7 Peaks - "Star Seven" of the highest peaks of each of the Earth's continents:

“7 Summits” is a collection of ascents to the highest peaks of seven continents. The program appeared in 1981 and has since become popular.
Today, more than 40 thousand people in the world are implementing the program, and more than 150 have already conquered all seven peaks:

Mountains in the climbing challenge "7 Summits"

1. Everest (8848m) is the highest peak in Asia and the highest peak on the Earth. Located on the border of Nepal and Tibet.
2. Aconcagua (6962m) is the highest peak in South America. Located in Argentina.
3. McKinley (6194m) is the highest peak in North America. Located in the USA, Alaska.
4. Kilimanjaro (5895m) is the highest peak in Africa. Located in Tanzania.
5. Elbrus (5642m) is the highest peak in Europe. Located in Russia.
6. Vinson Massive (4897m) - the highest peak in Antarctica. Located in Antarctica.

And 2 controversial peaks:

• Pyramid Carstensz (4884m) - the highest peak in Australia and Oceania .. Located in Indonesia on the island of New Guinea.

OR

• Kosciuszko Peak (2228m) is the highest peak in Australia. Located in Australia.

DICK BASS AND THE SEVEN PEAKS PROJECT.

Mountaineering competitions.

At times, especially during the ideological confrontation of the Cold War period, European mountaineering authorities lost their temper when they heard only a mention of the possibility of mountaineering competitions.
This, they say, is contrary to the very spirit of freedom.
They were probably right. However, nothing can be done about it, it is a fact that the whole history of mountaineering is the history of competitions, the history of the struggle for primacy, for recognition and, most terribly sinful, for money.

Our story is about the birth of one kind of mountaineering race, an unusual competition that is now tearing many amateur and professional mountain climbers from their homes, forcing them to embark on journeys across continents.

The role of personality in history. McKinley - the beginning of the project

Richard "Dick" Bass

Among the tortured affairs of American multimillionaires, there are different types of personalities, including many original ones. One of them - - has a face that is in its own way classic for its class - it is a constant wide smile, demonstrating optimism and educational self-confidence.

However, nothing artificial - "wide-mouthed" Bass, he is by nature. An unbridled optimist, easily hiding from the public all the doubts that inevitably torment any person. Especially one who plays risky games on the edge of the abyss. As an oil and coal magnate, Bass did a lot of creative things.

So one day he acquired a piece of land in a mountain gorge in Utah and created one of the most interesting ski resorts USA under the name Snowbird.
In his development, he invested no less soul than in the upbringing of his four children. In the winter of 1980-1981. the famous American climber Marty Hoy got a job at this resort in the rescue service.

She was the only female certified guide who had the right to lead clients to the highest peak in the United States - McKinley. At their first meeting, Bass did not quite seriously notice whether we should go to this summit together. He had some climbing experience behind him, in particular, he went to the Matterhorn with his two sons and climbed Mont Blanc. Marty's answer was offensively defiant, they say, "he does not have enough reactive gases." Dick was hurt and decided not to leave the challenge unanswered.

The highest point of North America, located in Alaska, Mount McKinley is often now called by another name - Denali, in the Indian manner. At one time it seemed that the enthusiasts of the struggle for the honor of local names won a complete victory, and the name of the 25th President of the United States. (assassinated in 1901 by an anarchist) William McKinley will disappear from maps. However, the situation soon reached a dynamic equilibrium.

To many, the name Denali already seems imposed by bureaucrats. It is believed that the general massif bears the name Denali, and the specific mountain is McKinley, and this is a convenient way out. Its height is 6194 m. The peak is located beyond the Arctic Circle, this alone speaks volumes. The proximity of the sea and the height makes the climate changeable and difficult to predict; in winter, the conditions here are simply cosmic.

There are many routes on McKinley, but most climbers walk along West Butress - a long and technically uncomplicated one.

At least 20 thousand people have already successfully climbed the highest point in the United States. In May-June, there are usually good climbing conditions. This is largely due to the comfortable conditions of the 24-hour polar day. Climbing programs for McKinley are planned for at least two weeks, and their cost is in the region of $ 3000.

The history of the first ascent of the mountain is rather complicated. Until recently, it could be said that the first recognized ascent to the highest point was made on June 7, 1913 by four Alaskans led by priest Hudson Stack, who, by the way, was the first to start the struggle to return the name of Denali to the summit. Now, I don't want to say that. Our climbers Oleg Banar, Viktor Afanasyev and Valery Bagov brought too convincing arguments in defense of Frederick Cook and his 1906 ascent.

The first winter ascent was made, perhaps, by the famous Japanese traveler Naomi Uemura. However, it is not known for sure: on the last communication, on February 13, 1984, he reported that he was on the pre-summit ridge. Maybe even on the descent. No one saw him again.

Bass's character was firm, his tenacity and enthusiasm could work wonders. The expedition took place in a few months - in May 1981. On the ascent, Bass noticed that he was working on the route no worse than more experienced and young climbers. McKinley is a difficult mountain in all respects, in order to climb it there is simply not enough money. You need patience and endurance, the ability to work every day in a harsh and changeable polar climate. One way or another, the birth of a real climber took place here.

During the expedition, Dick, who was not particularly athletic, showed simply miracles of ability to work. And after a successful ascent, Marty in the same style gave him an apologetic compliment: "Bass - you're just a beast!" Later, he will write that it was these simple words that inspired him to the most risky project in his life.

His Idea arose suddenly, it happened on the descent from McKinley. And what if you climb all the highest peaks of the continents! However, it finally materialized later, when Dick received an unexpected call from the representative of the executive director of the film company "Warren Brothers" Frank Wells.

It turns out that a similar non-standard thought was born in the head of another multimillionaire. At what it appeared after reading in the newspaper notes about the ascent of Bass to McKinley. The idea was that this should be done quickly, within one, maybe one and a half years. They are no longer young people - over 50, and they wanted - once they got in shape, to climb all the peaks.

For the sake of this project Wells left his high and monetary post, to which he had been striving for 15 years. But the main thing is to learn how to reach the top in business and later he managed to achieve the same prominent position in another famous company - Walt Disney.

Highest point of Europe

At the beginning of the discussion of the program, a certain incident arose.
Frank believed that he was already at the highest point of Europe - Mont Blanc.
However, his friends corrected him, Elbrus is the highest point of Europe. An extinct two-headed giant, lost somewhere in a mysterious state called the USSR. "Well," said Frank, "Russia is an adventure in itself."

It turned out that organizing the ascent to Elbrus was as easy as shelling pears. You pay money ($ 850) and go, everything else is done by a Soviet organization called the International Mountaineering Camp (MAL) "Caucasus". However, despite the clarity of the organization, good weather and the excellent work of the Soviet guides and instructors, the expedition did not end with complete success.

On the saddle of Elbrus (5300 m) Wells became ill to such an extent that he lost coordination of movements and control over himself. Literally by force, they managed to turn him down. Having dropped the height, he came to his senses. But only Bass reached the top of the Americans in 1981.

Elbrus is the highest point in Europe and Russia. It is located in the central part of the Caucasus Mountains, slightly north of the Main (Dividing) ridge. Elbrus is an extinct volcano with two peaks that are almost equal in height. The highest of them - Western - 5642m, Eastern reaches 5621m. The first ascent was made on East peak in 1829, the conductor of the Russian military-scientific expedition, Kilar Khashirov.

In 1874, the British ascended the Western Summit with the Swiss guide Peter Knubel. In Soviet times, Elbrus became the object of mass ascents. For a long time, the starting point for the ascent was the famous Shelter 11. In 1998 it burned down, but this did not stop the flow of climbers. Hundreds of climbers climb to the top every year, although it is not known how many, unfortunately, there is no single statistics. In addition to the route from the south, which is used by the absolute majority of climbers, there is a northern route, where a small shelter is also built.

The confrontation began in South America

Was it easy for Bass and company to reach the highest peak in South America - Aconcagua? It's not even easy. Climbing it was planned as a training and acclimatization before Everest. Therefore, we chose not the classic route, which is a simple high-mountain trail, but a more difficult one - snow-ice - "Polish" route. Its upper part is a rather steep slope that turns into a long ridge. Arranging reliable belaying all along the way here would take too long. Therefore, the insufficiently prepared Wells was again left without a summit. And Bass climbed to the summit on January 21, 1982, together with the famous climber Jim Wickwire.

The summit of Aconcagua is also officially called Sero Aconcagua. Height - 6962 m, located in Argentina, near the Chilean border. The mountain has a pronounced asymmetric character: a steep southern wall and gentle slopes on the other side. It is also of volcanic origin. The classic route runs from the west, with an approach to the summit from the north. This is a trail that winds through the rocky heaps of the western slope. There are no technical difficulties. Even donkeys climb this path. However, there is danger in lightness.

An altitude of almost seven thousand meters suggests hypoxia, often cold and wind. The base camp Plazza Mules is located at an altitude of 4200 m. It is clear that spending the night here already presents certain difficulties for non-acclimatized people. Usually they go up the mountain with two nights at 5300 m and 6000 m. Above, there is a shelter where you can sit out in case of a suddenly changed weather.

The first ascent to Aconcagua was carried out in 1897. The expedition, which did a lot to explore the area, was led by the Englishman Edward Fitzgerald. In the first attempt, only one person reached the summit - the Swiss guide Matthias Zurbriggen.

Fitzgerald made his second ascent a few days later. The first great achievement of Polish climbers in the mountains of the world was the opening of a new route to Aconcagua from the north along the glacier, which became known as the Polish one. They went this way in 1934, it is more complicated than the classical one and requires the use of cats. The South Face is one of the most challenging climbing sites in the world. It has been completed a few times. For the first time - a strong French team in 1954.

A few days after Bass, 28-year-old Canadian climber Pat Morrow ascended Aconcagua. Interestingly, he also viewed this ascent as a training climb before Everest.

By this time, Morrow had chosen a career as a professional mountaineering photographer and journalist. An exciting but not very profitable activity. Unlike his opponents, he could participate in expeditions either on a business trip from editorial offices or at the expense of sponsors. However, Morrow was a really strong climber, and this earned him the right to participate in the national Canadian expedition to Everest.

Everest. A challenge for real.

The highest point of the planet has long been shrouded in a halo of mystery. Everest fought off several climbing attempts from 1921 to 1952. Only th.

By the early eighties, the number of climbers did not greatly exceed the number of deaths on its slopes. In the 1970s, climbing Mount Everest meant joining the elite climbers' club. This, in fact, remained in the early 80s, when Bass and Wells set as their goal the ascent of it.

They could get to the top only as part of a strong expedition and with a successful combination of circumstances. The matter was complicated by the fact that the Nepalese and Chinese authorities issued a single number of permits. As a result, a terrible line formed for years to come. However, it was in the early 1980s that money began to play its usual role as a disruptive agent. Although then in the foreground there were still connections and good relations with people.

In a team made up of the best American climbers and led by Lou Whitacker, Bass and Wells got on to it fairly easily, thanks to Marty Hoy, who was one of the most respected members. This attempt was for them with practically no chance of success, the route was too difficult.

Friends understood this, but it was important to get the necessary experience. They became part of the expedition, which set as its goal to climb the not passed Norton couloir.
The route from the north was quite within the power of their team, but during one of the decisive exits, the ridiculous tragic mistake committed by Marty Hoy.
She broke and died.

Marty was a beautiful and intelligent woman, not inferior either in technique or in endurance to the best climbers. She dreamed of going to the "Seven Summits" with Dick, and her death was a great shock for the entire expedition, which soon ended its work.

Everest has two other official names. The official Sino-Tibetan is Chomolungma (or Chomolungma) and the official Nepalese is Sagarmatha. Its height is 8848 m, although measurements made with the latest methods show 8850 m. Currently, Everest has turned from an elite into an object of mass mountaineering. However, the mass character is rather relative. This event is very expensive.

It is only guaranteed that it will be very difficult, patience and endurance will be required, dry air will rip your throat, constant thirst will make thoughts about drinking obsessive, and the brain will not be able to think about anything seriously, just count the steps until the next stop.

There are two of the most popular routes to Everest. From the south from Nepal they go through the Khumbu Icefall and the South Col. From the north, from China, the route has more technical difficulties, but they are solved thanks to fixed stairs and railings.

Expeditions from here are generally 2 times cheaper. Now, in the most popular spring season, on both routes, Sherpas work the slopes and hang thousands of meters of rope. But even so, the weather decides everything. Conditions favorable for climbing are expected for weeks. And after waiting for the moment, dozens of climbers go to the top. The Nepalese authorities have set very high fees for the permit (permit), the Chinese (from the north) charge less, but also a lot. But now, unlike the times of Bass, there are no queues, there is money - I packed up and went.

Unlike Bass, Pat Morrow successfully climbed Mount Everest on the classic route in the fall of 1982. On the descent from the summit, Pat considered his future plans. Why not try to climb all the highest peaks of the seven continents? At home, friends gave him an article from an American magazine to read about two eccentric millionaires (Bass and Wells). It was hard to imagine how they would be able to climb Everest, but the publicized idea made Morrow more active. He set out to climb all of the remaining peaks during 1983.

The disappearing snows of Kilimanjaro.

Bass and his company ascended Kilimanjaro on September 1, 1983. Physically, it was a decent load, but the route did not pose any technical difficulty or danger.

Climbing Kilimanjaro (5895m) on the usual path is not really mountaineering. This is rather an exotic trip. Topped with a white cap, the summit rises above the savannah, where herds of antelopes roam and families of lions watch over them. An additional charm is given to it by the immortal tale of Hammingway and the snow that you see in Equatorial Africa. In general, it is rather a reason for philosophical reflections.

Kilimanjaro is an extinct volcano even more pronounced than Elbrus. Its main distinguishing feature is a huge crater filled with ice along the edges. This glacier is dying, and its area is dramatically decreasing. According to scientists' calculations, by 2015 it will be gone.

There are several easy routes to the top along the trails. The most popular and shortest is Marangu. Nine out of ten climbers climb here. Only on it huts have been rebuilt, and all overnight stays are held in relatively comfortable conditions. Marangu is also called the "Coca-Cola" route, because you can actually buy soft drinks on it. Routes Machame, Lemosho, Rongai and others - also do not present any technical difficulties, being accessible to any physically healthy person. Difficult routes can only be found on the western slopes.

Climbing the highest point in Africa has long been a business. With a pronounced African identity. The mountain is on the territory national park, this gives a legal basis for collecting money from climbers. All Aboriginal people involved in the service consider it perfectly legal for themselves to tip. And still, the total cost of such a trip does not look large. If, of course, we compare it with Everest.

After climbing in Africa, two weeks later they ascended Elbrus (Bass again, and Wells for the first time). The hospitality and precision of the work of the Soviet climbers again made a great impression on them. The head of MAL, Mikhail Monastyrsky, announced on the day of his arrival after the feast that Frank Wells, like an old friend, would be served free of charge during his second attempt. Well, where else was it possible? The guests could not guess that for the amount paid by one participant, ours could serve five people!

Pat Morrow at this time carried out an even more global maneuver: in July he ascended Elbrus, then in August climbed Kilimanjaro and in September reached the highest point of Australia - Mount Kosciuszko. He had six of the Seven Peaks on his account, and in the fall he called Frank Wells with a request to include him on the expedition to Vinson. The conversation of the opponents was correct.

Do you have 200 thousand dollars?
- No.
- This is the first thing you need.

Frank honestly told all aspects of their already two-year struggle to organize an expedition to the highest point of Antarctica. But he did not invite a competitor to participate in it.

Vinson. Invasion of the ice continent.

Antarctica is a very special continent. There are no boundaries on it, and all management essentially belongs to scientists. Until the 1980s, there were no athletes and even just tourists there, and no one was officially going to admit them there. The cost of the program was also an important deterrent. Therefore, even such disruptive people as Wells and Bass took almost two years to organize an expedition to the highest point of Antarctica.

It turned out, among other things, that there are only two planes in the world that can fly to the desired point, land and climb on an untreated ice heel. And only 2 pilots in the world are capable of undertaking such a flight. In addition, a number of other points must coincide, and still the success of the expedition is not guaranteed.

The budget of the expedition was almost a million dollars, which was hard to shell out even for Bass and Wells. It is good that they were joined by a famous skier and mountaineer, who managed to raise a couple of hundred thousand dollars in Japan, then prosperous. In addition to them, the famous English climber played a significant role in the expedition.

By and large, this peak was key to solving the problem of the "Seven Peaks".

The complexity of organizing this expedition simply did not allow anyone to put such a question on the agenda before. Vinson was discovered by American explorers in the 1950s during an airplane flight over the Ellsworth Mountains. The measured altitude surprised them, they checked and confirmed once again - there is the highest point of the continent 4879 m!

It was named after the American congressman, who actively lobbied for funding for the scientific study of Antarctica. The first ascent required the organization of a special expedition of the American Climbing Club, which did not go without the help of the government.
The ascent was led by Nicholas Clinch, the highest point was reached by a group of 10 climbers on December 17, 1966. The second group, consisting of scientists, ascended the summit in 1979. One of the three climbers was our compatriot Vladimir Samsonov.

This actually reflected our role in the development of the continent. The route to Vinson is not technically difficult. In addition, mostly well-trained climbers come here and it is not surprising that most of them reach the highest point. More than 500 people have already done this, about 95% of the participants reach the top.

Vinson is the only one of the peaks in the world, the ascent of which is monopolized by one firm. The Canadian-English "Adventure Network" was formed just during the epic of the first conquest of the "Seven Summits". One of its founders was the same pilot Giles Kershaw, a participant in the Dick Bass epic.
The cost of a trip according to the established scheme is now about $ 30,000. The Russian IL-76 plane takes from the mainland to the Patriot Hills intermediate camp, and then on board the small plane the climbers reach the base camp at an altitude of 2134 m.
In the process of acclimatization, 3 more intermediate camps are established. From the 3700 m camp, climbers go to the top.

The flight to the Vinson area was a risky climb in itself. Private jet DC-3, manufactured in 1944, was chartered. The flight passed first from Canada through California to the south of Chile, then to the Antarctic base and to the summit area. When the ice flight ace landed, Giles Kershaw just skied across the glacier and ascended into the sky again. It was intelligence.
From the second approach, he landed successfully, jumping pretty well over the sastrugs. The team enthusiastically embarked on the ascent. It seemed that there were no significant obstacles. However, the first attempt was thwarted by strong winds. Only Bonington reached the top.
On the second attempt, on November 30, 1983, Bass managed to climb in conjunction with Rick Ridgway, followed by the rest, including Wells. At the same time, Miura successfully completed the descent on skis almost from the very top to the base camp.

Morrow's Failure and Bass's Feat.

During 1983 and 1984, Bass tried twice to climb Mount Everest on the classic route from the south. Both times are unsuccessful. At this time, Pat Morrow managed to raise funds and fellow travelers to organize an expedition to Vinson in the southern summer of 1984-1985. The same DC-3 and the same irreplaceable Kershaw. However, this time fortune turned away from the climbers. During the first attempt, they were caught in a violent storm that damaged the wings of the plane. We returned to Argentina for repairs. But the second attempt ended in failure: this time the engine was damaged.

At this time, Bass was making desperate efforts to get on his fourth expedition to Everest. This time I had to deal first with a cold-blooded descendant of the Vikings, then with no less cold-blooded Nepalese bureaucrats.

Arne Ness - who organized the expedition was also an oil industrialist. He resisted for more than two months and, in the end, billed Bass an unimaginable sum for an ordinary person - $ 75,000 just for the right to participate. This was not the only problem - the Nepalese authorities decided to ban representatives from participating in the expedition. different countries... Bass's partner, renowned cinematographer and mountaineer David Brichers, has reached the country's prime minister.

And Bass was given personal permission, in violation of the rules. The Americans were late for the start of the expedition and only on March 29 flew to Kathmandu. Thanks to good weather, support and constant help from David in great shape, the ascent went well.

Although it took away all the strength that Dick Bass had. On April 30, 1985, he stood at the top of the Earth, thus completing his heroic epic entitled "Seven Summits". True, there was still a descent, during which artificial oxygen ran out, and a desperate struggle for life began, and at times it seemed that it was easier to surrender.

But I had enough strength. After a while, a solemn banquet for 400 people was held in Snowbird in the premises of a mountain restaurant ...

Australia. Kosciuszko or Carstens?

Dick Bass, along with Wells "made" Kosciuszko in December 1983, immediately after returning from Vinson. Pat Morrow successfully completed the epic with Vinson on November 19, 1985.

However, he was not satisfied with the role of the second conqueror of the Seven Summits. The Canadian decided to listen to a different point of view, which is dominant today. It was actively promoted, who at that time also became a contender to become the first in the "Seven Summits" race.

Although, by and large, international law does not regulate which peaks are among the seven. The fact is that continents or continents, unlike countries, do not have clear boundaries. Some geographers refer to them only land areas surrounded by oceans. Others included the so-called continental shelf with islands located on it. From the second point of view, the highest point of Australia is located in the Irian Jaya mountains of New Guinea and reaches an altitude of 4885 m.Pat Morrow climbed this peak on August 5, 1986.

Generally, reference books, and the most important of them, equated to legislative documents, Encyclopedia Britannica, call Mount Kosciusko (or in Polish Kostsyushko, and in local - Kozyuko) the highest point of Australia. The 2228 m peak rises only slightly in the series of mountains of the Main Range of the Australian Alps. The name was invented by a researcher of the area, a Pole by origin.

It was given in honor of the national hero who fought for the independence of the United States, then for the independence of Poland and was friends at the end of his life with the Russian-Polish Tsar Alexander I. The ascent of Kosciuszko Peak is not a mountaineering feat, a challenge. The road goes almost to the very top.

The Pyramid of Carstens is the name of the highest mountain in New Guinea in honor of the discoverer of the island, the Dutch sea captain of the 17th century - a limestone massif, to the top of which a rocky route leads, approximately 2-3rd category of difficulty. But the hardest part is getting to the route itself. It can be said that the business technology is less well-tuned here than at other peaks of the G7.

The western part of New Guinea politically belongs to Indonesia, whose authorities, in an insane number of their own problems, pay little attention to it. So the first obstacle - bureaucratic - may not be allowed. The second is the sheer wildness of this island located in the equatorial zone. Here you can get sick if you get wet in the constant rains, eat something wrong or from the bite of someone unknown. At the foot of the mountain there is a large open pit for the extraction of copper ore. There is a road to it, but recently the management of the mine, conducting a morally questionable business, prohibits tourists from using their infrastructure.

The famous Austrian climber and traveler Heinrich Harrer (the one who spent 7 years in Tibet) is considered the first climber of Carstens. This happened in 1962. For a long time, this remote region did not attract much attention. But since the rivalry between Bass and Morrow, there has been a steady demand for this peak. Gradually, a proposal was formed.

The coronation continues. The popularity of the Seven Summits program is growing.

In September 2002, 34-year-old American Eric Wayhenmeyer climbed to the top of Carstens. He is the only one who did not see a single peak he climbed.
The thing is, Eric is blind. As he himself claims, it is not necessary to see the mountains, they can be felt in a different way.

Eric is ranked 101 on the conqueror list, including both Australian variants: Carstens and Kosciuszko. Since then, the list has been replenished with many, many surnames.
Now there are 140 of them.

The first woman was a Japanese woman. This amazing woman has collected the largest collection of the highest peaks of individual countries at the moment.

This year there were new record holders, the youngest - 20-year-old Englishman Rhys Miles, the fastest - Indian Mali.

Bass's dream - to climb the "Seven Summits" in a year was the first to be realized by a New Zealand high-mountain guide

	Mountain peak	Mountain system	Mainland	Height
	Chomolungma (Everest)
	Peak of Communism
	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 mount Mauna Kea - a shield volcano located in the Hawaiian Islands.

The height of the Mauna Kea mountain 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 4205 meters.

Age volcano Mauna Kea is about a million years old. The peak of the volcano's activity falls on 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 in the world in parts of the world.

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

List of "seven peaks":

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

Seven highest mountain peaks in 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 Himalayan mountain system, the Mahalangur-Himal ridge. The southern peak (8760 m) lies on the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region (China), the North (main) peak (8848 m) is located in China.

The geographical coordinates of Mount Chomolungma are 27 ° 59′17 ″ s. sh. 86 ° 55'31 "in. etc.

What Chomolungma (Everest) is highest mountain 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 triangular pyramid. The southern slope is steeper, snow and firn are not kept on it, therefore 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 in 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, the conquest of 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. The absolute height is 6962 m. The highest peak in South America was formed by the collision of Nazca and South American. The mountain has many glaciers, the largest of which are northeastern (Polish glacier) and eastern.

Geographic coordinates of Mount Aconcagua 32 ° 39 ′ S. sh. 70 ° 00 ′ W etc.

Climbing the highest peak in the western and southern hemispheres of the Earth is technically considered easy if it is carried out along the northern slope. It is much more difficult to conquer the summit of Aconcagua from the south or southwest. The first ascent to 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 geographic coordinates of Mount McKinley are 63 ° 04′10 ″ s. sh. 151 ° 00′26 ″ W etc.

Mount McKinley is located in Alaska, in the center of Denali National Park. 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 both sides.

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

Mount McKinley used to be called differently. The Athabasca 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.

Geographic coordinates of Mount Kilimanjaro - 3 ° 04'00 ″ S. sh. 37 ° 21'33 "in. etc.

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 Mavenzi with 5,149 meters in the east.

The summit of the Kibo volcano is covered with an ice cap. Once this hat was clearly visible from afar, but now. Over the past 100 years, the glacier covering the summit of the highest African mountain has decreased by more than 80%. The melting of the glacier is associated with a decrease in the amount of precipitation associated with deforestation in the area adjacent to the mountain. Some scientists estimate that the Kilimanjaro ice cap will disappear by 2020.

The first ascent to the highest peak in Africa was made in 1889 by Hans Meyer. The climb to Kilimanjaro is not considered difficult from a technical point of view, although it is incredibly spectacular. Due to the proximity to the equator, all are presented on the mountain, which the climber sequentially passes one after another. Thus, during the ascent, you 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 ″ in. etc.

The border between Asia and Europe is ambiguous, as a result of which there are disputes over whether Elbrus belongs to Europe. If so, 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-peaked saddle-shaped volcano cone. The western summit has a height of 5642 m, the eastern one - 5621 m. The last eruption took place in the 50s of our era.

The largest mountain in Europe is covered with glaciers with a total area of \u200b\u200b134.5 km²; the most famous of them: Bolshoi and Maly 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 mountaineering classification is not technically difficult. Although there are routes of increased difficulty.

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

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

Vinson Massif is located 1200 km from the South Pole and is part of the Ellsworth Mountains. The massif stretches 21 km in length and 13 km in width. 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 of 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 ″ in. etc.

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 \u200b\u200b200 km², the largest glacier is the Mer de Glace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is disagreement over which mountain should be ranked as the last, seventh peak. If we take into account only the Australian continent, then it will be Kostsyushko 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 the program with the Carstens Pyramid.

The geographical coordinates of the Punchak-Jaya mountain are 4 ° 05 ′ S. sh. 137 ° 11 ′ east etc.

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

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 a debate among scientists whether or not the Caucasus Mountains are to be considered 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 as Europe, and therefore the Caucasus Mountains (Russia) were included in the list of the highest mountains in Europe.

Mountain peak	Country	Height, m
Highest mountains in Europe
Koshtantau
Pushkin Peak
Dzhangitau
	Russia - Georgia
Katyn-Tau
Shota Rustaveli
	Switzerland - Italy
Kukurtli-Sausages
Mailihokh
Sallyningantau
Weisshorn	Switzerland
Tebulosmta
Matterhorn	Switzerland
Bazarduzu	Russia - Azerbaijan

Earlier on the site it was told 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 Karakorum, therefore it is customary to distinguish also the 7 highest mountain peaks in the world, one for each part of the world. Climbers who have conquered all these mountains are members of 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, but Australasia appears as a part of the world, i.e. a region that includes Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and adjacent islands The Pacific... Accordingly, instead of the highest peak in Australia - Mount Kostsyushko, 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, in which Australia appears 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 there are still disagreements between geographers 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 Messner's 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.

The highest mountain peak in Asia - Chomolungma in the Himalayan mountain system, also known as Everest... Chomolungma in Tibetan means "lord of the winds", as for the English name Everest, it is assigned in honor of Sir George Everest, the head of the geodetic service of British India in 1830-1843. The height of the summit 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 a Sherpa (Sherpas are 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 system. 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. During the ascent, the influence of altitude is noticeable, the atmospheric pressure at the summit is about 40% of the pressure at sea level. However, the use of oxygen cylinders is not required when climbing. Even children can conquer this mountain with appropriate preparation: 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 - Denalipart of the Alaska Ridge. Height is 6194 meters. Located in the USA (Alaska). From 1896 to 28 August 2015, the mountain was called McKinley, in honor of the 25th President of the United States of America, now the mountain has returned to its traditional Indian name - Denali (this word means "great" in the language of the Athabascan 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.

The highest mountain peak in Africa is the Kilimanjaro volcano. 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 on 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 in the Caucasus, on the border of the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The first ascent to Elbrus was carried out by a Russian expedition led by Georgy Emmanuel in 1829.

The highest peak in Antarctica - vinson array... Height is 4892 meters. The first ascent took place in 1966 by an American expedition led by Nicholas Clinch. Conquering Vinson is an expensive pleasure due to the inaccessibility of Antarctica and heavy 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 thousand per person and include shipping to Antarctica from Chile.

The highest mountain peak of Australasia (a region that includes Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and the adjacent Pacific Islands) - Jaya (other name - Carstens pyramid). Height is 4884 meters. Jaya is the tallest mountain in the world located on the island. The first ascent of Jaya took place in 1962 - it was made by a group of four Austrian climbers led by Heinrich Harrer.

The program of ascents to the highest peaks of all continents has an abbreviated name, which can also be called the brand - "Seven Summits". 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 for setting goals in life for hundreds of citizens of different countries. The vast majority of those who climb Everest, in one way or another, aim at 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-summit" 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 very few climbers. When it comes to personal funds. However, only a minority of those who hunt for the "Seven Summits" spend exclusively their own money. Most are supported by sponsors, governments, or travel through charitable fundraising programs. The legislation of, relatively speaking, "Anglo-Saxon" countries allows you to deduct donations from the tax base for the needs of a number of organizations. These are medical institutions, funds for aid to veterans of military conflicts, disabled people, etc ... Collecting donations for them, the climber “unfastens” a little for his travels. At the same time, the fact that so much money is printed in these countries than in others, this leads to the fact that half of the list of "seven vertices" are citizens of the United States, Great Britain and Canada and Australia that have joined them.

The Seven Summits program came into being in the first half of the 1980s, when the first signs appeared that it was real. The entire history of its occurrence is described in our article.

Let's remind that, according to the encyclopedias: "continent" (from the hardened - strong, big), this is the Russian analogue of the European word "continent" (from Latin continens - singular). Continents are large masses of the earth's crust, most of the surface of which protrudes above the level of the World Ocean in the form of land. Islands do not belong to continents and continents.

From a scientific point of view, the objects of the Seven Summits 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 geographic. We are actively against this. 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 Caucasus peak is highly controversial. From the point of view of Soviet geographers, the border of the parts of the world runs along the Kumo-Manych depression, while Elbrus goes to Asia. There is an even greater variety of views on whether the Carstens Pyramid is considered the highest point in Australia. The western part of the island of New Guinea does not belong to the "Green Continent" with any of the scientific theories. These are all amusing disputes and arguments that 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. Karstens Pyramid (Punchak Jaya), 4884 m. Australia. Kostsyushko Peak (Kosciuszko), 2228 m. Australia.

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

Everest (8848 m) - the highest peak of the part of the world Asia, the continent of Eurasia and the highest peak of the planet Earth (if you count from ocean level), 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 have shown different results even with modern techniques. Therefore, the indicated height is conditional, it was accepted as a result of agreement, so as not to whip up passions.

Climbing Everest requires careful preparation, about two months of life in expeditionary conditions and overcoming the problems associated with staying 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 Everest. Recently, ascents are made mainly in the spring, in the so-called weather windows. This usually happens on the 20th of May. In this case, routes from the south and from the north are fully fixed with fixed ropes.

Climbing Everest, which 30-40 years ago meant joining the group of the mountaineering elite, has become a commercial event. 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. Permits are much cheaper here, access by car to the base camp is possible and there are much less objective dangers (ice falls and avalanches). Western firms like more southern route... First of all, for fear of the unpredictability of the Chinese authorities, which may close the area for minor reasons, without any compensation to the organizers. Individual participants may not be given a visa for political reasons. But there is still a moment, in the South, at a higher price, the organizers' profits are much higher than in the North.

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Aconcagua (6962 m) - the highest peak in America and the continent of South America, also major in the southern hemisphere of the planet. The mountain is located in Argentina, a large and colorful country. The ascent to Aconcagua is a real high-altitude ascent, which is carried out, so to speak, in the conditions of a facilitated expedition (the duration of the trip is only 20 days). Separate transportation of cargo at the bottom of the route facilitates the ascent, as does 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, it is altitude, the reaction to which is often unpredictable even among experienced athletes. The main obstacle is considered to be strong winds, which are associated with the openness of the territory to air masses from the oceans.

About 3000 climbers try to climb the Aconcagua every year. They climb two gorges from two base camps. However, the routes at the top are the same. About half of the participants are successful. This is due to the lack of readiness of the 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 whenever possible. So we highly recommend joining a group led by visiting, Russian speaking guides. Better - from our company ...

Climbing programs for Aconcagua are becoming more expensive from year to year due to the policy of local authorities. So don't delay.

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Denali (6194 m) - the highest peak of the continent of North America... Located in the United States, in the state of Alaska, near the Arctic Circle. A typical ascent takes about three weeks, of which two weeks are hard work in the glacier zone, in near-extreme conditions. 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 have to solve the puzzle of obtaining an official permit and an American visa. All this is not difficult at all if you start on time.

In recent years, the number of climbers aiming to climb Denali has stabilized at around 1,500 per year. The 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 by airplanes become dangerous and stop by the beginning of August.

The American authorities give permission to organize commercial programs only to a few companies and only with an American "residence permit". For us, this means the need to use American guides under an agreement with one of the local companies. Let's just say that agreeing on all the details of interaction with them was not a smooth process. The difference in mentality between our two mountaineering schools is very significant, but now mutual understanding has already been reached and the problems are a thing of the past.

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Kilimanjaro (5895 m) - the highest peak of the continent and part of the world Africa. The mountain is located in Tanzania, near the border with Kenya and the equator. She is considered the highest single standing peak the world. The local National Park strictly regulates climbing and allocates a limited number of days for expeditions, on average a week. At the same time, one of the goals is to ensure maximum employment for the local population working in serving groups. Therefore, for one climber there are two or even more employees of host companies.

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the equatorial climate zone. The temperature difference between seasons is minimal. Almost ascents can be made 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 absolute majority. Therefore, the ascent to the highest point can be done by no more than one third of the visitors. At the same time, representatives of our country reach the top almost everything. Is it the power of salt or greed (money paid)?

In any case, a trip to Kilimanjaro is an exciting adventure, acquaintance with the amazing nature of Africa and its people is simply amazing. it the best way to fall in love with the "black continent", which many are wary of. And, of course, we consider it compulsory to include in the program the so-called "safari", 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 to the north of the Main Caucasus Range and, accordingly, from the border with Georgia. Climbing in favorable conditions requires only basic climbing skills and is available to all physically healthy people. However, the load will still be serious, and the effect of the height will make itself felt. The recommended period for the Elbrus ascent is 9 days.

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

Elbrus is still a territory of freedom. In this regard, only Kostsyushko 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 7 Summits Club on Elbrus

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Vinson Massif (4897 m) is the highest peak of the part of the world and the continent of Antarctica. The mountain is located on an amazing ice continent that still belongs to all of humanity. However, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe summit itself, the sovereign owner is the firm ALE (Antarctic Logistic Expedition), which determines the "rules of the game" here. But even the simplest calculations of 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 the 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 being checked.

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And the highest point of the part of the world and the continent of Australia, coupled with a colossal area of \u200b\u200bOceania, is represented by two options: the Karstens Pyramid and Mount Kosciushko.

Pyramid Carstens, it is, in the Indonesian way, Punchak Jaya (4884-5 m, on some maps even 5030 m) - the highest peak in Australia and Oceania. Located on the island of New Guinea. The most politically problematic mountain of the "Seven Summits", which until then was simply closed for 10 years. It is a rocky ridge of considerable length, located above the humid tropical jungle. Ascent and descent 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.

For quite a long time, there has been a helicopter option, in which they fly to the base camp in a rotorcraft. However, there are also pitfalls here. Bad weather is a daily occurrence here, every flight is under the threat of disruption.

The seven peaks are the highest mountains of all continents, and Europe and Asia have different peaks. Each of them attracts many people every year. There is an informal association of climbers who have climbed these mountains - the Seven Summits club.

1. Everest (Chomolungma) - Asia

Chomolungma

In Tibetan it is pronounced "Chomolangma" - which means "Divine mother of the Earth". In Nepali - "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. Located in the border area between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of the PRC. Its main massif is located in Nepal, and the peak of Peace itself is in China. In the entire history of climbing Everest, about 3000 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 a lot of money to professional guides to successfully climb Everest. But this mountain is not the most technically difficult to climb, if you choose standard routes. Other eight-thousanders such as Chogori and Nangaparbat are much more difficult. Here, the conquerors are faced with tasks of a different kind: overcoming altitude sickness, fighting weather conditions and the duration of the ascent.

Thus, the winds at the summit reach 200 kilometers per hour, the temperature drops to -60 degrees, and the rise continues for 2 months. Quite a challenge, even for experienced climbers. That is why more than two hundred people have already died while trying to climb Chomolungma.

In our time, several thousand ascents are made to Chomolungma every year. What brings Nepal a big financial investment, because in order to get permission to climb the group must pay 25 thousand dollars per person!

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

The English name Everest was given in honor of the predecessor Andrew Waugh as the head of the geodetic service of George Everest. By the way, George Everest himself opposed this in every possible way.

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 peak.

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

The Mont Blanc mountain range is located on the border of France and Italy. In length it is 50 kilometers, in width - from 12 to 15. The path to the Summit of Mont Blanc begins from the Chamonix Valley - a famous French ski resort.

The approaches to the massif are bounded by three slopes. The French slope is a mountain range of impressive size. This is a real paradise for climbers, in which the most diverse peaks are concentrated. The Italian slopes are cliff walls. On the Swiss side there are mountain ranges smaller, but nevertheless very harmonious and attractive. Mont Blanc is the highest point in the Alps. It is located in the 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 explore the path 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 in the Alps, but throughout 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

Summit Aconcagua is the tallest 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 decoding of the name is not known for certain. According to one opinion, 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 Guard".

Aconcagua appeared as a result of the collision of two lithospheric plates: the South American plate and the Nazca plate. It is located in the very heart of the Andes in the Aconcagua National Park, it is covered with 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 ascent route to Aconcagua from the technical side is not so difficult if you pass it from the north side. Although the height has a significant impact. 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 for Aconcagua runs through the Polish Glacier. Approaches to the mountain are carried out on it through the Vacas valley, then an ascent to the base of the Polish glacier and crossing with the first trail for further conquest of the peak.

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

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

4. McKinley - North America

McKinley

McKinley is the largest double-headed mountain on the North American continent, its height is 6194 meters, as well as McKinley is the third highest mountain in the world (relative height 6138 meters). It is located in Alaska and is part of national park Denali. The name McKinley summit received in honor of the twenty-fifth president of America, William McKinley. The local name of the peak, used by the Athabasca Indians, is "Denali", which means "Great".

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 peak was seen from two sides.

McKinley

It is no coincidence that McKinley's early explorers were Russian. 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 thin, due 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, they climb to the northern summit if the entire route of the ascent was laid along the northern side.

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

5. Kilimanjaro - Africa

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is Amazing place! It is surprising because only 320 kilometers from the equator, on the top of Kilimanjaro, there is melting snow. It is the highest mountain in the entire African continent and active volcano... It is located in Tanzania near the Kenyan border. Translated from the dry language, its name means "a mountain that glistens." 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.

Kilimanjaro stands proudly in the middle of the plains. There are no mountain ranges around it that can divert attention to themselves. The base of the mountain is 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 over two million years. Thus, the mountain has three peaks, formed at different periods. The tallest of them is Kibo, located between the other two. To the east and west of it are Mavenzi and Shira.

Summit of 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 highest 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 behind the snow line. She is the youngest and tallest. The top is similar in shape to 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 escape. The glacier that covers Kibo is the largest on the entire continent. It descends the slopes to an altitude of 4500 meters above sea level.

Kilimanjaro

Due to its location and height, Kilimanjaro includes all climatic zones. In its lower tiers, there is a great place for cultivating agricultural crops. Above 2000 meters, tropical forests begin with an abundance of birds and small living creatures, which have found shelter in dense bushes. Above 3500 meters, the landscape characteristic of the moorland begins. And as you approach the snow line, it is as if you are transported to the Alps! Reminds you that you are still in Africa, only the most common 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 world-famous personalities. Ernst Hemingway, having visited its slopes in 1938, captured what he saw in the story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro".

6. Vinson - Antarctica

The Vinson Mountain Range 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. It was noticed by American pilots flying over Antarctica in 1957. The highest point of the entire massif and the entire continent was taken Mount Vinson, with a height of 4892 meters.

Vinson Massif

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

7. Kostsyushko - Australia

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

Kostsyushko

Kostsyushko Peak is the main asset of the national park, opened in 1977. A large number of rare plants and animals - endemics are concentrated on the slopes of the mountain. In addition, the foot of the mountain and the surrounding area are the coldest in Australia. Snow on Kostsyushko lasts for five months, starting in June and ending in October. Kostsyushko is the only place for ski holiday in Australia.

Kostsyushko

Kostsyushko is considered the easiest to climb of the seven highest peaks of the continents. If desired, the ascent to the already so low peak can be facilitated by taking the cable car from the center of the village of Thredbo to the station located at the level of 1930 meters. After which it will remain to pass quite a bit. To date, there are different opinions among climbers about Kostsyushko's belonging to the seven the highest peaks... Some believe that it would be more correct to include the Punchak-Jaya mountain located on the island of New Guinea in it, but this is still just a reflection.