Biggest Mountain Peaks

The following are the biggest mountain peaks in the world. The rankings are based on elevation and not the area the mountains cover.

1. Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth. It is 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level. In spite of its height, it has been climbed successfully several times. According to mountaineers, it is not as difficult to climb as other mountains.

2. K2

The highest elevation at K2 is 8,611 meters (28,251 ft). It is the second tallest mountain in the world. It is also one of the most fatal. Stats show that one out of every four who attempt to climb it gets killed. K2 is found in northern Pakistan. It forms a part of the Karakoram portion in the Himalayan range.

3. Kangchenjunga

It is also known as the “The Five Treasures of Snows”. There are five peaks, the highest of which is 8,586 meters (28,169 ft). All the others are over 8,450 m high.

4. Lhotse

Its highest peak is 8,516 meters (27,940 ft). It has the steepest face on the planet at 3.2 km (1.98 mi). This is at a horizontal distance of 2.25 km (1.4 mi). It is very close to Mount Everest and is a favorite among many mountain climbers.

5. Makalu

Situated 22 km east of Mount Everest, it has a peak of 8,462 meters (27,762 ft). It is one of the hardest mountains to ascend. This is due to the knife edged ridges and the steep pitches. Its shape is roughly that of a four sided pyramid.

6. Cho Oyu

The sixth biggest mountain peak is 8,201 meters (26,906 ft) high. It is 20 km west to Everest. It is just to the Nepalese and Chinese border. In spite of its height, it is relatively easy to climb.

7. Dhaulagiri

The peak reaches a height of 8,167 meters (26,795 ft). It forms a portion of the Himalayan (Dhaulagiri Himalayan) sub range. This is to the north central of Nepal and northwest of Pokhara.

8. Manaslu

The highest peak is 8,163 meters (26,781 ft). It is the tallest peak in the Gorkha district. It is noted for the steep ridges and numerous valley glaciers.

Number nine in the biggest mountain peaks is Nanga Parbat. It has a peak of 8,126 meters (26,660 ft). The name is translated as Naked Mountain in Urdu. However it is known to Westerners as the Killer Mountain. The mountain earned this reputation in the early 20th century as numerous climbers were killed trying to climb it.