Your temples themselves burn in the world where. The highest mountain in the world: where is the peak located?
Ever since Sir Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, thousands of climbers have been eager to emulate his feat. Thanks to Everest's impressive title of being the world's tallest mountain, so many people have climbed it that every year this Himalayan beauty gradually turns into a literal garbage dump.
Everest is the highest mountain in the world (∼ 8,848 m)
When we talk about what is the highest mountain in the world, we usually think about the height above sea level. And if we take this parameter, then the height of the mountain (8849 meters above sea level) is beyond competition. Everest extends higher into the atmosphere than any other peak in the world.
However, the farthest point from the center of the Earth, and therefore the highest in terms of distance, is Chimborazo (6384 meters above sea level). This is a stratovolcano in Ecuador that is part of the Andes mountain range.
The earth is not flat, it bulges out at the equator and flattens out near the poles. This means that mountains near the equator are technically higher than those in other areas of the planet. And it so happens that Chimborazo is closer to the convex center of the Earth than Everest. It turns out that it is closer to the stars than the highest point of Mount Everest.
The hardest mountain for climbers
According to one report, Everest extends 6,382 meters from the center of the Earth. At the same time, Chimborazo extends over a distance of 6384 meters. Although the height difference between the two mountains is only 2 km, it is enough to give the title of “highest mountain” to the Ecuadorian stratovolcano.
So why does Mount Everest continue to receive all the laurels while Chimborazo remains relatively unnoticed? It all comes down to the difficulty of the climb.
If you are a climber and want to challenge yourself by conquering Everest, the journey to base camp will take 10 days. It will take another six weeks to acclimatize, followed by nine days to reach the summit. On the other hand, acclimatization on Chimborazo takes about two weeks, and the journey to the top takes about two days. Simply put, after Everest, climbing Chimborazo will seem like a walk in the park.
Above and below sea level
Mount Everest - nai highest point above sea level, but if we are talking about the sheer height from the base to the top, then the honor of being called the highest mountain belongs to the “White Mountain” (Mauna Kea) on the island of Hawaii. Its height above sea level is 4205 meters, but the mountain goes 5,998 meters down to the bottom. More than half of the mountain is submerged in water.
General height of Mauna Kea is 10,203 meters. This is 1345 meters higher than Everest.
Mauna Kea is actually an extinct volcano on big island Hawaii. It was created about a million years ago when the Pacific Ocean tectonic plate moved over a plume of liquid magma deep within the Earth. Mauna Kea last erupted about 4,600 years ago.
The top of the mountain is a paradise for astronomers: It has low humidity, clear skies above it, and long distance from any light pollution. That is, from the top of the volcano it opens, perhaps best view to celestial objects. There are currently 13 telescopes on the peak of Mauna Kea.
It is important to note again that Everest is the highest of the highest mountains when measured from sea level. If you use this parameter, then Chimborazo cannot even qualify for the title of “highest peak in the Andes.” This title belongs to Mount Aconcagua, which rises 6961 meters above sea level.
The highest mountains on each continent
- In Asia - Mount Everest (8,849 meters).
- In South America - Mount Aconcagua (6,961 meters).
- In North America - Mount McKinley (6,190 meters).
- In Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters).
- In Europe - Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters)
- In Antarctica there is the Vinson Massif (4,897 meters).
In Australia - Oceania - Mount Puncak Jaya (4,884 meters) in Oceania and Mount Kosciuszko - the highest point on the Australian continent (2,228 meters).
Top 10 highest mountains in the world
The problem with measurement is that it is often unclear where the dividing line lies between a mountain with several peaks and a single mountain. For this reason, it is better to use a measurement called “topographic elevation” (the height of a mountain peak above the bottom of the valley closest to the mountain). Taking into account first of all this criterion, and secondly the height above sea level, we have compiled a rating of the highest points on Earth.
Topographic elevation - 4,741 m.
It rises 5,642 m above sea level.
Mount Elbrus is an extinct volcano located in the western part of the Caucasus Range, in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, near the Russian-Georgian border. This is the highest peak in the Caucasus.
Excess - 4,884 m.
Height - 4,884 m.
This mountain, located on the Australian plate on the island New Guinea originally bore the name of its discoverer, the Dutchman Jan Carstens. In 1965, it changed its name in honor of the Indonesian President Sukarno, and in 1969 it was renamed for the third time, to Jaya (Indonesian for Victory) and stopped there for now.
Excess - 4,892 m.
The height of the peak is 4,892 m.
Record holders of Antarctica and part of the Elsworth Mountains, which rise above the Ronne Ice Shelf.
Elevation - 4,922 m
The height according to GPS is 5,636 m, according to INEGI - 5,611 m.
Stratovolcano, the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. Orizaba last erupted in 1687, after which it “fell asleep” and has not woken up to this day.
Topographic elevation - 5,250 m
Altitude above sea level - 5,959 m.
The highest mountain in Canada and the second in North America, after McKinley. Due to active tectonic uplift, Logan is still growing in height. Until 1992, the exact height of the mountain was unknown and was assumed to range from 5,959 to 6,050 meters. In May 1992, the GSC expedition climbed Logan and established the current altitude of 5,959 meters using GPS
Topographic elevation - 5,585 m.
Above sea level - 5,776 m
Highest point in Colombia. The Colombian peak of Simon Bolivar is almost equal in height to it. Together they are the country's two closest peaks to the stars.
Topographic elevation - 5,885 m.
Above sea level - 5,895 m.
Kilimanjaro, and its three volcanic cones (Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira) is an inactive volcanic mountain in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. This is the highest mountain in Africa. There is no documented evidence of Kilimanjaro's eruption, but local legends say that the volcano was active 150-200 thousand years ago.
Topographic elevation - 6,144 m
Altitude above sea level - 6,190 m
The double-headed Mount McKinley (aka Denali), located in Alaska, is the highest mountain peak in the United States and North America. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was called Big Mountain and was the highest point of the Russian Empire.
Topographic elevation - 6,962 m.
Above sea level - 6,962 m.
The highest mountain in North and South America. It is located in the Andes mountain range, in the Argentine province of Mendoza. In 2013, the youngest climber, nine-year-old American Tyler Armstrong, climbed the mountain. And last year, Aconcagua was conquered by the youngest climber, twelve-year-old Romanian Dor Jeta Popescu.
1. Mount Everest (Qomolungma)
Topographic elevation - 8,848 m.
Altitude above sea level - 8,848 m.
The leader of the mountain charts was named after the English colonel, Sir George Everest, who was the chief surveyor of India from 1830 to 1843. Mount Everest is also known by the Tibetan name Qomolungma (Mother Goddess of Vital Energy) and the Nepalese name Sagarmatha (Forehead of Heaven).
Where is the tallest mountain in the world?
Chomolungma is located in the Mahalangur Himal mountain range in the Himalayas. Part of it lies on the border of Nepal and China, part on the territory of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Many human triumphs and tragedies have been associated with Everest. George Mallory (Great Britain) was the first climber to attempt Everest. In 1924, he died near the summit and his remains were found only in 1999, but the body of his teammate Andrew Irwin was not found.
Mount Everest has been the inspiration for many Guinness World Records, from the simple fact that it is the world's tallest peak to the world's tallest (by location) concert.
Despite the title of "the highest peak on Earth", Everest is not the tallest mountain on the planet. That is, Everest has no equal in height above sea level. But as for the height from the base to the top, the palm is held by Mauna Kea in Hawaii, USA. Its visible part is 4,205 meters, and the rest is under water. The total height of Mauna Kea reaches 10,203 meters.
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 of the World 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, it rises in the territory national park"Kosciuszko" 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
Height above sea level: 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 complicated primarily by weather conditions and territorial remoteness.
Part of the world: Europe
Mountain system: Caucasus Mountains
Height above sea level: 5,642 m.
First ascent: in 1868 to the eastern peak, in 1874 to the western.
The first conquerors: Kabardian Killar Khashirov ( eastern peak), the Englishmen F. Gardiner, F. Grove, G. Walker and J. Knubel (west summit)
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 name 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 that feed large rivers Kuban, Baksan and Malka. From the highest point of Elbrus there is a view of the Black and Caspian Seas.
Expedition Russian Academy Sciences under the leadership of General G. A. Emmanuel first attempted to conquer Elbrus in the middle of the 19th century, 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 this moment Thanks to the developed infrastructure, Elbrus and the Elbrus region attract not only professional climbers (speed races, extreme climbs), but also amateurs winter species sports.
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 local language as "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). Modern name– 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
Height above sea level: 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 wind, 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.
The relief of our planet is bizarre, deep depressions are replaced high mountains. There are 14 peaks on Earth that have “overcome” the 8000 m mark. But the highest of the “eight thousand meters”, which at first glance are inaccessible, are especially attractive to climbers.
Conquering the highest peak on the planet is the dream of all climbers. What are the highest mountains in the world?
Fifth place - Makalu (8485 meters, Himalayas)
Opens the ranking of the five highest mountains on Earth Makalu. Located almost in the center of the Himalayas, on the border of China and Nepal, the peak is part of the Mahalangur-Hemal mountain range. Extremely steep slopes and year-round glaciation make the mountain incredibly difficult to climb; less than a third of all expeditions are successful. The first successful attempt to conquer the peak was recorded in 1955. 26 climbers died during the ascents.
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The mountain range consists of two peaks, its shape resembles a four-sided pyramid. The local population treats Makal with respect and some fear, respectfully calling her the “Black Giant.” The height of the peak of Makalu is 8485 meters.
Fourth place – Lhotse (8516 meters, Himalayas)
The closest “neighbor” of Everest is only 3 km away, Lhotse is located on the border of China and Nepal and is part of the Nepalese Sagarmatha National Park. Known for quite a long time, the mountain was conquered only in 1956. Of all the eight-thousanders, the summit has the smallest number of routes, and successful ascents account for only 25%.
The mountain has an unusual shape of a triangular pyramid; it has three peaks, each above 8000 meters. Translated from Tibetan, the name Lhotse sounds like “southern peak”. The height of this mountain is 8516 meters.
Third place - Kanchenjunga (Himalayas)
Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain peak in the world, its height is 8586 meters. Until the middle of the last century, until Chogori and Everest were discovered, it was considered the highest in the world.. The first successful ascent of the mountain happened in 1954. 40 climbers died while conquering the peak. Moreover, contrary to the trend characteristic of other “eight-thousanders”, the mortality rate does not decrease over time, but rather increases. According to Nepalese legend, Kanchenjunga is a female mountain who, out of jealousy, kills women trying to conquer the peak.
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Roerich's painting “Kanchenjunga” Located on the border of India and Nepal, the peak is extremely picturesque; translated its name sounds like “5 treasures of the great snows.” The extraordinary beauty of Kanchenjunga captivated the Russian philosopher and educator Nicholas Roerich. On canvas he captured the unique natural charm of a mountain peak.
Second place Chogori (Himalayas)
Chogori is the northernmost of the “eight-thousand-meter” peaks and is part of the Karakoram mountain range, located in two countries - China and Pakistan. Its height is 8611 meters. Discovered in 1856, the mountain received the “technical” name K2 - the second peak of the Karakoram. They began to call her Chogori after a while. Climbing to the top has been attempted since the beginning of the last century, but it was only possible to conquer it in 1954. It cost 60 climbers their lives to reach the summit.
In addition to the official name, the peak has other, quite common ones - Dapsung, Godwin-Osten and Karakorum 2. The mountain peak is distinguished by its harsh weather conditions, climbing it is fraught with great difficulties. No one has yet managed to conquer Chogori in winter.
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 even greater diversity of views on whether the Carstensz Pyramid should be considered the highest point in Australia. None of the scientific theories West Side 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 parts 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 expedition conditions and overcoming the problems associated with being in the so-called “death zone”, at an altitude 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 the spring, 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 the unpredictability of the Chinese authorities, who 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 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 world of America 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. Technical difficulties on classic route no, 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 visiting, 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 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 an American visa. All this is not at all difficult if you start in time.
IN last 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 early 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. One of the goals is to ensure maximum employment 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 amazing nature Africa and its people are simply amazing. This The best way to fall in love with 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 living conditions on all days except the day of ascent.
Elbrus is still a territory of freedom. In this regard, only Kosciusko 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, also known in Indonesian terms as Puncak 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 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 require 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.
