Mountain climbing is a great and adventurous activity. Many are interested in mountain climbing, but only a few make it to the top because everyone does not have the time or the courage to do it. If you are planning for mountain climbing, the following article will be quite useful for you. It contains a list of some of the best mountains in the world which you can climb. The novice climber should always start with a mountain that requires very little equipment and experience so that they can learn the special techniques required for climbs that are more complicated.
In other contrast, the expert should always start with a mountain that requires some challenge and extra hard work because it would be considered as a major accomplishment for them and would match their skill level too. Take a look at some of the mountains which you can visit.
Top Mountains to Climb
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Mount Elbrus
- The Matterhorn
- Mount McKinley
- K2 – Nanga Parbat
- Mont Blanc Mountains
1. Mount Kilimanjaro
In Africa, there is a mountain named Mount Kilimanjaro, which requires very little equipment and hardly any climbing experience to reach the top of this mountain. This is the tallest mountain in Africa reaching about 20, 000 feet. A novice climber can conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in about five days. This is a climb that you will enjoy doing because there is much to see while you are doing the climb to the mountaintop. The Mount Kilimanjaro is very easy to climb, and we recommend all the beginner climbers that they do visit this mountain if they are in Africa.
2. Mount Elbrus
Another great mountain you can climb is the Mount Elbrus. It is located in Russia and is known to be one of the most famous mountains for climbing. The reason why it appeals many climbers is that it is a dormant volcano. It is approximately 18500 feet high and is known to be the tallest peak of Europe. It takes about 3 – 4 days to climb to the top with regular breaks in between. More than 50 climbers try to climb this mountain every month. It has green patches around it and is a wonderful peak that has snow all over it too.
3. The Matterhorn
The most popular mountain to climb is located in the Alps, which is part of Switzerland and Italy. The mountain is called The Matterhorn, and it reaches an elevation of about 14, 692 feet. This mountain was designed for just about any skill level. The trick to climbing the Matterhorn is your starting point. It has various starting points some of which are difficult whereas the others are easy ones. This makes it easier for the expert and the novice to choose their paths. Those who are novices would want to start at Horni Ridge or Lion routes and go to the summit of the mountain. Those who are experienced climbers will want to start at a more difficult area like the North Face, Zmutt, or Furggen Ridges.
The weather on this mountain can change very quickly so you must make sure that you climb in the summer and have the right gear in case of a storm. It is called the Matterhorn because of the unique horn-like shape of the mountain.
4. Mount McKinley
The next highest Mountain is located in North America, and it is called Mount McKinley. This mountain ranges a height of 20,320 feet. Mount McKinley is known as the mountain with the highest elevation gain in the entire world. Many glaciers surround Mount McKinley that you will find along the way. This mountain is considered a difficult climb and it is considered a major expedition. It is recommended for only the expert climbers. The best time to climb Mount McKinley is during the spring. Due to the severe weather, a climber might find it difficult to climb this mountain in the fall or winter months.
5. K2 – Nanga Parbat
In the South Asian country of Pakistan, the second highest peak of the world stands. It is known as the K2 and is about 28,251 feet in elevation gain. It is one of the most challenging mountains of the world for climbing and has a lot to explore too. There are multiple tracks and one has to be very well prepared in order to reach the top and come back down safely. Many expert climbers have to take 2 weeks or so to reach the top and get their way back down.
Besides the K2, stands the Nanga Parbat peak too. It is a very steep mountain and is also known as the man eater for the fact that many people have died on their way to the top or back. One needs to have high courage and guts to explore these two beautiful peaks located between Pakistan and China.
6. Mont Blanc
If you visit France, the Mont Blanc mountains should not be missed. They are very easy to climb which is why more than 200 people climb it every day. It is about 16,000 feet and roughly takes 2 or 3 days to reach to the top. It has access from Italy and France, both.
The best mountains to climb might start in your own hometown if you live in a mountainous region. Many places are available for you to get experience when you live in some of the southern states in America. You will be able to get experience and practice your techniques before you undertake a mountain expedition on the difficult mountains. It is better to start from your home region rather than other countries because you will have a better knowledge from the locals, and you will have a better idea related to the weather.
Mountain Climbing Quotes
Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. ― Barry Finlay, Kilimanjaro and Beyond
“Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end.” ― Edward Whymper
Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory. ― Ed Viesturs, No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World’s 14 Highest Peaks
Because it’s there. ― George Mallory
“No single mountain ever came to me… so I always go to them” ― Erik Tanghe
For a climber, saying that you are stopping by Everest is like saying that you are stopping by to see God. ― Roland Smith, Peak