If mountains give a sense of adventure, then the tallest mountains in the world are the biggest sense of adventure you are ever going to get on earth. These are the tallest peaks on earth; and while they are not insurmountable, they are going to give anybody a good run for his money.
Aside from the sense of adventure they give; these are some of the best places in the world for introspection. This truth was known thousands of years ago when some of the monasteries that dot the landscape were built.
Many who have made these climbs have reported a difference in their lives, and in the way they see the world.
Top 100 Tallest Mountains In The World
1. Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest natural point above sea level; and is famous for it. Geographically it lies along the border of China and Nepal; although the Nepal part is the most popular of the two sides.
Mount Everest is covered with Ice as you would expect for a range that is 8,849 meters high, and that stands above the clouds.
Many people come in from all over the world to see this mountain range; but sadly, not all of them make it back alive. The cold, the lack of air pressure, or the exhaustion gets them.
2. K2
K2 is the second highest mountain in the world; it measures 8,611 meters above sea level. The origins and meaning of the name are not very clear but, as the second highest peak, the name is quite apt.
Once again this mountain transverses borders; it is in Pakistan, Kashmir and some of it is in a China-administered territory.
This is not much less difficult to climb; and one can imagine that it gets it fair share of mortality as well.
3. Kangchenjunga
Kangchenjunga used to be described as the tallest peak in the world be scientific calculations actually proved that Everest was taller. This mountain may still be more beautiful because it is almost entirely surrounded by water.
Kangchenjunga is located on the border between Nepal and India. The mountain is 8,586 meters tall, and it is a place of pristine beauty.
Kangchenjunga, or at least much of Kangchenjunga is a protected area; the adjoining National Park was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site back in 2016.
4. Lhotse
Lhotse is another ice covered peak; it stands at an imposing 8,516 meters above sea level. As with many of the other tall peaks it is not claimed by one country alone; it lies on the border between Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Nepal.
Lhotse has been an object of fascination for a long time; there were expeditions attempting to explore and surmount the mountain as far back as 1955.
Lhotse is still a daunting challenge; one that people come from all over the world to undertake.
5. Makalu
Makalu is number 5 on the list of the world’s tallest peaks; it measures 8,481 meters above sea level. Makalu is located in Nepal, and is unique in its shape in that it looks like a four sided pyramid.
Makalu also has ice packs at the higher sides of the mountain, although they are significantly less than those of the mountains that are above it on this list.
Makalu is an isolated peak; and there are glaciers there whose beauty makes the climb worth the trouble.
6. Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu is an ice covered peak that measures 8,188 meters above sea level. It is located in the Tibet china- Nepal border. Interestingly, this mountain pass is a trade route; the people of Tibet traverse it almost daily to trade with their neighbors- the Sherpas.
Despite its frozen nature, this mountain is considered the easiest 8,000 meter climb; and so climbing enthusiasts from all over the world come in to surmount this challenge, and prove their mettle as intermediary level climbers.
7. Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri is another ice covered peak; in fact the ice covers not just the peak but most of the mountain. It measures 8,167 meters, and provides a big enough challenge for advanced level climbers due to its steep nature.
However, standing at the peak; with the clouds below you, the satisfaction makes the trouble well worth the challenge.
This mountain is located in Nepal; and it is close to the town of Pokhara which is an important stop over and cultural exchange center for climbers.
8. Manaslu
Manaslu measures 8,163 meters, making it one of the tallest mountains in the world. It is located in Nepal, and falls behind 7 other mountains for height. However, it must be mentioned that it is not something to be attempted by new climbers.
This is an ice covered mountain range; and it has very narrow ledges, which are followed by steep climbs.
It is doable; and people come from all over the world to do it. Nevertheless, this is a daunting mountain to climb in deed.
9. Nanga Parbat
Nanga Parbat is a huge mountain range located in Pakistan. It measures 8,126 meters, and is covered with glaciers. This is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see; the mountain forms a background against the landscape which also includes greenery and a river.
Nanga Parbat rises quite sharply and steeply; which makes it quite a dangerous climb. Of course there are plenty of mad people willing to brave all for the right to say they have surmounted it; but it is not for new climbers.
10. Annapurna I
Annapurna I measures 8,091 meters making it the world’s tenth most elevated peak. It is located in the Gandaki Province of Nepal, and is a rugged mixture of rock and ice.
Despite being far behind the tallest peaks for height, this mountain is well known for being dangerous. It is advised that only seasoned climbers attempt this mountain, and even then, they have to take the greatest care.
The following is a more extensive list of the tallest mountains in the world.
| Position | Name | Country | Elevation |
| 1 | Mount Everest | Nepal / china | 8,848 |
| 2 | K2 | Pakistan/ china | 8,611 |
| 3 | Kangchenjunga | Nepal/ india | 8,586 |
| 4 | Lhotse | China/Nepal | 8,516 |
| 5 | Makalu | Nepal/china | 8,485 |
| 6 | Cho Oyu | China/ Nepal | 8,188 |
| 7 | Dhaulagiri I | Nepal | 8,167 |
| 8 | Manaslu | Nepal | 8,163 |
| 9 | Nanga Parbat | Pakistan | 8,126 |
| 10 | Annapurna I | Nepal | 8,091 |
| 11 | Gasherbrum I Hidden PeakK5 | Pakistan / china | 8,080 |
| 12 | Broad Peak | China/ pakistan | 8,051 |
| 13 | Gasherbrum IIK4 | Pakistan / china | 8,035 |
| 14 | Shishapangma Gosainthan | China | 8,027 |
| 15 | Gyachung Kang | Nepal / china | 7,952 |
| 16 | Gasherbrum III K3a | China / Pakistan | 7,946 |
| 17 | Annapurna II | nepal | 7,937 |
| 18 | Gasherbrum IV K3 | Pakistan | 7,932 |
| 19 | Himalchuli | Nepal | 7,893 |
| 20 | Distaghil Sar | Pakistan | 7,884 |
| 21 | Ngadi Chuli | Nepal | 7,871 |
| 22 | Nuptse | Nepal | 7,864 |
| 23 | Khunyang Chhish | Pakistan | 7,823 |
| 24 | MasherbrumK1 | Pakistan | 7,821 |
| 25 | Nanda Devi | India | 7,816 |
| 26 | Chomo Lonzo | China | 7,804 |
| 27 | Batura Sar | Pakistan | 7,795 |
| 28 | Rakaposhi | Pakistan | 7,788 |
| 29 | Namcha Barwa | China | 7,782 |
| 30 | Kanjut Sar | Pakistan | 7,760 |
| 31 | Kamet | India | 7,756 |
| 32 | Dhaulagiri II | Nepal | 7,751 |
| 33 | Saltoro Kangri K10 | India / Pakistan | 7,742 |
| 34 | Kumbhakarna Jannu | Nepal | 7,711 |
| 35 | Tirich Mir | Pakistan | 7,708 |
| 36 | Molamenqing | China | 7,703 |
| 37 | Gurla Mandhata | China | 7,694 |
| 38 | Saser Kangri IK22 | India | 7,672 |
| 39 | Chogolisa | Pakistan | 7,665 |
| 40 | Dhaulagiri IV | Nepal | 7,661 |
| 41 | Kongur Tagh | China | 7,649 |
| 42 | Dhaulagiri V | Nepal | 7,618 |
| 43 | Shispare | Pakistan | 7,611 |
| 44 | Trivor | Pakistan | 7,577 |
| 45 | Gangkhar Puensum | Bhutan / china | 7,570 |
| 46 | Gongga ShanMinya Konka | China | 7,556 |
| 47 | Annapurna III | Nepal | 7,555 |
| 48 | Skyang Kangri | Pakistan/ china | 7,545 |
| 49 | Changtse | China | 7,543 |
| 50 | Kula Kangri | China / Bhutan | 7,538 |
| 51 | Kongur Tiube | China | 7,530 |
| 52 | Annapurna IV | Nepal | 7,525 |
| 53 | Mamostong Kangri | India | 7,516 |
| 54 | Saser Kangri II E | India | 7,513 |
| 55 | Muztagh Ata | China | 7,509 |
| 56 | Ismoil Somoni Peak | Tajikstan | 7,495 |
| 57 | Saser Kangri III | India | 7,495 |
| 58 | Noshaq | Afghanistan/ Pakistan | 7,492 |
| 59 | Pumari Chhish | Pakistan | 7,492 |
| 60 | Yukshin Gardan Sar | Pakistan | 7,469 |
| 61 | Teram Kangri I | China / india | 7,462 |
| 62 | Jongsong Peak | India/ china / Nepal | 7,462 |
| 63 | Malubiting | Pakistan | 7,458 |
| 64 | Gangapurna | Nepal | 7,455 |
| 65 | Jengish ChokusuTömürPik Pobedy | Kyrgyzstan/ china | 7,439 |
| 66 | Sunanda Devi Nanda Devi East | India | 7,434 |
| 67 | K12 | India / Pakistan | 7,428 |
| 68 | YangraGanesh I | China/ Nepal | 7,422 |
| 69 | Sia Kangri | Pakistan / china | 7,422 |
| 70 | Momhil Sar | Pakistan | 7,414 |
| 71 | Kabru N | India / Nepal | 7,412 |
| 72 | Skil Brum | Pakistan | 7,410 |
| 73 | Haramosh Peak | Pakistan | 7,409 |
| 74 | Istor-o-Nal | Pakistan | 7,403 |
| 75 | Ghent Kangri | India/ Pakistan | 7,401 |
| 76 | Ultar | Pakistan | 7,388 |
| 77 | Churen Himal | Nepal | 7,385 |
| 78 | Teram Kangri III | India / china | 7,382 |
| 79 | Sherpi Kangri | India / Pakistan | 7,380 |
| 80 | Labuche Kang | China | 7,367 |
| 81 | Kirat Chuli | Nepal / india | 7,362 |
| 82 | Abi Gamin | India/ china | 7,355 |
| 83 | Gimmigela ChuliThe Twins | India/ Nepal | 7,350 |
| 84 | Nangpai Gosum | China / Nepal | 7,350 |
| 85 | Saraghrar | Pakistan | 7,349 |
| 86 | Talung | India / Nepal | 7,349 |
| 87 | JomolhariChomo Lhari | China / Bhutan | 7,326 |
| 88 | Chamlang | Nepal | 7,321 |
| 89 | Chongtar | China | 7,315 |
| 90 | Baltoro Kangri | Pakistan | 7,312 |
| 91 | Siguang Ri | China | 7,309 |
| 92 | The Crown Huang Guan Shan | China | 7,295 |
| 93 | Gyala Peri | China | 7,294 |
| 94 | Porong Ri | China | 7,292 |
| 95 | Baintha Brakk The Ogre | Pakistan | 7,285 |
| 96 | Yutmaru Sar | Pakistan | 7,283 |
| 97 | K6 Baltistan Peak | Pakistan | 7,282 |
| 98 | Kangpenqing Gang Benchhen | China | 7,281 |
| 99 | Muztagh Tower | Pakistan / China | 7,276 |
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Closing:
Looking at this list of the top 100 tallest mountains in the world; one cannot help but notice that most of these mountains are within the area of China, India and Pakistan. These mountains therefore play important roles in the tourism economies of the above countries as people come from all over the world to see and climb them.