• Directory Journal

Highest Mountains in the World

by Anastasia on August 11, 2009 · 30 comments

in Nature, Photos, Travel

highest-mountains

The greatness of nature has no bounds. From the smallest grain of sand to the highest mountains, each has a sense of meaning and destination. Scientists say that mountains were created as a result of the shifts of the earth’s crust, but I believe that there is some force that knows what it’s doing and has some plan for all of us. I envy people who got a chance to see the magnificent beauty of these mountains (the world’s tallest) with their own eyes, but I want to thank every photographer whose photo we are showcasing today for giving us a chance to visit the places they’ve been and see the wondrous sights they’ve seen.

The Himalayas are among the youngest mountain ranges on the planet (about 50 million years old), and they are the home of the world’s highest peaks. In Nepali, “himal” means “snow-covered mountain” which in a single word beautifully describes what a traveler sees. The mountain range stretches across six countries: India, Bhutan, China, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan. No matter which of those countries you travel to, you’re sure to be charmed by the Himalayas forever.

The Himalayas have served as a natural barrier between different cultures for ages, and at the same time they have had a tremendous impact on South Asian teachings and beliefs. Many Himalayan peaks are sacred in both Hinduism and Buddhism and there are many folk tales about these graceful mountains that are passed on from fathers to sons.

1. Everest

Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It was named after George Everest, a geographer who studied India in the 19th century. The mountain is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, and its height is 29,035.44 feet (8,850 meters) which is like 17 Taipei Towers! Everest is the sacred dream of all the mountain climbers. Every year despite all the dangers and high costs, hundreds of people try conquering the mountain.

Photo by rosskevin756
everest1

Photo by craigkass
everest2

Photo by Oriol Gascón
everest3

2. K2

K2 peak, located on the territory of Pakistan, is 28,169 feet (8,611 meters) high and is the second highest mountain in the world. People also call it the “Savage Mountain” since the ascent is very difficult. The death statistics are terrifying — for every four people who have reached the summit, one has died trying.

Photo by Aitor Las Hayas
k2-1

Photo by Ilyasansri
k2-2

Photo by Hamid Omar
k2-3

3. Kangchenjunga

In the Nepali language “Kangchenjunga” means “The Five Treasures of Snows.” That is because the mountain has five peaks which are believed to represent the 5 repositories of God — gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books. Elevation of the highest peak is 28,169 feet (8,586 meters).

Photo by Wim Yedema
kang1

Photo by timabbott
kang2

Photo by perfil
kang3

4. Lhotse

Lhotse is 27,940 feet (8,516 meters) high and is seen as being in the shadow of Everest. “Lhotse” is literally translated from Tibetan to mean “South Peak”. The south face of the mountain is very steep, so the climbing routes are mainly to the northwest.

Photo by Michael Bollino
lhotse1

Photo by mselam
lhotse2

Photo by Chiels
lhotse3

5. Makalu

Makalu, also known as “The Great Black,” soars 27,762 feet (8,462 meters) high and is the fifth highest mountain in the world. Made of an impressive mass of red granite, it’s no wonder it deserved such a name. Makalu is one of the harder 8000-meter peaks and is considered to be one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the world.

Photo by jarikir
makalu1

Photo by sikari kukur
makalu2

Photo by sikari kukur
makalu3

6. Cho Oyu

Cho Oyu, which means “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, is the 6th highest mountain in the world. Though its height is 26,905 feet (8,201 meters), the mountain has the highest success rate of all the 8000-meter peaks. The quality of its route, the good conditions, and its ease of access make it one of the most popular mountains to climb.

Photo by larryhe
cho1

Photo by mr & mrs griffiths
cho2

Photo by Andreas’ Photos
cho3

7. Dhaulagiri

Dhaulagiri is a “white mountain.” Its elevation is 26,795 feet (8,167 meters).

Photo by Andras Jancsik
dhaul1

Photo by Maulik 2009
dhaul2

Photo by sikari kukur
dhaul3

8. Manaslu

The “Mountain of the Spirit,” Manaslu, is not one of the better-known mountains in the world, but it’s one of the most dangerous with the 4th-highest fatality rate of all the 8000-meter peaks. The height of the mountain is 26,759 feet (8,156 meters) above sea level.

Photo by Sunrider007
manaslu1

Photo by Ben Tubby
manaslu2

Photo by perfil
manaslu3

9. Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat, also known as the “Naked Mountain,” was one of the deadliest mountains to climb in the first half of the 20th century. The height of the mountain is 26,660 feet (8,126 meters) and it’s a truly awesome spectacle. The south face is the largest in the world, extending over four kilometers above base camp.

Photo by dreamX
nanga1

Photo by K. Haroon
nanga2

Photo by lilly_iris
nanga3

10. Annapurna

Annapurna means the “ Goddess of the Harvests.” The mountain’s height is 26,545 feet (8,091 meters) and its peaks are among the world’s most dangerous mountains to climb.

Photo by Dave_Davies
anna1

Photo by Marina & Enrique
anna2

Photo by NaturalLight
anna3

11. Gasherbrum I

“Beautiful mountain” Gasherbrum I is 26,509 feet (8,080 meters) high. It’s probably the least climbed 8000-meter peak and has the lowest fatality rate, since most climbers tackling it are experienced.

Photo by Aitor Las Hayas
gasher1-1

Photo by Aitor Las Hayas
gasher1-2

Photo by Aitor Las Hayas
gasher1-3

12. Broad Peak

Broad Peak is located about 5 miles from K2 and was originally named K3. It was later given the name of “Broad Peak” since its summit is over 1 mile long. The mountain is 26,414 feet (8,051 meters) high and comparatively safe, with a death rate of only 7%.

Photo by radovanstejskal
broad1

Photo by enzo testa
broad2

Photo by radovanstejskal
broad3

13. Gasherbrum II

Gasherbrum II is part of the greater Gasherbrum group of 5 peaks, 2 of which are over 8000 meters. It is the world’s 13th highest mountain. By Himalayan standards it is one of the most remote and arduous to approach.

Photo by Aitor Las Hayas
gasher2-1

Photo by Aitor Las Hayas
gasher2-2

Photo by Aitor Las Hayas
gasherum2-3

14. Shishapangma

Shishapangma is the 14th highest mountain in the world and the lowest of the 8000 meter climbs. When translated to English, it means “Crest Above The Grassy Plains” which sounds so charming. With a height of 26,289 feet (8,013 metes), Shishapangma is one of the easiest in it’s class to climb.

Photo by tripowski
shi1

Photo by John Town
shi2

Photo by John Town
shi3

15. Gyachung Kang

Gyachung Kang is the highest peak between Cho Oyu and Mount Everest. It’s 26,089 feet (7,952 meters) high.

Photo by arjayempee
gya1

Photo by arjayempee
gya2

Photo by van Goudoever
gya3

{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }

Disney World August 11, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Nice pics

Reply

Ali S. August 15, 2009 at 11:28 am

Awesome article! :)

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lavanya September 1, 2009 at 1:12 pm

really very nice pic and very informative!!
this article is rocking!!

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joshua September 11, 2009 at 5:24 am

very gud website nd nyc pics x x :D

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Yogesh Kumar September 14, 2009 at 8:45 am

Very Nice Information and Very Nice Pics

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MARLENELECLAIR September 18, 2009 at 6:29 pm

Awsome pictures , I would love to have some of these pictures in poster size, their all so beautifully breath taking its very hard to decide which one . Is their some way I can download or purchase one to have it sized to poster size and /or framed?

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kundan September 22, 2009 at 4:23 pm

very nice picture and also knowledgeable.

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Sushmita October 5, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Superb!!! Breath taking! Am going to use these pictures and information in the class as a slide show for my Geography lessons. Thank you so much.
Regards

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el mastapha el yaouti October 6, 2009 at 1:13 am

this is first time i seen this beautifully pictures i love them i want to have them in the book a thank you for the good job

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mohammad October 9, 2009 at 11:37 am

thanks alll photographar and the website members…
i love mountain..
thanks again.

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Dave beeson October 10, 2009 at 6:21 am

Truely brilliant photos ,they really bring home how vast these mountains are,and dangerous.

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Mahfuz Rahman November 5, 2009 at 9:26 pm

Awesome pictures posted. Thanks a lot for sharing.

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Andreas' Photos November 12, 2009 at 7:54 pm

awesome pictures!! thanks for including my pic of cho oyu from tingri.

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daniel November 24, 2009 at 4:19 pm

breathtaking views i love it.

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sakib mohammad November 29, 2009 at 11:03 pm

its no doubt every mountain is really nice and spacial feature.
thanks

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Suren Jalali March 28, 2010 at 11:52 pm

Awesome pictures! It was like dream going thr. the pictures.

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mash April 28, 2010 at 5:01 am

its so beautiful,n attractive,

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julio v.parcon June 6, 2010 at 8:13 pm

im inspire with the beauty of the different kinds of known mountains in the world.im also a mountaineer,i climb mount apo and mount kitanglad in the philippines.

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hopo imole June 21, 2010 at 1:27 pm

it’s a very beatiful place i hope visiting there very soon

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Ali Imran July 6, 2010 at 1:31 am

Good informative article and beautiful pictures collection
Only one thing, which could be made better next time is to add countries where these mountains are as I’ve to go through http://www.wikipedia.org for details.

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Nasir Khan August 13, 2010 at 3:03 pm

I am very Happy because from my room I can see God Created Heaven places for us

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sonam hyolmo October 15, 2010 at 2:24 pm

thank you for information about mountains

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rashid November 6, 2010 at 4:12 pm

great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks a lot !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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danielle November 17, 2010 at 8:42 am

kewlio! that is awesome!

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Gurunath, A.C. December 10, 2010 at 8:49 am

It is wonderful. Very informative

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Sammy July 18, 2011 at 3:04 pm

this is excellent work, excellent pics and information. wish i was a mountain climber hehe

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Oluwatobi September 20, 2011 at 1:02 pm

This is just one of many proofs that God is Awsome

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Michael Moran September 29, 2011 at 7:06 pm

Looking at these photos makes me want to climb them all, say, from the 10th highest to Mount Everest!! Gorgeous!!

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sawn November 8, 2011 at 12:33 pm

greatest i have seen yet

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chanie Derso November 11, 2011 at 10:52 am

I visit all aspect of nature simply at my village. I really thank all the facilitators!

” Nature is on the hand of GOD”

Reply

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