Before compiling a list of the tallest mountains in the world, it is important to define what is considered a mountain. A mountain is generally defined as a large landform that stretches above the surrounding land in a limited area, usually in the form of a peak.
Mountains are taller than hills and are found all over the world. The adjective “montane” describes mountainous areas and things that are associated with them. The study of mountains is called Orography.
List of the World’s Tallest Mountains
Following is a list of the Top 10 tallest mountains in the world. The list is in descending order and provides the mountain’s name, height, and location.
1Mount Everest
Mount Everest is by far the tallest (and most popular) mountain in the world. It is 8850 meters or 29,035 feet high. It is located in Nepal/China. Approximately 800 people attempt to climb Mount Everest each year. However, only a handful of climbers reach the summit. In 2020, 11 people died in their pursuit of reaching the peak.
2Qogir / K2
The second tallest mountain, Qogir (also known as K2), is 8611 meters or 28,250 feet high. It is located in Pakistan.
3Kangchenjunga
Kangchenjunga is 8586 meters or 28,169 feet high. It is located in Nepal.
4Lhotse
Lhotse is 8501 meters or 27,920 feet tall and is located in Nepal.
5Makalu
Makalu I is 8462 meters or 27,765 feet high and is located in Nepal.
6Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu is 8201 meters or 26,906 feet high in Nepal.
7Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri is 8167 meters or 26,794 feet tall and is located in Nepal.
8Manaslu
Manaslu is 8156 meters or 26,758 feet high and is located in Nepal.
9Nanga Parbat
Nanga Parbat is 8125 meters or 26,658 feet high in Pakistan.
10Annapurna I
Annapurna I is 8091 meters or 26,545 feet high in Nepal.
More Information
As you will notice from the list, eight of the top 10 tallest mountains in the world are located in Nepal.
The dormant volcano Mauna Kea (on the Big Island of Hawaii) could be considered the tallest mountain in the world. If you measure it from its base in the Hawaiian Trough (3,300 fathoms deep) to its summit of 13,796 feet, it reaches a height of 33,476 feet, which is even higher than Mount Everest.
For more detailed information on these mountains and many others, visit Wikipedia.
Questions
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This is very informative.