The Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world. This is a climber’s Mecca. Nepal, even when troubles with Maoist rebels occur, is always home base for all the world’s mountain climbing operations. Here you will not only find Mount Everest, but dozens of other peaks that are among the world’s highest. Neighboring India, Tibet, and Bhutan also share some of the mountain kingdom’s glory, with 23,000+ foot peaks of their own.
- Mount Everest, Nepal
Since the late Sir Edmund Hillary made this climb in 1953, adventurers the world over have made this their goal too. It’s the world’s highest peak, but don’t expect to be alone. This mountain is climbed frequently. Many are turned away. Many never return.
- K2, Pakistan
At 28,251 feet above sea level, K2 is the world’s second highest mountain and one of the most desired climbs.
- Shishapagme, Tibet
With an altitude of 26,335 feet, Shishapagme is one of the world’s great peaks, although relatively unknown when compared to Everest or K2. It’s often considered the best "first" 26,000 foot ascent.
- Cho Oyu, China
The sixth highest mountain in the world is a fairly straightforward climb, although far form easy.
- Kangchenjunga, India
Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and the highest peak in India at 28,169 feet. The mountain contains five peaks above 26,000 feet, and is home to the Red Panda and other rare snow animals.
- Ama Dablam, Nepal
Often paired with Laboche peak, 22,349 foot Ama Dablam in the Khumbu region of Nepal is one of Nepal’s most frequently climbed and favorite peaks.
- Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan
The highest peak in this remote area of the Himalayas tops out at 24,406 feet making it easily the most under climbed 23,000 foot mountain in the world.
- Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan
The summit of this 24,836 foot peak has never been reached, although many have tried. Subsidiary peaks have been ascended though.
- Mount Küiten, Mongolia
Straddling the border region with Russia and China, Mount Küiten is one of the most isolated high climbs in Asia. The 14,350 foot glaciated peak is moderately technical.
- Kongur Tagh, China
Kongur Tagh, hidden in China’s Kunlun Mountains, wasn’t even discovered until 1900. The 25,095 foot peak is sometimes called China Pamir.