The highest mountains of the continents. The highest mountain peaks in the world (12 peaks of the planet) The highest peaks of South America table
Our planet holds many secrets and mysteries. Most of them are hidden in the highest mountains on Earth. There is an opinion that the first people came down 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 that 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 most high points every continent.
There is even an informal society of climbers called the “7 Summits Club”, which includes people who have successfully conquered 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 also some disagreements, and specifically they relate to the highest point of Australia and Oceania. If we take into account only the continent of Australia, then the highest point will be Kosciuszko (or Kosciuszko) Peak, 2,228 meters above sea level. But many do not agree, since the peak is not of climbing interest.
If we take Australia and Oceania into account, the highest point is the Carstensz Pyramid, or Puncak Jaya, which is 4,884 meters above sea level, located in Indonesia. In order to avoid eternal disputes, these days there are two programs for climbing the 7 peaks. Everyone chooses the peak they consider correct, in any case it will be counted as conquering 7 peaks of the world.
Some manage to climb 8 peaks, thereby 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, Kosciuszko Peak was included in the program.
The first with a 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 for 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 website where detailed and clear statistics about each ascent are kept.
What kind of mountains attract peak conquerors so much that it attracts them to the top? To quote the first person to climb Everest, “I climb this peak because it exists.”
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 try to conquer the roof of the world every year, 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 climb will be about $40,000.
Pyramid Carstensz. The second name is Puncak Jaya. The height above sea level is 4,884 meters. Be on an island New Guinea. The summit itself is not difficult.
Discomfort and difficulties are caused by inaccessibility and unusual climate. The cost of the climb will be about $19,000.
The height above sea level is 2,228 meters. This mountain is of no interest to climbers, since it can be climbed without any special preparation. This is more of a checkmark on the list of 7 peaks of the world.
The cost of the climb will be about $5,000.
I would also like to note some records associated with conquering the 7 highest peaks of 7 continents.
The youngest conqueror of the 7 Summits program was Jordan Romero at the age of 15. The oldest climber in 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 sitting on the couch right now and reading this article, then get up and go to conquer the highest point in the area, for example, climb a 20-story building on foot.
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The program of climbing the highest peaks of all continents has an abbreviated name, which can also be called a brand - “Seven Summits”. In English, which is understandable to the whole world - “Seven Summits”. This is one of the mountaineering collections, the implementation of which is an incentive to determine goals in life for hundreds of citizens different countries. The vast majority of those who climb Everest, one way or another, make it their goal to complete this program. Because other peaks are easier and cheaper than reaching the highest point on 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, youngest, fastest.
Climbing all seven peaks is very expensive. Even the most economical option will total close to 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 thousand dollars.
It is clear that such expenses are available only to very few climbers. If we are talking about personal funds. However, a minority of those who hunt for the “Seven Peaks” spend their own money exclusively. Most are supported by sponsors, governments, or travel on charitable fundraising programs. The legislation of, relatively speaking, “Anglo-Saxon” countries allows donations for the needs of a number of organizations to be deducted from the tax base. These are medical institutions, funds for helping veterans of military conflicts, the disabled, etc... By collecting donations for them, the climber “unfastens” a little for his travels. At the same time, more money is printed in these countries than in others, this leads to the fact that half of the list of “seven peaks” are citizens of the USA, Great Britain and Canada and Australia, which joined them.
The Seven Summits program was born in the first half of the 80s, when the first signs appeared that this could be done. The entire history of its occurrence is described in our article.
Let us recall that, according to encyclopedias: “continent” (from seasoned - strong, large), this is the Russian analogue of the European word “continent” (from Latin continens - singular). Continents are large tracts of the earth's crust, most of the surface of which protrudes above the level of the World Ocean in the form of land. Islands do not belong to continents and continents.
From a scientific point of view, the objects of the Seven Summits 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 this. If Elbrus is deprived of its status as 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 goes to Asia. There is an even greater diversity of views on whether the Carstensz Pyramid should be considered the highest point in Australia. None of the scientific theories western part The islands of New Guinea do not belong to the “Green Continent”. These are all amusing debates and arguments that so far 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 (Puncak Jaya), 4884 m. Australia. Peak Kosciuszko (Kostyushko), 2228 m. Australia.
So, scientific debate on this topic is best left to those who are paid to do it. We love the magical (divine, as they say) number “Seven”, not “Six” (considered devilish). 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) - highest peak of the part light Asia, continent of Eurasia and the highest peak of planet Earth (if you count from ocean level), 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 techniques. Therefore, the indicated height is conditional; it was adopted as a result of agreement, so as not to inflame passions.
Climbing Everest requires careful preparation, about two months of living in expeditionary conditions and overcoming the problems associated with being in the so-called “death zone”, at an altitude of 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 Everest. Recently, ascents have been made mainly in spring period, during the so-called weather windows. This usually happens on the 20th of May. In this case, the routes from the south and from the north are first completely hung with railing ropes.
Climbing Everest, which 30-40 years ago meant joining the mountaineering elite, has become a commercial endeavor. 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 the permit is much cheaper, access by car to the base camp is possible and there are much fewer objective dangers (ice collapses and avalanches). Western companies like it more southern route. First of all, fearing unpredictability Chinese authorities, who can close the area for minor reasons, without any compensation to the organizers. Individual participants may not be given a visa for political reasons. But there is another point: in the South, with a higher price, the organizers’ profits are much higher than in the North.
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Aconcagua (6962 m) is the highest peak in the Americas 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. The ascent to 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 makes the ascent easier, as do certain amenities at base camp. There are no technical difficulties on the classic route, however, there are plenty of physical ones. First of all, this is height, the reaction to which is often unpredictable even among experienced athletes. The main obstacle is considered to be strong winds, 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. About half of the participants achieve success. This is due to the lack of preparedness of the climbers. And partly with the attitude of local guides, who are not risk-averse and, at any opportunity, are ready to turn the whole group or individual participants around. So we strongly recommend joining a group led by visitors, Russian speaking guides. Better - from our company...
Climbing programs on Aconcagua are becoming 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 mainland North America. Located in the USA, in the state of Alaska, near the Northern Arctic Circle. A typical climb takes approximately three weeks, of which two weeks are strenuous 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”. In this case, all cargo must be carried independently, including recycled waste. And when organizing a trip to Denali, you will have to solve the puzzle of obtaining an official permit and American visa. All this is not at all difficult if you start in time.
In recent years, the number of climbers aiming to climb Denali has stabilized at around 1,500 per year. A season is considered successful when the percentage of “climbing” is above 50%. The bulk of ascents take place in June - the first half of July. In mid-summer, due to the condition of the glacier, airplane flights become dangerous and cease by the beginning of August.
The American authorities issue permission to organize commercial programs only to a few companies and only with 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 quite significant, but now mutual understanding has already been achieved and the problems are a thing of the past.
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Kilimanjaro (5895 m) is the highest peak of the continent and part of the world Africa. The mountain is located in Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border and the equator. It is considered the highest single peak in the world. Local National Park strictly regulates ascents and allocates a limited number of days for expeditions, on average a week. In this case, one of the goals is to ensure maximum employment for the local population working in group services. Therefore, for one climber there are two or even more employees of host companies.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the equatorial climate zone. The difference in temperature between seasons is minimal. Almost ascents can be made all year round
Due to the limited time, the ascent is carried out without sufficient acclimatization, which complicates the task of reaching the top for an unprepared person. And these turn out to be the absolute majority. Therefore, no more than one third of visitors manage to climb to the highest point. At the same time, almost all of our country’s representatives reach the top. What is at play here: the power of salt or greed (money has been paid)?
In any case, a trip to Kilimanjaro is an exciting adventure; getting to know the amazing nature of Africa and its people is simply amazing. This is the best way to love the “dark continent”, which many are wary of. And, of course, we consider it obligatory to include so-called “safari” excursions in national parks in the program.
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Elbrus (5642 m) is the highest peak in Europe. The mountain is located in Russia, slightly north of the Main Caucasus Range and, accordingly, from the border with Georgia. Climbing in favorable conditions requires only basic mountaineering skills and is accessible to all physically healthy people. However, the load will still be serious, and the effect of the height will make itself felt. The recommended period for the Elbrus climbing program is 9 days.
There is a fairly developed infrastructure that provides relatively comfortable conditions life for all days except 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 kept 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 7 Summits Club on Elbrus
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Vinson Massif (4897 m) is the highest peak in the world and the continent of Antarctica. The mountain is located on an amazing ice continent that so far belongs to all of humanity. However, in the area of the very top, the absolute owner is the ALE (Antarctic Logistic Expedition) company, which determines the “rules of the game” here. But they are not able to make even the simplest calculations of how long the ascent will last; the actual “flight” schedule is dictated by unpredictable weather.
Since the price of an expedition to the Vinson Massif is very significant, only serious people get to its foot. And, as a rule, they successfully ascend, overcoming the terrible cold and wind.
It is important to dress correctly. 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 Oceania, is represented by two options: the Carstensz Pyramid and Mount Kosciuszko.
The Carstensz Pyramid, or, in the Indonesian way, Puncak Jaya (4884-5 m, on some maps even 5030 m) is the highest peak of Australia and Oceania. Located on the island of New Guinea. The most politically problematic mountain of the “Seven Summits”, which until then had been simply closed to visitors for 10 years. It is a rocky ridge of considerable length, located above the humid tropical jungle. Ascent and descent requires skills in working with climbing equipment and rope. However, as part of a group and under the guidance of experienced instructors, overcoming difficult rocky areas is quite possible for anyone.
For quite a long time, there has also been a helicopter option, in which one flies to the base camp in a rotorcraft. However, there are pitfalls here too. Bad weather is a daily occurrence here, every flight is in danger of being disrupted.
As you know, there are 6 continents on planet Earth, 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, has two peaks: Europe and Asia.
We offer you a list of seven peaks in ascending height. The easiest mountains to climb, which do not require special mountaineering training: 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 had summited all 7 peaks by 1985. 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 on the planet, exceeding 8000 meters above sea level. In total, there are 14 eight-thousand-meter mountains on Earth, 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 “seven peaks of the world” program is more accessible.
7 peaks: list
There are two versions of the Seven Summits program, the duality being associated with the continent of Australia. Its highest point is 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, the ascent should be made to Mount Jaya. Climbers choose the most convenient option for them or conquer two points at once.
There are also sometimes discussions about Elbrus: should we consider this peak located in Europe or Asia? Those who adhere to the second version consider Mont Blanc, located in the Western Alps, to be the highest peak in Europe. Thus, excluding Elbrus from the program of 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
The first conquerors: Pavel Edmund Strzelecki
The lowest of the world's seven peaks is Mount Kosciuszko, which rises in the Kosciuszko National Park in Australia. Polish traveler Edmund Strzelecki was the first to climb the mountain in 1840. He also came up with the idea of naming 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 the low altitude and convenient trail - it is impossible to get lost here. A walk to 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
Summit height above sea level: 4884 meters
First ascent: 1962
The first conquerors: Austrian climbers B. Huizinga, R. Kippax, F. Temple under the leadership of Heinrich Harrer.
Mount Puncak-Jai or simply Jaya (Victory), another name is the Carstens Pyramid, located on the island of New Guinea in Oceania. It was discovered for Europeans by Jan Carstens in 1623, for which it received its name.
The Carstens Pyramid is considered technically quite difficult 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 method is faster and safer.
Part of the world: Antarctica
Mountain system: Elsworth
Altitude: 4892 meters
The first conquerors: a group of 10 American climbers led by Nicholas Clinch
Vinson Massif is the highest point of the coldest continent in the world, Antarctica. Due to the many peaks of approximately the same height, identifying the peak was not easy at first. The massif, as well as the Ellsworth Mountains, first became known in 1935, when Lincoln Ellsworth saw them from above during a flight. The name is associated with the name of Carl Vinson, an American congressman, on the initiative and with the help of whom Antarctica was actively explored.
The first full ascent was made in December 1966 by American climbers under the leadership of N. Clinch. Conquering heights is made difficult in the first place weather conditions and territorial remoteness.
Part of the world: Europe
Mountain system: Caucasus Mountains
Altitude: 5,642 m.
First ascent: in 1868 to the eastern peak, in 1874 to the western.
The first conquerors: Kabardian Killar Khashirov (eastern peak), 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 of 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 which is the western one - 5642 meters, the eastern one is slightly lower - 5621 meters. Elbrus is known for more than 23 glaciers, which feed the large rivers Kuban, Baksan and Malka. From the highest point of Elbrus there is a view of the Black and Caspian Seas.
The expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences under the leadership of General G. A. Emmanuel first attempted to conquer Elbrus in mid-19th centuries, but the ascent was carried out only by the guide K. Khashirov.
During the Great Patriotic War, the German mountain infantry division “Edelweiss”, under the leadership of Captain Heinz Groth, climbed Elbrus. On August 21, 1942, Nazi flags were hoisted on its tops. In February 1943, the fascist flags were removed by the Red Army and Soviet banners were installed. The ascent was carried out in frosty and snowy conditions.
The slopes of the mountain are gentle, but the significant height requires some preparation. On at the moment Thanks to the developed infrastructure, Elbrus and the Elbrus region attract not only professional climbers (speed races, extreme climbs), but also winter sports enthusiasts.
Part of the world: Africa
Mountain system: free-standing mountain
Summit height above sea level: 5895 meters
First ascent: in 1889
The first conquerors: German Hans Mayer and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheler
On the territory of Tazania, on the border with Kenya, rises the picturesque Mount Kilimanjaro, which is a dormant volcano. Its highest peak, Uhuru, is the highest point in Africa, the Roof of Africa, as it is often called, and is included in the 7 Summits program.
Uhuru Peak The name "Kilimanjaro" can be translated from the language local residents, like a "sparkling mountain". At the beginning of the 20th century, Kilimanjaro was called Kaiser Wilhelm's Summit. Kilimanjaro's cap is always covered with glaciers and snow.
Kilimanjaro is suitable for climbing even for inexperienced travelers without mountaineering training and equipment. The easiest route is Lemosho, its duration is 5-8 days, which allows you to smoothly acclimatize and more easily survive altitude sickness. For the climb you will need warm clothes and shoes.
Denali (old name of McKinley)
Part of the world: North America
Height peaks above sea level: 6190 meters
Mountain system: Alaska Range
The 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 and was called Bolshaya. At the end of the 19th century it was renamed McKinley (in honor of the American president). The modern name is 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 climb did not stop the traveler, and after 3 years the idea was crowned with success. However, the officially recognized record is considered to be the expedition of Hudson Stack. In the 21st century, the mountain was conquered by Matvey Shparo (with a group of climbers with disabilities), Kilian Jornet Burgada (the fastest climb), and Lonnie Dupre (solo climb). Climbing Denali is recommended during the summer months.
Mount Aconcagua
Part of the world: South America
Mountain system: Andes
Altitude: 6960.8 meters
First conqueror: Matthias Zurbriggen
Aconcagua is the highest point of North and South America, located in Argentina, Aconcagua National Park, the nearest city is Mendoza. The name of Mount Aconcagua translates as “snow mountain”; it was once an active volcano.
The peculiarity of Aconcagua is low atmospheric pressure at the top, but even physically unprepared people can conquer its northern slope (the remaining slopes are dangerous due to strong winds and steep climbs). Home
Among the record ascents are:
- the rise of 87-year-old Scott Lewis;
- the fastest ascent among men (about 12 hours) is Karl Egloff, among women (12.5 hours) - Fernanda Maciel.
Part of the world: Asia
Mountain system: Himalayas
Summit height above sea level: 8848 meters
The 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 old). From Tibetan the name of Mount Chomolungma is translated as “holy mother of the Universe.” Discovered in the mid-19th century, the peak was originally called Peak XV, and then received the name Everest after 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 unlucky summit conquerors (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 landmarks for groups. Obstacles such as strong winds, pressure changes and frost can only be overcome by experienced athletes.
The mountain was conquered by 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 in their ninth decade (Miuro Yuchiro) have been here. The record holder for the number of ascents of Everest is Nepalese Kami Sherpa (24 times since 1994).
Among the female conquerors of Chomolungma, we should remember the Japanese Janko Tabei (climbing in 1975). She became the first woman in the world to climb Everest. She is the first woman to conquer all seven peaks of the world. Lhakpa Sherpa is a Nepalese who climbed Everest 9 times. Indian climber Malavat Purna became the youngest athlete to climb Everest. At the time of the climb she was 13 years and 11 months old.
Previously, the site talked about. However, all these mountains are located in one part of the world - Asia, namely in two neighboring mountain systems, the Himalayas and Karakoram, therefore it is customary to distinguish 7 highest mountain peaks in the world, one for each part of the world. Climbers who have conquered all these mountains are members of the honorable Seven Summits Club.
There are 2 main lists of the seven peaks of the world. More difficult to climb is the list compiled by Italian climber Reinhold Messner. In this list, in addition to Asia, Europe, South and North America, Africa, Antarctica, it is not Australia that appears as a part of the world, but Australasia, i.e. region including Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and surrounding islands Pacific Ocean. Accordingly, instead of the highest peak in Australia - Mount Kosciuszko, whose height is only 2228 meters and which is very easy to conquer, the list includes Mount Jaya in New Guinea, whose height is 4884 meters and which was first conquered only in 1962. The list compiled by American mountaineer Richard Bass is more traditional from the point of view of Russian geography; it includes Australia rather than Australasia as a part of the world.
Thus, the highest peaks in the world become not seven, but eight. In some interpretations there are even nine of them, because Geographers still disagree about the border between Europe and Asia, so the highest peak in Europe is either Elbrus in the Russian Caucasus or Mont Blanc in the Alps.
In this article we will use the Messner list because... it is he who is presented as the main one on the website of the Seven Summits Club - 7summits.com. The mountains in the ranking are sorted by height, starting with the highest.
Highest mountain peak Asia - Chomolungma in the Himalaya mountain system, also known as Everest. Chomolungma in Tibetan means “mistress of the winds.” As for the English name Everest, it was given in honor of Sir George Everest, head of the geodetic survey of British India in 1830-1843. The height of the peak is 8848 meters. Chomolungma is located in China, namely in Tibet, on the border with Nepal. The first ascent of the mountain was made on May 29, 1953 by Sherpa (Sherpas are a people living in Eastern Nepal, as well as in India) Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary. The climbers used oxygen devices. More than 30 Sherpas took part in the expedition.
The highest mountain peak in South America - Aconcagua in the Andes mountain system. Height 6962 meters. Located in Argentina. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the western and southern hemispheres. In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered a technically easy mountain if you climb along northern slope. When climbing, the influence of altitude is noticeable; the atmospheric pressure at the top is approximately 40% of the pressure at sea level. However, the use of oxygen tanks when climbing is not required. Even children can conquer this mountain with proper training: in 2013, 9-year-old American Tyler Armstrong did it, and in 2016, 12-year-old Romanian Dor Jeta Popescu did it.
The highest mountain peak in North America is Denali, part of the Alaska Range. Height 6194 meters. Located in the USA (Alaska). From 1896 until August 28, 2015, the mountain was called McKinley, in honor of the 25th President of the United States of America, now the mountain has been returned to its traditional Indian name - Denali (this word means “great” in the language of the Athabascan Indian people). From 1799 to 1867 the mountain was the highest point Russian Empire until Alaska, where Denali is located, was sold to the United States. This peak was first conquered in 1906 by the American expedition of Frederick Cook.
The highest mountain peak in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro. Height - 5895 meters. Located in Tanzania. Climbing Kilimanjaro is considered quite simple, but requires time for altitude acclimatization. Almost any healthy person can climb the main routes leading to it, without mountaineering training or special equipment.
The highest mountain peak in Europe and Russia is the Elbrus volcano. Height 5642 meters. It is located in the Caucasus, on the border of the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The first ascent of Elbrus was carried out by a Russian expedition led by Georgy Emmanuel in 1829.
The highest peak in Antarctica is Vinson massif. Height 4892 meters. The first ascent took place in 1966 by an American expedition led by Nicholas Clinch. Conquering Vinson is not a cheap pleasure due to the inaccessibility of Antarctica and heavy climatic conditions(even in summer the temperature on the massif does not rise above minus 30 degrees Celsius): you must either organize an expedition yourself or pay for services travel company, which cost about $30,000 per person and include shipping to Antarctica from Chile.
The highest mountain peak in Australasia (the region that includes Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and the adjacent Pacific Islands) - Jaya(another name is Carstens Pyramid). Height 4884 meters. Jaya is the highest mountain in the world located on an island. The first ascent of Jaya took place in 1962 - it was made by a group of four Austrian climbers led by Heinrich Harrer.
All mountaineers can agree that climbing the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the world's continents, is one of the highest achievements of their sport; it is more difficult to get them to agree on which peaks constitute the Seven Summits. The problem is one of geographical classification and perspective. First, there is the question of whether Europe is considered part of Asia or a continent in itself. If we accept the concept of Eurasia as a single continent, there should in fact be only six summits. Another question arises in relation to Europe: if we take the Urals as the dividing line between Europe and Asia, should the highest point in Europe be Mont Blanc, which is undeniably entirely in Europe, or Mount Elbrus, which, depending on the interpretation, is barely managed to escape classified as an Asian trait? The question then arises as to whether Australia is classified in isolation or includes Oceania. A pair of climbers formulated two of the most popular schemes. The list of peaks, compiled and selected by American climber Dick Bass, draws the line at Australia itself; the list compiled by Italian mountaineer Reinhold Messner covers Oceania. Since neither climber supports the concept of Eurasia or is concerned about the location of Mount Elbrus, their lists are otherwise identical. Here, then, are the Seven Worlds - or perhaps the eight - Peaks.
Africa: Kilimanjaro
The highest peak in Africa is scaled by Kilimanjaro, a volcanic massif in northeastern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. The massif extends approximately east-west for 50 miles (80 km) and consists of three main extinct volcanoes, the youngest and tallest of which has the central cone of Kibo, which rises to 19,340 feet (5,895 meters). The Kibo summit was first reached in 1889 by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, established in 1973 to protect the mountain above the tree line as well as six forest corridors running down the mountain's forest belt, has been designated World Heritage UNESCO in 1987.
Europe: Mount Elbrus
The highest peak in the Caucasus and the highest point in Europe is Mount Elbrus in southwestern Russia. Created over 2.5 million years ago, this extinct volcano has two cones that extend to altitudes of 18,510 feet (5,642 meters) and 18,356 feet (5,595 meters). The tall cone was first raised in 1874 by a British expedition led by Swiss guide Peter Knubel. Elbrus is covered with 22 glaciers that feed the Kuban River.
North America: Denali
Denali (also called Mount McKinley), located in the center of the Alaska Range in south-central Alaska, is the highest peak in North America. It rises sharply about 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) from the Denali Fault at its base to the higher, more southerly of the two peaks. Denali's official elevation was 20,320 feet (6,194 meters) from the early 1950s until 2015, when the United States Geological Survey (USGS) restored it to 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) after a thorough re-evaluation using modern technology. equipment. In 1910, two explorers, dubbed the Sourdough Expedition, were the first climbers to summit North Peak. On June 7, 1913, Hudson Stuck and Harry Carstens held a party for the South Peak, the true summit. Currently, hundreds of climbers attempt to reach the summit every year.
South America: Mount Aconcagua
Mount Aconcagua, on the Chilean border in west-central Argentina, is the highest point in South America and the Western Hemisphere, but its exact elevation has been debated since the early 20th century. In January 2001, a group of scientists using advanced GPS (Global Positioning System) technology reported the altitude to be 22,840 feet (6,962 meters), plus or minus 16 feet (5 meters), but neither the Argentine government nor the National Geographic Society do not recognize this figure; the altitude of 22,831 feet (6,959 meters), set by the Military Geographical Institute of Argentina, remains the generally accepted figure. Mount Aconcagua has two peaks, north and south, connected by a ridge. The southern peak has been measured at 22,736 feet (6,930 meters). The highest northern peak was first reached in 1897 by Swiss mountaineer Matthias Zurbriggen.
Asia: Mount Everest
Mount Everest, the highest mountain in Asia and the world, stands on the ridge of the Great Himalayas south asia, which lies on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Reaching 29,035 feet (8,850 meters), it was first recognized as the highest point on the surface of the Earth by the Government Survey of India in 1852. Major expeditions to Everest began in the 1920s, but it was not until 1953 that Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay—members of an expedition sponsored by the Royal Geographical Society and the Alpine Club—certainly reached its apogee. Mystery still surrounds the 1924 disappearance of George Mallory and Andrew Irwin, who may have reached the summit before disappearing. Mallory's body was found at 26,760 feet (8,156 meters) in 1975; Irwin has gone missing.
Antarctica: Vinson Massif
Discovered in 1935 by American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth, the Vinson Massif is the most... high mountain in Antarctica. Located in the Country Range of the Ellsworth Mountains in the western part of the continent, the peak overlooks the Ronne Ice Shelf. It rises to an altitude of 16,050 feet (4,892 meters) above sea level. Vinson is named after Carl Vinson, an American congressman who championed the exploration of Antarctica. The summit was first reached in 1966 by an American expedition supported by the American Alpine Club and the National Science Foundation.
Australia: Mount Kosciuszko
The highest peak in Australia itself is Mount Kosciuszko, located 240 miles (390 km) southwest of Sydney in the snowy mountains of the Australian Alps in south-eastern New South Wales. Located in national park Kosciuszko, it rises to an altitude of 7,310 feet (2,228 meters). Nearby are Mounts Townsend, Twinme, North Ramshead and Carruthers, which reach 7,000 feet (2,130 meters). The first European to climb Mount Kosciuszko was Polish explorer and geologist Paul Strzelecki, who made the ascent in 1840 and named the mountain in honor of Polish patriot and hero of the American Revolution, Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Australia/Oceania: Jaya Peak (Mount Carstenz)
If the wider net is omitted to include Oceania, the tallest mountain is Jaya Peak (also known as Mount Carstens), found in the Sudirman Range in the west-central highlands of the island of New Guinea. Rising to an elevation of 16,024 feet (4,884 meters), it is the highest island peak in the world. The snowfield of Jaya Peak was reached by Dutch explorer Hendrik A. Lorenz in 1909, but another 53 years passed before its summit was climbed in 1962 by an expedition led by Austrian explorer and writer Heinrich Harrer, author of Seven Years in Tibet ( 1953).
