Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World (2025 List)

Mountains are Earth's most majestic natural wonders, capturing the imagination of explorers, climbers, and nature lovers. The top 10 highest mountains in the world—each towering above 8,000 meters—are found primarily in Asia's Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. These giants not only challenge physical limits but also carry deep historical and cultural significance. In this guide, you'll discover a detailed list of the highest mountains in the world, complete with altitudes, first ascents, climbing difficulty, and regional insights.

Top 10 Highest Mountain in the World:

Below is a comparison of the highest mountains:

List of the Highest Mountains in the World

The list of highest mountains in the world includes iconic peaks like Mount Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, and Lhotse, all rising above 8,000 meters. These monumental peaks are concentrated in Asia's Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, spanning countries like Nepal, China, Pakistan, and India. Known for their extreme elevation, severe climates, and cultural reverence, these mountains remain top destinations for climbers and trekkers worldwide.

Each entry below highlights:

• Altitude & Measurement
• Geographical Location
• Climbing History
• Cultural or Scientific Relevance

1. Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Located in the Himalayas on the Nepal-China border, it was first summited by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Known as “Chomolungma” by the Sherpas, it’s famed for its death zone above 8,000 meters.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,849 meters (29,032 feet).
• Geography: Part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China.
• History: First successfully summited by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953.
• Climbing Difficulty: Extremely challenging, known for its "death zone" above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are critically low.
• Cultural Relevance: Revered by local Sherpas as "Chomolungma," meaning "Goddess Mother of the World."

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2. K2 (Mount Godwin Austen)

K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen, is the second-highest mountain globally. Situated in the Karakoram Range between Pakistan and China, it is considered the most technically difficult 8,000-meter peak and is nicknamed the “Savage Mountain.”

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,611 meters (28,251 feet).
• Geography: Located in the Karakoram mountain range on the border between Pakistan and China.
• History: First summited by Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni on July 31, 1954.
• Climbing Difficulty: Considered much more technically challenging than Everest, often referred to as the "Savage Mountain" due to its high fatality rate.
• Scientific Details: Experiences some of the most severe weather conditions on Earth, including hurricane-force winds.

3. Kangchenjunga

Kanchenjunga is the third tallest mountain, located between Nepal and India. It consists of five distinct peaks and is sacred to local communities. The mountain was first climbed in 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).
• Geography: Lies in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim.
• History: First climbed by Joe Brown and George Band on May 25, 1955.
• Cultural Relevance: Held sacred by the people of Sikkim and Darjeeling, who believe its summit is home to deities.

4. Lhotse

Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain and a neighbor to Mount Everest, connected via the South Col. It is known for the steep and icy Lhotse Face. First summited in 1956, Lhotse remains a major Himalayan climbing challenge.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,516 meters (27,940 feet).
• Geography: Part of the Everest massif in the Himalayas, bordering Nepal and China.
• History: First summited by a Swiss team led by Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger on May 18, 1956.
• Climbing Difficulty: Features a steep, challenging rock face known as the "Lhotse Face."

5. Makalu

Makalu, with its iconic pyramid shape, lies southeast of Mount Everest on the Nepal-China border. First climbed in 1955, it is known for its steep ridges and remote location, making it a less-frequented but formidable 8,000-meter peak.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,485 meters (27,838 feet).
• Geography: Located in the Himalayas, approximately 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Mount Everest, on the border of Nepal and China.
• History: First successfully climbed by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy on May 15, 1955.
• Scientific Details: Its remote location and steep faces contribute to its lower success rate compared to other 8,000-meter peaks.

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6. Cho Oyu

Cho Oyu is the sixth tallest mountain and is considered one of the most accessible 8,000-meter peaks. Located on the Nepal-China border, it was first summited in 1954 and is often used for high-altitude climbing training.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,188 meters (26,864 feet).
• Geography: Located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China, west of Everest.
• History: First ascended by an Austrian expedition led by Herbert Tichy, with Pasang Dawa Lama and Sepp Jöchler, on October 19, 1954.
• Climbing Difficulty: Its relatively gentle slopes make it a popular peak for commercial expeditions.

7. Dhaulagiri I

Dhaulagiri I is the highest mountain located entirely within Nepal. Part of the Dhaulagiri massif, it was first climbed in 1960. Its name means “White Mountain,” and it’s known for its dramatic vertical relief.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,167 meters (26,795 feet).
• Geography: Entirely within Nepal, part of the Dhaulagiri massif in the Himalayas.
• History: First summited by a Swiss/Austrian expedition led by Kurt Diemberger, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nawang Dorje, and Nyima Dorje on May 13, 1960.

8. Manaslu

Manaslu, located in Nepal’s Mansiri Himal range, is the eighth highest mountain. First climbed by a Japanese expedition in 1956, it is renowned for its long ridgelines and culturally rich trekking routes.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,163 meters (26,781 feet).
• Geography: Located in the Mansiri Himal range in west-central Nepal.
• History: First successfully climbed by a Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu on May 9, 1956.
• Cultural Relevance: The region around Manaslu is a popular trekking destination, offering stunning views and rich cultural experiences.

9. Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat is Pakistan’s highest standalone peak, located in the Himalayas. Known as the “Killer Mountain” due to early expedition fatalities, it was first summited solo by Hermann Buhl in 1953.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,126 meters (26,660 feet).
• Geography: Located in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, in the Himalayas.
• History: First summited by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl on July 3, 1953, known for his solo final ascent.
• Climbing Difficulty: Nicknamed "Killer Mountain" due to its high number of climbing fatalities in the early to mid-20th century.

10. Annapurna I

Annapurna I was the first 8,000-meter peak ever climbed, achieved by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal in 1950. Located in Nepal, it is notorious for its high fatality rate but also known for the popular Annapurna trekking circuit.

• Altitude & Measurement: 8,091 meters (26,545 feet).
• Geography: Located in the Annapurna mountain range of the Himalayas in north-central Nepal.
• History: First successfully climbed by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal on June 3, 1950.
• Cultural Relevance: The Annapurna region is famous for its trekking circuits, offering diverse landscapes and cultural encounters.

What Makes Highest Mountains Unique?

The highest mountains in the world are unique due to a combination of factors, including extreme altitude, challenging climates, and significant geological formations. They serve as critical components of global ecosystems and hold immense cultural and historical significance. The sheer scale of these peaks presents unparalleled challenges for climbers, demanding exceptional physical and mental fortitude. These mountains are not just geographical features but also symbols of human endurance and exploration.

The world's highest mountains represent nature's grandeur and humanity's enduring spirit of adventure. From the iconic Mount Everest to the formidable K2, each peak presents a unique challenge and holds a special place in geographical and historical records. Understanding these giants involves appreciating their immense scale, the stories of those who have challenged their summits, and their profound impact on our planet.