Our planet holds many secrets and mysteries. Most of them are hidden in the highest mountains of the Earth. There is an opinion that the first people descended from the mountains when the great water began to recede.
Hundreds of thousands of archaeologists, historians, topographers, geographers, biologists and ordinary travelers every year make a pilgrimage to the great mountains, which are most closely associated with the word eternity.
The 7 highest peaks in the world are not the most high mountains on the planet, these are the highest points of each continent.
There is even an informal climbing society called the 7 Peaks Club, which includes people who have successfully climbed all 7 mountains.
This idea first appeared in 1981, since then very few have been able to climb all 7 peaks of the world.
There are some disagreements, and specifically they relate to the highest point of Australia and Oceania. If only the continent of Australia is taken into account, then the highest point will be the Kosciuszko (or Kosciuszko) peak, 2,228 meters above sea level. But many do not agree, since the peak is of no climbing interest.
If we take into account Australia and Oceania, then the highest point is the Karstensz Pyramid, or Puncak Jaya, whose height is 4,884 meters above sea level, located in Indonesia. In order to avoid eternal disputes, today there are two programs for climbing 7 peaks. Everyone chooses the peak that he considers correct, in any case it will be counted as the conquest of 7 peaks of the world.
Some manage to climb 8 peaks, thus leaving no room for omissions.
The very first conqueror and creator of the idea was Dick Bass, who completed the program on April 30, 1985 by climbing Everest. In his version, the Kosciuszko Peak was included in the program.
The first with the version of both mountains of Australia and Oceania was Reinhold Messner, who was not satisfied with the role of the second, and he decided to conquer all 8 peaks.
The race for records in climbing the 7 peaks of the world has been going on for a long time, and every year new records and new disagreements appear. There is a special site where detailed and clear statistics are kept about each ascent.
What kind of mountains so attract conquerors of peaks that beckons them up. To quote the first person to climb Everest, you can say: "I climb this peak because it is."
The second name of Mount Chomolungma. Height above sea level - 8 848 meters. This is the highest point in Asia and the whole world, according to all versions. It is located on the border of Nepal and China, these days, several hundred people every year try to conquer the roof of the world, but not everyone succeeds. Every year, many die while pursuing their dreams.
Despite all these factors, more than 1,000 people have already been to the top of the mountain. The cost of the ascent will be about $40,000.
Pyramid Carstensz. The second name is Puncak Jaya. Height above sea level - 4884 meters. Being on an island New Guinea. The top itself is easy.
Discomfort and difficulties are caused by inaccessibility and unusual climate. The cost of the ascent will be about $19,000.
Height above sea level - 2228 meters. For climbers, this mountain is of no interest, since it can be climbed without special preparation. It's more like a checkmark, in the list of 7 peaks of the world.
The cost of the ascent will be about $ 5,000.
I would also like to note some records related to the conquest of the 7 highest peaks of 7 continents.
The youngest conqueror of the 7 summit program was Jordan Romero at the age of 15. The oldest conqueror of the program was Carlos Soria, at the age of 71.
This once again proves that the impossible is possible, you just have to want it. And if you are currently sitting on the couch and reading this article, then get up and go to conquer the highest point in the district, for example, climb a 20-story building on foot.
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They differ greatly in their height. The most is, which rises 2 kilometers above sea level. This is a consequence of the presence of an ice sheet, whose thickness can reach 4,800 meters. However, the highest point on Earth is not in Antarctica. What mountains can be considered the highest on each continent of the planet?
All 100 of the highest mountains are in Eurasia, and the first TOP 36 are in only two mountain systems, Himalayas and Karakorum. But the highest point and, and Eurasia, and our entire planet is Everest, also known as Chomolunga (27°59′17″ N 86°55′31″ E). It rises to 8,848 meters above sea level. People have repeatedly tried to conquer it, but only in 1953 Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay succeeded. Since then, this mountain has become almost the most popular in the world of mountaineering. Today, many hours of traffic jams are formed there from those who want to go up there. travel companies they will be happy to take even people with zero mountaineering experience on a trip. However, this is extremely dangerous - every year several people die at the top, whose body simply cannot cope with the difficult conditions at the height.
The highest point is Aconcagua(32°39′11″ S 70°00′44″ W). This mountain belongs to the Andes system and is located in Argentina, near the border with Chile. Its height is 6960 meters - this is the highest point on Earth outside of Asia. It also has no equal in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. Matthias Zurbriggen managed to climb it for the first time in 1897.
Denali is the highest mountain, although for a long time, until 2015, she bore the name of US President McKinley. On the map it can be found at the coordinates 63°04′10″ s. sh. and 151°00′26″ W. It is located in the state of Alaska. It is noteworthy that once this peak was the highest point in Russia, while Alaska was part of it. Its height reaches 6190 meters. For the first time, a man managed to conquer it in 1913, this was done by a team of 4 people led by Hudson Stack.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point(3°04′00″ S 37°21′33″ E), reaching 5895 meters. It is located in Tanzania. He was conquered back in 1889. The top of the mountain is one of the few places in Africa where you can see snow all year round.
The highest point on the highest continent, Antarctica, is called Vinson Peak.(78°31′31″ S and 85°37′01″ W). Its height is 4892 meters. The mountain was discovered only in 1957 during reconnaissance from the air. The first person climbed Vinson Peak only in 1966, by that time all the other highest peaks of the continents had been conquered.
The main peak of Australia is Mount Kosciuszko, located in the southeast of the mainland. It was opened in 1840, and at the same time the Pole Strzelecki conquered it. Interestingly, at first he gave such a name to another nearby mountain, which he considered the highest in, but the scientist was mistaken. When the mistake was discovered, the local authorities swapped the names of the two peaks.
Climbers have a special program called "Seven Peaks". Her goal is to conquer all the highest points of the continents, as well as Elbrus (5642 meters), which is considered the highest point in Europe. The first person who managed to complete it was Richard Bass, who in 1983 conquered all the peaks except Everest, and in 1985 he also defeated Chomolunga.
On the planet Earth, as you know, there are 6 continents, each of them has its own highest point. 7 peaks of the world- these are the peaks of six continents, the largest of them, Eurasia - takes two peaks: Europe and Asia.
We offer you a list of seven peaks in ascending order of height. The easiest mountains to climb that do not require special mountaineering training are Kosciuszko and Kilimanjaro.
The 7 Summits of the World program appeared thanks to the American Dick Bass: in 1981, together with Frank Wells, he embarked on an ambitious project, deciding to conquer the highest points of the continents. Starting from Mount McKinley, Bass by 1985 had conquered all 7 peaks. Now the 7 Peaks Club unites thousands of followers around the world.
In addition to the seven peaks of the world, there are - the highest Mountain peaks planets above 8000 meters above sea level. In total, there are 14 mountains on Earth - eight-thousanders, all of them are located in Central Asia. In addition to Everest, these include: Chogori, Annapurna, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and others.
It is difficult even for experienced professional climbers to get the "crown of the earth", that is, to conquer all the available eight-thousanders, the program "seven peaks of the world" is more accessible.
7 peaks: list
There are two versions of the Seven Summits of the World program, the duality is associated with the continent of Australia. Its highest point is the Kosciuszko Peak, but in New Guinea, which formally belongs to Oceania, there is a higher point - the Carstens Pyramid or otherwise Mount Jaya. Based on the fact that Australia and Oceania are one part of the world, climbing must be done on Mount Jaya. Climbers choose the most convenient option for them or conquer two points at once.
Also, sometimes there are discussions about Elbrus: consider this peak located in Europe or Asia? Those who adhere to the second version attribute Mont Blanc, located in the Western Alps, to the highest peak in Europe. Thus, excluding Elbrus from the program of the 7 peaks of the world, since the highest peak in Asia is Everest (Chomolungma).
Kosciuszko
Part of the world: Australia
Mountain system: australian alps
2228 meters
First ascent: in 1840
First Conquerors: Pavel Edmund Strzelecki
The lowest of the world's seven peaks is Mount Kosciuszko, it rises in the territory national park Kosciuszko in Australia. Polish traveler Edmund Strzelecki was the first to climb the mountain in 1840. He also came up with the idea of the name of the peak: in honor of the national hero of Poland, Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746 - 1817).
Stone pedestal on Kosciuszko Peak Climbing Kosciuszko is accessible to unprepared tourists, this is facilitated by a small height and a convenient path - it is impossible to get lost here. A walk on Kosciuszko can be combined with the second highest peak in Australia - Townsend (2209 meters).
Jaya or
Part of the world: Australia and Oceania
Mountain system: Maoke
Peak height above sea level: 4884 meters
First ascent: 1962
First Conquerors: Austrian climbers B.Huizinga, R.Kippaks, F.Temple led by Heinrich Harrer.
Mount Punchak Jai, or simply Jaya (Victory), another name is Carstens' Pyramid, is located on the island of New Guinea in Oceania. It was discovered for Europeans by Jan Carstens in 1623, for which it got its name.
The Carstens Pyramid is considered technically difficult enough to climb, you will need climbing equipment. There are two options for climbing Mount Jaya: by helicopter to the base camp, or on foot through the jungle. The first way is faster and safer.
Part of the world: Antarctica
Mountain system: Ellsworth
Height above sea level: 4892 meters
First Conquerors: a group of 10 American climbers led by Nicholas Clinch
The Vinson Massif is the highest point on the world's coldest continent, Antarctica. Due to the many peaks of approximately the same height, it was not easy to select the peak at first. For the first time about the massif, as well as about the Ellsworth Mountains, it became known in 1935, when Lincoln Ellsworth saw them from above during the flight. The name is associated with the name of Carl Vinson, an American congressman, on the initiative and with the help of which Antarctica was actively explored.
The first complete ascent was made in December 1966 by American climbers led by N. Klinch. The conquest of heights is complicated primarily by weather conditions and territorial remoteness.
Part of the world: Europe
Mountain system: Caucasian mountains
Height above sea level: 5 642 m.
First ascent: in 1868 to the eastern peak, in 1874 to the western one.
First Conquerors: Kabardian Killar Khashirov ( east summit), Englishmen F. Gardiner, F. Grove, G. Walker and J. Knubel (western peak)
Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia and Europe, located in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. It is of volcanic origin. Elbrus is rightfully considered one of the seven wonders of the world in Russia. There are many variants of the names of the mountain in different languages: Jin-padishah - "king of mountain spirits", Oshkhamakho - "mountain of happiness", Mingi-Tau - "eternal mountain", etc.
The mountain has two peaks, the highest of them is the western one - 5642 meters, the eastern one is slightly lower - 5621 meters. Elbrus is known for more than 23 glaciers that feed major rivers Kuban, Baksan and Malka. From the highest point of Elbrus, a view of the Black and Caspian Seas opens up.
The expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences under the leadership of General G. A. Emmanuel first attempted to conquer Elbrus in the middle of the 19th century, but only the guide K. Khashirov made the ascent.
During the Great Patriotic War, the German mountain infantry division "Edelweiss" under the leadership of Captain Heinz Groth climbed Elbrus. Hitler's flags were hoisted on its peaks on August 21, 1942. In February 1943, the Nazi flags were removed by the Red Army and Soviet banners were installed. The ascent was carried out in conditions of frost and snowfall.
The slopes of the mountain are gentle, but a significant height requires some preparation. On this moment thanks to the developed infrastructure, Elbrus and the Elbrus region attract not only professional climbers (high-speed races, extreme climbs), but also winter sports enthusiasts.
Part of the world: Africa
Mountain system: isolated mountain
Peak height above sea level: 5895 meters
First ascent: in 1889
First Conquerors: German Hans Mayer and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheler
On the territory of Tazania, on the border with Kenya, rises picturesque mountain Kilimanjaro, which is a dormant volcano. Its highest peak Uhuru is highest point Africa, the roof of Africa, as it is often called, is included in the 7 Summits program.
Uhuru Peak The name "Kilimanjaro" can be translated from the language of the locals as "sparkling mountain". At the beginning of the 20th century, Kilimanjaro was called the Kaiser Wilhelm Summit. The cap of Kilimanjaro is always covered with glaciers and snow.
Kilimanjaro is suitable for climbing even for inexperienced travelers without climbing training and equipment. The easiest route is Lemosho, its duration is 5-8 days, which allows you to smoothly acclimatize and more easily survive mountain sickness. For the ascent you will need warm clothes and shoes.
Denali (old name for McKinley)
Part of the world: North America
Height peaks above sea level: 6190 meters
Mountain system: alaska range
First Conquerors: Hudson Stack
One of the seven highest peaks in the world is Mount Denali (McKinley). Initially, it belonged to the territory of Russia, was called Bolshaya. IN late XIX century was renamed McKinley (in honor of the American president). Modern name- Denali (which translates as "Great").
For the first time, Dr. Frederick Cook tried to conquer the peak at the beginning of the 20th century: an unsuccessful ascent did not stop the traveler, and after 3 years the idea was crowned with success. However, the Hudson Stack expedition is considered the officially recognized record. In the 21st century, the mountain was conquered by Matvey Shparo (with a group of disabled climbers), Kilian Jornet Burgada (the fastest climb), Lonnie Dupre (single climb). Climbing Denali is recommended during the summer months.
Mount Aconcagua
Part of the world: South America
Mountain system: Andes
Height above sea level: 6960.8 meters
First Conqueror: Matthias Zurbriggen
Aconcagua is the highest point in North and South America, located in Argentina, Aconcagua National Park, the nearest city is Mendoza. The name of Mount Aconcagua is translated as "snow mountain", once it was an active volcano.
Feature of Aconcagua - low atmospheric pressure at the top, but to conquer it northern slope even physically untrained people can (the rest of the slopes are dangerous due to strong winds and steep climbs). home
Record climbs include:
- the rise of 87-year-old Scott Lewis;
- the fastest ascent among men (about 12 hours) - Karl Egloff, among women (12.5 hours) - Fernanda Maciel.
Part of the world: Asia
Mountain system: Himalayas
Peak height above sea level: 8848 meters
First Conquerors: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
Mount Everest or Chomolungma is the highest point on Earth. Every climber dreams of conquering Everest, but not everyone manages to do it. Located in Asia, the absolute record holder for height Everest is the highest point on the planet and the oldest geological formation (60 million years). From the Tibetan name of the mountain Chomolungma is translated as "holy mother of the universe." The peak, discovered in the middle of the 19th century, was originally called Peak XV, and then received the name Everest by the name of the surveyor George Everest.
Despite the considerable cost, climbing the slopes of the mountain is very popular among climbers. The notoriety of the “cemetery” of unfortunate conquerors of peaks (after the mark of 6500 meters the “death zone” begins) does not frighten travelers: the corpses of climbers frozen into the slopes still serve as guides for groups. Obstacles in the form of strong winds, pressure drops and frost can only be overcome by experienced athletes.
The mountain obeyed the pioneer climbers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary (1953). It is on Everest that many records are set, for example, children (13-year-old Jordan Romero), elderly people who have exchanged their ninth decade (Miuro Yuchiro) have visited here. The record holder for the number of ascents of Everest is the Nepalese Kami Sherpa (24 times since 1994).
Among the female conquerors of the Chomolungma, one should remember the Japanese Dzhanko Tabei (ascension in 1975). She became the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest. She is the first of the women who conquered all seven peaks of the world. Lhakpa Sherpa is a Nepalese who climbed Mount Everest 9 times. Indian mountaineer Malawat Purna is the youngest climber to climb Mount Everest. At the time of the ascent, she was 13 years and 11 months old.
The process of formation of mountains on Earth takes millions of years. They arise from the collision of 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 backdrop of the highest mountain peaks in the world - the "eight-thousanders", whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters.
How many continents are on Earth? It is sometimes believed that Europe and Asia are 2 different continents, although they are one mainland:
Before we start talking about the highest mountains on 6 continents, let's take a look at the general diagram of the highest peaks on Earth.
"Eight-thousanders"- this is a common name for the 14 highest mountain peaks in the world, whose height above sea level 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 have managed to do this. (Clickable, 2010×810 px):
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.
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 as seen from Denali National Park:
The first ascent of the main summit 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
This is the highest point of the American continent, South America, as well as the western and southern hemispheres. belong to the longest mountain range peace - Andam.
The mountain is located in Argentina and in the Quechua language means " stone guard". Aconcagua is the largest dormant volcano on our planet.
In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered technically an 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, often Elbrus is also called the highest European mountain peak. (Clickable, 2500×663 px):
Elbrus is a two-headed volcano with a saddle. The western peak has a height of 5642 m, the Eastern one - 5621 m. Last eruption dated to 50 AD...
In those days, the eruptions of Elbrus probably resembled the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. From the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose many kilometers up, 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. average speed The 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 number of deaths while climbing Elbrus is 15-30 people. (Clickable, 1650×630 px):
Everest (Chomolungma) is the top of our world! The first eight-thousander in height and the highest mountain on Earth.
The mountain is located in the Himalayas in the Mahalangur-Himal range, and the southern peak (8760 m) lies on the border of Nepal, and the northern (main) peak (8848 m) is located in China.
Everest has the shape of a trihedral pyramid. At the top of the Chomolungma, there are strong winds blowing at speeds of 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. Since the first ascent to the summit until 2011, more than 200 people have died on the slopes of Everest. Now the climb to the top takes about 2 months - with acclimatization and setting up camps.
View from space:
Climbing Everest is not only extremely dangerous, but also expensive: the cost of climbing in specialized groups is up to 65 thousand US dollars, and the climbing permit issued by the government of Nepal alone 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 is located on the Australian Plate and is the most high mountain in a world located on an island.
The mountain was discovered in 1623 by the Dutch explorer Jan Carstens, who saw a glacier at the top from afar. Therefore, sometimes the mountain is called the Pyramid of Carstens.
The first ascent of Puncak Jaya took place only in 1962. The name of the mountain from the Indonesian language is translated approximately as "Victory Peak".
These are the highest mountains in Antarctica. About existence mountain range became known only in 1957. Since the mountains were discovered by American aircraft, they were later named the Vinson Massif, after the famous American politician Carl Vinson.
View of the Vinson Massif from space:
This is the highest point in Africa, a huge dormant volcano with two well-defined peaks in the northeast of Tanzania. The mountain has had no documented eruptions, but local legends speak of volcanic activity 150-200 years ago.
The higher one is the peak of Kibo, an almost regular cone with powerful glaciation.
The name comes from the Swahili language and supposedly means "mountain that sparkles".
The snow cap that has covered the mountaintop for 11,000 years since the last Ice Age is melting fast. 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 reduction in the amount of snowfall.
The highest peak in Africa was first conquered by the German traveler Hans Meyer in 1889.
The program of climbing the highest peaks of all continents has an abbreviated name, which can also be called a brand - "Seven Peaks". In English, which is understandable to the whole world - “Seven Summits”. This is one of the climbing collections, the implementation of which is an incentive to set goals in life for hundreds of citizens. different countries. The vast majority of those who climb Everest, one way or another, set as their goal the implementation of this program. Since the rest of the peaks are easier and cheaper than reaching the highest point of the Earth. It is very prestigious to become the first "seven peaker" in your country, in your state, to become the first woman in the country, the oldest, the youngest, the fastest.
Climbing all seven peaks is very expensive. Even the most economical option in total will approach 100 thousand dollars, not including the cost of equipment and preparation for expeditions. In reality, the optimal cost of the entire program is around $150,000.
It is clear that such expenses are available only to a very few of the climbers. When it comes to personal funds. However, a minority of those who hunt for the "Seven Peaks" spend their money exclusively. Most are supported by sponsors, governments, or travel for charitable fundraising programs. The legislation, relatively speaking, of the “Anglo-Saxon” countries allows deducting donations for the needs of a number of organizations from the taxable base. These are medical institutions, funds to help veterans of military conflicts, the disabled, etc. By collecting donations for them, the climber “unfastens” a little on his travels. Along with the fact that more money is printed in these countries than in others, this leads to the fact that half of the list of “seven tops” are citizens of the USA, Great Britain and Canada and Australia that joined them.
The Seven Peaks program was born in the first half of the 80s, when the first signs appeared that it could be done. The whole history of its occurrence is described in our article.
Recall that, according to encyclopedias: "mainland" (from seasoned - strong, large), this is the Russian analogue of the European word "continent" (from Latin continens - singular). Continents are large massifs of the earth's crust, most of the surface of which protrudes above the level of the oceans in the form of land. Islands do not belong to continents and continents.
From a scientific point of view, the objects of the Seven Peaks program are highly controversial. Firstly, the prevailing opinion among scientists is that Eurasia is one continent and its division into Europe and Asia is cultural, but not geographical. We are actively against it. If Elbrus is deprived of the status of the highest peak of the continent, the number of foreign climbers will decrease significantly. Although the status of the highest point in Europe for the Caucasian peak is very controversial. From the point of view of Soviet geographers, the border of the parts of the world runs along the Kuma-Manych depression, while Elbrus moves away to Asia. An even greater diversity of views on whether to consider the Carstensz Pyramid as Australia's highest point. From any of the scientific theories, the western part of the island of New Guinea does not belong to the "Green Continent". These are all amusing disputes and arguments, which have practically nothing to do with practical life.
So, the 7 highest peaks of the continents are:
- Everest (Chomolungma or Chomolungma), 8848 m. Asia.
- Aconcagua, 6962 m. South America.
- Denali (old name - McKinley), 6194 m. North America.
- Kilimanjaro, 5895 m. Africa.
- Elbrus, 5642 m. Europe.
- Vinson massif, 4897 m. Antarctica.
- Pyramid Carstensz (Punchak Jaya), 4884 m. Australia. Peak Kosciuszko (Kosciuszko), 2228 m. Australia.
So, scientific debate on this topic is best left to those who are paid money for it. We love the magical (divine, as they say) number "Seven", not "Six" (considered diabolical). It doesn't matter that there are eight vertices! And based on this we build our story. So, what mountains are included in the list of the highest peaks of the continents?
Everest (8848 m) - the highest peak in Asia, the continent of Eurasia and the highest peak of the planet Earth (if you count from the level of the ocean), also the highest in the Northern Hemisphere of our planet. The mountain is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China). Numerous height measurements showed different results even with modern methods. Therefore, the specified height is conditional, it was accepted as a result of coordination, so as not to escalate passions.
Climbing Everest requires careful preparation, about two months of life in expeditionary conditions and overcoming the problems associated with being in the so-called "death zone", at an altitude above 8000 meters. However, in modern conditions, it can be stated that with the right organization and a sufficient degree of luck, every physically healthy person can climb Mount Everest. Recently, ascents are made mainly in the spring, during the so-called weather windows. This usually happens on the 20th of May. At the same time, the routes from the south and from the north are completely preliminarily hung with railing ropes.
Climbing Everest, which 30-40 years ago meant joining a group of climbing elites, has become a commercial undertaking. Sports expeditions have become a rarity, most of the routes (all but two) are not repeated. The 7 Summits Club prefers to conduct expeditions from the North side. Here, a permit is much cheaper, it is possible to drive a car to the base camp and there are much fewer objective dangers (ice collapses and avalanches). Western firms prefer the southern route. First of all, fearing the unpredictability of the Chinese authorities, who can close the area for minor reasons, without any compensation to the organizers. They may not give a visa to individual participants, for political reasons. But there is another point, in the South at a higher price, the profits of the organizers are much higher than in the North.
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Aconcagua (6962 m) - the highest peak of the part of the world America and the continent of South America, also the main one in the southern hemisphere of the planet. The mountain is located in Argentina, a large and colorful country. Climbing Aconcagua is a real high-altitude ascent, which is carried out, so to speak, under the conditions of a lightweight expedition (the duration of the trip is only 20 days). Separate cargo transportation at the bottom of the route facilitates the ascent, as well as the availability of certain amenities at the base camp. There are no technical difficulties on the classic route, however, there are plenty of physical ones. First of all, this is the height, the reaction to which is often unpredictable even among experienced athletes. Strong winds are considered the main obstacle, which are associated with the openness of the territory to air masses from the oceans.
Every year, about 3,000 climbers attempt to climb Aconcagua. They climb two gorges from two base camps. However, the routes at the top are the same. Success reaches about half of the participants. This is due to the lack of readiness of climbers. And partly with the attitude of local guides, who are not inclined to take risks and are ready to turn the whole group or individual participants at any opportunity. So we highly recommend joining a group led by visiting, Russian-speaking guides. Better - from our company ...
Aconcagua climbing programs are getting more expensive from year to year due to the policies of local authorities. So don't delay.
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Denali (6194 m) - the highest peak of the mainland of North America. Located in the USA, in the state of Alaska, near the Arctic Circle. A typical ascent takes approximately three weeks, of which two weeks is hard work in the glacier zone, in conditions close to extreme. Participants are required to use purely mountaineering skills to a greater extent than on other peaks of the "seven". At the same time, all goods must be carried independently, including recycled waste. And when organizing a trip to Denali, you will have to solve a puzzle with obtaining an official permit and an American visa. All this is not at all difficult if you start in time.
In recent years, the number of climbers who aim to climb Denali has stabilized at around 1,500 per year. A season is considered successful when the percentage of "climbing" is above 50%. Most of the ascents are made in June - the first half of July. In the middle of summer, due to the state of the glacier, flights on airplanes become dangerous and stop by the beginning of August.
The American authorities issue permission to organize commercial programs only to a few companies and only with an American “registration”. For us, this means the need to use American guides under an agreement with one of the local companies. Let's face it, agreeing on all the details of interaction with them was not a smooth process. The difference in the mentality of our two mountaineering schools is very significant, but now mutual understanding has already been achieved and the problems are in the past.
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Kilimanjaro (5895 m) is the highest peak of the African continent and part of the world. The mountain is located in Tanzania, not far from the border with Kenya and from the equator. It is considered the highest single-standing peak in the world. local national park strictly regulates ascents and allocates a limited number of days for expeditions, on average a week. At the same time, one of the goals is to ensure maximum employment for the local population working in the service of groups. Therefore, for one climber there are two or even more employees of the host companies.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the equatorial climate zone. The temperature difference between seasons is minimal. Practically climbing can be done all year round.
Due to the limited time, the ascent is carried out without sufficient acclimatization, which complicates the task of reaching the summit for an unprepared person. And these are the vast majority. Therefore, the ascent to the highest point can be done by no more than one third of the visitors. At the same time, almost all representatives of our country reach the top. What affects here: the power of salt or greed (money paid)?
In any case, a trip to Kilimanjaro is an exciting adventure, getting to know amazing nature Africa and its people is simply amazing. This The best way fall in love with the "black continent", which many are wary of. And, of course, we consider it obligatory to include in the program the so-called "safaris", excursions in national parks.
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Elbrus (5642 m) is the highest peak in Europe. The mountain is located in Russia, a little north of the Main Caucasian Range and, accordingly, from the border with Georgia. Climbing in favorable conditions requires only elementary climbing skills and is available to all physically healthy people. However, the load will still be serious, and the effect of height will make itself felt. The recommended time for the Elbrus climbing program is 9 days.
There is a fairly developed infrastructure that provides relatively comfortable living conditions for all days, except for the day of ascent.
Elbrus is still a territory of freedom. In this regard, only Kosciuszko can compare with him. Attempts to introduce payments do not meet with understanding from the majority of climbers.
There are no general statistics on Elbrus. An approximate estimate of the number of climbers is 25-30 thousand per year. The vast majority rises in July and August.
Programs of the Club 7 Peaks on Elbrus
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The Vinson Massif (4897 m) is the highest peak of the part of the world and the mainland of Antarctica. The mountain is located on an amazing icy continent, which so far belongs to all mankind. However, in the region of the very top, the absolute owner is the ALE (Antarctic Logistic Expedition) company, which determines the “rules of the game” here. But even the simplest calculations, how long the ascent will last, they are not able to do, the real schedule of "flights" is dictated by unpredictable weather.
Since the cost of an expedition to the Vinson Massif is very significant, only serious people get to its foot. And, as a rule, they successfully ascend, having overcome the terrible cold and wind.
It is important to dress properly. But this is also checked.
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And the highest point of the part of the world and the continent of Australia, coupled with the colossal area of Oceania, is represented by two options: the Karstensz Pyramid and Mount Kosciuszko.
Pyramid Karstensz, she, in the Indonesian way, Punchak Jaya (4884-5 m, on some maps even 5030 m) is the highest peak in Australia and Oceania. Located on the island of New Guinea. The most politically problematic mountain of the Seven Peaks, which had been simply closed to the public for 10 years before. It is a rocky ridge of considerable length, located above the humid tropical jungle. Climbing and descending requires skills in working with climbing equipment, with a rope. However, as part of a group and under the guidance of experienced instructors, overcoming difficult rocky areas is quite possible for any person.
The helicopter version has also existed for quite a long time, in which the base camp is reached by a rotorcraft. However, there are pitfalls here as well. Bad weather is a daily occurrence here, every flight is in danger of being disrupted.
