The highest peaks on each continent not only offer stunning landscapes but also present challenges that continually ignite the desire to conquer them among climbing enthusiasts.
Puncak Jaya, Oceania, 4,884m: Puncak Jaya is the highest peak of the Jayawijaya Mountains in the Sudirman Range, located in Papua, Indonesia. This mountain is also known as “Carstensz Pyramid,” named after the Dutch explorer Jan Carstenszoon, the first European to see the glacier on the mountain’s summit in 1623. It is also home to one of the largest mineral deposits in the world (the Grasberg gold and copper mine located 4 km from Puncak Jaya). (Photo: Alex Van Steen).
Vinson Massif, Antarctica, 4,892m: Vinson Massif is located 1,200 km from the South Pole. The highest mountain in Antarctica was first conquered in 1963 by the American Alpine Club. This marked a historic achievement due to the particularly hazardous conditions present here. (Photo: Georealm).
Mount Elbrus, Europe, 5,642m: Elbrus is an inactive volcano located in the Caucasus Mountains in southern Russia. Known as the “Roof of Europe,” it is considered easier to climb compared to the highest peaks on other continents. However, it still poses many challenges due to unpredictable and severe weather conditions, such as strong winds and significant temperature variations. (Photo: Geographyrealm).
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa, 5,895m: Kilimanjaro features three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, and is a dormant stratovolcano located in northeastern Tanzania. It is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising 4,600m from its base and is the highest peak in Africa. (Photo: Anna Omelchenk).
Denali, North America. Height: 6,194m
Aconcagua, South America, 6,962m: Aconcagua is the highest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres and the tallest peak in the Americas. It is located in the Andes mountain range in Mendoza province, Argentina, about 15 km from the Chilean border. This dormant volcano was first conquered in 1897. (Photo: Magicaltravelling).
Mount Everest, Asia, 8,849m: Mount Everest is located in the Mahalangur Himal range of the Himalayas in Nepal and is the highest mountain on Earth above sea level. From March to May each year, it attracts climbers from around the world seeking to conquer the “Roof of the World.” (Photo: Angus Gormley).
