On the biggest mountain. Geography lesson: what is the highest mountain in the world. Modern models of the Earth

05/08/2015 at 15:50 · Johnny · 161 630

Top 10 highest mountains in the world

There are fourteen mountain peaks on Earth with a height of more than eight thousand meters. All these peaks are in Central Asia. But most highest mountain peaks are located in the Himalayas. They are also called the “roof of the world.” Climbing such mountains is a very dangerous activity. Until the middle of the last century, it was believed that mountains above eight thousand meters were inaccessible to humans. We compiled a rating of ten, which included highest mountains in the world.

10. Annapurna | 8091 m

This top opens the ten the highest mountains on our planet. Annapurna is very famous and famous, it is the first Himalayan eight-thousander to be conquered by people. People first climbed to its summit back in 1950. Annapurna is located in Nepal, the height of its peak is 8091 meters. The mountain has as many as nine peaks, one of which (Machapuchare) has not yet been set foot on. human leg. Locals consider this peak to be the sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Therefore, climbing it is prohibited. The highest of the nine peaks is called Annapurna 1. Annapurna is very dangerous; climbing to its peak has claimed the lives of many experienced climbers.

9. Nanga Parbat | 8125 m

This mountain is the ninth highest on our planet. It is located in Pakistan and has a height of 8125 meters. The second name of Nanga Parbat is Diamir, which translates as “Mountain of the Gods”. They were able to conquer it for the first time only in 1953. Six unsuccessful attempts were made to reach the summit. A lot of climbers died while trying to climb this mountain peak. In terms of mortality among climbers, it ranks sadly third after K-2 and Everest. This mountain is also called the “killer”.

8. Manaslu | 8156 m

This eight-thousander ranks eighth on our list highest mountains in the world. It is also located in Nepal and is part of the Mansiri Himal mountain range. The height of the peak is 8156 meters. The top of the mountain and the surrounding area are very picturesque. It was first conquered in 1956 by a Japanese expedition. Tourists love to come here. But to conquer the peak you need a lot of experience and excellent preparation. 53 climbers died while trying to climb Manaslu.

7. Dhaulagiri | 8167 m

A mountain peak located in the Nepalese part of the Himalayas. Its height is 8167 meters. The name of the mountain is translated from the local language as “ white mountain" Almost all of it is covered with snow and glaciers. Dhaulagiri is quite difficult to climb. They were able to conquer it in 1960. Climbing this peak took the lives of 58 experienced (others do not go to the Himalayas) climbers.

6. Cho Oyu | 8201 m

Another Himalayan eight-thousander, which is located on the border of Nepal and China. The height of this peak is 8201 meters. It is considered not too difficult to climb, but despite this, it has already claimed the lives of 39 climbers and ranks sixth on our list of the highest mountains on our planet.

5. Makalu | 8485 m

The fifth highest mountain in the world is Makalu, the second name of this peak is the Black Giant. It is also located in the Himalayas, on the border of Nepal and China and has an altitude of 8485 meters. It is located nineteen kilometers from Everest. This mountain is incredibly difficult to climb; its slopes are very steep. Only a third of expeditions that aim to reach its summit succeed. 26 climbers died while climbing this peak.

4. Lhotse | 8516 m

Another mountain located in the Himalayas and having a height of more than eight kilometers. Lhotse is located on the border between China and Nepal. Its height is 8516 meters. It is located at a distance of three kilometers from Everest. They were able to conquer this mountain for the first time only in 1956. Lhotse has three peaks, each of them over eight kilometers in height. This mountain is considered one of the highest, most dangerous and difficult peaks to climb.

3. Kanchenjunga | 8585 m

This Mountain peak also located in the Himalayas, between India and Nepal. It is the third highest mountain peak in the world: the peak height is 8585 meters. The mountain is very beautiful, it consists of five peaks. The first ascent of it took place in 1954. The conquest of this peak cost the lives of forty climbers.

2. Chogori (K-2) | 8614 m

Chogori is the second highest mountain in the world. Its height is 8614 meters. K-2 is located in the Himalayas, on the border of China and Pakistan. Chogori is considered one of the most difficult mountain peaks to climb; it was only conquered in 1954. Of the 249 climbers who visited its summit, 60 people died. This mountain peak is very picturesque.

1. Everest (Qomolungma) | 8848 m

This mountain peak is located in Nepal. Its height is 8848 meters. Everest is highest mountain peak The Himalayas and our entire planet. Everest is part of the Mahalangur Himal mountain range. This mountain has two peaks: northern (8848 meters) and southern (8760 meters). The mountain is stunningly beautiful: it has the shape of an almost perfect triangular pyramid. It was possible to conquer Chomolungma only in 1953. 210 climbers died during attempts to climb Everest. Nowadays, climbing along the main route no longer poses any special problems, however, at high altitudes, daredevils can expect a lack of oxygen (there is almost no fire here), heavy winds and low temperature(below sixty degrees). To conquer Everest you need to spend at least $8,000.

The highest mountain in the world: video

Conquering all the highest mountain peaks on the planet is a very dangerous and difficult process; it takes a huge amount of time and requires a lot of money. Currently, only 30 climbers have managed to do this - they managed to climb all fourteen peaks, with a height of more than eight kilometers. Among these brave souls are three women.

Why do people climb mountains, risking their lives? This question is rhetorical. Probably to prove to himself the fact that man is stronger than the blind natural elements. Well, as a bonus, the conquerors of the peaks receive spectacles of unprecedented beauty of landscapes.

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Chomolungma, Everest (English: Mount Everest), Sagarmatha (Nepalese: सगरमाथा) (8848 m.)- the highest peak on Earth.

Everest, like the most high mountain in the world, has attracted people for many years and centuries. Man has a passion for conquest, which is why for a long time brave climbers tried to climb to the top. As a result, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary were able to go down in history as the first to reach the top. More than 60 years have passed since that moment, but they have written their names in history. Probably every person has heard about this mountain, but many Interesting Facts go unnoticed.


An interesting fact is that at an altitude of 6700 meters, where it is almost impossible for an ordinary person to live, mountain spiders live. It is difficult to breathe here, but jumping spiders successfully hide in cracks and other corners. It is also worth noting that these are the “tallest” inhabitants in the world, with the exception of several species of birds. They eat almost anything, but most of their diet consists of insects that are blown to the top by strong gusts of wind. Also, in 1924, during a tragic ascent, several species of grasshoppers were discovered on the mountain. Today they can be seen in the British Museum.


Everyone knows that climbing Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is not easy, but also dangerous, as evidenced by numerous deaths. It ranks first in the world in terms of the number of dead climbers. However, there are special cases, which include Phurba Tashi and Apa Sherpa. The two professionals were able to reach the summit 21 times. Apa Sherpa climbed to the top of Everest every year from 1990 to 2011. Phurba, for example, made three ascents in 2007 alone. Apa, in turn, does not just climb the mountain, as he conducts his own research. He noted that climate warming is clearly affecting the mountain. In some places where there was constant snow cover, sections of the mountain begin to become exposed, making the climb even more difficult. He also worries that the Sherpas will be endangered by flooding that could result from melting glaciers.


Besides the fact that climbing Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is very difficult and many lose their lives, some have to face opposition from local residents. When Ueli Steck, Simon Moreau and Jonathan Griffith attempted to reach the summit in 2013, they were met with fierce opposition from the Sherpas. Things came to a fight. The fact is that the local population is afraid of an avalanche, which could occur due to the carelessness of climbers. As a result, the entire misunderstanding had to be corrected by the Nepalese army, drawing up a peace treaty to resolve the dispute.


It is known that Himalayan mountains is about 60 million years old. However, according to studies of sandstone and limestone, everything indicates that the mountains were previously located below sea level. As a result, we can say with confidence that 450,000,000 years ago, Everest was at the bottom of the ocean. Preserved as evidence are fossils belonging to sea creatures that once lived in the ocean. They were taken from the top soil of the mountain. Noel Odell proved a similar fact back in 1924, and the first samples were delivered by Swiss climbers in 1956.


The highest mountain in the world is Mauna Kea or Everest. Although Everest is called the highest peak on the planet, in fact it is not. It all depends on how you look at it. So what is the tallest mountain in the world? For example, the Hawaiian volcano Mauna Kea has a height of 4205 meters above sea level, but it is also 6000 meters deep into the ground and is located below the water level. The total height of the volcano reaches 10,200 meters. The planet also has Mount Chimborazo, located in Ecuador. Although its height is only 6267 meters above sea level, it is actually located higher. The fact is that the planet does not have a perfectly round shape and if you calculate the height relative to the center of the Earth, then it is located on a hill, due to which its peak is higher. As a result, answering the question: the highest mountain in the world is Mauna Kea or Everest, there is no definite answer.


Sherpas live in the Everest region. They immigrated here about 500 years ago and Chomolungma is sacred to them. According to beliefs, demons, spirits and Jomo Miyo Lang live on Everest, thanks to which food is obtained. Before climbing to the top of the mountain, the Sherpas perform a special ceremony and commemorate everyone who died here. They also try to put their souls and thoughts in order and ask the spirits to let the climbers through so that they do not die. According to statistics, one person dies for every 10 successful ascents.
Death can occur from the most ordinary factors: the oxygen beam suddenly burst, the wind blew and the powerful cable could not stand it, there was little oxygen, cardiac arrest. Climbers also note that after 8,000 meters, people can lose control of their minds and care more about themselves than about their partners. They think about the consequences after the descent, if of course this happens. Nevertheless, every year people rush here a large number of people to visit the top of the highest mountain. Even though Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world, Everest is more popular.

Everest (Qomolungma) the highest mountain in the world


There has been debate for a long time about what the real height of the mountain is. The fact is that it all depends on which side you look at the hill from. Nepal reports an altitude of 8,848 meters, while China reports an altitude of 8,844 meters. The international community fixes snow in all its measurements, with changes in height, but China insisted on the actual size of Everest, without taking into account the snowy top of a couple of meters. However, in 2010, an official agreement was signed, which fixed the height at 8848 meters. In any case, the highest mountains in the world, Mauna Kea and Everest, remain the most popular among climbers.

Recently it turned out that Everest continues to grow. This assumption was first put forward in 1994, when a growth of 4 millimeters was discovered. Later, in 1999, American researchers installed appropriate satellite devices, thanks to which the exact height of the mountain is recorded. And on this moment The actual height of the peak is 8850 meters. The fact is that the Indian subcontinent was previously independent, but later collided with Asia, which is why the Himalayas were formed. As the plates continue to move, the mountain gradually grows.


The peak is known throughout the world as Everest, but the Tibetan indigenous people call the mountain completely differently - Qomolungma, which translates as “Mother of Mountains”. The Nepalese people call the highest mountain in the world Sagarmatha, which means “Forehead in the sky”. International name The mountain received its name in 1865, when topographer Andrei Voga named it in honor of Colonel George Everest.


It is known that more than 200 people died trying to climb to the top of Everest, but this does not stop many people. Not only does one climb cost more than $8,000, but completing the entire section is a big task. However, in 2012, a photo was published that shocked many. It shows a large line of climbers who were forced to turn back due to bad weather conditions. Everyone had to wait several hours to reach the top. However, in 2012, the peak reached 234 people in half a day. Unfortunately, 4 climbers died.


Many people like to look at beautiful pictures Everest, without even suspecting that the road to the top is literally strewn with corpses of people. Some people talk about having to step over the dead in order to continue climbing. But if this fact is one way or another known to many, then little is said about garbage. But in fact, this is a big problem, especially for people who care about the environment. In particular, after each season, people leave behind 50 tons of waste. The mountainside is littered with the remains of climbing equipment, oxygen tanks and human excrement. The service that monitors the ecology of Everest collects 13 tons of waste every year. However, this does not completely solve the problem.

In 2014, the Nepalese authorities introduced a number of amendments for climbers. For example, after each climb, everyone must bring back 8 kilograms of waste, otherwise they will lose $4,000. And the artists decided to hold an action and made works of art from the collected garbage. They used beer cans, broken tents and other items. The resulting masterpieces are designed to attract attention and not litter during the ascent.


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Although Mauna Kea is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, it is the most... high mountain on the planet. The fact is that most of it is located under water, and the base is hidden at a depth of 10,000 meters. As a result, the total height of the mountain exceeds the size of Everest. Therefore, on the one hand, Mauna Kea is in fact the highest, however, to climb Everest, you will have to go much more and be in dangerous situations.

Interestingly, not every resident of this region can climb Mauna Kea, as it is considered sacred. Only some leaders are allowed to do this. Numerous observatories are also installed at the top, as there are ideal conditions for observing starry sky. Geological survey workers are also actively monitoring the life activity of the volcano crater. The last eruption occurred 500 thousand years ago and at the moment it is considered extinct. Residents of the Hawaiian Islands are also calm about the current situation and do not believe in its eruption in the near future.

For a long time, the forests growing on the slopes of Mauna Kea provided food for the indigenous population. When Europeans came to the islands, they slightly shook the ecological balance. As a result, some flora and fauna simply disappeared due to introduced plants and animals.


TOP 10 highest mountains in the world There are 14 high peaks on our planet, whose heights exceed 8,000 meters. What is most interesting is that all these mountain formations are located in Central Asia, as if dividing the planet into two parts, but the highest ones are in the Himalayas. Previously, it was believed that no one would be able to conquer a height of eight thousand meters, but thanks to modern equipment and the will of man, it still became real. Let's talk about the 10 highest mountains in the world, whose height is a little lower. Some may also be interested in: the highest mountain in the world is Mauna Kea or Everest?


opens the top ten highest mountains in the world and is located in Nepal in the Himalayas. Its height is 8091 meters, and it was only possible to conquer it in 1950. It is also worth noting that Annapurna took the lives of many climbers whose professionalism was beyond doubt. The mountain consists of 9 peaks, one of which is called Machapuchare. It is forbidden to climb it, since according to local beliefs, God Shiva lives here.


- in another way the mountain is called Diamir, which means “Mountain of the Gods”. However, among climbers it was also nicknamed the “killer”, since it ranks third in the world list for the number of deaths among climbers, after Everest and K-2. Before reaching the summit in 1953, six unsuccessful expeditions were made. A large number of professionals actually died here. The mountain is located in Pakistan, and its height reaches 8125 meters.


Eighth in the list of the highest mountains in the world is Mount. Its height is 8156 meters and it is located in Nepal, being part of the Mansiri-Himalayan range. The first to conquer the peak was a Japanese expedition in 1956. Tourists love Manaslu for its picturesqueness. However, to climb to the top you will need physical fitness, endurance and a lot of experience. In total, 53 climbers died here.


One of the 10 highest mountains in the world - . It is also located in the Himalayas, and its height is 8167 meters. It is worth noting that this peak is very difficult to conquer, since most of it is covered with glaciers and snow. But in 1960, climbers still managed to climb to its height. Climbing Dhaulagiri, 58 experienced climbers died.


The sixth place in the list of the highest peaks on the planet is occupied by Mt. It is located on the border of China and Nepal. Its height reaches 8201 meters and is not difficult to climb. However, this only applies to experienced climbers. However, 39 people died here trying to reach the summit.


- another name for the Black Giant. The height of the mountain is 8485 meters, and it is located on the border of China and Nepal in the Himalayas. Interestingly, the peak is located only 19 kilometers from Everest. Climbing Makalu is very difficult, as climbers face great steepness during the ascent. According to statistics, only a third of climbers achieve their goal. 26 climbers died here.


- one of the most dangerous and highest mountain peaks in the world. They were able to climb it for the first time in 1956. The height reaches 8516 meters and it is located on the border of Nepal and China. In total, Lhotse has three peaks, each of which is higher than 8000 meters. The mountain is also located just 3 kilometers from Everest.


Trying to conquer the peak, 40 climbers died. The mountain has a height of 8585 meters and is located on the border between Nepal and India. It ranks third in height on the planet after the tallest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea and others. It has five peaks and is very beautiful. The first attempt to reach the top of Kanchenjunga was in 1954.


- a very picturesque peak, whose height reaches 8614 meters. The mountain is located on the border of Pakistan and China. It is one of the most difficult to climb, like the tallest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea. It was first climbed in 1954. Among the 249 experienced climbers who attempted to reach the summit, 60 died.


Everest (Chomolungma) is the highest mountain on Earth.

The height of Everest is 8848 m.

It has long been known which is the highest mountain in the world and many are trying to conquer it. They were able to climb Everest for the first time only in 1953. The mountain has two peaks: the southern one is 8760 meters high and the northern one is 8848 meters high (the highest on the planet). Interestingly, Chomolungma has a triangular shape, reminiscent of a pyramid. 210 climbers died trying to climb to the top of the mountain. Although reaching the summit today is not a big problem, people face a lack of oxygen, low temperatures and strong winds. There is practically no fire burning at the top. To try to climb to the top, you need to spend at least $8,000.

In any case, climbing any mountain is a very labor-intensive and complex process that requires maximum endurance, attention and skill. Only 30 climbers, three of whom were women, managed to climb the 10 highest mountains in the world. It is difficult to say why some are so eager to rise to the occasion. Maybe climbers prefer challenges and strive to prove to themselves that they are stronger than others, because Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

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All the Highest Mountains of the World

The process of formation of mountains on Earth lasts millions of years. They arise from collisions 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 thousand meters”, whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters.

How many continents are there on Earth? It is sometimes believed that Europe and Asia are 2 different continents, although they are one continent:

Before we start talking about the tallest mountains on the 6 continents, let's take a look at the overall chart of the tallest peaks on Earth.

“Eight-thousanders” is the 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. Conquering all 14 “eight-thousanders” on the planet—conquering the “Crown of the Earth”—is a major achievement in high-altitude mountaineering. As of July 2012, only 30 climbers managed to do this.

North America - Mount McKinley, 6,194 m

This highest double-headed mountain 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, view from national park Denali:

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 world - Andam.

The mountain is located in Argentina and in the Quechua language means " Stone Guardian" Aconcagua is the largest extinct volcano on our planet.

In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered a technically easy mountain if you climb along 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 also 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 peak is 5,621 m. Last eruption dates back to 50 AD...

In those days, the eruptions of Elbrus were probably reminiscent of 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 upward, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful tremors.

Nowadays, both peaks of Elbrus are covered with eternal snow and ice. On the slopes of Elbrus, 23 glaciers diverge in different directions. average speed glacier movement 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 climbing on Elbrus is 15-30 people.

Asia - Mount Everest, 8,848 m

Everest (Qomolungma) is the top of our world! The first highest eight-thousander and the highest mountain on Earth.

The mountain is located in the Himalayas in the Mahalangur Himal range, with the Southern peak (8760 m) lying on the border of Nepal, and the Northern (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 of up to 200 km/h, and the air temperature at night drops to -60 Celsius.

The first ascent to the top of Everest took place in 1953. From the first ascent to the summit until 2011, more than 200 people 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 alone, issued by the Nepalese government, costs 10 thousand dollars

Australia and Oceania - Mount Puncak Jaya, 4884 m

The highest peak in Australia and Oceania, which is located on the island New Guinea. It is located on the Australian Plate and is the highest mountain in the world located on an island.

The mountain was discovered in 1623 by Dutch explorer Jan Carstens, who saw a glacier at the top from a distance. Therefore, the mountain is sometimes called the Carstens Pyramid.

The first ascent of Puncak Jaya took place only in 1962. The name of the mountain roughly translates from Indonesian as “Victory 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 aircraft, they were subsequently named Vinson Massif, in honor of the famous American politician Carl Vinson.

View of Vinson Massif from space:

Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro, 5,895 m

It is the highest point in Africa, a huge dormant volcano with two well-defined peaks in northeastern Tanzania. The mountain has 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 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 reduction in snowfall.

Africa's highest peak climbed for the first time German traveler Hans Meyer in 1889.

All cat sleeping positions

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 interesting story research. 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 Caucasus mountains dates from 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 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. European name 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 located national park country Nepal - Sagarmatha. In the same region is base camp, from where you can start climbing. The closest locality, 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 is sheer cliffs, which are not even covered with snow. 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 distinguished by its harsh natural conditions, the temperature exceeds -60 degrees and the strongest wind constantly blows, 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 most big mountain in the world, it was the extinct volcano Chimborazo from the Ecuadorian Andes mountain ranges. 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.

Not everyone can travel around the world in search of the highest mountain in the world, but it is quite possible to take a virtual trip.

The highest mountains in the world

How far will a person have to travel to reach the highest point on our planet? Which mountains are recognized as the highest on Earth? Who conquered them first and what difficulties await them on the way to the top? You might also be interested in learning about the longest mountains in the world.

Makalu

Height: 8485 m.
A country: China/Nepal
Mountain system: Himalayas


Our rating opens with the Tibetan “Black Giant” Makalu - one of the five highest “eight-thousanders”. Europeans learned about this snowy beauty back in the middle of the 19th century, but the first expedition to its peak was launched only a hundred years later. This is because in those years the hearts of brave climbers were captivated by its closest neighbor, Everest, and the peak of Makalu remained “in the shadow” of this giant and was “defeated” only in 1955. The legendary ascent was made by the French under the leadership of Jean Franco.

Lhotse

Height: 8516 m.
A country: China/Nepal
Mountain system: Himalayas


There are not so many points on the map of our planet that have surpassed the 8-kilometer mark in height. Mount Lhotse is one of them. Its last peak (Lhotse Middle) was conquered by climbers only in 2001. The first to set foot on this pointed rocky peak were members of a Russian expedition led by V. Kozlov and N. Cherny. The main peak was conquered in 1956 by a group of Swiss climbers while climbing neighboring Everest. But the eastern wall of Lhotse remains unconquered to this day.

Kanchenjunga

Height: 8568 m.
A country: India/Nepal
Mountain system: Himalayas


The third highest point on our planet is located on the Kanchenjunga mountain range, which, in turn, belongs to the Himalaya system. Kanchenjunga has five peaks, hence the name, which translated from Tibetan means “Five Treasures of the Great Snows.” The highest is Main Kanchenjunga (8568 m). However, three more of them rightfully bear the proud title of eight-thousander: Yalong-Kang (8505), South (8491) and Central (8478).


The first attempt to conquer the wayward peak was made in 1905, but was unsuccessful. Having gone three quarters of the way, the group led by Aleister Crowley turned back. Only in 1955 the Englishmen Joe Brown and George Bend were able to reach the main peak.

There is a legend among the local population that Mount Kanchenjunga is a woman, and therefore hates in advance all girls who set foot on its slope. Only one woman has been to its summit, Englishwoman Ginette Harrison, who climbed in 1998.

Chogori

Height: 8611 m.
A country: China/Pakistan
Mountain system: Karakoram


The second highest mountain in the world after Everest also belongs to the Himalaya mountain range. Chogori, known among mountaineers as K-2, lies on the northern border of Pakistan and China. The letter “K” means “Karakorum”, and “2” is the serial number of the peak, which was assigned to it by the traveler Colonel Montgomery in 1856.


According to statistics, every fourth person who dares to conquer the top of Chogori is doomed to death. That’s why this peak has another name – killer mountain. Found on its slopes last refuge legendary Russian climber Pyotr Kuznetsov.

The highest mountain is Everest

Height: 8848 m.
A country: Nepal/PRC
Mountain system: Himalayas


The highest mountain peak in the world is Chomolungma, better known to us as Everest. It is located in perhaps the most “philosophical” part of the earth - in Tibet. This majestic snow-capped pyramid has amazed many generations of travelers, and even now, when the summit of Everest has been conquered several times, it inspires thousands of brave climbers to pack their things and set off on a long journey to the top full of deadly dangers.

Everest, one of the most beautiful places in the world, is part of mountain system Himalayas. The mountain is located between Nepal and China, but its peak is still located in China, in Tibetan autonomous region. According to various sources, the height of Everest ranges from 8844 to 8852 meters.

This data is constantly changing. In the spring of 2010, Chinese residents officially recorded the highest mountain at 8848 meters. And in 2016, scientists “proved” that the summit of Everest is actually 4 meters lower than the stated height. By the way, it has already been proven that Chomolungma grows annually by about five millimeters due to the movement of lithospheric plates, at the junction of which Everest is located.

The tallest mountain on the planet has quite a few names. The people of Tibet call Everest the “Mother of the gods of the earth” (“Divine (qomo) mother (ma) of life (lung)” - Chomolungma). But the Nepalese call it Sagarmatha. It means "Forehead of Heaven" or "Mother of the Gods." Well, the name “Everest” was given to the mountain by the British in honor of George Everest, who headed the geodetic survey of British India in 1830-1843. A few years after the scientist’s death, in 1856, his successor Andrew Waugh proposed giving the mountain the name Everest. By the way, it was he who presented data from a study of the heights of “Peak XV” and confirmed that this is probably the highest peak in the whole world.

History of climbing Everest

The first time a person climbed the highest mountain was on May 29, 1953. The pioneers of Everest were New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpas (Sherpas are one of the peoples of Nepal) Tenzing Norgay. They passed through the South Col along the route that the Swiss had explored shortly before. The conquerors took oxygen equipment with them on their trek. The team itself consisted of 30 people. In May 1982, 11 climbers from the Soviet Union climbed this “roof of the world.” They climbed the southwestern slope, which had previously been considered impassable. The Ukrainians Mikhail Turkevich and Sergei Bershov especially distinguished themselves during the expedition - they were the first in history to climb Everest at night.


Well, in 2001, an amazing feat was accomplished - a blind American named Eric Weihenmayer climbed the mountain. Before this ascent, he had already visited everything highest peaks all seven continents, he visited the highest mountains of Russia. In this way, the man wanted to prove that all the tasks that seem unattainable to people are actually achievable. Another Everest record was set on May 14, 2005. Test pilot Didier Delsalle of Eurocopter became the first in the world to successfully land a helicopter on a mountain peak.


Three years later, the most old man. He became 76-year-old Nepalese Bahadur Sherkhan.


Two years later, the youngest person appeared on the peak of Everest, 13-year-old American citizen Jordan Romero, who conquered the peak with his father. Previously, this record was assigned to a 15-year-old boy.


Another unusual ascent was made by a group of Nepalese. 20 people went on a risky expedition to collect waste that climbers leave on the slopes. They collected approximately 1,800 kilograms of garbage.


The dangers of Everest

Every year about 500 people try to reach the top of Everest. They are not afraid that at night the air temperature there can drop to -600 C, and the wind literally knocks them off their feet - its gust speed reaches 200 meters per second. However, according to some estimates, about 5 thousand climbers have already climbed the highest mountain. Each rise takes approximately 2 months. At this time, the period of acclimatization and installation of camps begins. By the way, during such a hike, travelers lose weight by an average of 10-15 kilograms.


And one more difficulty, although insignificant compared to the previous ones. States on whose territory the approaches to the mountain are located request a large sum of money for the right to climb to the top of Everest. The authorities also establish the order of departures for mountaineering companies. You will have to pay the least amount for climbing Chomolungma from Tibet. Well, try to conquer the peak better in spring and in the fall, since the monsoons are not so active at this time.


Travel companies are called different prices trekking to the mountain from Nepal: on average from 20 to 60 thousand dollars. On the Chinese side, this can be done cheaper: you will have to spend about 4.6 thousand dollars per person. It is worth adding that these funds are used to purchase an ascent attempt, but do not at all guarantee a successful result.

How much does it cost to conquer Everest?

Experts say that the success of the expedition depends on the weather and the team’s equipment. Before climbing Everest, you must undergo acclimatization. The most difficult thing, experienced people say, is the last three hundred meters of the way to the top. Climbers call them the “dead zone” or “the longest mile on Earth.” In this area you need to go through a very smooth and steep rocky slope, which is covered with snow. But the main obstacle is not the slippery surface, but the rarefied air, which literally overshadows the climber’s consciousness.

Pay for a dream

Thousands of climbers have tried to climb Everest. Some paid for this with their lives. From the time the peak was discovered until today, more than two hundred people have died during expeditions. According to some reports, this most often happened due to lack of oxygen. Sometimes people died in avalanches, on descents or ascents, due to heart failure or frostbite.

The dead climbers who are found are buried by the people of Nepal. They follow sincerely centuries-old traditions and do everything so that the souls of steeplejacks find peace. According to beliefs, if you don’t hold a special ceremony to “save the souls of the dead,” then dead climbers they will not find peace and will wander on the “roof of the world.” And local climbers set off to the top of the highest mountain only with talismans and rituals, so as not to meet the spirits of Chomolungma.

The Dark Side of Everest

According to Nepalese Buddhist and professional guide Pemba Dorja, in May 2004, on his journey to the top of Everest, he took with him a medallion with the image of the Dalai Lama and an amulet from a Buddhist monastery. The man climbed to the peak in a record 8 hours and 10 minutes. And in the “dead zone”, which is located at an altitude of 8 kilometers above sea level, he met the shadows of people who extended their hands and asked for food. The Nepalese is sure that if he had not had the amulets, he would not have returned alive.

Alternative record holders

In 2016, scientists stunned the public with the message that Everest was no longer the most high point planets. The earth, according to them, has the shape of a geoid - a figure flattened at the poles and convex at the equator. This means that if you measure the height of mountains from the center of the earth, then those located along the equator mountain ranges will have an a priori advantage in height. Of course, such messages only caused the surveyors to laugh loudly. But – for the sake of interest – we present below data on the “new record holders”.

Chimborazo

Height: 6384 m.
A country: Ecuador
Mountain system: Andes


By measuring the height of Everest from the center of the Earth and comparing the data obtained with the height extinct volcano Chimborazo, scientists have found that the latter “bypasses” the Tibetan giant by 4 meters. However, the fact that the top of Chimborazo is the most distant point from the center of the Earth was discovered back in 1998.

Mauna Kea

Height: 4205 / 10203 m.
A country: USA
Mountain system: –


Mauna Kea volcano juts above the surface Pacific Ocean by 4.2 kilometers – an impressive figure. But this, as they say, is only a small part of the iceberg. Most of its base is hidden under water, and the total height of the mountain is 10,203 meters. Therefore, if we take into account solely the distance from the foot to the top, and not the height of the mountain above sea level, then Mauna Kea can safely be considered the highest mountain in the world.
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