Your guide to the Seven Summits: a bucket-list climb
What do breathtaking views, unforgettable adventure and a real sense of achievement have in common? They're all waiting for you at the highest peaks from around the world. Explore the Seven Summits below to find your next challenge. But first…
What are the Seven Summits?
Simply, the Seven Summits are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents, and are as follows:
- Antarctica – Mount Vinson
- Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro
- North America – Denali
- Europe – Mount Elbrus
- Asia – Mount Everest
- South America – Aconcagua
- Oceania – Puncak Jaya
Exploring the world's highest mountains by continent
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
An impressive 5,895 metres high, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the best-known mountains in the world.
While it is by no means an easy climb, Kilimanjaro is set up well to help climbers learn how their bodies deal with the altitude without risky technical or environmental challenges.
Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or pro, all mountaineers must be joined by a local guide and should block off between five and nine days to complete the climb.
The effort pays off as reaching its peak guarantees once-in-a-lifetime views. If you have any energy left after the climb, you can explore Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.
This park was established in 1973 to protect the mountain above the tree line. It was also deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 – so you can expect outstanding scenery and biodiversity.
Denali, Alaska, North America
Located in Denali National Park, Denali is the highest mountain in North America reaching 6,190 metres at its peak.
Unsurprisingly, this steep elevation means a more difficult climbing route. Even experienced climbers can benefit from completing the trek with the park’s registered guide companies.
You’ll find the base camp in the Kahiltna Glacier. This camp is designed to help you acclimatise to the altitude of the Alaskan environment.
Denali is best climbed between May and June, as weather conditions are at their most stable – from here, you can expect the journey to take around two weeks to complete.
Mount Elbrus, Russia, Europe
Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe, so you can expect a demanding climb to the summit.
This mountain is actually a single volcanic massif that consists of two dormant peaks formed 2.5 million years ago. On the western summit, you can even see a well-preserved volcanic crater that’s 250 metres wide.
A popular climb among novice mountaineers, Mount Elbrus is known for its challenging but rewarding route. To complete the 5,642-metre journey to the summit takes somewhere around a week.
Mount Everest, Nepal, Asia
When it comes to bucket list mountains to climb – Mount Everest has got to make a feature. Standing tall as the highest mountain in the world, this climb is certainly not for the faint of heart.
With its summit standing at 8,849 metres, planning the logistics of this climb is a must. Here, you can expect slippy terrains, tricky climates and breathtaking views.
If you want a slightly more manageable climb, Everest Base Camp has an elevation of 5,364 metres. Here, you can acclimatise to Everest’s climate and prepare for your adventure. Not to mention, the photo opportunities will be nothing short of outstanding.
Mount Aconcagua, Argentina, South America
Even though it stands tall as the highest mountain in South America, Mount Aconcagua isn’t an overly technical climb.
The exact summit of this mountain is up for debate. Some scientists believe that the summit is 6,962 meters, with a 5-metre discrepancy. Yet, Argentina’s government and National Geographic Society believe the summit to be 6,959 metres.
Height aside – while this climb isn’t technical, it’s certainly not easy. The ascent features high altitudes and unpredictable weather, which can make the terrain difficult to traverse.
Undoubtedly, reaching the peak is certainly worth it for the views of vast desert plains or if you’ve climbed on a particularly clear day – views of the Pacific Ocean.
Puncak Jaya, Papua Province, Indonesia, Oceania
Puncak Jaya, found in Indonesia, takes the crown as the highest peak in Oceania. This is because Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko – a 2,228-metre mountain – was ruled out, as it’s classed as part of Australasia, not Oceania.
When it comes to Puncak Jaya, you can expect a summit of 4,884 metres and a difficult climb. The conditions can be demanding as rainfall and snow are common, making the floor slippery.
This equatorial mountain also features ice caps, a rare sight for this kind of environment, making the views rather spectacular and certainly worth the climb.
Vinson Massif, Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica
Finishing off our list of the highest mountains in the world by continent is Vinson Massif – Antarctica’s largest mountain, found in 1935. And trust us, you’re going to need to wrap up for this one.
Generally speaking, this mountain isn’t overly technical in terms of its climb and is sure to offer stunning views. You can expect to be climbing for around five to ten days, and your greatest challenge will undoubtedly be the weather – which can even delay your exhibition.
This hike is certainly worth it if you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, after all – how many people can say they’ve been to Antarctica?
Climb the world's highest mountains by continent
When it comes to traversing mountains, the Seven Summits are undoubtedly some of the best bucket list mountains to climb. Each of these peaks offers something different: Kilimanjaro's the approachable intro, while Denali throws you into the wilderness and Everest, well, is Everest. But, each will offer an unforgettable experience – and lifelong bragging rights.