Previously, the site talked about. However, all these mountains are located in one part of the world - Asia, namely in the two neighboring mountain systems of the Himalayas and the Karakoram, therefore it is customary to single out the 7 highest mountain peaks in the world, one for each part of the world. Climbers who have conquered all these mountains are included in the honorary Seven Summits Club.
There are 2 main lists of the seven peaks of the world. More difficult to climb is the list compiled by the Italian climber Reinhold Messner. In this list, in addition to Asia, Europe, South and North America, Africa, Antarctica, not Australia appears as part of the world, but Australasia, i.e. region including Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and adjacent Pacific islands. Accordingly, instead of the highest peak in Australia - Mount Kosciuszko, whose height is only 2228 meters and which is very easy to conquer, the list includes Mount Jaya in New Guinea, whose height is 4884 meters and which was first conquered only in 1962. The list, compiled by the American climber Richard Bass, is more traditional in terms of Russian geography, it lists Australia as part of the world, not Australasia.
Thus, the highest peaks of the world become not seven, but eight. In some interpretations, there are even nine of them, because. between geographers there are still disagreements about the border between Europe and Asia, so the highest peak in Europe is either Elbrus in the Russian Caucasus, or Mont Blanc in the Alps.
In this article, we will use the Messner list, because it is he who is presented as the main one on the website of the Seven Summits Club - 7summits.com. The mountains in the ranking are sorted by height, starting with the highest.

Asia's highest mountain peak - Chomolungma in the Himalayas, also known as Everest. Chomolungma in Tibetan means "mistress of the winds", as for the English name Everest, it was awarded in honor of Sir George Everest, head of the British India Survey in 1830-1843. The height of the peak is 8848 meters. Chomolungma is located in China, namely in Tibet, on the border with Nepal. The first ascent of the mountain was made on May 29, 1953 by Sherpas (Sherpas - a people living in Eastern Nepal, as well as in India) Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary. The climbers used oxygen devices. More than 30 Sherpas took part in the work of the expedition.

The highest mountain peak in South America aconcagua in the Andes mountain range. Height 6962 meters. Located in Argentina. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the western and southern hemispheres. In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered a technically easy mountain if you climb the northern slope. When climbing, the influence of altitude is noticeable, the atmospheric pressure at the top is about 40% of the pressure at sea level. However, the use of oxygen tanks during the ascent is not required. Even children can conquer this mountain with appropriate training: in 2013, 9-year-old American Tyler Armstrong did it, and in 2016, 12-year-old Romanian Dor Jeta Popescu.

The highest mountain peak in North America Denali included in the Alaska Range. Height 6194 meters. Located in the USA (Alaska). From 1896 until August 28, 2015, the mountain was called McKinley, in honor of the 25th President of the United States of America, now the traditional Indian name Denali has been returned to the mountain (this word means "great" in the language of the Athabaskan Indian people). From 1799 to 1867, the mountain was the highest point of the Russian Empire, until Alaska, where Denali is located, was sold to the United States. For the first time this peak was conquered in 1906 by the American expedition of Frederick Cook.

Africa's highest mountain peak is Mount Kilimanjaro. Height - 5895 meters. Located in Tanzania. Climbing Kilimanjaro is considered quite simple, but it takes time for high-altitude acclimatization. Almost any healthy person can climb the main routes leading to it, without climbing training and special equipment.

The highest mountain peak in Europe and Russia is the Elbrus volcano. Height 5642 meters. It is located on the territory of the Caucasus, on the border of the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The first ascent of Elbrus was carried out by a Russian expedition led by George Emmanuel in 1829.

The highest peak of Antarctica - vinson array. Height 4892 meters. The first ascent took place in 1966 by an American expedition led by Nicholas Clinch. Conquering Vinson is not a cheap pleasure due to the inaccessibility of Antarctica and difficult climatic conditions (even in summer the temperature on the massif does not rise above minus 30 degrees Celsius): you must either organize an expedition yourself or pay for services travel company, which cost about $30,000 per person and include shipping to Antarctica from Chile.

The highest mountain peak in Australasia (a region that includes Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and the adjacent islands of the Pacific Ocean) - Jaya(other name - Pyramid of Carstens). Height 4884 meters. Jaya is the best high mountain in the world, located on an island. Jaya was first climbed in 1962 by a group of four Austrian climbers led by Heinrich Harrer.

The program of climbing the highest peaks of all continents has an abbreviated name, which can also be called a brand - "Seven Peaks". In English, which is understandable to the whole world - “Seven Summits”. This is one of the climbing collections, the implementation of which is an incentive to set goals in life for hundreds of citizens. different countries. The vast majority of those who climb Everest, one way or another, set as their goal the implementation of this program. Since the rest of the peaks are easier and cheaper than reaching the highest point of the Earth. It is very prestigious to become the first "seven peaker" in your country, in your state, to become the first woman in the country, the oldest, the youngest, the fastest.

Climbing all seven peaks is very expensive. Even the most economical option in total will approach 100 thousand dollars, not including the cost of equipment and preparation for expeditions. In reality, the optimal cost of the entire program is around $150,000.

It is clear that such expenses are available only to a very few of the climbers. When it comes to personal funds. However, a minority of those who hunt for the "Seven Peaks" spend their money exclusively. Most are supported by sponsors, governments, or travel for charitable fundraising programs. The legislation, relatively speaking, of the “Anglo-Saxon” countries allows deducting donations for the needs of a number of organizations from the taxable base. These are medical institutions, funds to help veterans of military conflicts, the disabled, etc. By collecting donations for them, the climber “unfastens” a little on his travels. Along with the fact that more money is printed in these countries than in others, this leads to the fact that half of the list of “seven tops” are citizens of the USA, Great Britain and Canada and Australia that joined them.

The Seven Peaks program was born in the first half of the 80s, when the first signs appeared that it could be done. The whole history of its occurrence is described in our article.

Recall that, according to encyclopedias: "mainland" (from seasoned - strong, large), this is the Russian analogue of the European word "continent" (from Latin continens - singular). Continents are large massifs of the earth's crust, most of the surface of which protrudes above the level of the oceans in the form of land. Islands do not belong to continents and continents.

From a scientific point of view, the objects of the Seven Peaks program are highly controversial. Firstly, the prevailing opinion among scientists is that Eurasia is one continent and its division into Europe and Asia is cultural, but not geographical. We are actively against it. If Elbrus is deprived of the status of the highest peak of the continent, the number of foreign climbers will decrease significantly. Although the status of the highest point in Europe for the Caucasian peak is very controversial. From the point of view of Soviet geographers, the border of the parts of the world runs along the Kuma-Manych depression, while Elbrus moves away to Asia. An even greater diversity of views on whether to consider the Carstensz Pyramid as Australia's highest point. From any of the scientific theories, the western part of the island of New Guinea does not belong to the "Green Continent". These are all amusing disputes and arguments, which have practically nothing to do with practical life.

So, the 7 highest peaks of the continents are:

1. Everest (Chomolungma or Chomolungma), 8848 m. Asia.
2. Aconcagua, 6962 m. South America.
3. Denali (old name - McKinley), 6194 m. North America.
4. Kilimanjaro, 5895 m. Africa.
5. Elbrus, 5642 m. Europe.
6. Vinson massif, 4897 m. Antarctica.
7. Pyramid Carstensz (Punchak Jaya), 4884 m. Australia. Peak Kosciuszko (Kosciuszko), 2228 m. Australia.

So, scientific debate on this topic is best left to those who are paid money for it. We love the magical (divine, as they say) number "Seven", not "Six" (considered diabolical). It doesn't matter that there are eight vertices! And based on this we build our story. So, what mountains are included in the list of the highest peaks of the continents?

Everest (8848 m) - the highest peak in Asia, the continent of Eurasia and the highest peak of the planet Earth (if you count from the level of the ocean), also the highest in the Northern Hemisphere of our planet. The mountain is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China). Numerous height measurements showed different results even with modern methods. Therefore, the specified height is conditional, it was accepted as a result of coordination, so as not to escalate passions.

Climbing Everest requires careful preparation, about two months of life in expeditionary conditions and overcoming the problems associated with being in the so-called "death zone", at an altitude above 8000 meters. However, in modern conditions, it can be stated that with the right organization and a sufficient degree of luck, every physically healthy person can climb Mount Everest. Recently, ascents are made mainly in the spring, during the so-called weather windows. This usually happens on the 20th of May. At the same time, the routes from the south and from the north are completely preliminarily hung with railing ropes.

Climbing Everest, which 30-40 years ago meant joining a group of climbing elites, has become a commercial undertaking. Sports expeditions have become a rarity, most of the routes (all but two) are not repeated. The 7 Summits Club prefers to conduct expeditions from the North side. Here, a permit is much cheaper, it is possible to drive a car to the base camp and there are much fewer objective dangers (ice collapses and avalanches). Western firms prefer the southern route. First of all, fearing the unpredictability of the Chinese authorities, who can close the area for minor reasons, without any compensation to the organizers. They may not give a visa to individual participants, for political reasons. But there is another point, in the South at a higher price, the profits of the organizers are much higher than in the North.

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Aconcagua (6962 m) - the highest peak of the part of the world America and the continent of South America, also the main one in the southern hemisphere of the planet. The mountain is located in Argentina, a large and colorful country. Climbing Aconcagua is a real high-altitude ascent, which is carried out, so to speak, under the conditions of a lightweight expedition (the duration of the trip is only 20 days). Separate cargo transportation at the bottom of the route facilitates the ascent, as well as the availability of certain amenities at the base camp. There are no technical difficulties on the classic route, however, there are plenty of physical ones. First of all, this is the height, the reaction to which is often unpredictable even among experienced athletes. Strong winds are considered the main obstacle, which are associated with the openness of the territory to air masses from the oceans.

Every year, about 3,000 climbers attempt to climb Aconcagua. They climb two gorges from two base camps. However, the routes at the top are the same. Success reaches about half of the participants. This is due to the lack of readiness of climbers. And partly with the attitude of local guides, who are not inclined to take risks and are ready to turn the whole group or individual participants at any opportunity. So we highly recommend joining a group led by visiting, Russian-speaking guides. Better - from our company ...

Aconcagua climbing programs are getting more expensive from year to year due to the policies of local authorities. So don't delay.

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Denali (6194 m) - the highest peak of the mainland of North America. Located in the USA, in the state of Alaska, near the Arctic Circle. A typical ascent takes approximately three weeks, of which two weeks is hard work in the glacier zone, in conditions close to extreme. Participants are required to use purely mountaineering skills to a greater extent than on other peaks of the "seven". At the same time, all goods must be carried independently, including recycled waste. And when organizing a trip to Denali, you will have to solve a puzzle with obtaining an official permit and an American visa. All this is not at all difficult if you start in time.

In recent years, the number of climbers who aim to climb Denali has stabilized at around 1,500 per year. A season is considered successful when the percentage of "climbing" is above 50%. Most of the ascents are made in June - the first half of July. In the middle of summer, due to the state of the glacier, flights on airplanes become dangerous and stop by the beginning of August.

The American authorities issue permission to organize commercial programs only to a few companies and only with an American “registration”. For us, this means the need to use American guides under an agreement with one of the local companies. Let's face it, agreeing on all the details of interaction with them was not a smooth process. The difference in the mentality of our two mountaineering schools is very significant, but now mutual understanding has already been achieved and the problems are in the past.

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Kilimanjaro (5895 m) is the highest peak of the African continent and part of the world. The mountain is located in Tanzania, not far from the border with Kenya and from the equator. It is considered the highest single-standing peak in the world. The local National Park strictly regulates climbing and allocates a limited number of days for expeditions, an average of a week. At the same time, one of the goals is to ensure maximum employment for the local population working in the service of groups. Therefore, for one climber there are two or even more employees of the host companies.

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the equatorial climate zone. The temperature difference between seasons is minimal. Practically climbing can be done all year round.

Due to the limited time, the ascent is carried out without sufficient acclimatization, which complicates the task of reaching the summit for an unprepared person. And these are the vast majority. Therefore, the ascent to the highest point can be done by no more than one third of the visitors. At the same time, almost all representatives of our country reach the top. What affects here: the power of salt or greed (money paid)?

In any case, a trip to Kilimanjaro is an exciting adventure, getting to know the amazing nature of Africa and its people is simply amazing. This is the best way to fall in love with the "black continent", which many are wary of. And, of course, we consider it obligatory to include in the program the so-called "safaris", excursions in national parks.

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Elbrus (5642 m) is the highest peak in Europe. The mountain is located in Russia, a little north of the Main Caucasian Range and, accordingly, from the border with Georgia. Climbing in favorable conditions requires only elementary climbing skills and is accessible to everyone physically healthy people. However, the load will still be serious, and the effect of height will make itself felt. The recommended time for the Elbrus climbing program is 9 days.

There is a fairly developed infrastructure that provides relatively comfortable living conditions for all days, except for the day of ascent.

Elbrus is still a territory of freedom. In this regard, only Kosciuszko can compare with him. Attempts to introduce payments do not meet with understanding from the majority of climbers.

There are no general statistics on Elbrus. An approximate estimate of the number of climbers is 25-30 thousand per year. The vast majority rises in July and August.

Programs of the Club 7 Peaks on Elbrus

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The Vinson Massif (4897 m) is the highest peak of the part of the world and the mainland of Antarctica. The mountain is located on an amazing icy continent, which so far belongs to all mankind. However, in the region of the very top, the absolute owner is the ALE (Antarctic Logistic Expedition) company, which determines the “rules of the game” here. But even the simplest calculations, how long the ascent will last, they are not able to do, the real schedule of "flights" is dictated by unpredictable weather.

Since the cost of an expedition to the Vinson Massif is very significant, only serious people get to its foot. And, as a rule, they successfully ascend, having overcome the terrible cold and wind.

It is important to dress properly. But this is also checked.

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And the highest point of the part of the world and the continent of Australia, coupled with the colossal area of ​​Oceania, is represented by two options: the Karstensz Pyramid and Mount Kosciuszko.

Pyramid Karstensz, she, in the Indonesian way, Punchak Jaya (4884-5 m, on some maps even 5030 m) is the highest peak in Australia and Oceania. Located on the island of New Guinea. The most politically problematic mountain of the Seven Peaks, which had been simply closed to the public for 10 years before. It is a rocky ridge of considerable length, located above the humid tropical jungle. Climbing and descending requires skills in working with climbing equipment, with a rope. However, as part of a group and under the guidance of experienced instructors, overcoming difficult rocky areas is quite possible for any person.

The helicopter version has also existed for quite a long time, in which the base camp is reached by a rotorcraft. However, there are pitfalls here as well. Bad weather is a daily occurrence here, every flight is in danger of being disrupted.

	Mountain peak	mountain system	Mainland	Height
	Chomolungma (Everest)
	Communism Peak
	Victory Peak	Tien Shan
	aconcagua		South America
	McKinley	Cordillera	North America
	kilimanjaro	Kilimanjaro massif
		B. Caucasus
	B. Ararat	Armenian Highlands
	Vinson Massif		Antarctica
		B. Caucasus
		Western Alps

Mauna Kea is the largest mountain on Earth.

However, if we take as a basis the height not above sea level, but from the base of the mountain, then the recognized leader among the highest mountains in the world becomes Mauna Kea is a shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands.

The height of Mauna Kea from the base to the top is 10203 meters, which is 1355 meters higher than Chomolungma. Most of the mountain is hidden under water, and above sea level Mauna Kea rises to 4205 meters.

The Mauna Kea volcano is about a million years old. The volcano's activity peaked during the shield stage about 500,000 years ago. Currently, the volcano is recognized as inactive - according to scientists, the last eruption was 4-6 thousand years ago.

The highest mountains in the world by continent. Descriptions of the seven highest peaks of the world by parts of the world.

"Seven Peaks" is a climbing project that includes the highest peaks of the world in parts of the world. North and South America, as well as Europe and Asia are considered separately. Climbers who have conquered all seven peaks become members of the "7 Peaks Club"

List of "seven peaks":

• Chomolungma (Everest) (Asia)
• Aconcagua (South America)
• McKinley (North America)
• Kilimanjaro (Africa)
• Elbrus or Mont Blanc (Europe)
• Vinson Massif (Antarctica)
• Kosciuszko (Australia) or Carstens Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) (Australia and Oceania)

The seven highest mountain peaks in the parts of the world. Map.

Chomolungma (Everest) - the first of the "seven peaks", the highest mountain in Asia and the highest peak in the world.

Chomolungma belongs to the Himalayas, the Mahalangur-Himal range. The southern peak (8760 m) lies on the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region (China), the Northern (main) peak (8848 m) is located on the territory of China.

Geographical coordinates of Mount Chomolungma - 27°59′17″ s. sh. 86°55′31″ E d.

The fact that Chomolungma (Everest) is the highest mountain in the world was determined by the Indian mathematician and topographer Radhanat Sikdar in 1852 on the basis of trigonometric calculations, when he was in India, 240 km from Chomolungma.

The highest mountain in the world and Asia has the shape of a trihedral pyramid. The southern slope is steeper, snow and firn are not kept on it, so it is exposed. Many glaciers descend from the top of the mountain range, ending at an altitude of 5000 meters.

The first ascent of the largest mountain in the world was made on May 29, 1953 by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary through the South Col.

The highest peak of the world Chomolungma is extremely severe. The wind speed there reaches 55 m/s, and the air temperature drops to -60 °C. As a result, climbing the highest mountain in the world is fraught with many difficulties. Despite the modern equipment and equipment used by climbers, for every twentieth of them, conquering the highest peak in the world is the last thing in life. From 1953 to 2014, about 200 climbers died on the slopes of Everest.

aconcagua- the second of the "seven peaks", the highest mountain in South America and the highest peak in the western and southern hemispheres of the Earth.

Mount Aconcagua is located in the central Andes in Argentina. Absolute height - 6962 m. The highest peak of South America was formed during the collision of Nazca and South American. The mountain has many glaciers, the largest of which are northeastern (Polish Glacier) and eastern.

The geographic coordinates of Mount Aconcagua are 32°39′S. sh. 70°00′ W d.

Climbing the highest peak of the western and southern hemispheres of the Earth is technically considered easy if carried out along the northern slope. From the south or southwest, conquering the summit of Aconcagua is much more difficult. The first ascent of the highest mountain in South America was recorded in 1897 by the expedition of the Englishman Edward Fitzgerald.

McKinley- the third of the "seven peaks", the highest mountain in North America. Height - 6168 meters.

The geographical coordinates of Mount McKinley are 63°04′10″ s. sh. 151°00′26″ W d.

Mount McKinley is located in Alaska, in the center national park Denali. Until 1867, it was considered the highest peak of the Russian Empire, until Alaska was sold to the United States. The first explorer of Mount McKinley is the Russian leader of the expedition, Lavrenty Alekseevich Zagoskin, who first saw it from two sides.

The highest mountain in North America was first climbed by American climbers under the command of the Rev. Hudson Stack, who reached the top of the mountain on March 17, 1913.

Mount McKinley used to be called differently. The Athabaskan Indians - the indigenous people - called her Denali, which means "great." While Alaska belonged to the Russian Empire, the mountain was simply called "Big Mountain". In 1896, the highest mountain in North America received its modern name in honor of the 25th American president.

kilimanjaro- the fourth of the "seven peaks", the highest mountain in Africa. Height - 5,891.8 m.

The geographic coordinates of Mount Kilimanjaro are 3°04′00″ S. sh. 37°21′33″ E d.

Kilimanjaro is a potentially active stratovolcano in northeastern Tanzania. The highest peak in Africa consists of three main peaks, which are also extinct: Shira in the west with 3,962 meters above sea level, Kibo 5,891.8 meters in the center and Mawenzi with 5,149 meters in the east.

The top of the Kibo volcano is covered with an ice cap. Once this hat was clearly visible from afar, but at the present time. Over the past 100 years, the glacier covering the top of Africa's highest mountain has shrunk by more than 80%. The melting of the glacier is associated with a decrease in precipitation associated with deforestation in the area adjacent to the mountain. According to some scientists, the Kilimanjaro ice cap will disappear by 2020.

The first ascent of the highest peak in Africa was made in 1889 by Hans Meyer. Climbing Kilimanjaro is not considered difficult from a technical point of view, although it is incredibly spectacular. Due to the proximity to the equator, the mountain presents all that the climber sequentially passes one after the other. Thus, in the process of ascent, one can see all the main Earths in a few hours.

Elbrus- the fifth of the "seven peaks", the highest mountain in Europe and the highest peak in Russia.

The geographical coordinates of Mount Elbrus are 43°20′45″ s. sh. 42°26′55″ E d.

The border between Asia and Europe is ambiguous, as a result of which there are disputes whether Elbrus belongs to Europe. If yes, then this mountain is the highest point in Europe. If not, then the palm goes to Mont Blanc, which is discussed below.

Elbrus is located in the Greater Caucasus, on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Is an . The highest peak in Europe is a two-peak saddle-shaped volcano cone. The western peak has a height of 5642 m, the eastern one - 5621 m. The last eruption was in the 50s of our era.

The largest mountain in Europe is covered with glaciers with a total area of ​​134.5 km²; the most famous of them: Big and Small Azau, Terskol.

The first documented ascent of Mount Elbrus dates back to 1829 and was made during an expedition led by General G. A. Emmanuel, head of the Caucasian fortified line. Climbing Mount Elrus according to the climbing classification is not technically difficult. Although there are routes of increased complexity.

Vinson Massif- the sixth of the "seven peaks", the highest mountain of Antarctica. Height - 4897 meters.

The geographical coordinates of the Vinson Massif are 78°31′31″ S. sh. 85°37′01″ W d.

The Vinson Massif is located 1200 km from the South Pole and is part of the Ellsworth Mountains. The massif is 21 km long and 13 km wide. The highest peak of the Vinson Massif is Vinson Peak.

The highest mountain in Antarctica was discovered by American pilots in 1957. The first ascent to the highest peak on the southern continent was made on December 18, 1966 by Nicholas Clinch.

Mont Blanc- the highest mountain in Europe, the fifth of the "seven peaks", if Elbrus belongs to Asia. Height - 4810 meters.

The geographical coordinates of Mont Blanc are 45°49′58″ s. sh. 6°51′53″ E d.

The highest peak in Europe is located in the Alps mountain system on the border of France and Italy. Mount Mont Blanc is part of the Mont Blanc crystalline massif with a length of about 50 km. The ice cover of the massif covers an area of ​​200 km², the largest glacier is the Mer de Glace.

The first ascent of the highest point in Europe, Mont Blanc, was made by Jacques Balmat and Dr. Michel Paccard on August 8, 1786. In 1886, during his honeymoon Theodore Roosevelt, the future president of the United States of America, conquered the highest mountain in Europe.

Kosciuszko- the seventh of the "seven peaks", the highest mountain in continental Australia. Height - 2228 meters.

The geographical coordinates of Mount Kosciuszko are 36°27′ S. sh. 148°16′ E d.

The highest peak of the Australian continent is located in the Australian Alps in the south of the state of New South Wales on the territory of the national park of the same name. Mount Kosciuszko was discovered in 1840.

The first ascent of the highest mountain in Australia in 1840 was made by the Polish traveler, geographer and geologist Pawel Edmund Strzelecki. He also named the mountain in honor of the military and political figure Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

Pyramid of Carstens (Punchak Jaya)- the seventh of the "seven peaks", the highest mountain in Australia and Oceania.

There is disagreement about which mountain to rank as the last, seventh peak. If we take into account only the Australian continent, then this will be Kosciuszko Peak. If we consider the whole of Australia and Oceania, then it will be the Carstens Pyramid with a height of 4884 m. In this regard, there are currently two Seven Summits programs, including the first and second options. But the main option is still recognized as a program with the Carstens Pyramid.

The geographical coordinates of Mount Punchak Jaya are 4°05′ S. sh. 137°11′ E d.

Mount Punchak Jaya is located in the western part of the island of New Guinea and is part of the Maoke massif. The highest peak in Oceania is also the highest mountain located on the island. The mountain was discovered in 1623 by the Dutch explorer Jan Carstens. Puncak Jaya is sometimes called the Carstens Pyramid after him.

The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1962 by a group of four Austrian climbers led by Heinrich Harrer.

The highest mountains in the world by continent and country. The highest peaks of the Earth.

Note: there is still debate among scientists whether or not the Caucasus Mountains should be included in Europe. If so, then Elbrus will be the highest peak in Europe; if not, then Mont Blanc. Until unanimity was reached on this issue, we ranked the Caucasus among Europe, and therefore the mountains of the Caucasus (Russia) were included in the list of the highest mountains in Europe.

Mountain peak	The country	Height, m
The highest mountains in Europe
Koshtantau
Pushkin Peak
Dzhangitau
	Russia - Georgia
Katyn-Tau
Shota Rustaveli
	Switzerland - Italy
Kukurtli-Kolbashi
Mailikhoh
Sallyngantau
Weishorn	Switzerland
Tebulosmta
Matterhorn	Switzerland
Bazarduzu	Russia - Azerbaijan

The seven peaks are the highest mountains of all continents, with Europe and Asia having different peaks. Each of them annually attracts many people. There is an informal association of climbers who have climbed these mountains - the Seven Peaks Club.

1. Everest (Chomolungma) - Asia

Chomolungma

In Tibetan, it is pronounced "Chomolangma" - which means "Divine Mother of the Earth" in translation. In Nepali it is Sagarmatha. Chomolungma is the peak of the world. Its height is 8848 meters. It was first conquered in 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary, and in 2008, on May 8, the Olympic flame was delivered to it.

Chomolungma is part of the Himalayas. It is located in the border region between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Its main massif is located in Nepal, and the Peace Peak itself is in China. In the entire history of climbing Everest, about 3,000 ascents have been made. This is not just the highest peak in the world - it is a hypnotic place that attracts climbers of all categories and ages.

Many amateur climbers pay big money to professional guides for the opportunity to successfully climb Mount Everest. But this mountain is not the most technically difficult to climb if you choose standard routes. Other eight-thousanders, such as Chogori and Nanga Parbat, are much more difficult. Here, the conquerors are faced with tasks of a different kind: overcoming mountain sickness, combating weather conditions and the duration of the ascent.

So, the winds at the top reach 200 kilometers per hour, the temperature drops to -60 degrees, and the rise lasts 2 months. A very difficult task even for experienced climbers. That is why more than two hundred people have already died when trying to climb the Chomolungma.

Nowadays, several thousand ascents are made annually to Chomolungma. What brings large financial injections to Nepal, because in order to get permission to climb, the group must pay 25 thousand dollars per person!

Until 1856, Chomolungma remained in obscurity. On the maps it was marked as peak XV. The mountain received its status as the top of the world thanks to Andrew Waugh, the head of the geodetic service in India, who recognized it as the highest mountain of the entire Earth after the trigonometric survey of Radhanat Sikdar.

The English name Everest was given in honor of Andrew Waugh's predecessor as chief geodetic surveyor, George Everest. By the way, George Everest himself strongly opposed this.

Everest got its name also because during the definition of the mountain as the highest point in the world, the native Nepalese name Chomolungma was not known, because Nepal was then a country closed to foreigners. At the moment, China is trying to return the local name to the pike.

2. Mont Blanc (translated from Italian as "white mountain") - Europe

The Mont Blanc mountain range is located on the border of France and Italy. It is 50 kilometers long and 12 to 15 kilometers wide. The path to the Mont Blanc Summit starts from the Chamonix Valley, a famous French ski resort.

The approaches to the massif are faceted by three slopes. The French slope is a mountain range of impressive size. This real paradise for climbers, in which a wide variety of peaks are concentrated. Italian slopes are walls of rocks. On the Swiss side, there are smaller mountain ranges, but, nevertheless, very harmonious and attractive. Mont Blanc is the highest point of the Alps. It is located in their western part and has a height of 4810 meters.

The history of mountaineering in the Alps as a completely new species active rest, began in 1741, when two brave Englishmen climbed Mount Montenver. Since then, the glory of the first conquerors of the hitherto impregnable Alps belongs to Richard Pocock and Wyndham.

But the very top of Mont Blanc was conquered only on August 8, 1786 by two Swiss and a native of Chamonix, Jacques Belma and Michel-Gabriel Paccard. They became the first people to scout the way to the top of Mont Blanc. They took a considerable height of 4807 meters. In 1787, heavy research equipment was raised to Mont Blanc by the French naturalist Saussure. Since then, Mont Blanc has been officially accepted as the highest point not only of the Alps, but of all of Europe.

Mont Blanc was also conquered by the fair sex in 1808 by Marie Paradis and Countess Henriette d'Angeville. Subsequently, many brave women followed in their footsteps.

3. Aconcagua - South America

The summit of Aconcagua is the highest extinct volcano in the world. Aconcagua is located in Argentina and is part of the Andes. Its height is 6962 meters, it is the highest mountain in the entire American continent, in all of South America. The deciphering of the name is not known for certain. According to one of the opinions, the name is translated from the Araucanian language - "on the other side of the Aconcagua River." According to another opinion, it is deciphered from the Quechua language as "Stone Guardian".

Aconcagua was formed as a result of the collision of two lithospheric plates: the South American Plate and the Nazca Plate. It is located in the heart of the Andes on the territory of the Aconcagua National Park, it is covered by numerous glaciers, the largest of which are the northeastern (Polish) and eastern. Aconcagua is bounded by two mountain ranges - Valle de las Vacas - on the north and east sides, Valle de los Horcones Inferior, on the west and south.

The route of climbing Aconcagua from the technical side is not so difficult if you pass it from the north side. Although the height has a significant effect. Indeed, at the top, atmospheric pressure varies greatly and is only forty percent of the pressure at sea level. You can climb to the top quite quickly, in 5 hours and 45 minutes (according to data dated 1991).

Another climbing route to Aconcagua runs through the Polish Glacier. Approaches to the mountain are carried out on it through the Vacas valley, then the ascent to the base of the Polish Glacier follows and the intersection with the first path for further conquest of the peak.

The first ascent of Aconcagua was made on January 14, 1897 by members of the expeditionary group of the Englishman Edward Fitzgerald, Matisse Zurbriggen. And after a few days, and other members of the expedition.

Today, in order to climb Aconcagua, climbers need to purchase a climbing pass from the local authorities of the Aconcagua National Park.

4. McKinley - North America

McKinley

McKinley is the largest two-headed mountain of the North American continent, its height is 6194 meters, McKinley is also the third mountain in relative height in the world (relative height is 6138 meters). It is located in Alaska and is part of national park Denali. The summit was named McKinley in honor of the twenty-fifth President of America, William McKinley. The local name of the peak, used by the Athabaskan Indians, is "Denali", which means "Great" in translation.

The first mention of the mountain dates back to 1839. This year, the Russian navigator, as well as the military and statesman Fyodor Petrovich Wrangel, marked it on the map. And the first European explorer of the summit was also the Russian naval officer and explorer Lavrenty Alekseevich Zagoskin. And for the first time the summit was seen from two sides.

McKinley

It is no coincidence that the first McKinley researchers were Russians. Indeed, for more than half a century, from 1799 to 1867, until Alaska was sold to the United States, McKinley belonged to the Russian Empire and was called quite simply - Big Mountain.

McKinley is one of the most difficult mountains to climb. Its slopes are very steep, the air at the top is very rarefied, thanks to the high latitude of the mountain. In addition, the severe frosts of Alaska create great difficulties for climbing. For example, at an altitude of 5300 meters, meteorological stations recorded temperatures of -83 degrees Celsius there.

McKinley has two peaks. The southern peak is higher than the northern one, which is why it is more often visited by climbers. As a rule, the northern peak is climbed if the entire climbing route was laid along the northern side.

Attempts to conquer McKinley began in 1903. But they were unsuccessful. The first successful ascent of McKinley was made in 1913 by an expedition led by Hudson Stack. And the first to climb the mountain was not Hudson Stack himself, but the expedition member and Alaskan native Walter Harper.

5. Kilimanjaro - Africa

kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is an amazing place! It is surprising because only 320 kilometers from the equator on the top of Kilimanjaro there are non-melting snows. It is the highest mountain on the entire African continent and active volcano. It is located in Tanzania near the Kenyan border. Translated from the Suhali language, its name means "mountain that glitters." And this is not easy, because the climate in the upper part of the mountain is like a harsh Siberian winter with white snowy silence.

Proudly stands Kilimanjaro in the middle of the plains. There are no mountain ranges around it that can distract attention. The dimensions of the base of the mountain are impressive - 100 kilometers long and 75 kilometers wide. Kilimanjaro owes its appearance to the active volcanic activity that took place here and formed its slopes for two million years. Thus, the mountain has three peaks formed in different periods. The tallest of them is Kibo, located between the other two. East and west of it are Mawenzi and Shira.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Shira is the oldest of the three peaks. It was formed due to early eruptions, and is a plateau raised to 3778 meters above sea level.

The next highest and oldest peak is Mawenzi. It rises to 5353 meters and is a ridge connected to the youngest and highest peak of Kibo. But, an inexperienced eye does not distinguish the Mawenzi mountain range, but takes it for a huge block leaning against the snowy Kibo.

Kibo is the only one of the three peaks located beyond the snow line. She is the youngest and tallest. The shape of the top is like a dome. In the center of the dome lies a crater with a diameter of 2500 meters and a depth of 299 meters. Inside the crater there is another, smaller one, from which volcanic gases come out. The glacier covering Kibo is the largest on the entire continent. It descends the slopes to a height of 4500 meters above sea level.

kilimanjaro

Due to its location and height, Kilimanjaro includes all climatic zones. In its lower tiers, a great place for growing crops. Above 2000 meters, tropical forests begin with an abundance of birds and small animals that have found shelter in dense shrubs. Above 3500 meters begins the landscape characteristic of the moorlands. And as you approach the line of snow, you seem to be transported to the Alps! Reminds you that you are still in Africa, only frequently encountered large animals - buffaloes and leopards.

Kilimanjaro is considered a mysterious mountain for a reason. Every year it attracts the attention of a large number of tourists and even personalities with worldwide fame. Ernst Hemingway, having visited its slopes in 1938, captured what he saw in the story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro".

6. Vinson - Antarctica

Mount Vinson is located in Antarctica. This is the highest part of the continent. The massif is located just 1200 kilometers from the South Pole and belongs to the Ellsworth mountains. The length and width of the Vinson massif are 21 and 13 meters.

The Vinson massif was found more recently than others. He was noticed by American pilots flying over Antarctica in 1957. The highest point of the entire massif and the entire continent was Mount Vinson, 4892 meters high.

Vinson Massif

The name of the peak was given in honor of the famous politician of the United States of America, Carl Vinson.

7. Kosciuszko - Australia

Kosciuszko is the highest mountain on the Australian continent, its height is 2228 meters. It is located in the Kosciuszko National Park of the same name in the state of New South Wales, near the border with the state of Victoria. The mountain is part of the watershed range, located in the east of the continent. Thanks to the glaciers that passed here about 20,000 years ago, during the Pleistocene period, the mountain acquired a characteristic glacial relief with amphitheaters and madders.

Kosciuszko

Kosciuszko Peak is the main asset of the national park, opened in 1977. On the slopes of the mountain is concentrated a large number of rare plants and animals - endemic. In addition, the foot of the mountain and the places adjacent to it are the coldest in Australia. Snow on Kosciuszko lies for five months, starting in June and ending in October. Kosciuszko is the only place for ski holidays in Australia.

Kosciuszko

Kosciuszko is considered the easiest to climb of the seven highest peaks of the continents. If desired, climbing to such a low peak can be facilitated by climbing the cable car from the center of the village of Thredbo to the station located at the level of 1930 meters. After that, it remains to go quite a bit. Today, there are different opinions among climbers about Kosciuszko's belonging to the seven highest peaks. Some believe that it would be more correct to include Mount Punchak Jaya, located on the island of New Guinea, but this is still only speculation.

REFERENCE: In total, about 100 people in the world completed the so-called "Seven Summits of the World" program. Six peaks are unambiguously recognized by all: Everest (Asia) - 8848 m; Elbrus (Europe) - 5642 m; McKinley (North America) - 6194 m; Aconcagua (South America) - 6960 m; Kilimanjaro (Africa) - 5895 m; Vinson (Antarctica) - 4897 m However, Kosciuszko Peak (Australia) is still the subject of debate. many do not consider Australia as a continent without the islands of Oceania (Philippines, Indonesia ...). The second option excludes the Kosciuszko Peak (2228 m) in favor of the highest point in Indonesia - Karstensz (4884 m). Of the Russians first Fedor Konyukhov(although many would not call him a climber) climbed all the highest peaks of the continents. From the Urals: 7 peaks in the asset of Boris Sedusov and Sergey Kofanov. Sergey Efimov and Evgeny Vinogradsky have five peaks each, Valery Pershin has four. There is a Russian site www.7vershin.ru

(Before that: McKinley in 1995, El Capitan in 1996, Kilimanjaro in 1997, Aconcagua of Argentina in 1999 and Polar Circus in 2000. A school teacher and trainer, Erik is one of the most famous climbers in the world. Erik is also the author of a book on peaks A world where he describes his extraordinary story with humor, honesty and vivid detail, his fortitude and enthusiasm are inspiring.He lives in Colorado with his wife Ellie and daughter Emma.As a child, Eric had a rare retinal disease and at 13 he completely blind, but he is still actively involved in rock climbing and mountaineering, he has climbed routes 5.11b (6c+)!

"When I climb, my hands become my eyes. They scan the rock in the most thorough way and when I find something to catch on with one hand, the other reaches further in search of the next holds. The only difficulty is that I cannot see above my hands ..."

STATISTICS:

Option with peak (Kosciuszko) Kosciuszko (2228 m):

A total of 66 people, including Fedor Konyukhov.
(Accessed December 2001, everestnews.com).

The youngest who completed the Kosciuszko variation is Naoki Ishikawa (Japan) at 23 years, 327 days.

The oldest person in the Kosciuszko version was Teodors Kirsis (Latvia) at 59 years and 47 days, but the record only held for a few seconds until teammate Imants Zauls came up at 59 years, 112 days.

The shortest time to complete this task is 7 months and six hours by Rob Hall and Gary Ball (both New Zealand).

Longest duration record - 25 years and 270 days, Eric Simonson (USA). He made his first ascent of McKinley on July 10, 1974, and his last was Kosciuszko on April 5, 2000.

Option with Carstensz peak (4884 m):

Only 57 people as of December 2001.
(Accessed December 2001, everestnews.com).

The youngest to complete a variation with Carstensz is Joby Ogwyn, 26 years and 106 days old.

The oldest person is Gerhard Schmatz (Germany), at 62 years and 263 days he completed the Carstensz version.

A new record already in 2002. The shortest time to complete this task is 297 days by Andrew Salter (British).

Longest duration record - 30 years and 303 days, Gerry Roach (USA).

And 37 people did, just in case, both options:

Among the first in 1986 Pat Morrow (Canadian) and Reinhold Messner (Italian) in 1990 Oswald Oelz (Austro-Swiss) and Geoff Tabin (American), in 1992 Gerhard Schmatz (German) and Junko Tabei (Japanese) - the first woman on Everest.

The youngest is Sundeep Dhillon, who did both at 28 years and 323 days.