Top 10 Highest Mountains in the World (2026): Heights, First Ascents and Death Rates

• HighestEverest, 8,848.86 m (2020 Nepal and China survey)
• SecondK2, 8,611 m, Pakistan and China
• In Nepal or on its border8 of the top 10
• First one climbedAnnapurna I, 3 June 1950
• Highest death ratio (Nepal data)Annapurna I, about 13 per 100 summits
• Nepal royalty, spring 2026Everest USD 15,000, most others USD 3,000

Mountain peaks are some of the natural world's most striking features. These towering giants rise above the surrounding landscape, offering wide views and a sense of adventure to those who dare to climb them. From the Alps range to the rugged summits of the Rocky Mountains, mountain peaks can be found worldwide, each with unique character and challenges. Whether you are an experienced climber or enjoy the beauty of nature from afar, the majesty of mountain peaks is sure to inspire awe.

Here are the 10 highest mountains in the world. Eight of them stand in Nepal or on its borders, and Nepal is also home to eight of the 14 peaks above 8,000 metres. The other two in the top 10, K2 and Nanga Parbat, are in Pakistan.

The 10 Highest Mountains at a Glance

Heights are the accepted survey figures, with Everest from the 2020 joint survey by Nepal and China. Deaths per 100 summits for the Nepal peaks come from the Himalayan Database to February 2025, the same figures we use in our guide to the easiest 8,000 m peaks.

* The Himalayan Database covers Nepal and the Tibetan side only. For K2 and Nanga Parbat, published compilations differ: K2 has roughly 90 to 100 deaths against about 800 to 1,000 summits, and Nanga Parbat more than 80 deaths against a little over 400 summits. Treat both figures as rough.

1. Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet - 8,848.86 Meters (29,031.7 feet)

Mount Everest is the world's tallest mountain, with an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), the official figure confirmed by the 2020 joint survey by Nepal and China. Situated in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet, the mountain sits in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range. It is the highest peak in the Earth's land mass above sea level.

Photo: Mount Everest

Everest is known for its extremely harsh and unforgiving weather conditions, which have claimed the lives of many climbers over the years. Despite the challenges, hundreds of climbers attempt it every season, drawn by the thrill of standing on the roof of the world. The first ascent was made on 29 May 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The mountain remains as popular as ever: in the record spring 2026 season Nepal issued 492 climbing permits, and preliminary counts put the season at roughly 950 to 1,000 summits.

Since then, Alan Arnette's count puts the total at about 13,700 summits through 2025, and 339 people died on the mountain between 1922 and 2025 (see our Everest death toll guide). The route to the summit of Everest is dangerous and requires a high level of skill, physical fitness, and endurance. The Nepal side lies in Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, whose lower valleys shelter rare animals such as the snow leopard and the Himalayan tahr. A spring climbing permit from Nepal costs USD 15,000 per climber since 1 September 2025, and USD 7,500 in autumn. For the exact location and how to reach it, read where is Mount Everest.

2. K2, Pakistan/China - 8,611 Meters (28,251 feet)

Mount K2 is also known as Chhogori - the second-tallest peak, with a height of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). The mountain sits in the Karakoram mountain range in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, near the border with China.

Photo: Mount K2

As K2 has its steep and treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions, it is considered one of the most formidable mountains to climb in the world. It is known as the "Savage Mountain" because of the high number of deaths on its slopes. Despite these challenges, K2 has a strong allure for experienced mountaineers, and many have attempted to reach its summit.

An Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio made the first ascent on 31 July 1954, when Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni reached the top. Compilations now count somewhere between about 800 and 1,000 summits and roughly 90 to 100 deaths, and a team of ten Nepali climbers made the first winter ascent on 16 January 2021. In recent years, the number of people attempting to climb K2 has increased, with some teams using modern technology and techniques to improve their chances of success.

The mountain is located in the Karakoram mountain range, which is home to many other high peaks, including Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II, and Masherbrum. The area is known for its natural beauty and is popular with trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers. We compare it with Nepal's deadliest peak in Annapurna vs K2.

3. Kangchenjunga, Nepal/India - 8,586 Meters (28,169 feet)

Mount Kangchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world. It stands at 8,586 meters and is located on the border between Nepal and India.

Photo: Mount Kangchenjunga

The mountain is part of the Kangchenjunga Himalayan range, including several other peaks over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) in elevation. Kangchenjunga is a famous mountain for climbing. The first ascent was made on 25 May 1955 by a British expedition led by Charles Evans, with Joe Brown and George Band reaching the top. However, it remains one of the less-frequented peaks in the Himalayas due partly to its remote location and difficulty. The mountain is sacred to both the Nepali and Sikkimese people. The Himalayan Database counts 54 deaths against about 690 summits to February 2025, close to 8 per 100 (more in how difficult it is to climb Kanchenjunga).

The 1955 first-ascent party honoured a promise to the Maharaja of Sikkim by stopping just below the top, and although not every modern expedition follows the custom, it remains an important mark of respect.

Despite its remote location and challenging terrain, Kangchenjunga is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare birds, mammals, and insects. The mountain is also an essential water source for the surrounding region, with several large glaciers feeding into nearby rivers and streams.

4. Lhotse, Nepal - 8,516 Meters (27,940 feet)

Mount Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 8,516 meters (27,940 feet) above sea level. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet and is part of the same massif as Mount Everest.

Photo: Mount Lhotse

Mount Lhotse has three prominent peaks: the main summit, Lhotse Middle (East) at 8,414 meters (27,605 feet), and Lhotse Shar at 8,383 meters (27,503 feet). Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger of a Swiss expedition made the first ascent on 18 May 1956.

The normal route to Lhotse shares the Everest route through the Khumbu Icefall and the Western Cwm and up the Lhotse Face, a steep slope of ice more than 1,000 metres high that is fixed with ropes every season. Just below the South Col, Lhotse climbers turn off into the Reiss Couloir, a narrow snow gully that leads to the summit. With about 1.7 deaths per 100 summits on Himalayan Database figures, it has one of the lower ratios among the 8,000 m peaks.

Climbing Mount Lhotse is a physically and mentally demanding endeavor that requires a high level of technical skill, physical fitness, and endurance. Experienced mountaineers only attempt it, and even with proper training and preparation, the climb can be dangerous due to the extreme altitude, harsh weather conditions, and the risk of avalanches and other hazards.

5. Makalu, Nepal - 8,485 Meters (27,838 feet)

Mount Makalu has an elevation of 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) above sea level. It is located on the border between Nepal and China, about 19 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of Mount Everest.

Photo: Mount Makalu

Makalu is an isolated peak with four sharp ridges that form a pyramid shape. It has a complex structure, with several subsidiary peaks and several glaciers. The mountain's main peak is on the border between Nepal and China. Two subsidiary peaks, Kangchungtse (Makalu II, 7,678 m) and Chomo Lonzo (7,804 m), rise to the north, and the Barun valley runs below its southern side.

Makalu was first climbed on 15 May 1955 by a French expedition led by Jean Franco, with Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy reaching the summit first. The standard route to the summit follows the northwest ridge, which involves technical climbing at high altitudes. The mountain is considered one of the more complicated 8000m peaks to climb due to its steep and exposed ridges, and it is less popular with climbers than some of the other 8000m peaks in the region. The Himalayan Database counts 51 deaths against 891 summits, about 5.7 per 100.

Makalu is located in a protected area known as the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered red panda and the Himalayan black bear. The area is also home to several small villages, and the locals depend on the mountain for their livelihoods and spiritual practices.

6. Cho Oyu, Nepal/Tibet - 8,188 Meters (26,864 feet)

Mount Cho Oyu is the sixth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) above sea level. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet and is considered one of the most accessible 8,000-meter peaks, with about 1.3 deaths per 100 summits, the lowest ratio of the Nepal 8,000 m peaks in the Himalayan Database.

Photo: Mount Cho Oyu

Herbert Tichy, Josef Joechler, and Pasang Dawa Lama made the first ascent in October 1954. Since then, it has become one of the most climbed 8,000 m peaks, almost always by the northwest ridge from Tibet. The Nepal side is steep and technical, with no regular commercial route. China kept Cho Oyu closed to foreign expeditions in autumn 2026, so check that permits are being issued before you plan a climb.

The mountain is covered in snow and ice for much of the year, and climbing requires a high level of physical fitness, technical climbing skills, and proper equipment. Spring and fall seasons have stable weather making it convenient to summit Cho Oyu.

On the Tibetan side, climbers drive to a base camp at about 4,900 meters and walk up to an advanced base camp near 5,700 meters. Three camps follow on the ridge, the first at around 6,400 meters (21,000 feet) and the highest at about 7,500 meters. The final push to the summit usually starts in the early hours, to avoid avalanche risk and use the cooler temperatures.

Climbing Cho Oyu can be a challenging and rewarding experience, offering wide views of the surrounding mountains and a sense of accomplishment for those who reach the summit. However, it is essential to be well-prepared and to take the necessary safety precautions when climbing at such high altitudes.

7. Dhaulagiri, Nepal - 8,167 Meters (26,795 feet)

Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) above sea level. It sits in the Dhaulagiri Himal in west-central Nepal, north of the Myagdi valley, and it is the highest mountain lying entirely inside Nepal. Its south and west faces each rise more than 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), and the summit stands about 7,000 meters above the Kali Gandaki gorge some 30 kilometers to the southeast, one of the greatest rises on Earth.

Photo: Mount Dhaulagiri

Dhaulagiri was first climbed on 13 May 1960 by a Swiss-Austrian expedition led by Max Eiselin, when Kurt Diemberger, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nawang Dorje and Nima Dorje reached the top. The team followed the northeast ridge to the summit, which is still the standard route today. Other lines have been climbed since, but the huge south face has still not been climbed to the summit (see Dhaulagiri South Face).

Dhaulagiri is a popular destination for experienced mountaineers. Still, it is also considered a technically challenging and dangerous mountain due to its high altitude, extreme weather conditions, and avalanche hazards. The Himalayan Database counts 92 deaths against 707 summits to February 2025, about 13 per 100, close to Annapurna. As with all high-altitude mountain climbing, proper training, acclimatization, and equipment are essential for a successful and safe ascent of Dhaulagiri.

Also Read: Best Peak Climbing Season In Nepal

8. Manaslu, Nepal - 8,163 Meters (26,781 feet)

Mount Manaslu stands at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas of Nepal, on the border with Tibet. Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu of a Japanese expedition made the first ascent on 9 May 1956, and it is now a popular destination for mountaineers and trekkers.

Photo: Mount Manaslu

The mountain has a pyramidal shape with several steep ridges and faces. The north face is particularly steep and presents a technical challenge for climbers. The mountain is prone to avalanches and has a high risk of altitude sickness, so it is essential for climbers to be well-prepared and acclimatized before attempting to reach the summit. Many past climbers stopped at a lower foresummit, and since the Himalayan Database review of October 2021 only the true summit counts. Its ratio is about 2.4 deaths per 100 summits, and autumn is the main season, with a Nepal royalty of USD 3,000 then and USD 1,500 in spring.

There are several routes to the summit, but nearly all expeditions today climb the northeast face from Samagaun. For trekkers, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which crosses the 5,106-metre Larkya La pass, is the classic way to experience the mountain up close. You are never away from wide views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape, as well as an opportunity to meet the Gurung villages lower down the valley and the Tibetan Buddhist Nubri communities higher up.

Despite its popularity and the increasing number of tourists visiting the area, the mountain and its surroundings remain much quieter than the Everest and Annapurna regions, which makes it a good choice for many travelers.

9. Nanga Parbat, Pakistan - 8,126 Meters (26,660 feet)

Nanga Parbat is at a height of 8,126 meters (26,660 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Diamer District of the Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan.

Photo: Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat is known for its steep and challenging climbing routes and is often listed with Annapurna and K2 as one of the three deadliest 8,000 m peaks. Thirty-one climbers died on it before the first ascent, which earned it the name Killer Mountain, and compilations now count more than 80 deaths. The name means "Naked Mountain" in Urdu and Hindi, and it suits the stark, exposed look of the peak.

Nanga Parbat has several different climbing routes, including the Rakhiot Flank, the Diamir Face, and the Rupal Face. The Rupal Face is the highest mountain face in the world, rising almost 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) from its base.

Despite its formidable reputation, many experienced mountaineers have also successfully climbed Nanga Parbat. The first ascent was made on 3 July 1953 by Hermann Buhl, who climbed the final stretch alone on a German-Austrian expedition led by Karl Herrligkoffer.

10. Annapurna, Nepal - 8,091 Meters (26,545 feet)

Annapurna, the 10th highest mountain, sits at an altitude of 8,091 meters above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas of north-central Nepal and is part of the Annapurna mountain range.

Photo: Annapurna I

Annapurna is a Sanskrit name that means "full of food" or "never hungry" and is named after the Hindu goddess Annapurna, the goddess of agriculture and nourishment. Annapurna is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous mountains due to its steep and exposed slopes and the high risk of avalanches and other natural disasters.

The first successful ascent of Annapurna was made by French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal on 3 June 1950, the first of all the 8,000 m peaks to be climbed, but both men lost toes to frostbite and Herzog lost most of his fingers (read the full story of Maurice Herzog). Despite the challenges, Annapurna remains a coveted prize for elite mountaineers. The Himalayan Database counts 559 summits and 75 deaths to February 2025, about 13 deaths per 100 summits, the highest ratio of any 8,000 m peak in its records. The mountain is also an important cultural and spiritual site for the people of Nepal and is revered as a sacred place by Hindus and Buddhists.

Which of These Can You See on a Trek?

You do not need to climb any of them to see them up close. All eight of the Nepal giants can be seen from popular trekking routes.

Climbing the Nepal Peaks: Permits in 2026

Every 8,000 m peak in Nepal needs a Department of Tourism expedition permit, issued through a registered agency. Since 1 September 2025 the spring royalty is USD 15,000 per climber on Everest and USD 3,000 on the other 8,000 m peaks, with autumn rates at half that, except Manaslu, where autumn is the dearer season. Since 2025 solo climbs are banned on all of them and teams need one guide for every two climbers. Our peak climbing permits guide has the full fee table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to go deeper? Read how the numbers stack up in our guides to the easiest 8,000 m peaks and the easiest 7,000 m peaks in Nepal, or see what it costs in lives on our Everest death toll page. Dreaming bigger? Explore the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek to stand beneath the third-highest mountain on Earth.