The process of formation of mountains on Earth lasts millions of years. They arise from collisions of 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 backdrop of the highest mountain peaks in the world - the “eight thousand meters”, whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters.

How many continents are there on Earth? It is sometimes believed that Europe and Asia are 2 different continents, although they are one continent:

Before we start talking about the tallest mountains on the 6 continents, let's take a look at the overall chart of the tallest peaks on Earth.

"Eight-thousanders" 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. Conquering all 14 "eight-thousanders" of the planet - conquering 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 is the highest double-peaked mountain in 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 as seen from Denali National Park:

The first ascent of the main summit 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. They belong to the longest mountain range in the world - the Andes.

The mountain is located in Argentina and means "Stone Guardian" in the Quechua language. Aconcagua is the largest extinct volcano on our planet.

In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered a technically easy mountain if you climb along 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 also 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 were probably reminiscent of the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. From the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose many kilometers upward, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful tremors.

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 glacier movement 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 climbing on Elbrus is 15-30 people. (Clickable, 1650×630 px):

Everest (Chomolungma) is the top of our world! The first highest eight-thousander and the highest mountain on Earth.

The mountain is located in the Himalayas in the Mahalangur Himal range, with the Southern peak (8760 m) lying on the border of Nepal, and the Northern (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 speeds of up to 200 km/h, and the air temperature at night drops to -60 Celsius.

The first ascent to the top of Everest took place in 1953. From the first ascent to the summit until 2011, more than 200 people died on the slopes of Everest. Now the climb to the top takes about 2 months - with acclimatization and setting up camps.

View from space:

Climbing Everest is not only extremely dangerous, but also expensive: the cost of climbing in specialized groups is up to 65 thousand US dollars, and the climbing permit alone, issued by the Nepalese government, costs 10 thousand dollars

Australia and Oceania - Mount Puncak Jaya, 4884 m

The highest peak of Australia and Oceania, which is located on the island of New Guinea. It is located on the Australian Plate and is the highest mountain in the world located on an island.

The mountain was discovered in 1623 by Dutch explorer Jan Carstens, who saw a glacier on the top from afar. Therefore, the mountain is sometimes called the Carstens Pyramid.

The first ascent of Puncak Jaya took place only in 1962. The name of the mountain roughly translates from Indonesian as “Victory Peak.”

These are the highest mountains in Antarctica. The existence of the mountain range became known only in 1957. Since the mountains were discovered by American aircraft, they were subsequently 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 no documented eruptions, but local legends speak of volcanic activity 150-200 years ago.

The higher one is the peak of Kibo, an almost regular cone with powerful glaciation.

The name comes from the Swahili language and supposedly means "mountain that sparkles."

The snow cap that has covered the mountaintop 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 reduction in snowfall.

The highest peak in Africa was first conquered by German explorer Hans Meyer in 1889.

For most people living in the concrete jungle, the idea of ​​spending a couple of days in the mountains seems like the perfect vacation solution. It is worth considering that the mountains suitable for such a holiday are slightly different from those presented in this list. The highest mountain peaks offer fairly harsh conditions. Interestingly, almost all of these peaks are located in the Himalayas. There are practically no traces of civilization here, the conditions in these mountains are so harsh. Nevertheless, expeditions are constantly sent there, the most courageous people decide to climb these high peaks. Even if you don't plan to do the same, you should still check out the list of these mountains.

Nuptse, Mahalangur Himal

The name of this mountain means “western peak” in Tibetan. Nuptse is located on the Mahalangur Himal range and is one of the mountains surrounding Everest. It was first conquered in 1961 by Dennis Davis and Tashi Sherpa. This peak is the twentieth highest in the entire world and opens this impressive list.

Distagil Sar, Karakorum

This point is located among the Karakoram ranges in Pakistan. Distagil Sar rises to 7884 meters in height and extends three kilometers in width. In 1960, the peak was conquered by Günter Sterker and Dieter Marhar, who were representatives of the Austrian expedition. In this region, this mountain is the highest, and in the list it was in nineteenth place.

Himalchuli, Himalayas

This peak is part of the Himalayas in Nepal and is located near an even higher peak. With an altitude of 7894 m, Himalchuli can be called the second largest in this mountain range. The summit was first reached in 1960 by Japanese Hisashi Tanabe. Since then, few have dared to repeat his impressive achievement.

Gasherbrum IV, Karakorum

This is one of the peaks of the Gasherbrum range located in Pakistan. It is part of the northeastern edge of the Baltoro Glacier, which belongs to the Karakoram. The name means "shining wall" in Urdu. The other three peaks of Gasherbrum exceed eight thousand meters, and this one rises to approximately 7932 meters.

Annapurna II, Annapurna Massif

These peaks are part of a single massif that makes up the bulk of the Himalayas. This peak rises to 7934 meters and is located in the east of the Annapurna massif. It was first conquered by Richard Grant, Chris Bonington and Ang Nima Sherpa in 1960. Since then, we have climbed to the top only a few times, the conditions here are so harsh.

Gyachung Kang, Mahalangur Himal

This mountain is located between the two highest points in the world, exceeding eight thousand meters. It is part of the Mahalangur Himal range that straddles the Nepal-China border. The mountain was first conquered in 1964 by a Japanese expedition. Among the mountains below eight thousand meters, this is the largest, its height is 7952 meters.

Shishabangma, central Himalayas

All the mountains described below exceed a height of eight thousand meters! Shishabangma is the lowest of them all, but that doesn't mean it's easy to conquer. It is located between China and Tibet, in a limited area where foreigners are not allowed. This is due to security reasons. In the Tibetan dialect, the name means "ridge above the grassy plains."

Gasherbrum II, Karakorum

As mentioned above, Gasherbrum is part of the Karakorum. This is a peak with a height of 8035 meters, which was conquered by Austrian climbers in 1956. This peak is also known as K4, which denotes that it is the fourth in the Karakoram chain.

Broad Peak, Karakoram

This 8051 meter high mountain is quite popular among climbers. It belongs to the Baltoro glacier and ranks twelfth on the list of the highest. The slopes have extremely harsh conditions, making climbing up almost impossible for most of the year. It is not surprising that there are few climbers who have conquered this peak.

Gasherbrum I, Karakoram

Another name for this mountain is Hidden Peak. This is because this is a place extremely remote from civilization and difficult to reach. The peak, 8080 meters high, was conquered for the first time in 1956, when Americans Pete Schoening and Andy Kaufman climbed here.

Annapurna I, Annapurna Massif

Tenth place on the list! The further you go, the more impressive the scale of the mountains becomes and the fewer people have conquered them. The main peak of the Annapurna massif is the tenth largest in the world and rises to 8091 meters. The name means "full of food" in Sanskrit.

Nanga Parbat, Himalayas

This is the ninth largest peak, rising to 8126 meters. The mountain is located in Pakistan and is known as the “killer peak” because Nanga Parbat is associated with the largest number of unsuccessful attempts to climb. It has never been possible to climb the peak in winter: harsh weather conditions with strong winds make the task simply impossible.

Manaslu, Himalayas

The name translated from Sanskrit means “intelligence” or “soul”. This is a peak located in the Himalayas very close to Annapurna. This is a peak with a height of 8163 meters. This area is considered a protected area and is protected for environmental reasons.

Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri Massif

These mountains extend one hundred kilometers from the Kalingandaki River to the Bheri River. One of the peaks of this massif rises to 8167 meters and ranks seventh in size in the world. The highest point is named in Sanskrit, the word “dhaula” means “shining” and “giri” means “mountain”.

Cho Oyu, Mahalangur Himal

The name translated from Tibetan means “turquoise goddesses”. This is a peak with a height of 8201 meters, which is the highest in this range and is located twenty kilometers west of Everest. Thanks to its moderate slopes and close passes, this mountain is considered the easiest option for climbing eight thousand meters. However, it is worth considering that this lightness is only in comparison with other peaks of this size. An unprepared traveler still cannot make such an ascent.

Makalu, Mahalangur Himal

This is the fifth place on the list - a mountain with a height of 8485 meters! Mahalu Peak is part of the Mahalangur Himal range and is located a little further away. Its shape resembles a pyramid with four sides. The summit was first conquered in 1955 by the French.

Lhotse, Mahalangur Himal

The name means “southern peak” in Tibetan. This is the second largest mountain in the massif, rising to 8516 meters. It was first conquered in 1956 by Swiss climbers Ernest Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger.

Kangchenyunga, Himalayas

Until 1852, this peak was considered the highest in the world. Its height is 8586 meters. This is a peak located in India. This mountain range is called the “five snowy peaks” and is worshiped by some Indians. In addition, this place attracts tourists.

K2, Karakoram

Baltistan, a region of Pakistan, is home to the highest point of the Karakoram called K2. This 8611 meter high mountain is known for its harsh conditions, making it incredibly difficult to climb to the top. Few succeeded, and there was no successful ascent at all in winter.

Everest, Mahalangur Himal

So, here is the leader of the list - Mount Everest, also known as Chomolungma. It was discovered in 1802 and conquered in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Since then, thousands of expeditions have been here, but not all of them ended in success. After all, it is a peak of 8848 meters high! Climbing Everest requires serious preparation and considerable financial investments, because without special equipment and oxygen cylinders it is simply impossible to carry out this most difficult task.

05/08/2015 at 15:50 · Johnny · 161 630

Top 10 highest mountains in the world

There are fourteen mountain peaks on Earth with a height of more than eight thousand meters. All these peaks are located in Central Asia. But most highest mountain peaks are located in the Himalayas. They are also called the “roof of the world.” Climbing such mountains is a very dangerous activity. Until the middle of the last century, it was believed that mountains above eight thousand meters were inaccessible to humans. We compiled a rating of ten, which included highest mountains in the world.

10. Annapurna | 8091 m

This top opens the ten the highest mountains on our planet. Annapurna is very famous and famous, it is the first Himalayan eight-thousander to be conquered by people. People first climbed to its summit back in 1950. Annapurna is located in Nepal, the height of its peak is 8091 meters. The mountain has as many as nine peaks, one of which (Machapuchare) has never been touched by a human foot. Locals consider this peak to be the sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Therefore, climbing it is prohibited. The highest of the nine peaks is called Annapurna 1. Annapurna is very dangerous; climbing to its peak has claimed the lives of many experienced climbers.

9. Nanga Parbat | 8125 m

This mountain is the ninth highest on our planet. It is located in Pakistan and has a height of 8125 meters. The second name of Nanga Parbat is Diamir, which translates as “Mountain of the Gods”. They were able to conquer it for the first time only in 1953. Six unsuccessful attempts were made to reach the summit. A lot of climbers died while trying to climb this mountain peak. In terms of mortality among climbers, it ranks sadly third after K-2 and Everest. This mountain is also called the “killer”.

8. Manaslu | 8156 m

This eight-thousander ranks eighth on our list highest mountains in the world. It is also located in Nepal and is part of the Mansiri Himal mountain range. The height of the peak is 8156 meters. The top of the mountain and the surrounding area are very picturesque. It was first conquered in 1956 by a Japanese expedition. Tourists love to come here. But to conquer the peak you need a lot of experience and excellent preparation. 53 climbers died while trying to climb Manaslu.

7. Dhaulagiri | 8167 m

A mountain peak located in the Nepalese part of the Himalayas. Its height is 8167 meters. The name of the mountain is translated from the local language as “white mountain”. Almost all of it is covered with snow and glaciers. Dhaulagiri is quite difficult to climb. They were able to conquer it in 1960. Climbing this peak took the lives of 58 experienced (others do not go to the Himalayas) climbers.

6. Cho Oyu | 8201 m

Another Himalayan eight-thousander, which is located on the border of Nepal and China. The height of this peak is 8201 meters. It is considered not too difficult to climb, but despite this, it has already claimed the lives of 39 climbers and ranks sixth on our list of the highest mountains on our planet.

5. Makalu | 8485 m

The fifth highest mountain in the world is Makalu, the second name of this peak is the Black Giant. It is also located in the Himalayas, on the border of Nepal and China and has an altitude of 8485 meters. It is located nineteen kilometers from Everest. This mountain is incredibly difficult to climb; its slopes are very steep. Only a third of expeditions that aim to reach its summit succeed. 26 climbers died while climbing this peak.

4. Lhotse | 8516 m

Another mountain located in the Himalayas and having a height of more than eight kilometers. Lhotse is located on the border between China and Nepal. Its height is 8516 meters. It is located at a distance of three kilometers from Everest. They were able to conquer this mountain for the first time only in 1956. Lhotse has three peaks, each of them over eight kilometers in height. This mountain is considered one of the highest, most dangerous and difficult peaks to climb.

3. Kanchenjunga | 8585 m

This mountain peak is also located in the Himalayas, between India and Nepal. It is the third highest mountain peak in the world: the peak height is 8585 meters. The mountain is very beautiful, it consists of five peaks. The first ascent of it took place in 1954. The conquest of this peak cost the lives of forty climbers.

2. Chogori (K-2) | 8614 m

Chogori is the second highest mountain in the world. Its height is 8614 meters. K-2 is located in the Himalayas, on the border of China and Pakistan. Chogori is considered one of the most difficult mountain peaks to climb; it was only conquered in 1954. Of the 249 climbers who visited its summit, 60 people died. This mountain peak is very picturesque.

1. Everest (Qomolungma) | 8848 m

This mountain peak is located in Nepal. Its height is 8848 meters. Everest is highest mountain peak The Himalayas and our entire planet. Everest is part of the Mahalangur Himal mountain range. This mountain has two peaks: northern (8848 meters) and southern (8760 meters). The mountain is stunningly beautiful: it has the shape of an almost perfect triangular pyramid. It was possible to conquer Chomolungma only in 1953. 210 climbers died during attempts to climb Everest. Nowadays, climbing along the main route no longer poses any particular problems, however, at high altitudes, daredevils can expect a lack of oxygen (there is almost no fire here), heavy winds and low temperatures (below sixty degrees). To conquer Everest you need to spend at least $8,000.

The highest mountain in the world: video

Conquering all the highest mountain peaks on the planet is a very dangerous and difficult process; it takes a huge amount of time and requires a lot of money. Currently, only 30 climbers have managed to do this - they managed to climb all fourteen peaks, with a height of more than eight kilometers. Among these brave souls are three women.

Why do people climb mountains, risking their lives? This question is rhetorical. Probably to prove to himself the fact that man is stronger than the blind natural elements. Well, as a bonus, the conquerors of the peaks receive spectacles of unprecedented beauty of landscapes.

Readers' Choice:

The highest peaks are scattered throughout the continents of the globe. Climbers collectively call them the “Seven Summits.” Each of them was first conquered in 1985 by Richard Bass.

The largest mountains on earth

The table below shows the highest mountain peaks in the world.

No.	Name	Mountain system	Location	Altitude in meters above sea level
	Everest (Qomolungma)
		Karakoram	Pakistan, China
	Kanchenjunga		India, Nepal
	Jaulagiri
	Nangaparbat		Pakistan
	Annapurna

Mountain systems are numerous. But where are the biggest mountains? From the above insignificant list it is clear that the most majestic peaks are located in the Himalayas.

Highest points of the world

Every continent on the planet has its own famous mountain peaks:

• Everest is the highest peak in Asia (the largest mountain in the world);
• Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America;
• McKinley is a giant mountain in North America;
• Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak;
• Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe (and Russia);
• The Vinson Massif is a giant located in Antarctica;
• Puncak Jaya is the largest mountain in Australia and Oceania.

Mountain peaks of different continents of the Earth

Mount Aconcagua is the tallest natural structure in the South American Andes. Its height is 6962 m. In addition, this mountain is the largest extinct volcano on the planet.

McKinley is located in North America. It rises 6194 meters above sea level.

In hot Africa there is the snowy mountain peak Kilimanjaro, which has a height of 5895 m. It is the highest point in Africa. Fantastic landscapes open up from the heights of these mountains. Due to global warming, the snow on the summit is also rapidly melting here.

Elbrus is the highest peak not only in Russia, but also in Europe. This mountain is a cone formed from a once extinct volcano. Its height is 6642 meters. From the top of Elbrus, fabulous landscapes of snow-white snow caps and a veil of light clouds open up.

The largest peak in Asia and, accordingly, the largest mountain in the world is the famous and unrivaled Everest.

Cold, icy Antarctica also has a similar attraction. The Vinson massif was discovered in the middle of the 20th century. Its height is 4892 meters.

The highest mountain in Australia, Oceania, located on the island of Guinea - Puncak Jaya. On its spurs are the largest mines in the world (gold and copper). The ice cover of this peak, like Kilimanjaro, is melting very quickly. Scientists estimate that the last remaining glaciers in these places (the Puncak Jaya Mountains) will melt in the next 10 years. Its height is 5030 meters.

Everest - the highest mountain in the world

Everest is the recognized leader in height. It is known to be the largest mountain in the world. The Tibetans call it Chomolungma, and the Nepalese call it Sanarmatha.

The name of this peak was given in honor of the English scientist George Everest (1790-1866) in 1865. From 1830 to 1843, he held the post of chief surveyor in India and made the greatest contribution to the study of the majestic Everest at the very initial stage.

In 1852, it was announced that the mountain has the highest height among all the peaks closest to it, which also have a height of more than 8000 m. Until then, it was numbered “Peak XV”. A more accurate height was determined by Andrew Waugh, a student and successor of the famous George Everest. The height of the largest mountain is 8850 meters.

The formation of the highest point in the world began about 20 million years ago (uplift of the seabed). The layering of rocks took place over many years, and this process continues to this day. Every year, on average, the thickness of the Himalayas rises by 5 cm.

Climbing the Himalayas

Numerous ascents (about 500 people) make it to Everest Peak every year. This activity involves a lot of risk. However, despite the high cost of one climb (the average cost per person is $50,000), the number of people wishing to conquer the famous peak is growing every year. It should be noted that the very first woman to climb the mountain was a brave climber - Japanese Junko Tabei. This happened in 1976.

The climbing practice of numerous climbers shows that the most difficult section on the way to the top is the last segment (300 meters). In this regard, the section is called the longest mile on Earth. On this section, climbers have practically no opportunity to insure each other, since it is a very steep snowy slope. The largest mountain in the world is inaccessible, but conquered by many.

In addition to everything, there are still difficulties and obstacles that prevent climbers from successfully finishing at the very top. At the very peak of the mountain, the wind speed reaches 200 km/h, and the air temperature is 60 degrees below zero. In total, approximately 200 climbers died here during the entire period of ascents. The main reasons for this are severe frosts, unexpected avalanches, lack of oxygen, health problems, etc.

Mountains on the planet Mars

Mount Olympus is located on the planet Mars. It is an extinct volcano. It is the second highest peak in the solar system. The first is Rheasilvia Peak on the planet Vesta. It got its name from Mount Olympus, located in Greece. According to ancient myths, the Olympian gods once lived on it.

Mount Olympus reaches 26,200 meters in height and 540,000 meters in width. It is so huge that its profile can only be seen at a great distance from Earth or from planetary orbit.

Perhaps the large size of the mountain is due to the fact that there are no tectonic plates on Mars, like on Earth, and therefore there is no movement. The last volcanic eruption on the planet was about 2 million years ago. The mystery of Olympus is its steep slopes. It is not yet entirely clear where they came from. Many scientists believe that there once was an ocean on Mars and its waters washed away Olympus.

Atmospheric pressure on Olympus at the very top is 2%, while on Earth's Everest this figure reaches 25%.

It is impossible to imagine the earth without its beautiful, majestic elevated areas - mountains. They tower over the whole world like giants, demonstrating their fantastic beauty, and allow the bravest and most courageous people to admire the fabulousness and infinity of the surrounding world.

Only mountains can be better than mountains - Vysotsky sang and he was right. Mountains have always attracted people. Brave people, despite the cold, lack of oxygen, dangers and difficulties, stubbornly “climbed” to the top. What attracted them there? Curiosity? Want to test yourself? Thirst for fame? The desire to prove to yourself and others your superiority? Thirst for knowledge? It is difficult to find any logic in the inexplicable attraction of people to the mountains.
Let us remember the events of past years, when during the Great Patriotic War the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" fought fiercely to reach the highest mountain in Europe - Elbrus - in order to plant Nazi flags on its top. Why did the pragmatic Germans need to waste energy conquering this peak? Did Hitler really need even such proof of his own greatness?
Mountains are the greatest creation of mother nature. They are great, powerful and eternal. Representatives of the species Homo sapiens lack these qualities. Rising to the sky, they try to join the great mystery of the universe, and upon reaching the top they begin to see clearly. Against the backdrop of the cold, gigantic peaks, everything they lived with before seems petty and insignificant.
Let's take a virtual trip and climb to the tops of the highest mountains of all continents of the Earth and enjoy the fantastic landscapes that open before the eyes of brave climbers. Maybe we will be able to comprehend the secret of these natural monuments.

The Main Caucasian Ridge, “under the command” of the mighty Elbrus, “cuts through” the dense veil of clouds (Photo source:).

Everest (Asia) - Height: 8848 meters Chomolungma) is the highest peak of our planet, part of the Himalaya mountain system. For many climbers, this mountain is the most coveted trophy. But not everyone can climb this mountain. Therefore, climbers “climbing” a mountain are sometimes forced to make cynical decisions about whether to rescue those in distress or continue on their way. Often, rescuing climbers in distress at high altitude is simply not possible, since every step here is taken with incredible difficulty. Therefore, on the slopes of the mountains you can find the bodies of dead climbers. You can familiarize yourself with very “unsightly” stories and photographs.

Photo on the left: the road to Everest, photo on the right: base camp at an altitude of 8300 meters (Photo source:).

Aconcagua (South America) - Height: 6962 meters
is the highest peak of the Andes mountain range in South America. Aconcagua is also the tallest extinct volcano in the world.

In the photo, climbers the size of ants are moving forward towards the top. A giant whirlwind of snow is circling above them (Photo source:).

Dawn over Aconcagua. The majestic panorama of the Andes appears in all its guise before brave climbers (Photo source:).

McKinley (North America) - Altitude: 6194 meters
The peak of Alaska takes an honorable third place among the highest peaks of the continents in our ranking.

The giant McKinley against the backdrop of coniferous forests of Alaska (Photo source:).

View from McKinley Heights. A dense blanket of clouds “crawls” onto the peaks (Photo source:).

Kilimanjaro (Africa) - Height: 5895 meters
The highest point in Africa, the mountain is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania. It is a very unusual sight to see a snowy peak in the sultry African savannah. Recently, scientists have been sounding the alarm that the Kilimanjaro ice cap is rapidly decreasing in volume. Over the past decades, 80% of the ice on this mountain has already melted. Climate scientists name the main culprit in this process.

African elephants against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of Kilimanjaro are a very unusual sight (Photo source:).

On the way to Kilimanjaro. The landscape is fantastic (Photo source:).

View of the veil of clouds from the highest point of the African continent (Photo source:).

Elbrus (Europe) - Height: 5642 meters
Russia also has a record-breaking mountain - this is the highest peak in Europe - . Elbrus is part of the Main Caucasus Range and is located on the border of the two Russian republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. In the past (around 50 AD) Elbrus was an active volcano.

Handsome Elbrus (Photo source:).

Camp on the spurs of Elbrus (Photo source:).

Panorama of the mountains that opens to climbers from the top of Elbrus (Photo source:).

The silent and mysterious land of snow and clouds of Elbrus (Photo source:).

An unusual atmospheric phenomenon. The shadow of the peak of Elbrus in the morning haze (Photo source:).

The beauty of the Elbrus region. The edge of all seasons. Green alpine meadows and spurs of Elbrus, covered with snow (Photo source:).

On the top of Elbrus - a fantastic world of white snow and clouds (Photo source:).

Vinson Massif (Antarctica) - Altitude: 4892 meters
The coldest continent on the planet, Antarctica, also has its own mountains. The highest of them were discovered relatively recently, at the end of the 50s of the last century. The Vinson Massif is part of the Ellsworth Mountains and is located 1,200 kilometers from the southernmost point of the planet.

This is what the Vinson Massif looks like from space (Photo source: