Top 5 Highest Mountains on Earth
Опытные гиды и эксперты по альпинизму: Altezza Travel
Добавление адаптационных походов в программу горных походов
Также обратите внимание на включение адаптационных походов в программу горных походов. Это прогулки или восхождения в свободное время после достижения каждого лагеря. Цель этих походов – помочь вашим легким приспособиться к высоте, которую вам предстоит преодолеть в следующие дни. Вы поднимаетесь на спокойном темпе, наслаждаясь самой высокой высотой, которую достигли в этот день, перед тем как спуститься в лагерь на ночь. Пока вы спите, ваше кровеносное кровообращение работает на производство большего количества эритроцитов, отвечающих за доставку кислорода из легких во все ткани организма. На следующий день вам будет лучше. Это основной принцип альпинизма: поднимайтесь на высоту, спите на низкой. Он особенно эффективен на популярных горных маршрутах, таких как Инкская тропа в Перу и подъем на гору Килиманджаро в Танзании.
Физиологические изменения при подъеме на гору
Помимо увеличения количества эритроцитов, организм реагирует на высокие высоты и другими физиологическими изменениями в дыхательной и сердечно-сосудистой системах. Поэтому многодневные программы восхождения предпочтительнее коротких.
Информация о операторе горных походов
Тщательно изучите информацию о операторе горных походов, с которым вы планируете совершить свое восхождение. Репутабельная компания предоставит подробную информацию о своих программам восхождений: маршрут, оборудование и снаряжение для кемпинга, план питания, профессионализм и обучение гидов, медицинская поддержка во время экспедиций, учет рисков для здоровья участников, страховое покрытие и план эвакуации в случае чрезвычайных ситуаций, чтобы обеспечить безопасность своих клиентов.
Основные рекомендации для восхождения
Если вы готовы испытать свои силы, взобравшись на гору, мы приглашаем вас на Килиманджаро, высочайший пик в Африке. Это замечательное место для тех, кто еще не покорил высокие горы, но стремится попробовать. Вам не нужно быть спортсменом или иметь специальное снаряжение, чтобы взобраться на высочайшую вершину Африки. С Altezza Travel вы можете полностью доверять своему самочувствию во время восхождения на большую высоту.
Томас Беккер переехал из Германии в Танзанию в 2013 году, очарованный прелестью этой страны. Он изучал различные регионы, погружаясь в местную культуру, традиции, географию и дикую природу. Лично успешно взобрался на самую высокую точку Килиманджаро – Ухуру Пик.
До того, как присоединиться к Altezza в 2023 году, Томас занимал должность генерального менеджера в нескольких отелях, включая Kaliwa Lodge. В Altezza Travel он ответственен за операционные аспекты всех экспедиций и управляет нашей горной командой более чем из 1700 человек, что является крупнейшей в регионе.
Об авторе:
Анастасия, профессиональный копирайтер и эксперт по контенту, специализирующаяся на написании текстов на русском языке. С большим опытом в создании SEO-контента, она стремится делать информацию доступной и понятной для читателей.
Когда человек поднимается на большие высоты, его организм подвергается огромным испытаниям. Низкое давление кислорода и экстремальные условия могут вызвать серьезные проблемы со здоровьем. Это особенно актуально для альпинистов, которые пытаются достичь вершин горных вершин, таких как Эверест.
Проблемы, связанные с восхождением на высоту:
- Гипоксия: Недостаточное количеств кислорода воздухе может вызвать головокружение, тупость ума и даже смерть.
- Высотная болезнь: Отек мозга и отек лёгких являются серьёзными осложнениями, с которыми сталкиваются альпинисты в высокогорье.
- Обморок: Из-за низкого уровня кислорода, человек может потерять сознание.
- Жара и холод: Перепады температур на большой высоте могут сделать пребывание там ещё более опасным.
Рекомендации для тех, кто планирует альпинистские восхождения:
- Заключить страховку на случай возможных неприятностей.
- Провести должную подготовку, чтобы укрепить физическую форму и поднять кислородный обмен.
- Выбрать удобную и надёжную экипировку.
- Подготовится к экстренным ситуациям и знать, как действовать в случае проблем.
Безопасность всегда должна быть на первом месте при планировании восхождений на горные вершины. Ведь, как показывает история, клубы альпинистов должны быть готовы к различным вызовам, с которыми сталкиваются в горах. Опыт и знания могут спасти жизнь в опасных условиях высокогорья.
Когда люди поднимаются на большие высоты, они подвергают себя различным опасностям для здоровья, связанным с высокими альтитудами. Недостаток кислорода, низкое атмосферное давление и экстремальные холода могут оказать значительное воздействие на организм человека. Вот некоторые распространенные здоровотные проблемы, возникающие на больших высотах:
What exactly does an unprepared individual experience at high altitude? There can be various effects of being at higher elevations, although it doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone will experience all of them. However, it’s better to be aware of these effects in advance. Let’s discuss all the observable manifestations of altitude acclimatization, from mild symptoms to the most severe and rare ones when the body struggles to adapt.
Expedition to Kilimanjaro via the Western Breach route, East Africa
Altitude affects different individuals in different ways. Some people may experience mild discomfort but hardly notice any discomfort, while others may suffer but manage to reach their intended goal. For some, it becomes uncomfortable even above an altitude of 1500 meters or roughly 5000 feet.
Mild Acute Mountain Sickness
Here’s what people can experience at high altitudes:
Other symptoms may also occur, especially in individuals with chronic illnesses or for example in pregnant women or children. None of the listed symptoms are “mandatory” during high-altitude hiking. However, the appearance of some of them is likely within 12-24 hours after the start of the ascent.
If any of these symptoms manifest but do not hinder further ascent, it can be considered a good sign indicating the body’s adaptation process. Conversely, the absence of more frequent urges to urinate, for example, may indicate poor acclimatization and dehydration.
It is important to monitor one’s well-being at high altitude. Altezza Travel expeditions include mandatory medical examinations twice a day for each participant.
The combination of several symptoms is indicative of altitude sickness. Together, they may indicate the mildest form of such condition – acute mountain sickness (AMS). The body responds to it with an adaptive reaction. With successful acclimatization, the symptoms become milder or disappear entirely within a few hours or days. In most cases, it takes 1-2 days for this to happen.
Pulmonary and cerebral edema
There are also severe forms of altitude sickness where fluid begins to accumulate in the internal organs, leading to high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). In the worst cases, both processes occur simultaneously. It is important to pay close attention to the symptoms of edema in order to take timely measures and halt the progression of the illness. In this case, every hour matters as it can develop rapidly.
Symptoms of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE):
The diagnosis of high-altitude pulmonary edema is made when any two of these symptoms are present. Additional signs include rapid breathing and heartbeat, wheezing during breathing, and bluish discoloration of the skin.
Risk factors for the development of pulmonary edema include previous respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as chronic and acute infections such as pneumonia, tonsillitis, and bronchitis. Pulmonary edema can also be triggered by excessive physical exertion before the body has fully acclimatized to the altitude. Therefore, it is recommended to ascend slowly with frequent rest breaks.
Treatment for HAPE includes oxygen therapy, rest, warming the body, and, in cases of ongoing disease progression, immediate descent. The recommended medication treatment may involve taking nifedipine, which, by the way, is available in every Altezza Travel first-aid kit.
Symptoms of High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE):
Treatment for HACE includes oxygen therapy, immediate descent if stabilization does not occur, and evacuation in the event of worsening conditions where the individual is unable to move independently. Dexamethasone can be used as medication. It is also available in Altezza Travel first-aid kits.
High-altitude regions
At what altitudes do certain effects occur? In mountain medicine, we categorize altitude into three regions with distinct characteristics, primarily based on pressure, which affects the oxygen content in the air.
Mount Gangkhar Puensum in the Himalayas, standing at 7,570 meters (24,930 feet), the highest unconquered peak.
Let’s also mention the mark of 8,000 meters (26,240 feet) above sea level. Anything above this is known as the death zone. At such altitudes, well-being significantly and rapidly deteriorates. Prolonged stays are not possible as the body’s systems simply shut down under the strain, leading to death. The maximum time spent at such altitudes is two to three days, and that is for experienced climbers who use supplemental oxygen. Acclimatization above 8,000 meters (26,240 feet) is not possible. There are 14 mountain peaks on Earth surpassing this altitude.
The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world
As we mentioned earlier, living at sea level is the easiest for humans. At an elevation of 0 meters above sea level, the average atmospheric pressure on Earth is approximately This is equivalent to about 760 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Here individuals with heightened meteorological sensitivity sometimes track pressure readings in weather forecasts. This is especially important for those with low or high blood pressure, respiratory issues, or circulatory problems. External pressure influences the condition of blood vessels, thus affecting oxygen supply to the body and ultimately overall well-being.
Air pressure does not have a direct correlation with altitude; it is also influenced by weather conditions, particularly temperature and humidity. In humid maritime climates, altitude sickness can occur at lower elevations compared to regions with dry climates. For example, in Kamchatka and Patagonia, symptoms of altitude sickness can be felt at elevations below 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), whereas in the arid Himalayas, the effects of high altitude are only noticeable from 3,500 meters (11,480 feet) or even higher. This means that relying solely on the elevation above sea level is insufficient.
Osorno Volcano, 2,652 meters (8,700 feet), Patagonia, Chile.
Breathing at high altitudes
To understand how our respiratory system functions, we need to comprehend not only atmospheric pressure but also partial pressure. It is a measure of the pressure exerted by a specific gas component of the air as if it occupied the same volume as all the gases together. The air contains nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Of significance to us is oxygen, which comprises However, while its proportion remains constant at any altitude, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases as we ascend to higher altitudes due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure.
As a person ascends higher above sea level, the atmospheric pressure decreases. The force of gravity weakens, allowing gases to disperse more freely in the air. Consequently, the partial pressure of oxygen also decreases. At sea level, the partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere is approximately 21.2 kPa. The atmospheric pressure decreases by about half every 5,500 meters (18,044 feet), and along with it, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases. In other words, you inhale the same volume of air as before, but it contains less oxygen.
Everest Base Camp
Let’s take a look at Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, to understand how this occurs. At the base of Everest, the partial pressure of oxygen is close to the familiar norm of 21 kPa, making it easy to breathe. In the Everest base camps, located at an altitude of 5,150-5,364 meters (16,896-17,598 feet), the atmospheric pressure decreases by approximately half. For simplicity, let’s consider it as 50 kPa, which is half of the 100 kPa at sea level. The amount of oxygen in the air remains the same, about one-fifth or 20.946%, resulting in the partial pressure of oxygen being reduced by about half to just over 10 kPa. However, the exponential decrease becomes more noticeable as you go higher.
At the summit of Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), the atmospheric pressure is only 33.7 kPa, and the proportion of oxygen remains about one-fifth. Calculating 21% of 33.7 kPa, we find that the partial pressure of oxygen at this altitude is only 7.1 kPa. This is one-third of the familiar norm of 21 kPa. In other words, to obtain the accustomed amount of oxygen, you need to inhale three times more air.
The summit of Mount Everest, 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) in height, is the tallest mountain on Earth.
Meanwhile, in our blood, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide decreases. Here, we come across another important effect of high altitude. How does the process of respiration work? We have receptors in large blood vessels and in the brain that constantly measure the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. This information reaches the respiratory center, which analyzes the readings and determines the frequency and depth of our breaths. Our arterial partial pressure norms are established at sea level: 5.3 kPa for carbon dioxide and 13 kPa for oxygen. When the readings deviate from these norms, our brain makes us breathe more frequently and take deeper breaths
Up to approximately 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) above sea level, the priority for the brain is the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and above that, the pressure of oxygen in the blood becomes more important. This particular altitude of 2,500 meters is considered critical for the onset of altitude sickness. Most healthy individuals experience its initial symptoms at this altitude, and acclimatization begins.
Periodic breathing during sleep
During the pause, a person may wake up with a feeling of suffocation. At high altitudes, such restless sleep can be exhausting and prevent climbers from getting proper rest. The shift in breathing patterns is caused by the respiratory center’s response to the arterial partial pressure of the two gases in the blood: carbon dioxide and oxygen. For those who are experiencing high altitudes for the first time, this is considered a normal reaction.
Dehydration
Low atmospheric pressure accelerates moisture evaporation, leading to dehydration. This effect should be constantly kept in mind when ascending to higher altitudes. Another factor directly contributing to dehydration can be more frequent urination.
It is important to drink water continuously during mountain expeditions.
Sometimes, a person may not notice dehydration and don’t feel thirsty. However, the lack of water in the body will eventually affect its functioning. It is crucial to drink water constantly, even when you don’t feel like it. The optimal recommendation is 3-4 liters (8-10 cups) per day.
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet radiation is a danger that should not be forgotten, especially with excessive sunlight at high altitudes. The higher you climb, the more vulnerable you become to ultraviolet radiation. In snowy areas, such as Mount Everest, its impact is even stronger because the light reflects off the snow. The risk of sunburn increases.
Protecting yourself from ultraviolet rays can be achieved through clothing, sunscreen for the face and hands, as well as sunglasses. It is also worth remembering the use of a buff, which can be pulled up from the neck to the face, providing protection from both sun rays and cold.
Cold
Cold temperature is another crucial factor to consider when heading to the mountains. It is always cool in the mountains, and the higher you climb, the colder it gets. Uncomfortable temperatures can be accompanied by strong winds and high humidity. Here, another parameter comes into play, the perceived air temperature, which can be significantly lower than the numbers you see in weather forecasts before going to the mountains.
Cold and high humidity are not the best combination in the mountains.
The accumulation of wet snow complicates the situation for climbers. The photos were taken on the way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Stella Point, at an elevation of 5,756 meters (18,885 feet) during an Altezza Travel expedition in 2019.
If you happen to encounter rain in such conditions, the situation will worsen. Cold weather is a very important factor to keep in mind during preparation and planning for the ascent. It is essential to have an additional set of warm clothing, as well as spare pairs of socks and gloves in case the main ones get wet. The risk of frostbite increases at extreme altitudes.
A reliable expedition company not only informs participants about all the necessary equipment but also provides them. For example, on Kilimanjaro, Altezza Travel has the largest warehouse of mountaineering gear where each climber can rent everything from clothing to sleeping bags
How to prepare yourself for high altitudes?
So, how can you prepare your body for being at high altitudes? The short answer is: you can’t. Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of their health condition, age, gender, and so on. There are no specific exercises that can prevent acute mountain sickness or its individual symptoms. Athletes who regularly train at their usual altitude are just as susceptible to the illness as people who have never engaged in sports. In our decade-long experience of organizing ascents on Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), we have often seen how fit male athletes struggled while unprepared young women effortlessly and comfortably climbed the mountain.
There is no direct correlation between the risk of altitude sickness and chronic illnesses such as diabetes or lung diseases. However, those with deviations from normal respiratory and cardiovascular functions should be particularly attentive to their well-being during the ascent. There is no correlation between the risk of illness and the age of climbers, although it is sometimes claimed that young people are more prone to altitude sickness than the elderly. However, this claim often refers specifically to young men aged 16-25.
Angela Vorobieva conquered Mount Kilimanjaro with Altezza Travel at the age of 86
Some coaches suggest endurance exercises like running or swimming, but they are not directly related to the conditions experienced at high altitudes. Physical fitness does play a positive role as it helps cope with the demands of movement, ascent, and carrying loads. A person who is not overweight and in good athletic shape expends less energy compared to someone leading a sedentary lifestyle when facing increasing physical exertion during a mountain expedition. An individual who is weakened or has an excess of body fat compared to muscle mass will face both physical exertion and adaptation to high altitudes. However, it’s uncertain whether they will have enough capacity for both. Cardiovascular exercises will undoubtedly help prepare the body for mountain climbing, but no exercises can fully prepare for the challenges of gaining altitude.
The only thing that can be theoretically done at familiar altitudes is to undergo training in a hypobaric chamber that simulates low atmospheric pressure. However, this is a medical procedure that is complex and requires the presence of medical professionals. It is not accessible to most people as these chambers are used to train astronauts, pilots, and parachutists. There are also altitude tents available where the pressure remains normal but the oxygen concentration decreases from the usual 21% to 12%, simulating low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. Such tents are used during nights for one week before the ascent.
A good strategy is an acclimatization through expeditions to lower altitudes before attempting high mountains. For example, before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, one can engage in high-altitude trekking on Mount Meru, which helps the body adapt to physical exertion and provides necessary acclimatization preparation. The higher the mountain you plan to climb, the more important it is to carefully plan a gradual acclimatization at lower altitudes, allowing your body to adjust smoothly. This is particularly crucial before conquering the highest peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayas.
Why did we provide detailed information about the specific effects experienced at high altitudes? Simply put, to explain their complex biochemical nature that manifests at extreme heights where humans have never lived. There are no specific training programs in urban conditions for this purpose, and it is impossible for most people to prepare their bodies for extreme altitudes without venturing into the mountains and gradually increasing the altitudes of their overnight stays.
There is only one exception—people’s origin and the altitude at which they live. If you are from Tibet, the Andes, the Ethiopian Highlands or other high-altitude regions and have constantly lived at high altitudes, there is a chance that your genetic heritage will give you an advantage at high elevations. Tibetan inhabitants have been observed to have a larger lung capacity and the ability to breathe more frequently than other people on the planet. Andean residents have blood volumes capable of carrying more hemoglobin than those of other individuals. High-altitude inhabitants of Ethiopia have a generally elevated hemoglobin level compared to those living in lowland areas. All of this indicates the genetic adaptation of populations residing in mountainous regions for thousands of years. People who live at altitudes exceeding 2,500 meters above sea level constitute just over 1% of the global population.
Nirmal Purja, an alpinist from Nepal, was born and raised at an altitude of 1,600 meters (5,249 feet). His origin and very advanced training allowed him to easily climb Mount Kilimanjaro in less than a day. This is an exception to the rule.
Makalu
Elevation: 8485 meters (27,838 feet) above sea level
In the same mountain range, the Mahalangur Himal in the Himalayas, lies Mount Makalu, the fifth highest peak on Earth. It is located about 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) northwest of Everest and is known for its stunning beauty, resembling a four-sided pyramid.
Mount Makalu has three peaks: the main peak called Makalu and two subsidiary peaks, Makalu South East Peak at 7,860 meters (25,791 feet) and Makalu II or Kangchungtse at 7,678 meters (25,355 feet). The exact heights of several peaks, including the main summit, are uncertain. It is generally accepted that the highest point of Makalu reaches 8,463 meters (27,766 feet) (there is also a version of 8,481 meters (27,825 feet)), while Makalu South East Peak does not exceed 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), although some sources mention a figure of 8,010 meters (26,273 feet). Regardless of these variations, Makalu consistently ranks as the fifth-highest mountain.
The name "Makalu" has Sanskrit roots, meaning "Great Black," and it is believed to be associated with the Hindu god Shiva. Alternatively, it could simply refer to the dark rocky formation hidden beneath the snow and ice.
The history of climbing Makalu began relatively late, only in the 1950s, and lacks the vivid events and dramatic stories often associated with other mountains in the Himalayas. This is true for many peaks in the region, as mountaineers were primarily focused on the peaks vying for the title of the highest. However, the ascent of Makalu is considered technically challenging due to steep sections and the danger of avalanches. Makalu is among the most difficult mountains to climb, with only a few hundred successful ascents.
It all comes down to how you measure it
The above list of mountains in the top 5, which climbers aspire to reach the summits of, is accurate only when considering the height of the mountain above sea level. In reality, what has become customary and taken for granted is merely a convention. The measurement of elevation can vary depending on different approaches. Are there any other approaches to measuring the peaks, and does the list of the highest mountains change when using these approaches?
The highest mountains in the Solar System
Speaking of stars, or rather celestial bodies within our star system. If we don’t limit ourselves to Earth and make a list of the highest mountains in the entire Solar System, Earth’s Everest would move down to the 27th position. Even Mauna Kea wouldn’t make it to the top ten.
Clearly, discussing the absolute height of mountains on other planets and their moons is not relevant since they lack both sea level and seas themselves. Therefore, in this list, the height is measured from the base to the summit.
Top 5 mountains in the Solar System:
Over time, our knowledge of other objects in the Universe will continue to expand, and new lists will include more distant objects with higher mountains. So, we should be cautious with statements like "the highest mountain in the world." As we can see, even if we consider only our planet, different answers can be given to the question of which mountain is the highest.
On Earth, in most cases, the answer would be Everest. However, if we consider the height from the base to the summit or from the center of the Earth to the most prominent peak reaching into space, the answers would be Mauna Kea and Chimborazo, respectively. Everest doesn’t always turn out to be the highest mountain. It is often surpassed even by the seemingly modest African mountain, Kilimanjaro.
Lhotse
Name of the highest peak: Lhotse Main
Elevation: 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
Actually, the main ridge of this mountain has four peaks: Lhotse Main, Lhotse Middle, Lhotse Central 2, and Lhotse Shar. Out of the four peaks, only Lhotse Central 2 remains unclimbed. Together with Lhotse Middle (also known as Lhotse Central 1), they are among the most challenging and dangerous peaks above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level that have resisted mountaineers and remained inaccessible. The height and steepness of Lhotse’s South Face, which "drops" 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) below these subsidiary peaks, intimidated climbers. For a long time, Lhotse Middle was considered the highest unclimbed peak on Earth (8,410 meters/27,589 feet) until a Russian expedition finally reached its summit in 2001. No one has yet reached the neighboring peak.
The third subsidiary peak, Lhotse Shar, with a height of 8,383 meters (27,503 feet), has a notorious reputation. Earlier, we mentioned Mount Annapurna I as the deadliest among the eight-thousanders, but in reality, Lhotse Shar claims even more lives of climbers. Every second person attempting to conquer it perishes. Officially, this grim ranking is hindered by the fact that it is not considered a separate mountain. Considering the overall statistics of all four Lhotse peaks, this mountain massif no longer appears as ominous.
Interestingly, the legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner became the first person to summit all 14 eight-thousanders, with Lhotse being the last on his list. This happened in 1986. Messner seized the victory from his main rival, the Polish climber Jerzy Kukuczka, who became the second person to conquer the eight-thousanders. During those years, the world witnessed an intense race among mountaineers, and the tension reached unprecedented levels. All participants felt significant pressure from the media and fans worldwide. After completing the race, Messner nobly sent a telegram to Kukuczka with the words, "You are not second, you are great."
Remarkably, Lhotse, being the final point on Messner’s list, was the first for Kukuczka. The Polish mountaineer conquered the mountain in 1979. However, later, this mountain became his last. We have already mentioned the intimidating and extremely challenging South Face of Lhotse. Reinhold Messner referred to it as the "Wall of the 21st Century," implying that conquering it would require the next generation of climbers, and its conquest would be the culmination of mountaineering. In 1989, Jerzy Kukuczka, along with his partner, embarked on establishing a route on the precipitous South Face of Lhotse but tragically fell, forever remaining on the slopes of the fourth-highest mountain in the world.
Today, there are several routes leading to the summit of Lhotse. It is believed that this mountain has the fewest number of routes among all the eight-thousanders. Only a relatively small number of people, less than 1,000 as of spring 2021, have reached the main peak of the massif.
Among the top five highest mountains, there is an interesting pattern: Everest was first conquered in 1953, K2 was summited in 1954, the first successful ascent of Kanchenjunga took place in 1955, and Lhotse was first reached by a human in 1956. The last mountain in the top five disrupts this beautiful sequence.
Kangchenjunga
Name of the highest peak: Kangchenjunga Main
Elevation: 8586 meters (28,169 feet)
View of Kangchenjunga Mountain
Kangchenjunga takes us back to the Himalayas, where the main peak of this mountain range is considered the second highest after Everest. The main Kangchenjunga massif has a total of five peaks, with the highest one being called Kangchenjunga Main. It lies on the border between Nepal and India, and for India, it is the highest mountain. Interestingly, until 1852, this peak was considered the highest on Earth, and the missing 262 meters (860 feet) of Everest were only discovered as a result of the British Great Trigonometric Survey of India, led by geographer George Everest.
The name of the mountain range translates from the local Tibetan language as "Five Treasures of the Great Snows." Some believe it refers to the five peaks, others to the five glaciers, and some enumerate the material wealth hidden inside the mountain. In local folklore, the mountain is said to conceal the Valley of Immortality from prying eyes. Supposedly, treasures are hidden here, which will be revealed to the faithful in times of danger and help them survive. These places were also believed to be the home of the malevolent mythical creature – the Demon of Kangchenjunga. Moreover, it was believed that the abode of the Yeti was in these areas.
Today, there are several routes to the top of Kangchenjunga, most of which pass through the Nepalese slopes of the mountain. From the Indian side, there is one route, but the Indian authorities had to close it due to dissatisfaction among the local community. Religious members of the community consider the ascent of foreigners to the sacred peak as a desecration of the abode of the gods. It is claimed that participants of successful ascents, out of respect for the beliefs of the people of the Indian state of Sikkim, stop a few steps from the summit to leave the sacred land untouched. At least, this was the case with early expeditions.
Among climbers, this mountain is renowned for being very challenging. Some rank it as the second most difficult after K2. It has steep slopes and a high risk of avalanches. Many climbers have perished under descending snow masses on their way back after successfully conquering the peak.
The farthest point from the center of the earth
There is another way to look at mountains impartially. It’s not just about "clearing" the Earth of the water from seas and oceans; we also need to consider our planet while taking into account its specific shape. We are accustomed to perceiving it as a nearly perfect sphere, thinking of it like a globe from our school geography class. However, the true shape of the Earth is more complex—it’s not a sphere but a geoid. This means that the solid masses are unevenly distributed inside and on the surface of our planet, with varying planes in different locations.
Why bother with such complex questions and attempt to understand which figure most accurately expresses the shape of the Earth? It’s to determine the location of the Earth’s center. In a perfect sphere, all points on its surface are equidistant from the center, making it easy to calculate. With a planet of irregular shape, things are more complicated, but the location of its center is known. Therefore, we can calculate the distance at which the peaks of various mountains are situated to understand which one, in this sense, stands farthest from the center of the Earth.
In this case, the mountains will compete not based on their own height but on their height above the Earth’s center. This list is perhaps the most unusual. It is explained by the fact that the shape of the Earth tends towards an ellipsoid, as it is flattened under the influence of forces generated by the planet’s rotation. The equatorial radius of our planet is greater than the polar radius. In other words, the point closest to the center of the Earth is located at the North Pole, while the most distant points are closer to the equator. Consequently, high mountains that are closer to the equator have an advantage over those located at higher latitudes.
Top 5 mountains measuring from the center of the Earth:
In this list, Mount Everest will only rank as the sixth highest peak with a measurement of 6,382,414 meters (20,908,646 feet), falling behind the previous volcano by more than 1.5 kilometers. Therefore, if we measure mountains from the center of the Earth, these Andean peaks, along with Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, surpass all the Asian eight-thousanders. We can say those mountain are closer to the stars than Everest.