation as a whole.


At an altitude of 3975 meters above sea level you can visit Lake Waiau

Mauna Kea can surprise not only with its size, but also with its diversity of ecological zones. At its very top there are alpine forests, and slightly lower down there are thickets of Sophora goldenfolia and sandalwood. And completing the native forest flora are Acacia koa and Metrosideros polymorpha. Unfortunately, the latter were practically destroyed by humans due to the development of the sugar industry, but the authorities of the Hawaiian Islands decided to revive the former vegetation. To achieve this, whenever possible, species of plants and animals introduced into the protected area are eradicated.

The highest point of the Hawaiian Islands turned out to be the best place for astronomical observations. Since 1964, in agreement with local authorities, 13 telescopes were installed at the very top.


Eleven countries are observing and studying space objects

On the Kashmir border of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, Mount Chogori or K2 is located on the Baltoro Range. It is the second highest peak, but much more dangerous than Everest.

Climbing Chogori is only possible in the summer months; in winter it is fraught with death or serious injury. Of the numerous winter expeditions, not one was successful.

The height of Chogori is 8611 meters, its slopes are steep and dangerous. There are not even 300 climbers in the whole world who managed to conquer this peak. The mortality rate when climbing K2 is 25%. During numerous attempts to climb the dangerous mountain, 66 people died.

Those who decide to try their luck and climb to this height will be faced with avalanches and falling rocks and seracs along the way; cracks on the approaches and instantaneous meltdowns of huge masses of snow are also dangerous. And all this in addition to rarefied air and low temperatures.


Chogori has the unofficial name "Mountain of Death"

In 1902 there was the first attempt to conquer Chogori, but it, like all subsequent ones, was unsuccessful for 50 years. Only in 1954 A. Compagnoni from Valfurno and L. Lacedelli from Cortina d'Ampezzo were able to conquer the summit of K2. In 1996, the Russian team under the leadership of I. Dusharin chose the route to climb the Northern Ridge of Chogori. Experienced climbers conquered the peak and hoisted the Russian flag on it. And in 2007, a team of 11 climbers under the leadership of V. Kozlov paved a route along the previously inaccessible Western side of K2. However, they did not use oxygen equipment, which could greatly facilitate this difficult path.

Mount Olympus on the planet Mars

If we consider all the mountains known to mankind not only on planet Earth, but also on other planets, then Mount Olympus, located on Mars, will rightfully take the leading place. Its dimensions are simply amazing, the height reaches 26,200 meters, and the width is about 540,000 meters. The giant hill was once a volcano and that is why it grew to such size. And due to the fact that there are no tectonic plates on Mars, there is no movement of the planet’s crust. It is for this reason that Olympus still stands tall and can be seen in its entirety only from a great distance - from planetary orbit or from Earth. For scientists, Olympus is a mystery because its slopes are steep. There is an assumption that it was previously surrounded by the ocean and water washed the shores of the mountain.


Mount Olympus on Mars erupted more than 2,000,000 years ago

Mountain ranges surround us, they are fraught with many dangers and at the same time beckon. Everyone who has at least once dared to climb a mountain hill is rewarded with stunning views; nature rewards daredevils in this way. And every time, rising higher and higher, a person wants to conquer the next mountain peak and see the biggest mountains with his own eyes. But this is not so easy to do. After all, there are 14 mountain peaks in the world that exceed a height of 8000 m, and there are only 30 people who have visited each of them.