Here is a list of the top mountains to climb. These summits are both perilous and breathtaking, glorious and arduous, beautiful and depressing.
Mountains are threatening not merely because of their height. Various approaches can make climbing one side of a mountain easy while making it virtually hard to climb another.
A theoretically simple climb might become a dangerous trip depending on the weather. Many people want to go to the top mountains to climb, no matter the weather.
Table of Contents
Top Mountains To Climb
1. Mount Triglav, Slovenia
Triglav, the tallest peak in the Julian Mountains (northeast Italy to Slovenia), rises to a height of 2863 meters.
Normal attempts to reach the peak take two days. Although being fairly rocky and desolate, the mountain is located in the center of Slovenia’s sole national park, which has the same name. It takes roughly six hours of woodland walking to get to base camp.
A significant portion of the route is made easier by via ferrata, or iron stairs and cables fastened to the mountainside. Slovenian custom dictates that individuals who reach the peak must get a ceremonial birch branch whipping!
2. Mount Aconcagua, Argentina
Mount Aconcagua, one of the top mountains to climb, is a challenging but excellent non-technical climb in the heart of the Central Andes highlands. It is a great place to start your adventure.
Many climbers are drawn to the Andes because of the expansive vistas and the chance to complete a straightforward climb before attempting a more difficult one in the Himalayas.
The shortest path runs through the Northwest ridges, which at times may seem like you are struggling over never-ending scree, but the views are worth it, as are the occasionally wild winds of up to 40 mph!
Although there may have been some volcanic activity on the mountain in the past, it is not currently a volcano.
While it may still be a non-technical ascent, the altitude sickness you can get in these mountains may be highly dangerous, earning this peak the moniker “mountain of death” with about 3 fatalities yearly.
It’s interesting to note that the Incans of pre-Columbian times once scaled this peak. On summit ridge, skeletal remains were discovered, and in 1985, a well-preserved mummy was discovered at the height of 17,060 feet.
3. Licancabur, Chile/Bolivia
A stratovolcano called Licancabur, one of the top mountains to climb, rises over the blue waters of Laguna Verde.
The mountain may have originally been used by the Incas for sacrifices, and there are still ruins on the summit, so this hike would be more like an expedition because of its remoteness and harsh surroundings. Ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t exactly a stroll in the park.
Furthermore, because Licancabur is in a rural area and may be challenging for foreigners to reach, most visitors get there after taking a tour of the Salar de Uyuni, which is highly recommended in and of itself.
But be sure to buy your permit from the Campament Secundario office in Laguna Verde before visiting the region.
4. Mount Toubkal, Morocco
The tallest mountain in North Africa is Toubkal, which rises to 4167 meters in the Atlas Mountains in southwest Morocco.
Crampons and ice axes are required between November and May, although it can be climbed all year round, earning it a spot on the list of the top mountains to climb. No specialized equipment is required at other times of the year.
It is reachable from Marrakech and can be ascended in two days at its quickest; nevertheless, you should watch out for altitude sickness because you want to enjoy your hike.
The Berber towns you’ll travel through on the route up this mountain are a highlight, in addition to the stunning vistas. The Sahara Desert may be seen from the peak when the skies are clear.
5. Mount Elbrus, Russia
Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, is on the border between Asia and Europe in the Caucasus.
The closest intriguing civilizations, such as those of the Armenians, Azeris, and Chechens, are located in the various regions of the Russian republic, making Mount Elbrus particularly alluring.
Elbrus makes for an intriguing ascent because of its -8 degree cold, the amount of ice that covers peak, and its 22 glaciers.
While you can get to the summit in less than a week, it nevertheless has one of the highest rates of mountain deaths—about 30 each year.
Due to the mountain’s twisted appearance, people sometimes referred to it as Strobilus, which is a Latin term that means “pine cone.”
6. Mount Stetind, Norway
It’s no surprise that this mountain, which is Norway’s national peak and has the form of an obelisk, is both alluring and difficult to climb.
The Norwegian mountaineering’s British founder, William Cecil Slingsby, was reportedly cited as remarking that it was the ugliest peak he had ever seen. This is likely because he was unable to reach the summit.
The nearest major cities are Narvik to the north and Bod to the south. Parking and a rest area are available at the mountain’s foot for easy access.
It’s a climbing experience unlike any other because June and July are full of midnight sun and will be snow-free.
7. Mount Maglić, Bosnia
The best trek if you want to find uncrowded paths is up Bosnia’s tallest peak, which is encircled by pristine forest.
You’ll climb through ancient rainforest for an arduous 8–10-hour day and scramble up the slope for views of the nearby lake and mountains.
At the little settlement of Tjentiste, after a difficult descent down a scree trail, you may look forward to a restful night’s sleep.
8. Table Mountain, South Africa
Its prominence as South Africa’s most recognizable treasure is due to Table Mountain’s strikingly level appearance.
The plateau, which towers over Cape Town, is bordered by magnificent cliffs on the east and west sides: Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak.
There is no reason why any man shouldn’t climb such a famous specimen of nature’s handiwork, as did Castilian-Portuguese sailor António de Saldanha in 1503, who is known to be the first to accomplish so.
9. Lenin Peak, Kyrgyzstan
For those who are interested in and captivated by the Silk Road pathways, Lenin Peak, the third-tallest mountain in the former Soviet Union and one of the top mountains to climb, is a trek into the deeper regions of Kyrgyzstan.
It’s a great peak to explore in a region of the globe that few people are familiar with because of the turquoise alpine lakes, collection of community-based tourist yurts, and solitude.
The Lenin Peak in the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains on Tajikistan’s border is an intriguing option if you don’t want to climb the Alps and Himalayas.
10. The Matterhorn, Switzerland
The first ascent was done on July 14, 1865, by English mountaineer Edward Whimper and his crew. The perilously gorgeous peak resembles a chiseled pyramid, which has no doubt made it an enticing climb for many.
The Matterhorn, which is the most famous summit in Europe and the cradle of climbing, lies tucked away in the Swiss Mountains.
11. Breiskrednosi, Norway
Although the mountain’s peak is only a little more than a thousand meters away, this walk is difficult. The trails are covered in snow for a large portion of the year, which makes climbing the steep pathways to the peak much tougher.
Also, the hike’s beginning is in the Naeryfjord in Norway, which can only be reached by boat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may kayak there the previous day and set up a tent there before trying the top.
Superb views can be seen from the summit, where you can see the clear fjord waters encircled by formidable stone mountains.
12. Mount Fitz Roy, Chile/Argentina
The glacier at the base of this magnificent mountain, which is located in El Chalten, Argentina, is retreating as a result of climate change. Fitz Roy, one of the top mountains to climb, is referred to by locals as Cerro Chaltén, or “smoking mountain,” because of the frequent cloud cover that covers its peak.
It is still one of the most technically difficult mountains on Earth for mountaineers, having been ascended for the first time in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone. Also, since the weather is so erratic, be ready for anything when climbing.
13. Yunam Peak, India
The Indian Himalayas provide a wide range of trekking options, and the Lahaul, Spiti region, which is located on the Indo-Tibet border, is home to a number of unclimbed peaks.
The Yunam Peak, one of the top mountains to climb, is as isolated as it gets, passing over steep rocks, scree, and jagged edges. The higher you go, though, the more likely it is that you’ll see snow leopards in this area of barren lands and near to the Zanksar range.
In opposed to other non-technical climbs like Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse I, the journey is relatively new and less well-known.
14. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, United States
The enormous granite rock formation, which is located in one of the best climbing regions in the world, isn’t technically a mountain, yet climbing it may be difficult due to its steep face.
Avoid trekking between December and March if snow isn’t your cup of tea; but, if lengthy summers in California are more your style, you’ll definitely enjoy them.
15. Yala Peak, Nepal
The top mountains in the world to climb have to include Yala Peak, one of the top mountains to climb. The world’s tallest mountains are found in Nepal, and some of its peaks are referred to as “trekking peaks.”
Thus you don’t need to have exceptional climbing expertise or a costly expedition permit to climb them. Nonetheless, this does not imply that they are simple or to be treated casually.
Depending on how you categorize it, Yala Peak is one of those and may even be the highest hiking peak.
It’s an excellent start to Himalayan climbing since it gets you up up and personal with those massive peaks without requiring any prior mountaineering expertise.
To avoid yaks and spend the night in a teahouse, the trip across the Langtang Valley, near to the Tibetan border, lasts between 6 and 8 days.
16. Kala Patthar, Nepal
Kala Patthar, which means “black rock” in Nepali and Hindi, is the next best thing for people lacking the bravery to climb Mount Everest since it provides breathtaking views of the mountain from a more secure vantage point.
It is the perfect climb for ardent photographers who have always desired to view and shoot the tallest peak in the world.
The only real way to get to Kala Patthar, one of the top mountains to climb, is to use the same track that leads to Mt. Everest base camp from the airstrip in Lukla, a tiny town that may be accessed from Kathmandu.
17. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
There are 20 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which is likely the country with the most volcanoes overall.
Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano peak and one of the top mountains to climb, is the one to climb if there is one. Inside the Gunung Rinjani National Park, the mountain dominates the landscape.
The 41,330-hectare park is located inside a significant biogeographical transition zone (Wallacea).
Where Southeast Asia and Australasia converge, the trek’s tropical vegetation and animals are its finest feature. You will learn about the environment, agriculture, way of life, and significance of the Sasak culture beginning at Sembalun.
Segara Anak, a lake with a crescent form, is located inside the mountain. On full moon evenings, the Wetu Telu people visit the lake to worship and also view it as holy.
18. Mount Ouanoukrim, Morocco
When you make your way up Mount Ouanoukrim, you’ll really reach Timzguida (4089 m) and Ras, two peaks known as the “twins” (4083m).
Before spending the night at a mountain refuge, you’ll begin your adventure the previous day by steadily ascending into the Atlas Mountains’ foothills.
You’ll go off early the next morning, starting with a quick but difficult climb over the ridge to the Tizi n Ouagane Pass. The impressive High Atlas range, which stretches to the horizon, will be visible when you arrive.
19. Mount Damavand, Iran
Many Persians regard to Mount Damavand in Iran’s Alborz Mountains, which is covered in snow and shrouded in clouds, as the Persian magical homeland owing to various stories found in literature and poetry.
The landscape is diverse and offers the nomadic Iranian people in this area access, standing tall at 5,610 meters. Although the peak may be reached with ease, getting there can be difficult.
The trip is compared to the famed Mount Kilimanjaro but may be particularly challenging in steep technical areas.
Together with hot springs, the lower valley of Larijan county also has well-known glaciers as “Yakhar” and “Sioleh”
20. Mount Olympus, Greece
Shielded in significance, Mount Olympus, one of the top mountains to climb. A rocky mountain that rises sharply from the surrounding pine trees, it is notable both in terms of culture (as the place where the Greek gods lived) and beauty.
Only seasoned hikers should attempt the difficult climb to the peak. To reach the Mount Olympus refuge, which is at 2,650m, on the first day, you must ascend from the trailhead in Prionia (1100m).
The next day, you have two choices: climb Skala Peak (2882 meters), then go across a short ridge to Skolio Peak (2911 meters), or tackle Mytikas, the mountain’s highest peak (2918m).
On the latter, you’ll scramble for a few hundred meters while being tied to the other members of your squad. This will boost your confidence in taking on more difficult climbs.
21. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
There is no need to introduce Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the top mountains to climb; it is not only the highest peak in Africa, but also the highest free-standing mountain in the whole planet.
Despite the fact that the mountain is extremely well-liked among hikers, every year at least 35,000 individuals attempt to reach the summit.
For those who desire to cross one of the seven summits off their bucket list, it is a success in and of itself!
Even though the mountain is near to the equator, it won’t be unexpected to see a glacier there because to climate change. About 205 miles separate Mount Kilimanjaro from the equator.
Trekkers who ascend Kilimanjaro will also get to encounter five unique natural zones on route to the summit.
22. Mount Fuji, Japan
Not every summit requires a multiday siege to reach it. For millennia, people have flocked to Mount Fuji, one of the top mountains to climb, for pilgrimage. An iconic image of Japan is the almost symmetrical, 3776m volcano covered in snow.
There are even vending machines at the summit because it is a highly popular peak among Japanese tourists, so you’ll never have it to yourself. The route is tough since it is covered in slick scree, which makes it more difficult when going downhill.
On a clear day, Tokyo may be seen in the distance from the summit, where the views are amazing.
The climbing season only lasts from July to September, however from the end of September to October, it is still feasible to climb.
Starting early allows most climbers to complete it in one day, however a longer path via the dense forest at the mountain’s base may be done with far less other tourists.
23. Denali, Alaska
Alaska’s most recognizable feature is Mount Denali, also known as “the Big One” and one of the world’s greatest massifs. It is the tallest mountain in North America.
It might not be the easiest trek in the world to ascend the imposing mountain with its granite cliffs and interrupted surfaces with lengthy ridgelines.
The West Buttress route, which is seen to be the least challenging approach to reach the summit of Denali, is the one that the majority of climbers undertake. You’ll need between 17 and 21 days to finish it because it is a standalone trip.
Mount Denali could be your finest option if you want a taste of alpinism because you’ll get to experience its frigid atmosphere, feel its sweltering temperatures, and see the magnificent Alaskan plains.
24. Monte Cinto, Corsica
The picturesque island of Corsica’s Mount Cinto, one of the top mountains to climb, serves as the highest point on both the grueling GR20 walking circuit and the island overall.
It may be climbed either as a strenuous day walk or as part of a multi-day excursion along the GR20, but because more mountains are better, you should choose the former. Ascending 1,200 meters to the summit, starting from the Ascu refuge, is a difficult ascent.
Views of the craggy Cinto Massif, the untamed coastline of the island, and the azure waters beyond will be all around you. hypnotic material
25. Mera Peak, Nepal
Mera Peak, which is located in the heart of the Himalayas and offers spectacular views of all of Nepal’s major peaks, is an underappreciated Himalayan mountain.
Five of the six tallest mountains in the world—Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyo, Kangchenjunga, Makalu—will be visible to you.
For those who have tried climbing Nepal’s highest peaks, flying from Lukla, the entryway to the Khumbu area, is a fascinating experience.
The early 1950s British expeditions were the first to investigate the area, and Edmund Hillary also made a journey there.
If you want to spend more time in this magnificent massif, you might combine the journey with a climb of Island Peak.
26. Bobotov Kuk, Montenegro
The tallest peak in Montenegro, Bobotov Kuk, is a good summit for beginning climbers. A summit day is difficult for the faint of heart because it entails a 14 km hike and a 900 m rise. You don’t require any prior technical knowledge, though.
The hike ascends into Durmitor National Park’s wildness after starting at the Katun Dobri Do trailhead (1,700m). The glacial lakes between the summits, which the locals refer to as “the eyes of the mountain,” and the rugged Durmitor Massif can be seen from the mountain’s summit.
27. Friendship Peak (Mt. Khuiten), Mongolia
Khüiten Peak, one of five summits of the Tavan Bogd mountain massif in the Mongol-Altai Mountains, is situated in the Altai Tavan Bodg National Park on the boundary between China and Mongolia.
Due to the fact that the highest summits, known as the Five Saints, are always covered in snow above 3,600 meters, this mountain has earned the nickname “friendship peak.”
This particular excursion, replete with traditional herding families, animals, and big open tundra, is breathtakingly magnificent.
In addition, the 19 km long Potanin glacier stretch is the longest glacier in Mongolia. You will be able to see both China and Russia from the top on a chilly day.
Pained by financial indecision? Want to invest with Adam?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 668.8 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.