Mathilde Lacombe

There are few experiences comparable to reaching the peak of a mountain. It is an activity that feels simultaneously athletic and spiritual. Often, it leads one to feel as though they just conquered the world. The feeling is even more powerful when you know you have peaked all five peaks on this list.

Climbers must be physically fit enough to get to the top of the mountain – even if there is an easy path. In this blog, we discuss five peaks that you must climb in your lifetime. All five peaks offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape that make the effort of reaching the top more than worth it.

Mt. Vinson – 4,892 meters

Mt. Vinson is on the Antarctic plate, making it the highest mountain in Antarctica. It’s the highest peak on the continent, so it is the holy grail of mountains for many climbers.

The mountain is within the Sentinel Ranges of Ellsworth mountains and the Ronne Ice Shelf at the Peninsula base. Therefore, you get to have an incredible view of these features.

Mt Vinson climb is not extremely difficult, but it has freezing temperatures, as low as -40 degrees at the top. Also, its remote location makes the hike to be challenging, especially for first-time climbers. The most common route the mountaineers follow is the “Normal Route.” It takes about 10 days to reach the Branscomb Glacier.

When tripping on Mount Vinson, you can also climb five other mountains in the same area. Together, they are the Vinson Massif.

Mt. Kilimanjaro – 5,895 meters

It’s the highest mountain in Africa and one of the most accessible peaks. But you can only make it to the highest peak, Uhuru – 19,340 feet high, if you prepare well before the trip and are physically fit.

The routes you can take to reach the peak vary depending on what you aim to see on your up or down. You can either choose to view the fantastic wildlife of Africa, plateaus, and the Grand Barranco Canyon.

This mountain has three extinct volcanoes, the Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo.

Although it requires a few days of challenging hiking, reaching the peak is quite simple (although the climb is long). Reaching Kilimanjaro’s peak offers incredible views of both Africa and Mt. Kenya (the second-highest peak on the continent).

Mt. Elbrus – 5,642 meters

Mount Elbrus is in Russia (close to Georgia), known for its rugged terrain. Therefore, it provides strenuous terrain that is very rewarding to the climber. Climbers have a choice of over 50 routes to the peak, ranging from easy to complex.

It is a large volcanic mountain with a double cone, with both peaks lying about 18510 feet above sea level. It provides climbers with beautiful views of the Caucasus mountains.

While on a trip to Mount Elbrus, you can view the beauty of Russia and Georgia. Also, you get to meet the ethnic groups in the areas around the mountain. They include the Georgian, Turkish, and Azeri people. You can also learn about their beautiful cultures and languages.

Climbers looking for a challenge that is also incredibly rewarding should put one of these peaks on their bucket list.

Mt. Everest – 8,848 meters

Every serious climber should consider climbing Everest, the most prominent peak in the world. Climbing Everest can be a bit challenging. Only 29% of climbers succeed. Because of this, many consider it the most demanding climb.

The most popular peak to hike to is the Base Camp,  5,364 meters above sea level. To ascend the mountain, you don’t need any technical skills, but you should train beforehand. It takes about 13 days of strenuous trekking to climb up and go back to the base.

Your efforts to reach the Base Camp peak will enable you to get a perfect view of the Gokyo valley, Gokyo lakes, and Cho La Pass. You can even cross the Cho La Pass on your way up and down. It also offers incredible views of the world’s tallest mountain range (the Himalayas) and Nepal/Tibet.

Mt. Aconcagua – 6,961 meters

Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Andes, and it is popular among climbers all over the world as it is one of the most accessible slopes of similar peaks. Because it is so easily accessible, thousands of people climb this mountain every year, and most will return home safely.

Although you don’t require any technical skills,  it is not easy to climb Mt. Aconcagua. Therefore, prepare for a strenuous physical challenge if you go trekking through its slopes. The high altitude and extreme weather make the trek even more trying. However, with adequate preparation, you can make it to the top quickly.