Mountains, these inspiring giants, are some of the most remarkable features of our planet. They stand tall, majestic, and often covered in a white blanket of snow. Let’s start a journey of reading to explore the highest mountain peaks in the world, listed from the tallest to the slightly less tall, and uncover their fascinating stories about them.
Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World
The sequence of top 10 highest mountains in the world will be like this if we name the mountain peaks in descending order of height:-
- Mount Everest
- K2 Peak (Mount Godwin-Austen)
- Kangchenjunga
- Lhotse
- Makalu
- Cho Oyu
- Dhaulagiri
- Manaslu
- Nanga Parbat
- Annapurna I
Theory of Creation:
The history of the highest mountain peak on the earth is a million years old. There are many theories describing the formation of the tallest and oldest mountain range in the world.
Plate Tectonics Theory
The tallest mountains in the world, such as the Himalayas, have a charming origin story. They were not simply placed there, but rather, they were forged through the movement and collision of the Earth’s tectonic plates. These massive chunks of the Earth’s crust, floating on a semi-liquid layer beneath them, are in a constant dance. When two of these plates, like the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, collide, the sheer force causes the land to fold and buckle, thrusting it upwards to form the towering peaks we see today. This process, which began millions of years ago, is still ongoing, shaping the planet’s most majestic mountains.
Example: The Himalayas, where the highest mountain peak on the earth like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga peak, are located, were formed by the collision of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
Volcanic Activity Theory
Some mountains are formed by volcanic activity. When magma from deep within the Earth rises to the surface, it erupts as lava. Over time, repeated eruptions build up layers of lava, creating a mountain.
Example: Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa are examples of volcanic mountains.
Detail of Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World
1. Mount Everest
- Height: 8,848 meters (29,029 feet)
- Location: Nepal and Tibet
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing History: First climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Many enthusiasts attempt climbing to reach the peak every year.
- Geographical Facts: It is the tallest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: The summit of Everest can experience extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping to -60°C (-76°F).
2. K2 Peak (Mount Godwin-Austen)
- Height: 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)
- Location: Pakistan and China
- Mountain Range: Karakoram
- Climbing History: K2 Peak was first climbed by an Italian team in 1954. The mountain is known for its difficult climbing conditions.
- Geographical Facts: K2 Peak is the second-highest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: It is considered one of the most challenging mountains to climb due to its steep and icy slopes.
3. Kanchenjunga Peak (The Sleeping Buddha)
- Height: 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
- Location: Nepal and India
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing Data: Kanchenjunga Peak was first climbed by Joe Brown and George Band in 1955.
- Geographical Facts: It is the third-highest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: It is considered a sacred mountain by the local people, and climbers often stop a few meters below the summit to honor this tradition. The Buddhist call this mountain the Sleeping buddha as the shape of this mountain looks like Buddha in a sleeping position from many places. This Mountain is visible from many states of Nepal and India.
4. Lhotse Peak
- Height: 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
- Location: Nepal and Tibet
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing Data: First climbed by a Swiss team in 1956.
- Geographical Facts: Mount Lhotse Peak is the fourth-highest mountain peak in the world.
- Other Information: Lhotse Peak is very close to Mount Everest, and climbers often use the same base camp as Everest climbers.
5. Makalu
- Height: 8,485 meters (27,838 feet)
- Location: Nepal and Tibet
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing Data: First climbed by a French team in 1955.
- Geographical Facts: Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: Makalu is known for its pyramid-shaped peak.
6. Cho Oyu
- Height: 8,188 meters (26,864 feet)
- Location: Nepal and Tibet
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing Data: First climbed by an Austrian team in 1954.
- Geographical Facts: It is considered the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: Cho Oyu is considered one of the easier 8,000-meter peaks to climb.
7. Dhaulagiri
- Height: 8,167 meters (26,795 feet)
- Location: Nepal
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing Data: First climbed by a Swiss/Austrian/Nepalese team in 1960.
- Geographical Facts: It is the seventh-highest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: The name Dhaulagiri means “White Mountain” in Sanskrit.
8. Manaslu
- Height: 8,163 meters (26,781 feet)
- Location: Nepal
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing Data: First climbed by a Japanese team in 1956.
- Geographical Facts: It is the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: Manaslu means “Mountain of the Spirit” in Sanskrit.
9. Nanga Parbat
- Height: 8,126 meters (26,660 feet)
- Location: Pakistan
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing Data: Hermann Buhl first climbed in 1953.
- Geographical Facts: It is the ninth-highest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: Naga Parbat is known as the “Killer Mountain” due to the many climbers who have perished there.
10. Annapurna I Peak
- Height: 8,091 meters (26,545 feet)
- Location: Nepal
- Mountain Range: Himalayas
- Climbing Data: Annapurna Peak was first climbed by a French team in 1950.
- Geographical Facts: It is the tenth-highest mountain in the world.
- Other Information: Annapurna I is part of the Annapurna massif, which has many different peaks and trekking routes.
Read also :- Article 161 of Indian Constitution.
These mighty mountains are inspiring and represent some of the greatest challenges for climbers from around the world. They are not just high but also have unique features and stories that make them special.
Table of Summary
In the below table we have listed the name the highest mountain in the world in a descending order.
Sl No | Mountain | Height (meters) | Location | Range | Latitude | Longitude |
1 | Mount Everest | 8,848 | Nepal/Tibet | Himalayas | 27.9881° N | 86.9250° E |
2 | K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) | 8,611 | Pakistan/China | Karakoram | 35.8808° N | 76.5133° E |
3 | Kangchenjunga | 8,586 | Nepal/India | Himalayas | 27.7025° N | 88.1475° E |
4 | Lhotse | 8,516 | Nepal/Tibet | Himalayas | 27.9617° N | 86.9330° E |
5 | Makalu | 8,485 | Nepal/Tibet | Himalayas | 27.8897° N | 87.0883° E |
6 | Cho Oyu | 8,188 | Nepal/Tibet | Himalayas | 28.0947° N | 86.6608° E |
7 | Dhaulagiri | 8,167 | Nepal | Himalayas | 28.6967° N | 83.4872° E |
8 | Manaslu | 8,163 | Nepal | Himalayas | 28.5497° N | 84.5597° E |
9 | Nanga Parbat | 8,126 | Nepal | Himalayas | 35.2372° N | 74.5892° E |
10 | Annapurna I | 8,091 | Nepal | Himalayas | 28.5958° N | 83.8203° E |
Significance of Mountains
There are many Geographical as well as Environmental Significance of Mountains. They are more than just tall and majestic; they play a crucial role in our world. Let’s explore why mountains are so important for our planet and the environment!
Water Sources
Water Supply: Mountains are often called “water towers” because they store and release fresh water. Snow and glaciers on mountains melt in warmer seasons, providing water to rivers and lakes.
Drinking Water: Many people rely on this meltwater for drinking, farming, and other daily needs directly.
Climate Regulation
Weather Patterns: Mountains can influence weather and climate. They block wind and affect rainfall patterns. For example, one side of a mountain may be wet and lush, while the other side is dry and desert-like.
Temperature Control: Higher elevations have cooler temperatures, which can help moderate the climate in nearby areas.
Read also :- Article 72 of Indian Constitution.
Biodiversity
Home to Unique Species: Mountains provide a habitat for many unique plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else. These species have adapted to the high altitudes and harsh conditions.
Biodiversity Hotspots: Some mountains are biodiversity hotspots, meaning they have a very high number of different species living in a small area.
Human Benefits
Recreation and Tourism: The beauty of mountains attracts tourists for activities like hiking, skiing, and climbing. Mountains can bring economic benefits to local communities.
Cultural Significance: Many mountains hold cultural and spiritual importance for local people. They are often featured in myths, legends, and traditions.
Environmental Protection
Erosion Control: The vegetation on mountains helps prevent soil erosion. Trees and plants hold the soil together with their roots, reducing the risk of landslides.
Natural Barriers: Mountains act as natural barriers, protecting areas from harsh winds and storms.
Climate Change Indicators
Sensitive Ecosystems: Mountains are sensitive to climate change. Changes in temperature and precipitation can be observed quickly in mountain environments.
Glacier Melting: The melting of mountain glaciers is a clear sign of global warming. Scientists study these changes to understand the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion
Mountains are quite important for the health of our planet. They provide water, regulate the climate, support diverse life, and offer many benefits to humans and other lives on the planet earth. By protecting and preserving mountains, we help ensure a better environment for everyone.
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Which is the oldest mountain range in the world?
The Barberton Mountains in South Africa which is known as Makhonjwa Mountains, is considered as the oldest mountain range in the world. These Mountains are situated in Barberton Greenstone Belt. These mountain range was formed 3.5 billion years ago.
Which is the 2nd highest peak in the world?
K2 Peak or Mount Godwin-Austen is the 2nd Highest peak in the world with a height 8,611 meters after the Mount Everest (8,848 m).
Which peak is the highest peak of Himalaya?
The Giant Mount Everest with a height of 8,848m is the highest peak of Himalaya as well as the World.
Which is the Highest Mountain peak in the world?
Mount Everest in Himalayan Range is the Highest Mountain peak in the World.
Name the Mountain Peaks in Descending Order.
1. Mount Everest
2.K2 Peak (Mount Godwin-Austen)
3.Kangchenjunga
4.Lhotse
5.Makalu
6.Cho Oyu
7.Dhaulagiri
8.Manaslu
9.Nanga Parbat
10.Annapurna I
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