Here are the Best Mountains to Climb Around the World

There are some excellent climbs that almost anyone can conquer with the right level of fitness and determination.

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We implore anyone who has the physical ability to give mountain climbing a go. It’s one of the best feelings when you reach the top. As well as the incredible scenery that you’ll see along the way, few things in life beat that sense of accomplishment at the summit. And you don’t have to be the world’s best climber or most accomplished adventurist to tackle some of the greatest peaks. There are some excellent climbs that almost anyone can conquer with the right level of fitness and determination.

As long as you’re well-prepared and put time in to do the planning, you’ll be able to avoid those all-too-common climbing mistakes and reach your ultimate goal (getting to the top). For harder snow covered mountains, the right skills and experience will be needed, and climbing without a guide is sometimes near impossible. But no matter what your level, there are some amazing heights you can reach.

Here are the best mountains to climb around the world to inspire your next trip.

SEVEN SUMMITS

The Seven Summits are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. This is a challenge that was created (and completed) by American businessman and mountaineer Dick Bass in 1985. It has since been a challenge that many experienced climbers have embarked on.

Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson Massif and Carstensz Pyramid are the seven, and we specialise in guiding for five of these. The two we do not currently offer are Denali (an area only open to American operators) and Vinson (which is extremely expensive to climb).

KILIMANJARO:

Standing at 5,895 metres tall, Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous climbs in the world. Although its size makes it a serious challenge (and a huge achievement if you complete), it’s entirely achievable for those who are fit and healthy. There are a number of different routes you can take, depending on the scenery you want, the number of days you want to spend up there, and your budget. Our preferred route is the Machame Route because of the excellent acclimatisation and magical views.

ELBRUS:

This is the most well-known climb in Russia and stands at 5,642 metres. A dormant volcano in the Caucasus mountain range, Elbrus is one of the most interesting summits in this challenge. It’s a glacier climb so crampons will be required for the ascent. There are two different routes for Mount Elbrus and we can guide you on both of these.

EVEREST:

The name “Everest” is enough to send shivers down some people’s spines – and for good reason. Standing at 8,848 metres, Everest is the tallest mountain in the world above sea level. It’s really only suitable for experienced climbers who are familiar with hiking in such high altitudes. The success rate is only 29%, making it one of the toughest climbs on the planet. If you choose to take on Everest, it’s essential that you train and choose an experienced, knowledgeable guide.

ACONCAGUA:

Argentina’s Mount Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside of Asia, being the highest in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres. It stands at 6,960 metres tall and has a 50% success rate, with over 3500 people attempting it each year. The routes are non-technical with some snow and ice, but preparation is still required for Aconcagua.

CARSTENZ:

Also known as ‘Puncak Jaya’, the Carstenz Pyramid (4,884 metres) is the highest summit of Mount Carstensz in the Sudirman Range in Indonesia. Rising above the rainforest, it offers a wonderful contrast of thick jungle and snow dusted peaks. The views are spectacular, but the diverse terrain can be challenging. This is also the only of the Seven Summits to require rock climbing skills.

VINSON:

Located in the Antarctic, the Vinson Massif is 4,892 metres high and sits within the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, overlooking the Ronne Ice Shelf by the base of the Antarctic Peninsula. While it’s not technically difficult, the ascent is very cold, with temperatures as low as -40°C near the summit.

DENALI:

At 6,190 metres, Denali in Alaska is the highest mountain peak in North America. This climb can be extremely cold and stormy, especially on the upper mountain. The success rate is about 52% – technical snow and ice climbing, glacier skills, and experience with backcountry cold-weather camping are all essential.

VOLCANOES

Despite the threatening thought of a rupturing lava, volcanoes tend to be easier to climb. This is due to their rounded shape compared to the usual spiky peaks. And as they also normally stand alone, rather than in a range, they’re quite attractive prospects for many climbers. There’s something kind of magical about being on just one stand-alone mountain looking down on the rest of the world. Here are the best ones to add to your bucket list.