As you know, there are 6 continents on planet Earth, each of which has its own highest point. 7 peaks of the world- these are the peaks of six continents, from the largest of them Eurasia - two peaks are taken: Europe and Asia.
We offer you a list of seven peaks in ascending order of height. The easiest mountains for climbing, which do not require special mountaineer training: Kostsyushko and Kilimanjaro.
The 7 Summits of the World program appeared thanks to the American Dick Bass: in 1981, together with Frank Wells, he embarked on an ambitious project, deciding to conquer the highest points of the continents. Starting from Mount McKinley, Bass conquered all 7 peaks by 1985. Now the "7 Summits Club" unites thousands of followers all over the world.
In addition to the seven peaks of the world, there are - the highest Mountain peaks planets exceeding 8000 meters above sea level. In total, there are 14 mountains on Earth - eight-thousanders, all of them are in Central Asia. In addition to Everest, these include: Chogori, Annapurna, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and others.
It is difficult even for experienced professional climbers to get the “crown of the earth”, that is, to conquer all the existing eight-thousanders, the “seven peaks of the world” program is more accessible.
7 peaks: list
There are two versions of the Seven Summits of the World program, the duality is associated with the continent of Australia. Its highest point is Kostsyushko Peak, but in New Guinea, which formally belongs to Oceania, there is a higher point - the Karstens pyramid or, in other words, Mount Jaya. Based on the fact that Australia and Oceania are one part of the world, the ascent must be done on Mount Jaya. Climbers choose the most convenient option for them or conquer two points at once.
Also, sometimes there are discussions about Elbrus: should we consider this peak located in Europe or Asia? Those who adhere to the second version attribute Mont Blanc, located in the Western Alps, to the highest peak in Europe. Thus, excluding Elbrus from the program of 7 peaks of the world, since the highest peak in Asia is Everest (Chomolungma).
Kostsyushko
Part of the light: Australia
Mountain system: Australian alps
2228 meters away
First ascent: in 1840
The first conquerors: Pavel Edmund Strzheletsky
The lowest of the seven world peaks is Mount Kostsyushko, it rises on the territory national park"Kostsyushko" in Australia. Polish traveler Edmund Strzelecki was the first to climb the mountain in 1840. He also came up with the idea of the name of the peak: in honor of the national hero of Poland Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746 - 1817).
Stone pedestal at Kostsyushko peak Climbing Kostsyushko is accessible to unprepared tourists, this is facilitated by a low altitude and a convenient path - it is impossible to get lost here. A walk to Kostsyushko can be combined with the second highest peak in Australia - Townsend (2209 meters).
Jaya or
Part of the light: Australia and Oceania
Mountain system: Maoke
Peak height above sea level: 4884 meters
First ascent: 1962 g.
The first conquerors: Austrian climbers B. Huizinga, R. Kippax, F. Templ under the leadership of Heinrich Harrer.
Mount Punchak-Jai or simply Jaya (Pobeda), another name - Carstens Pyramid, is located on the island of New Guinea in Oceania. It was discovered for Europeans by Jan Karstens in 1623, for which it got its name.
The Karstens pyramid is considered technically quite difficult to climb, you will need climbing equipment. There are two options for climbing Mount Jaya: by helicopter to base camp or on foot through the jungle. The first method is faster and safer.
Part of the light: Antarctica
Mountain system: Ellsworth
Height above sea level: 4892 meters
The first conquerors: a group of 10 American climbers led by Nicholas Clinch
Vinson Massif is the highest point of the coldest continent in the world, Antarctica. Due to the many peaks of approximately the same height, it was not easy to select the top at first. For the first time, the massif, as well as the Ellsworth Mountains, became known in 1935, when Lincoln Ellsworth saw them from above during a flight. The name is associated with the name of Carl Vinson - the American Congressman, on the initiative and with the help of whom Antarctica was actively explored.
The first full ascent was made in December 1966 by American climbers led by N. Clinch. Climbing heights is complicated primarily by weather conditions and territorial remoteness.
Part of the light: Europe
Mountain system: Caucasus mountains
Height above sea level: 5 642 m.
First ascent: in 1868 to the eastern peak, in 1874 to the western.
The first conquerors: Kabardian Killar Khashirov (eastern peak), British F. Gardiner, F. Grove, G. Walker and J. Knubel (western peak)
Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia and Europe, located in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. It is of volcanic origin. Elbrus is rightfully considered one of the seven wonders of the world in Russia. There are many variants of the name of the mountain in different languages: Jin-padishah - "king of mountain spirits", Oshkhamaho - "mountain of happiness", Mingi-Tau - "eternal mountain", etc.
The mountain has two peaks, the highest of them is the western one - 5642 meters, the eastern one just below - 5621 meters. Elbrus is known for over 23 glaciers that feed large rivers Kuban, Baksan and Malka. From the highest point of Elbrus, a view of the Black and Caspian Seas opens up.
The expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences under the leadership of General G.A. Emmanuel first attempted to conquer Elbrus in the middle of the 19th century, but the ascent was carried out only by the guide K. Khashirov.
During the Great Patriotic War, the German mountain infantry division "Edelweiss" under the leadership of Captain Heinz Groth climbed Elbrus. On August 21, 1942, Hitler's flags were hoisted on its summits. In February 1943, the Nazi flags were removed by the Red Army and Soviet banners were installed. The ascent was carried out in frost and snow conditions.
The slopes of the mountain are gentle, but the considerable height requires some preparation. On the this moment due to the developed infrastructure, Elbrus and Elbrus region attract not only professional climbers (high-speed races, extreme climbs), but also winter sports enthusiasts.
Part of the light: Africa
Mountain system: detached mountain
Peak height above sea level: 5895 meters away
First ascent: in 1889
The first conquerors: German Hans Mayer and Austrian Ludwig Purtcheler
On the territory of Tazania, on the border with Kenya, the picturesque Mount Kilimanjaro rises, which is a sleeping volcano. Its highest peak, Uhuru, is the highest point in Africa, the roof of Africa, as it is often called, is included in the 7 Summits program.
Uhuru Peak The name "Kilimanjaro" can be translated from the language local residents like a "sparkling mountain". At the beginning of the 20th century, Kilimanjaro was called the Summit of Kaiser Wilhelm. Kilimanjaro's hat is always covered in glaciers and snow.
Kilimanjaro is suitable for climbing even for inexperienced hikers without training and equipment. The easiest route is Lemosho, its duration is 5-8 days, which allows you to smoothly acclimatize and it is easier to survive mountain sickness. You will need warm clothing and footwear for the ascent.
Denali (old name McKinley)
Part of the light: North America
Height peaks above sea level: 6190 meters
Mountain system: Alaska ridge
The first conquerors: Hudson Stuck
One of the seven highest peaks in the world is Mount Denali (McKinley). Initially it belonged to the territory of Russia, it was called Bolshaya. V late XIX century was renamed McKinley (in honor of the American president). The modern name is Denali (which translates as "Great").
For the first time, Dr. Frederick Cook tried to conquer the peak at the beginning of the 20th century: an unsuccessful ascent did not stop the traveler, and after 3 years the idea was crowned with success. However, the Hudson Stack expedition is considered the officially recognized record. In the XXI century, the mountain was conquered by Matvey Shparo (with a group of climbers with disabilities), Kilian Jornet Burghada (the fastest ascent), Lonnie Dupre (single ascent). It is recommended to climb Denali during the summer months.
Mount Aconcagua
Part of the light: South America
Mountain system: Andes
Height above sea level: 6960.8 meters
First conqueror: Matthias Zurbriggen
Aconcagua - the highest point of the Americas, is located in Argentina, Aconcagua National Park, the nearest city of Mendoza. The name of Mount Aconcagua is translated as "snow mountain", once it was an active volcano.
Aconcagua Feature - Low Atmosphere pressure at the top, however, even physically unprepared people can conquer its northern slope (the rest of the slopes are dangerous due to strong winds and steep ascents). home
Among the record-breaking ascents, one can single out:
- the rise of 87-year-old Scott Lewis;
- the fastest climb among men (about 12 hours) - Karl Egloff, among women (12.5 hours) - Fernanda Maciel.
Part of the light: Asia
Mountain system: Himalayas
Peak height above sea level: 8848 meters away
The first conquerors: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
Mount Everest or Chomolungma is the highest point on Earth. Every climber dreams of conquering Everest, but not everyone manages to do it. Located in Asia, the absolute record holder for altitude, Everest is the highest point of the planet and the oldest geological formation (60 million years old). From the Tibetan name of the mountain Chomolungma is translated as "the holy mother of the Universe." Discovered in the middle of the 19th century, the summit was originally called Peak XV, and then received the name Everest after the name of the geodesist George Everest.
Despite the considerable cost, climbing the slopes of the mountain is very popular among climbers. The notoriety of the "cemetery" of unlucky conquerors of the peaks (after the mark of 6500 meters, the "death zone" begins) does not frighten travelers: the bodies of climbers, frozen into the slopes, still serve as landmarks for groups. Obstacles such as strong winds, pressure drops and frost can only be overcome by experienced athletes.
The mountain submitted to the pioneering climbers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary (1953). It is on Everest that many records are set, for example, children (13-year-old Jordan Romero), elderly people who have changed their nineties (Miuro Yuchiro) have been here. The record holder for the number of ascents to Everest is the Nepalese Kami Sherpa (24 times since 1994).
Among the female conquerors of Chomolungma, one should remember the Japanese woman Janko Tabei (climbing in 1975). She became the first woman in the world to climb Everest. She is also the first woman to conquer all seven peaks of the world. Lhakpa Sherpa is a Nepalese who ascended Everest 9 times. Indian mountaineer Malawat Purna became the youngest athlete to climb Mount Everest. At the time of the ascent, she was 13 years and 11 months old.
The program of ascents to the highest peaks of all continents has an abbreviated name, which can also be called a brand - "Seven Summits". In English, which is understandable to the whole world - “Seven Summits”. This is one of the climbing collections, the fulfillment of which is an incentive for setting goals in life for hundreds of citizens. different countries... The vast majority of those who climb Everest, one way or another, set themselves the goal of fulfilling 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 assistance 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 possible to do it. The entire history of its occurrence is described in our article.
Let us recall that, according to the encyclopedias: "continent" (from mature - strong, big) is the Russian analogue of the European word "continent" (from Latin continens - singular). The continents are large tracts 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. First, 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. With none of the scientific theories Western part the islands of New Guinea do not belong to the "Green Continent". These are all amusing disputes and arguments that have practically nothing to do with practical life so far.
So, the 7 highest peaks of the continents are:
- Everest (Chomolungma or Chomolungma), 8848 m. Asia.
- Aconcagua, 6962 m. South America.
- Denali (old name - McKinley), 6194 m. North America.
- Kilimanjaro, 5895 m. Africa.
- Elbrus, 5642 m. Europe.
- Vinson Massif, 4897 m. Antarctica.
- 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 to do 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 of over 8000 meters. However, in modern conditions, it can be stated that with proper 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 pre-fully fixed with fixed ropes.
Climbing Mount 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. 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 fewer objective dangers (ice falls and avalanches). Western firms are more fond of the 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 of the part of the world of America and the continent of South America, also the main one in the southern hemisphere of the planet. The mountain is located in Argentina, a large and picturesque 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 strong winds which are connected by the openness of the territory air masses from the oceans.
About 3000 climbers try to climb 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 strenuous 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". In this case, all cargo 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.
V last years the number of climbers aiming to climb Denali has stabilized at around 1500 per year. The season is considered successful when the percentage of "ascent" 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 for the organization of 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 quite 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) is the highest peak of the continent and part of the world of Africa. The mountain is located in Tanzania, close to the border with Kenya and from the equator. It is considered the highest solitary peak in the world. Local National park strictly regulates ascents 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. local population working in service groups. Therefore, for one climber there are two or even more employees of the host companies.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the zone equatorial climate... 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 top 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 amazing nature Africa and its people is simply amazing. This is the best way to fall in love with the "black continent", which many are wary of. And, of course, we consider it 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 Caucasian ridge 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 fairly well-developed infrastructure that provides relatively comfortable living conditions for all days, except for 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.
General statistics are not kept 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) - 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 region of the 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 unable to do, the real schedule of "flights" is dictated by unpredictable weather.
Since the cost of an expedition to the Vinson Massif is very significant, only serious people get to its foot. And, as a rule, they successfully ascend, having overcome the terrible cold and wind.
It is important to dress properly. But this is also 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 Oceania, 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) is the highest peak in Australia and Oceania. Located on the island of New Guinea. The most problematic mountain from the political point of view of the "Seven Summits", which until then for 10 years was simply closed to the public. 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 pitfalls here too. Bad weather is a daily occurrence here, every flight is under the threat of disruption.
They differ greatly in their height. The most is, which rises 2 kilometers above sea level. This is a consequence of the presence of an ice sheet, whose thickness can reach 4,800 meters. However, the highest point of the Earth is by no means in Antarctica. What mountains can be considered the highest on each continent of the planet?
All 100 of the highest mountains are in Eurasia, and the first TOP 36 are located only in two mountain systems, the Himalayas and the Karakorum. But the highest point of both Eurasia and our entire planet is Everest, also known as Chomolunga (27 ° 59'17 "N 86 ° 55'31" E). It rises to 8,848 meters above sea level. People have repeatedly tried to conquer it, but it was possible only in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay. Since then, this mountain has become almost the most popular in the world of mountaineering. Today, many hours of traffic jams are formed there from those who want to climb there. Travel companies they will gladly take on a trip even people with zero climbing experience. However, this is extremely dangerous - every year several people die at the summit, whose body simply cannot cope with the harsh conditions at altitude.
The highest point is Aconcagua(32 ° 39'11 "S 70 ° 00'44" W). This mountain belongs to the Andes system and is located in Argentina, near the border with Chile. Its height is 6960 meters - this is the highest point on the Earth outside of Asia. She also has no equal in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. For the first time, Matthias Zurbriggen managed to climb it in 1897.
The highest mountain is called Denali, although for a long time, until 2015, she bore the name of US President McKinley. It can be found on the map at coordinates 63 ° 04′10 ″ s. sh. and 151 ° 00′26 ″ W. etc., it is located in the state of Alaska. It is noteworthy that once this peak was the highest point in Russia, while Alaska was part of it. Its height reaches 6190 meters. For the first time, a man managed to conquer it in 1913, a team of 4 people led by Hudson Stack did it.
The highest point is the Kilimanjaro volcano(3 ° 04'00 "S 37 ° 21'33" E), reaching 5895 meters. It is located in Tanzania. He was conquered back in 1889. The top of the mountain is one of the few places in Africa where you can see snow all year round.
The highest point of the highest continent, Antarctica, is called Vinson Peak(78 ° 31'31 "S and 85 ° 37'01" W). Its height is 4892 meters. The mountain was discovered only in 1957 during reconnaissance from the air. The first man climbed Vinson Peak in only 1966, by that time all the other highest peaks of the continents had been conquered.
The main peak of Australia is Mount Kostsyushko located in the southeast of the mainland. It was opened in 1840, and then the Pole Strzelecki conquered it. It is interesting that at first he gave such a name to another nearby mountain, which he considered the highest in, but the scientist was mistaken. When the error was discovered, the local authorities swapped the names of the two peaks.
Climbers have a special program called "Seven Summits". Its goal is to conquer all the highest points of the continents, as well as Elbrus (5642 meters), which is considered the highest point in Europe. The first person who managed to fulfill it was Richard Bass, who in 1983 conquered all the peaks except Everest, and in 1985 also defeated Jomolunga.
The formation of mountains on Earth takes millions of years. They arise from the collisions of the huge tectonic plates that make up the earth's crust.
Today we will get acquainted with the highest mountains on 6 continents and see how they look against the background of the highest mountain peaks in the world - "eight-thousanders", whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters.
How many continents are there on Earth? Sometimes it is believed that Europe and Asia are 2 different continents, although they are one continent:
Before starting our story about the tallest mountains on the 6 continents, let's take a look at a general diagram of the tallest peaks on Earth.
"Eight-thousanders"- This is the common name for the 14 highest mountain peaks in the world, whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters. They are all in Asia. The conquest of all 14 "eight-thousanders" of the planet - the conquest of the "Crown of the Earth" - is a great achievement in high-altitude mountaineering. As of July 2012, only 30 climbers managed to do this. (Clickable, 2010 × 810 px):
North America - Mount McKinley, 6,194 m
This highest two-headed mountain North America, named after the 25th President of the United States. Located in Alaska.
Indigenous peoples called this peak "Denali", which means "great", and during the period of Russian colonization of Alaska it was simply called - Big Mountain.
Mount McKinley, view from Denali National Park:
The first ascent to the main peak of McKinley took place on June 7, 1913. There are 5 large glaciers on the slopes of the mountain.
South America - Mount Aconcagua, 6,962 m
This is the highest point of the American continent, South America, as well as the western and southern hemispheres... Belong to the longest mountain range the world - Andam.
The mountain is located in Argentina and in the Quechua language means "Stone Guard". Aconcagua is the largest dormant volcano on our planet.
In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered a technically easy mountain if you climb the northern slope.
The first recorded ascent of the mountain was in 1897.
Europe - Mount Elbrus, 5 642 m
This stratovolcano in the Caucasus is the highest peak in Russia. Considering that the border between Europe and Asia is ambiguous, Elbrus is often called the highest European mountain peak. (Clickable, 2500 × 663 px):
Elbrus is a two-headed volcano with a saddle. The western peak has a height of 5,642 m, the Eastern - 5,621 m. The last eruption dates back to 50 AD.
In those days, the eruptions of Elbrus probably resembled the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. At the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose from the craters of the volcano, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful aftershocks.
Nowadays, both peaks of Elbrus are covered with eternal snow and ice. On the slopes of Elbrus, 23 glaciers diverge in different directions. The average speed of movement of glaciers is about 0.5 meters per day.
The first successful ascent to one of the peaks of Elbrus was made in 1829. The average annual death toll during the ascent of Elbrus is 15-30 people. (Clickable, 1650 × 630 px):
Everest (Chomolungma) is the top of our world! It is the first eight-thousander in height and the highest mountain on Earth.
The mountain is located in the Himalayas in the Mahalangur-Himal ridge, with the South peak (8760 m) lying on the border of Nepal, and the North (main) peak (8848 m) located in China.
Everest has the shape of a triangular pyramid. At the top of Chomolungma there are strong winds blowing at a speed of up to 200 km / h, and the air temperature at night drops to -60 Celsius.
The first ascent to the summit of Everest took place in 1953. Since the first ascent to the summit until 2011, more than 200 people have died on the slopes of Everest. Now the ascent to the summit takes about 2 months - with acclimatization and the installation of camps.
View from space:
Climbing Mount Everest is not only extremely dangerous, but also expensive: the cost of climbing as part of specialized groups is up to 65 thousand US dollars, and the only one permission to climb, issued by the government of Nepal, costs 10 thousand dollars.
Australia and Oceania - Mount Punchak Jaya, 4884 m
The highest peak in Australia and Oceania, which is located on the island of New Guinea. She is on the Australian plate and is the most high mountain in the world, located on an island.
The mountain was discovered in 1623 by the Dutch explorer Jan Carstens, who saw the glacier at the top from afar. Therefore, the mountain is sometimes called the Pyramid of Carstens.
The first ascent of Punchak-Jaya took place only in 1962. The name of the mountain from the Indonesian language translates roughly as "Pobeda Peak".
These are the highest mountains in Antarctica. About existence mountain range became known only in 1957. Since the mountains were discovered by American planes, they were later named Vinson Massif, in honor of the famous American politician Carl Vinson.
View of Vinson Massif from space:
It is the highest point in Africa, a huge dormant volcano with two well-defined peaks in northeastern Tanzania. The mountain has had no documented eruptions, but local legends talk about volcanic activity 150-200 years ago.
The higher one is Kibo Peak, an almost regular cone with powerful glaciation.
The name comes from the Swahili language and supposedly means "the mountain that sparkles."
The snow cap that has covered the top of the mountain for 11,000 years since the last Ice Age is rapidly melting. Over the past 100 years, the volume of snow and ice has decreased by more than 80%. It is believed that this is not caused by a change in temperature, but by a decrease in the amount of snowfall.
The highest peak in Africa was first conquered by the German explorer Hans Meyer in 1889.
