There are only 14 mountains in the world which are over 8000m / 26247ft above sea level.
They are known as the ‘eight-thousanders’. These mountains are all located in the
Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges – across Nepal, Tibet (China) and Pakistan.
The 14 highest mountains in the world, in order of height, are:
Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, has a fascinating history. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to conquer it in 1953, blazing a trail for future climbers. Chinese mountaineers also reached the summit from the North Face in 1960. Various routes exist, with the Southeast Ridge being the most popular.
Sherpas, known for their skill and endurance, play a vital role in supporting expeditions. However, commercialization has led to overcrowding and safety concerns. Everest poses risks like avalanches, harsh weather, and altitude sickness. Despite these challenges, the mountain’s allure remains strong, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of exploration.
K2, the world’s second highest mountain at 8611m/28251ft, is located on the China-Pakistan border in the Karakoram Range. It was first climbed in 1954 by Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni on an Italian expedition.
In 1990, Greg Child and Greg Mortimer became the first Australians to summit K2. Known for its treacherous conditions, K2 remains a challenging and awe-inspiring peak for mountaineers worldwide.
Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world standing at 8586m/28169ft, is located on the border of Nepal and India in the eastern Himalayas. It was first climbed in 1955 by George Band and Joe Brown, marking a significant achievement in mountaineering history.
Norman Hardie became the first New Zealander to summit Kanchenjunga in the same year, while the first Australian ascent was achieved in 1987 by John Coulten and Michael Groom. Kanchenjunga’s remote and stunning location, coupled with its challenging terrain, continues to allure climbers, offering an extraordinary mountaineering experience.
Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world at 8516m/27940ft, is located in Nepal, in the Mahalangur Himal range of the Himalayas. It was first climbed in 1956 by Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss, establishing a significant milestone in mountaineering history.
In 1994, Rob Hall became the first New Zealander to successfully summit Lhotse. The first Australian ascent took place in 1995, accomplished by Michael Groom.
Situated near Mount Everest, Lhotse offers a formidable challenge to climbers with its steep faces and treacherous conditions. Its breathtaking location in Nepal and its reputation as one of the world’s highest peaks continue to attract mountaineers from around the globe, fueling their ambition to conquer this remarkable summit.
Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8485m/27838ft, is located in Nepal, in the Mahalangur Himalayas on the border of Nepal and China (Tibet Autonomous Region). It was first climbed in 1955 by Lional Terray and Jean Couzy, marking a significant achievement in mountaineering history.
In 1995, Mark Auricht and David Hume became the first Australians to successfully summit Makalu. The first New Zealand ascent took place in the same year, accomplished by Rob Hall.
Makalu’s remote and awe-inspiring location, situated near Mount Everest, offers a formidable challenge to climbers with its steep slopes and challenging weather conditions. Its position in Nepal adds to its allure, attracting mountaineers from around the world who seek to conquer this majestic peak.
Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world at 8201m / 26906ft, is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet in the Mahalangur Himal subrange.
It was first climbed in 1954 by an Austrian team. In 1990, Michael Groom became the first Australian to reach the summit, followed by Russell Brice from New Zealand. Cho Oyu’s towering presence and challenging terrain attract climbers from around the globe.
Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest mountain in the world at 8167m / 26795ft, is located entirely within Nepal. Along with Annapurna and Manaslu, it is one of the three 8000-meter peaks situated within the country.
The mountain was first climbed in 1960 by a Swiss/French/Nepali expedition. In 1997, Zac Zaharias, Andrew Lock, and Matt Rogerson achieved the first Australian ascent of Dhaulagiri as part of an Australian Army Alpine Association expedition.
Then, in 2017, Guy Cotter, Lydia Bradey, and Dean Staples completed the first New Zealand ascent of Dhaulagiri. The mountain’s challenging nature and captivating beauty continue to attract climbers from various nations.
Manaslu, standing at 8163m / 26781ft, is the 8th highest mountain in the world. It is situated in Nepal and is one of three 8000-meter peaks located entirely within the country, alongside Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The mountain’s first successful ascent occurred in 1956, led by a Japanese expedition under the guidance of Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu.
In 2002, Andrew Lock became the first Australian to reach the summit of Manaslu, marking a significant achievement in Australian mountaineering. Additionally, in 2009, Julian Haszard accomplished the first New Zealand ascent of Manaslu.The mountain’s grandeur and challenging terrain continue to captivate climbers, attracting adventurers from around the world to its awe-inspiring slopes in Nepal.
Nanga Parbat, also known as the “naked mountain,” is situated in Pakistan. It is the 9th highest mountain in the world, standing at 8126m / 26660ft. The name “Nanga Parbat” translates from Urdu to mean “naked mountain,” a fitting description for its striking and barren appearance. It holds the distinction of being the only 8000-meter peak located entirely within Pakistan.
The mountain’s first successful ascent took place in 1953, accomplished by Hermann Buhl during a German/Austrian expedition. Since then, Nanga Parbat has captivated climbers from all corners of the globe, allured by its majestic and challenging nature.
In 1998, Andrew Lock etched his name in mountaineering history as the first Australian to conquer Nanga Parbat. This achievement showcases the mountain’s international appeal and highlights the remarkable feats of mountaineers who embrace the daunting task of conquering its formidable slopes within the breathtaking landscape of Pakistan.
Annapurna I, standing at 8091m / 26545ft, holds the distinction of being the 10th highest mountain in the world. It is renowned as the first among the 8000-meter peaks to be successfully climbed. The mountain’s historic first ascent took place in 1950, accomplished by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog. Annapurna I, along with Dhaulagiri and Manaslu, is one of the three 8000ers located entirely within Nepal.
In 2007, Andrew Lock became the first Australian to reach the summit of Annapurna I, adding to his impressive mountaineering achievements. Additionally, in 2016, Chris Jensen Burke accomplished the first New Zealand ascent of this mighty peak. The allure of Annapurna I continues to attract climbers from around the world, drawn to its breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain within the Nepalese Himalayas.
Gasherbrum I, also known as “Hidden Peak,” is located in the Karakoram range, specifically within the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Standing at an impressive height of 8080m / 26444ft, it is the 11th highest mountain in the world.
The mountain’s first successful ascent took place in 1958, accomplished by Pete Schoening and Andy Kauffman on an American expedition. The feat marked a significant milestone in mountaineering history.
In 1999, Andrew Lock became the first Australian to conquer Gasherbrum I, showcasing his remarkable mountaineering skills. Similarly, in 1996, Steve Hunt achieved the first New Zealand ascent of this awe-inspiring peak.
Gasherbrum I’s remarkable stature and captivating beauty continue to entice adventurers and climbers from around the world, beckoning them to explore its challenging slopes within the breathtaking Karakoram range of Pakistan.
Broad Peak, standing at an elevation of 8051m / 26414ft, holds the distinction of being the 12th highest mountain in the world. The mountain’s first successful ascent took place in 1957, achieved by Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Kurt Diemberger, and Hermann Buhl on an Austrian expedition.
In 1986, a significant milestone was reached when Brian Agnew, Pat Cullinan, Jon Chester, Peter Lambert, Terry McCullagh, Mike Rheinberger, Jim van Gelder, and Zac Zaharias accomplished the first Australian ascent of Broad Peak. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the efforts of an Australian Army Alpine Association expedition.
Broad Peak’s majestic presence in the Karakoram range continues to captivate climbers and adventurers from around the world. Its challenging slopes and breathtaking beauty serve as an alluring destination for those seeking to conquer the heights and experience the grandeur of this remarkable peak.
Gasherbrum II, also known as K4, is indeed the 13th highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 8,035 meters (26,362 feet). It is located in the Karakoram range on the border of Pakistan and China.
The first successful ascent of Gasherbrum II took place in 1956 by an Austrian expedition led by Fritz Moravec. The team included Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart. They reached the summit on July 8, 1956, marking the first recorded ascent of Gasherbrum II.
The first Australian ascent of Gasherbrum II occurred in 1987. Geoff Little, an Australian mountaineer, successfully climbed the mountain, adding to the list of achievements in the mountaineering history of Gasherbrum II.
Shishapangma, also known as Gosainthān, is the 14th highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 8,027 meters (26,335 feet). It is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Shishapangma is unique among the 14 highest peaks because it is the only one that lies entirely within Tibet, China. The mountain holds great significance for climbers and adventurers due to its challenging routes and impressive altitude.
The first successful ascent of Shishapangma took place in 1964. It was accomplished by a Chinese expedition led by Xu Jing. The team took the northern route to reach the summit of Shishapangma, marking the first recorded ascent of the mountain. Since then, Shishapangma has been climbed by various expeditions using different routes.
