The highest mountains of the continents and their heights. Highest mountains in the world: Seven Peaks
Our planet contains many secrets and mysteries. Most of them are hidden in the highest mountains on Earth. It is believed that the first people descended 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 highest points of 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.
For the first time this idea 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 the peak of Kosciuszko (or Kosciuszko), which is 2,228 meters above sea level. But many disagree, as the peak is of no climbing interest.
Taking into account Australia and Oceania, the highest point is the Carstens Pyramid, or Punchak Jaya, which is 4,884 meters above sea level, located in Indonesia. In order to avoid eternal disputes, today there are two programs for climbing 7 peaks. Everyone chooses the peak that he considers correct, in any case it will be counted as the conquest of the 7 peaks of the world.
Some manage to climb 8 peaks, thereby leaving no room for innuendo.
The very first conqueror and creator of the idea was Dick Bass, who completed the program on April 30, 1985 by climbing Mount Everest. In its version, the Kostsyushko 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 in climbing 7 peaks of the world has been dragging on for a long time, and every year new records and new disagreements appear. There is a special site where detailed and clear statistics are kept about each ascent.
What kind of mountains attract the conquerors of the peaks so much that they beckon them up. Quoting the first person who climbed Mount Everest, you can say: "I climb this peak because it is."
The second name of the mountain is 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, it is today, several hundred people every year try to conquer the roof of the world, but not everyone succeeds. Every year, many die in pursuit of their dreams.
Despite all these factors, over 1,000 people have already visited the top of the mountain. The cost of the ascent will be about $ 40,000.
Karstens pyramid... The second name is Punchak-Jaya. Height above sea level - 4,884 meters. Be on an island New Guinea... The summit itself is not difficult.
Difficulty and discomfort is caused by the inaccessibility and unusual climate. The cost of the ascent will be about $ 19,000.
Height above sea level - 2,228 meters. For climbers, this mountain is not of interest, since it is possible to climb it without special preparation. It is rather a checkmark, in the list of 7 peaks of the world.
The cost of the ascent will be about $ 5,000.
I would also like to note some records associated with the conquest of 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 conqueror of the program was Carlos Soria, aged 71.
This proves once again that the impossible is possible, you just have to want. And if you are now sitting on the couch and reading this article, then get up and go to conquer the highest point in the district for a start, for example, climb up a 20-storey building on foot.
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Ecology
The highest peaks are at the peak of the highest mountains on the seven continents. They are known to climbers as " Seven peaks", which was first conquered by Richard Bass on April 30, 1985.
Here are a few interesting facts about the highest points in all parts of the world.
Highest mountain peaks
The other day the program Google Maps' Street View invited everyone to enjoy the view of the highest peaks in the world, offering interactive galleries of the highest mountains on Earth.
Maps include panoramic view of 4 of 7 peaks: Everest in the Himalayas of Asia, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe and Aconcagua in South America.
You can climb these peaks virtually without jeopardizing the heights and natural difficulties that climbers face.
1. The highest peak in the world and Asia - Mount Everest (Chomolungma)
Mount Everest height
8848 meters away
Mount Everest, coordinates:
27.9880 degrees North and 86.9252 degrees East (27 ° 59 "17" N, 86 ° 55 "31" E)
Where is Mount Everest located?
Mount Everest or Chomolungma is highest mountain on earth, which is located in the area Mahalangur-Himal in the Himalayas. The international border between China and Nepal runs along its top. The Everest massif includes the neighboring peaks Lhotse (8516 m), Nuptse (7861 m) and Changse (7543 m).
The tallest mountain in the world attracts many experienced climbers and amateurs from all over the world. While climbing the standard route is not technically a big problem, on Everest the biggest dangers are considered to be lack of oxygen, illness, weather and wind.
Other facts:
Mount Everest, which is also called Chomolungma from Tibetan it is translated as "Divine mother of snows" and from Nepali as "Mother of the Universe". The mountain is considered sacred to the locals. The name Everest was given in honor of the British, George Everest, who first measured the height of the highest mountain peak in the world.
Mount Everest annually rises by 3-6 mm and shifts northeast by 7 cm.
- First ascent of Everest committed New Zealander Edmund Hillary(Edmund Hillary) and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay(Tenzing Norgay) as part of the British expedition on May 29, 1953.
The largest expedition to climb Mount Everest consisted of 410 people who were part of the 1975 Chinese team.
- The safest year on Everest was 1993, when 129 people reached the top, and 8 died. The most tragic year became 1996, when 98 people conquered the summit, and 15 people died (8 of them died on May 11).
The Nepalese Sherpa Appa is the person who most climbed Everest. He set the record, climbing 21 times from 1990 to 2011.
2. The highest peak in South America - Mount Aconcagua
Aconcagua height
6,959 meters
Aconcagua Geographic coordinates
32.6556 degrees South and 70.0158 West (32 ° 39 "12.35" S 70 ° 00 "39.9" W)
Where is Mount Aconcagua
Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the American continent, located in the Andes mountain range in the province Mendoza in Argentina. Also this the most high peak, both in the western and southern hemispheres.
The mountain is part National park Aconcagua... It consists of a series of glaciers, the most famous of which is the Polish Glacier in the northeast, a frequent climbing route.
Other facts:
- The name "Aconcagua" probably means from the Araucanian language "on the other side of the Aconcagua river" or from the Quechua language "Stone guard".
In terms of mountaineering, Aconcagua is easy mountain for climbing if heading along northern route that does not require ropes, pitons and other equipment.
- Conquered first Aconcagua British Edward Fitzgerald(Edward FitzGerald) in 1897.
10-year-old is the youngest climber to reach the summit of Aconcagua Matthew Monitz(Matthew Moniz) December 16, 2008. Oldest - 87 years old Scott Lewis(Scott Lewis) in 2007.
3. The highest mountain in North America - Mount McKinley
McKinley Height
6194 meters away
McKinley Geographic coordinates
63.0694 degrees North, 151.0027 degrees West (63 ° 4 "10" N, 151 ° 0 "26" W)
Where is Mount McKinley
Mount McKinley is located in Alaska in Denali National Park and is the highest peak in the United States and North America, and the third most outstanding peak in the world after Mount Everest and Aconcagua.
Other facts:
Mount McKinley used to be the highest peak in Russia until Alaska was sold to the United States.
Locals call it "Denali" (translated from the Athabaskan language "Great"), and the Russians who inhabited Alaska simply "Big Mountain". Later it was renamed "McKinley" in honor of US President William McKinley.
- The first to conquer McKinley became American climbers led by Hudson Stuck(Hudson Stuck) and Harry Carstens(Harry Karstens) June 7, 1913.
Best climbing period - from May to July... Due to its far north latitude, it has lower atmospheric pressure and less oxygen at the summit than other high mountains in the world.
4. The highest peak in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro height
5895 meters away
Kilimanjaro Geographic coordinates
3.066 degrees South and 37.3591 degrees East (3 ° 4 "0" S, 37 ° 21 "33" E)
Where is Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is highest mountain in Africa and is in Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. This volcano consists of three volcanic cones: Kiba, Mavenzi and Shira. Kilimanjaro is a huge stratovolcano that began to form a million years ago when lava erupted in the Rift Valley area.
Two peaks: Mawenzi and Shira are extinct volcanoes, while the highest - Kibo is sleeping volcano that could erupt again. The last major eruption occurred 360,000 years ago, and activity was recorded just 200 years ago.
Other facts:
There are several versions explaining origin of "Kilimanjaro"... According to one theory, the name comes from the Swahili word "Kilima" ("mountain") and the Kichagga word "Njaro" ("whiteness"). According to another version, Kilimanjaro is the European origin of the phrase kichagga, which means "we did not climb it."
Since 1912, Kilimanjaro has lost more than 85 percent of its snow. According to scientists in 20 years all the snow of Kilimanjaro will melt.
- First ascent was committed by a German explorer Hans Meyer(Hans Meyer) and an Austrian climber Ludwig Purtsheller(Ludwig Purtscheller) 3rd attempt October 6, 1889
- About 40,000 people try to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro every year.
7-year-old is the youngest climber to climb Kilimanjaro Keats Boyd(Keats Boyd) who climbed on January 21, 2008.
5. The highest peak in Europe (and Russia) - Mount Elbrus
The height of Mount Elbrus
5642 meters
Geographic coordinates of Mount Elbrus
43.3550 degrees North, 42.4392 East (43 ° 21 "11" N, 42 ° 26 "13" E)
Where is Mount Elbrus located?
Mount Elbrus is an extinct volcano located in the western part of the Caucasus Mountains on the border of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia in Russia. The summit of Elbrus is the highest in Russia, Europe and the western part of Asia... The western peak reaches 5642 m, and the eastern one is 5621 m.
Other facts:
- The name "Elbrus" comes from the Iranian word "Albors", which means "high mountain". It is also called Ming tau ("eternal mountain"), Yalbuz ("mane of snow") and Oshkhamaho ("mountain of happiness")
Elbrus is covered with a permanent ice sheet, which supports 22 glaciers, which in turn feed the Baksan, Kuban and Malka rivers.
Elbrus located in a moving tectonic area and molten magma lies deep beneath an extinct volcano.
- First ascent on east peak Elbrus was committed on July 10, 1829 Hilar Kachirov, who was a member of the expedition of the Russian general G.A. Emmanuel, and to the west (which is about 40 m higher) - in 1874 by an English expedition led F. Crawford Grove(F. Crauford Grove).
From 1959 to 1976, it was built here cable car , which lifts visitors to a height of 3750 meters.
A year on Elbrus about 15-30 people die mainly due to poorly organized attempts to conquer the top
1997 SUV Land rover defender climbed to the top of Elbrus, setting a Guinness world record.
6. The highest peak in Antarctica - Vinson Massif
Vinson array height
4892 meters
Geographic coordinates of Vinson Massif
78.5254 degrees South and 85.6171 degrees West (78 ° 31 "31.74" S, 85 ° 37 "1.73" W)
Vinson Massif on the map
The Vinson Massif is the most high mountain Antarctica, which is located on the Sentinel Ridge in the Ellsworth Mountains. The massif, approximately 21 km long and 13 km wide, is located 1200 km from the South Pole.
Other facts
The highest peak is Vinson Peak, named after Carl Vinson- a member of the United States Congress. For the first time they learned about the Vinson massif in 1958, and first ascent was committed in 1966.
In 2001, the first expedition ascended the summit via the Eastern Route and the height of the summit was measured using GPS.
More 1400 people tried to conquer Vinson Peak.
7. The highest peak in Australia and Oceania - Mount Punchak Jaya
Punchak-Jaya height
4884 meters
Geographic coordinates of Punchak Jaya
4.0833 degrees South 137.183 degrees East (4 ° 5 "0" S, 137 ° 11 "0" E)
Where is Punchak Jaya
Punchak Jaya or Carstens pyramid is the highest peak of Mount Carstens in the western part of Papua province in Indonesia.
This mountain is highest in Indonesia, on the island of New Guinea, in Oceania (on the Australian plate), the highest mountain on the island, and the highest point between the Himalayas and the Andes.
The highest peak on the Australian continent is Mount Kostsyushko, the height of which is 2228 meters.
Other facts:
When Indonesia began to rule the province in 1963, the summit was renamed Summit Sukarno in honor of the President of Indonesia. Later it was renamed Punchak-Jaya. The word "Puncak" from Indonesian means "mountain or peak", and "Jaya" is translated as "victory".
The top of Punchak-Jaya conquered for the first time in 1962 Austrian climbers led Heinrich Garrer(Heinrich Harrer) and three other members of the expedition.
Access to the top requires government approval. The mountain was closed to tourists and climbers from 1995 to 2005. Since 2006, access has been possible through various travel agencies.
Punchak Jaya is considered one of the hardest climbs... He has the highest technical rating, but not the greatest physical demands.
The program of ascents to the highest peaks of all continents has an abbreviated name, which can also be called the brand - "Seven Summits". In English, which is understandable to the whole world - “Seven Summits”. This is one of the climbing collections, the fulfillment of which is an incentive for setting goals in life for hundreds of citizens. different countries... The vast majority of those who climb Everest, in one way or another, set themselves the goal of fulfilling this program. Since the rest of the peaks are easier and cheaper than reaching the highest point of the Earth. It is very prestigious to become the first "seven-summit" in your country, in your state, to become the first woman in the country, the oldest, the youngest, the fastest.
Climbing all seven peaks is very expensive. Even the most economical option in total will approach 100 thousand dollars, not including the cost of equipment and preparation for expeditions. In reality, the optimal cost of the entire program is around $ 150,000.
It is clear that such expenses are available only to very few climbers. When it comes to personal funds. However, only a smaller part of those who hunt for the "Seven Peaks" spend exclusively their own money. Most are supported by sponsors, governments, or travel through charitable fundraising programs. The legislation of, relatively speaking, "Anglo-Saxon" countries allows you to deduct donations from the tax base for the needs of a number of organizations. it medical institutions, funds to help veterans of military conflicts, disabled people, etc ... Collecting donations for them, the climber “unfastens” a little for his travels. At the same time, the fact that so much money is printed in these countries than in others, this leads to the fact that half of the list of "seven vertices" are citizens of the United States, Great Britain and Canada and Australia that have joined them.
The Seven Summits program was born in the first half of the 1980s, when the first signs appeared that it was possible to do it. The entire history of its occurrence is described in our article.
Let us recall that, according to the encyclopedias: "continent" (from mature - strong, big) is the Russian analogue of the European word "continent" (from Latin continens - singular). Continents are large masses 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 geographic. We are actively against this. If Elbrus is deprived of the status of 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 highly controversial. From the point of view of Soviet geographers, the border of the parts of the world runs along the Kumo-Manych depression, while Elbrus goes to Asia. There is an even greater variety of views on whether the Carstens Pyramid is considered the highest point in Australia. The western part of the island of New Guinea does not belong to the "Green Continent" with any of the scientific theories. These are all amusing disputes and arguments that have practically nothing to do with practical life so far.
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.
- Karstens Pyramid (Punchak Jaya), 4884 m. Australia. Peak Kosciushko (Kosciuszko), 2228 m. Australia.
So, the scientific debate on this topic is best left to those who are paid for it. We love the magical (divine, as they say) number "Seven", not "Six" (considered devilish). It doesn't matter that there are eight peaks! And, based on this, we build our story. So, which mountains are included in the list of the highest peaks of the continents?
Everest (8848 m) - the highest peak of the part of the world Asia, the continent of Eurasia and the highest peak of the 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 have shown different results even with modern techniques. Therefore, the indicated height is conditional, it was accepted as a result of agreement, so as not to whip up passions.
Climbing Everest requires careful preparation, about two months of life in expeditionary conditions and overcoming the problems associated with staying in the so-called "death zone" at an altitude of over 8000 meters. However, in modern conditions, it can be stated that with proper organization and a sufficient degree of luck, every physically healthy person can climb Everest. Recently, ascents are made mainly in the spring, in the so-called weather windows. This usually happens on the 20th of May. In this case, routes from the south and from the north are fully fixed with fixed ropes.
Climbing Mount Everest, which 30-40 years ago meant joining the group of the mountaineering elite, has become a commercial event. Sports expeditions have become a rarity, most of the routes (all but two) are not repeated. 7 Summits Club prefers to conduct expeditions from the North side. Permits are much cheaper here, access by car to the base camp is possible, and there are much fewer objective dangers (ice falls and avalanches). Western firms like more southern route... First of all, for fear of the unpredictability of the Chinese authorities, which may 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 still a moment, in the South, at a higher price, the organizers' profits are much higher than in the North.
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Aconcagua (6962 m) - the highest peak of the part of the world of America and the continent of South America, also major 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, in the conditions of a facilitated expedition (the duration of the trip is only 20 days). Separate transportation of cargo at the bottom of the route facilitates the ascent, as does the availability of certain amenities at the base camp. Technical difficulties on classic route no, however, there are plenty of physical ones. First of all, it is altitude, 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.
About 3000 climbers try to climb Aconcagua every year. They climb two gorges from two base camps. However, the routes at the top are the same. About half of the participants are successful. This is due to the lack of readiness of the climbers. And partly with the attitude of local guides who are not inclined to take risks and are ready to turn the whole group or individual participants whenever possible. So we highly recommend joining a group led by visiting, Russian-speaking guides. Better - from our company ...
Climbing programs for Aconcagua are becoming more expensive from year to year due to the policy of local authorities. So don't delay.
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Denali (6194 m) - the highest peak of the continent of North America... Located in the United States, in the state of Alaska, near the Arctic Circle. A typical ascent takes about three weeks, of which two weeks are strenuous work in the glacier zone, in near-extreme conditions. Participants are required to use purely mountaineering skills to a greater extent than on other peaks of the "seven". At the same time, 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 an American visa. All this is not difficult at all if you start on time.
In recent years, the number of climbers aiming to climb Denali has stabilized at around 1,500 per year. The season is considered successful when the percentage of "ascent" is above 50%. Most of the ascents are made in June - the first half of July. In the middle of summer, due to the state of the glacier, flights by airplanes become dangerous and stop by the beginning of August.
The American authorities give permission for the organization of commercial programs only to a few companies and only with an American "residence permit". For us, this means the need to use American guides under an agreement with one of the local companies. Let's just say that agreeing on all the details of interaction with them was not a smooth process. The difference in mentality between our two mountaineering schools is very significant, but now mutual understanding has already been achieved and 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 of Africa. The mountain is located in Tanzania, close to the border with Kenya and from the equator. It is considered the highest solitary peak in the world. Local National park strictly regulates ascents and allocates a limited number of days for expeditions, on average a week. At the same time, one of the goals is to ensure maximum employment local population working in service groups. Therefore, for one climber there are two or even more employees of the host companies.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the equatorial climate zone. The temperature difference 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 are the absolute majority. Therefore, the ascent to the highest point can be done by no more than one third of the visitors. At the same time, representatives of our country reach the top almost everything. Is it the power of salt or greed (money paid)?
In any case, a trip to Kilimanjaro is an exciting adventure, acquaintance with amazing nature Africa and its people is simply amazing. This is the best way to fall in love with the "black continent", which many are wary of. And, of course, we consider it compulsory to include in the program the so-called "safari", excursions in national parks.
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Elbrus (5642 m) is the highest peak in Europe. The mountain is located in Russia, a little to the north of the Main Caucasian ridge and, accordingly, from the border with Georgia. Climbing in favorable conditions requires only basic climbing skills and is available 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 climb program is 9 days.
There is a fairly well-developed infrastructure that provides relatively comfortable living conditions for all days, except for the day of the ascent.
Elbrus is still a territory of freedom. In this regard, only Kostsyushko can compare with him. Attempts to introduce payments do not meet with understanding from the majority of climbers.
General statistics are not 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) - the highest peak of the part of the world and the continent of Antarctica. The mountain is located on an amazing ice continent that still belongs to all of humanity. However, in the area of the summit itself, the sovereign owner is the company ALE (Antarctic Logistic Expedition), which determines the "rules of the game" here. But even the simplest calculations of how long the ascent will last, they are unable to do, the real schedule of "flights" is dictated by unpredictable weather.
Since the cost of an expedition to the Vinson Massif is very significant, only serious people get to its foot. And, as a rule, they successfully ascend, having overcome the terrible cold and wind.
It is important to dress properly. But this is also being checked.
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And the highest point of the part of the world and the continent of Australia, coupled with a colossal area of Oceania, is represented by two options: the Karstens Pyramid and Mount Kosciushko.
Pyramid Carstens, it is, in the Indonesian way, Punchak Jaya (4884-5 m, on some maps even 5030 m) is the highest peak in Australia and Oceania. Located on the island of New Guinea. The most politically problematic mountain of the "Seven Summits", which until then was simply closed 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, with a rope. However, as part of a group and under the guidance of experienced instructors, overcoming difficult rocky areas is quite possible for any person.
For quite a long time there has been a helicopter option, in which they fly 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 disruption.
The highest mountains in the world have different names, but at the same time they can be called briefly - Seven Peaks is a term that appeared in 1985 at the suggestion of Richard Bass (the man who first conquered all seven peaks) and united the seven highest peaks on each continent. This association is not equal to the rating of the highest mountains in the world, most of which are located in Nepal. This list is made up of mountains, each of which is the highest on its continent.
The highest peak in North America is located in Alaska and is the center of Denali National Park. The top of Mount McKinley is 6194 meters from the ground. This mountain is the third in the world in terms of topographic position, it was overtaken only by Everest and Aconcagua. And if you take into account the ratio of the base to the peak, then McKinley is the highest mountain in the world. The mountain got its name in honor of the American president, and the Indian name - Denali - means "great".
Part of the Andes and with a height of 6959 meters, Mount Aconcagua is considered the highest peak in South America. The mountain is located in the Argentine province of Mendoza and is 15 km away from the border with Chile. The name of the mountain comes from the words in the language of the Quechua people "stone guard".
Europe - Mount Elbrus (Russia)
Elbrus is an inactive volcano with a height of 5642 meters, which is located in Caucasus mountains on the border of Russia and Georgia.
Elbrus has several other names, the most romantic of which is translated from Adyghe and Kabardino-Circassian means "mountain that brings happiness."
Asia - Mount Everest (Nepal / China)
The highest mountain in the world, Everest, is located exactly on the border of Nepal and China. Everest is part of the Himalayas - the highest mountain range in the world. It is here that the highest mountains in the world are located. The height of Everest is 8848 meters. Everest attracts all climbers in the world and this is understandable. Technically, Everest's routes are not very difficult, but they add to them problems such as altitude sickness, strong winds and disgusting weather conditions. The name Everest is English - in honor of the head of the geodetic service, who first told the European community about this peak. The mountain has the Tibetan name Chomolungma (the divine mother of life) and the equivalent Nepalese Sagarmatha (mother of the gods).
The highest mountain on the African continent is an extinct volcano, the highest point of which is 5895 meters distant from sea level. Moreover, Kilimanjaro has three peaks, two of which are extinguished, and the third may well wake up. Kilimanjaro erupted 360,000 years ago, but volcanic activity at Kibo Peak (the highest of the three) was seen 200 years ago, suggesting that the volcano is potentially active. In Swahili, the name Kilimanjaro means "sparkling mountain".
The highest point of Oceania is also the tallest mountain in the world and is located on the island. Punchak Jaya is located in the west of the island of New Guinea. The height of Punchak-Jaya Mountain, which is also called simply Jaya or Karstenza Pyramid, is 4884 meters. The name of the mountain in Indonesian means "mountain of victory".
Antarctica - Mount Vinson
The seventh of the highest mountains in the world got its name in honor of Carl Vinson, an American eminent politician. Mountain range Vinson is part of the Ellsworth Mountains and has a highest point 4892 meters from sea level.
Seven mountains, each of which is unique in its origin and beauty, beckon climbers from all over the world. The climbers who have conquered the Seven Peaks are united in an informal community.
Better than mountains can only be mountains - Vysotsky sang and was right. The mountains have always attracted man. Brave people, despite the cold, lack of oxygen, dangers and difficulties, stubbornly "climbed" to the heights. What attracted them there? Curiosity? The desire to test yourself? Thirst for fame? The desire to prove yourself and others your superiority? Thirst for knowledge? It is difficult to find any logic in the inexplicable craving of people for the mountains.
Let us recall the deeds of the past years, when during the Great patriotic war German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" with fierce battles broke through to the very high mountain Europe - Elbrus to plant Nazi flags on its top. Why did the pragmatic Germans have to spend energy to conquer this peak? Did Hitler even need such proof of his own greatness?
Mountains are Mother Nature's greatest creation. They are great, powerful and eternal. Representatives of the species Homo sapience are deprived of these qualities. Rising to the sky, they try to join the great mystery of the universe, and when they reach the top they see. Against the background of cold gigantic peaks, everything that they previously lived with seems petty and insignificant.
Let's commit virtual travel and climb to the tops of the highest mountains of all continents of the Earth and enjoy the fantastic landscapes that open before the eyes of brave climbers. Maybe we will be able to comprehend the secret of these natural monuments.
The Main Caucasian Ridge, “under the command” of the mighty Elbrus, “cuts through” a dense veil of clouds (Photo source:).
Everest (Asia) - Height: 8848 meters Chomolungma) is the highest peak of our planet, part mountain system Himalayas. For many climbers, this mountain is the most coveted trophy. But not everyone can climb this mountain. Therefore, mountain climbers "climbing" the mountain sometimes have to face cynical decisions, whether to rescue those in distress or continue their journey. Often, rescuing climbers in distress on high altitude it is simply not possible, since every step here is given with incredible difficulty. Therefore, bodies can be found on the slopes of the mountains dead climbers... You can familiarize yourself with very "unsightly" stories and photographs.
Left photo: road to Everest, right photo: base camp at 8300 meters (Photo source:).
Aconcagua (South America) - Height: 6962 meters
- the highest peak of the Andes mountain range in South America. Aconcagua "concurrently" is the highest extinct volcano in the world.
In the photo, climbers the size of ants are moving forward to the top. A giant whirlwind of snow swirls above them. (Photo source:).
Dawn over Aconcagua. The majestic panorama of the Andes appears in all its guise before the brave climbers (Photo source:).
McKinley (North America) - Height: 6194 meters
The Alaska Summit is ranked third among the highest continental summits in our ranking.
Giant McKinley against the backdrop of the coniferous forests of Alaska (Photo source:).
View from the heights of McKinley. A dense blanket of clouds "creeps" to the peaks (Photo source:).
Kilimanjaro (Africa) - Height: 5895 meters
The highest point in Africa - the mountain is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania. It is a very unusual sight to see a snowy peak in the sultry African savannah. Recently, scientists are sounding the alarm, the Kilimanjaro ice cap is rapidly decreasing in volume. Over the past decades, 80% of the ice on this mountain has already melted. As the main culprit of this process, climatologists call.
African elephants against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of Kilimanjaro are a very unusual sight (Photo source:).
On the road to Kilimanjaro. The landscape is fantastic (Photo source:).
View of the veil of clouds from the highest point of the African continent (Photo source:).
Elbrus (Europe) - Height: 5642 meters
Russia also has a record-breaking mountain - this is the highest peak in Europe -. Elbrus is part of the Main Caucasian Range and is located on the border of the two Russian republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. In the past (about 50 AD) Elbrus was an active volcano.
Handsome Elbrus (Photo source:).
Camp on the spurs of Elbrus (Photo source:).
Mountain panorama, opening to climbers from the top of Elbrus (Photo source:).
Silent and mysterious land of snows and clouds of Elbrus (Photo source:).
Unusual atmospheric phenomenon. The shadow of the Elbrus peak in the morning haze (Photo source:).
The beauty of the Elbrus region. The edge of all seasons. Greening alpine meadows and spurs of Elbrus covered with snow (Photo source:).
At the top of Elbrus - a fantastic world of white snows and clouds (Photo source:).
Vinson Massif (Antarctica) - Height: 4892 meters
The coldest continent of the planet - Antarctica also has its own mountains. The highest of them were discovered relatively recently, at the end of the 50s of the last century. Vinson Massif is part of the Elssworth Mountains and is located 1200 kilometers from the southernmost point of the planet.
This is what Vinson Massif looks like from space (Photo source: