The Seven Summits of the World

Explore the Seven Summits of the World!

Posted by Sara on December 21, 2020

Table of Contents

Introduction

Seven Summits, the ultimate mountaineering challenge. Earning the title of a “seven summits mountaineer” requires a successful summit of the seven tallest mountains of each continent.

Thousands of climbers have attempted - but, as of 2016, only 416 individuals have come out victorious. For many of those victors, it was a lifelong journey.

"Bragging rights ain't gonna get you to the top of any of those hills, [...] there's gotta be something much, much deeper inside of you that drives that quest." - David Mauro, a seven summit champion.

Climbing the seven summits takes much time and preparation. While climbers tackle the seven summits in different orders, all climbers must first take a hard look at the list of mountains that lies ahead of them and prepare a plan from there. Although there are two commonly accepted versions of the seven summits (the Bass version and the Messner version), true mountaineers aspire to tackle Messner’s version:

1. Everest - 29,029 feet
2. Aconcagua - 22,841 feet
3. Denali - 20,308 feet
4. Kilimanjaro - 19,341 feet
5. Elbrus - 18,510 feet
6. Vinson - 16,050 feet
7. Puncak Jaya/Carstensz Pyramid - 16,024 feet

Reinhold Messner, a famous mountaineer, has broken many records throughout his life in addition to creating the ultimate list of the seven summits. He was the first person to climb Everest without supplemental oxygen, a task that was previously thought to be impossible. He also was the first person to reach Everest’s summit via a solo expedition. However, Everest was only the beginning of Messner’s list of achievements. Messner climbed Earth’s 14 highest peaks, all above 26,000 feet - including the infamous K2. It is no wonder that Messner is an icon in the mountaineering world, and why thousands of people seek to complete his coveted list of the seven summits.

While Messner has gone down in history as one of the world’s best mountain climbers ever - you still have the chance to make history for yourself and join the ranks of the other few victors who have completed the seven summits.

Interactive Elevation Chart

Seven Summits Quick Facts

Mountain	Elevation	Country	Continent	Annual Visitors
Mount Everest	29,029 feet	Nepal & China	Asia	35,000 People
Mount Aconcagua	22,841 feet	Argentina	South America	4,000 People
Mount Denali	20,308 feet	USA	North America	600,000 People
Mount Kilimanjaro	19,341 feet	Tanzania	Africa	50,000 People
Mount Elbrus	18,510 feet	Russia	Europe	350,000 People
Mount Vinson	16,050 feet	---	Antarctica	Minimal
Puncak Jaya	16,204 feet	Papua New Guinea	Continental Australia	Minimal

Mount Everest

Not only Asia’s highest mountain, but also the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest comes in as the #1 mountain to conquer for the seven summits. Sitting on the border of China and Nepal, Mount Everest’s summit is 29,029 feet high. Climbers from all over the world come to tackle this beast, many leaving it as the final challenge to their seven summit bucket list. Some who attempt Everest are technical climbers and have years of experience under their belt, but many are non-technical as well.

To climb to Everest base camp (17,500 feet high), no technical skills are required; however, expertise and mountaineering skills are necessary to reach the summit. Climbers will need to know how to use an ice axe, harness, carabiner, and crampons. Beyond these tools, the duration and altitude alone require a climber to have prior climbing experience. Hundreds have died on their expedition to the tallest point on Earth and the decision to tackle this summit should be met with significant consideration, training, and guidance.

Mount Aconcagua

Ranking at #2 in elevation among the seven summits, Mount Aconcagua is located in Argentina. It is South America’s tallest mountain at a whopping 22,841 feet. Unlike Mount Everest, Mount Aconcagua offers a route to the summit that does not require any technical climbing skills. While being non-technical does make the climb easier, by no means should one underestimate the dangers of climbing Aconcagua. Temperatures on Aconcagua reach well below freezing, which poses serious environmental risks to climbers.

Many come to climb this mountain unprepared for the cold temperatures and sustain injuries due to unplanned exposure to the elements. In addition, the extreme elevation proves to be a challenge for those who lack high altitude experience. While altitude above 26,000 feet is considered the “death zone”, Mount Aconcagua is only a few thousand feet off - so climbers should definitely be prepared to ascend slowly and consider the risks associated with altitude sickness.

Mount Denali

Mount Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, is North America’s tallest mountain and #3 on the list of the seven summits. Located in Alaska, USA, Mount Denali is at the center of the Denali National Park. Standing at 20,308 feet, this mountain creates quite the backdrop for tourists visiting the area and is certainly a challenge for mountain climbers. Denali is no easy feat; in fact, it is extremely technical and requires a long climbing expedition. Regardless of the route taken, it takes an average of 17 to 21 days to complete the journey. In addition to the required level of physical fitness, every route also requires technical skills that can only come from previous climbing experience.

Adding to the sense of adventure, Denali offers various opportunities to broaden your skill sets beyond climbing. Some choose to learn how to mush a dog team before starting the expedition. Once some foundational skills are in place, climbers take their sled dogs partially up the mountain to leave themselves a cache of food and gear along the way. Others choose to burden the extra weight of skis to the summit and descend Denali on skis - the most epic ski ride in the world!

Alaska’s highest mountain is not short on adventure and is intriguing to thousands. At the same time, it is essential to keep in mind that Denali is known to be one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the world.

“Denali is a big, cold, remote mountain...It is a true expedition. A serious undertaking by anyone's standards,”

Mount Kilimanjaro

Commonly referred to as “The Roof of Africa”, climbers standing on top of Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet are towering over the plains of Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not accompanied by a surrounding mountain range. For its impressive high elevation, this mountain is surprisingly non-technical and can be described as an extended hike. Kilimanjaro offers three main routes, ranging anywhere from 5-8 days for completion.

The mountain is located in Tanzania and sits on the equator; however, climbers pass through the arctic climate zone with freezing temperatures, which certainly poses a serious challenge. Warm and layered clothing is an absolute must. While extreme temperatures are expected, Kilimanjaro is one of the few seven summits to offer climates other than snowy arctic. In fact, hikers make their way through five completely different climate zones. Adding even more to the magic of Kilimanjaro, this mountain is actually a dormant volcano. The summit of Kilimanjaro sits atop one of Kilimanjaro’s only remaining volcanic cones, which could someday erupt once again.

Kilimanjaro is home to rapidly disappearing glaciers that are projected to be completely gone by the year 2060.

Keep in mind that while Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, it is required by the national park that every climber must be accompanied by a guide.

Mount Elbrus

Fifth on the list of the seven summits is Mount Elbrus, which stands at 18,510 feet and is Europe’s tallest mountain. Elbrus has two summits - each within a few feet of one another. The Western summit is the tallest at 18,510 feet; and the Eastern summit is only 68 feet lower at 18,442 feet. Those looking for the most adventurous route typically climb up the northern side of the mountain to the west summit.

Mount Elbrus is a dormant volcano that is consistently covered in snow. For this reason, basic technical mountaineering skills are required to handle the snowfall, even though there are no steep sections of the climb. If you have minimal experience doing technical climbs, consider practicing elsewhere first and definitely climb Elbrus with a guide. Being located along the southern border of Russia, the temperatures are cold. Breathing is even more difficult than Kilimanjaro for example, where the cold temperatures are a bit milder. On top of that, travel to Russia requires a significant amount of time to get visas, paperwork, and interviews in order - leave plenty of time to arrange travel.

Mount Vinson

Only discovered in 1958, and first climbed in 1966, Mount Vinson is Antarctica’s tallest mountain reaching an elevation of 16,050 feet. Vinson is by far the most remote of the seven summits, requiring significant travel to reach the destination. However, it is certainly worth the trip to scale the “top of the bottom of the world”. Similar to most other mountains in the seven summits (besides Kilimanjaro), Mount Vinson does require at least some technical mountaineering skills.

Climbers should be familiar with crampons, ice axes, and crevasse rescue training. Located about 700 miles from the South Pole, extreme temperatures are expected, and while no one has died on Vinson, many have suffered from serious frostbite. Thermal wear and proper gear is a must. In order to tackle this mountain, plan anywhere from 9-12 days of hiking; however, keep in mind that the Antarctic is unpredictable and itineraries change often. A strong mental state is needed in order to venture out into the land of the Antarctic to conquer this icy spire.

Puncak Jaya

Taking the final spot of the seven summits is Puncak Jaya, also known as Carstensz Pyramid, which stands at 16,024 feet. Located in continental Australia and Oceania, Puncak Jaya is easily the most technical of the seven summits. To reach the summit of Puncak Jaya requires knowledge and skill with rock climbing. In addition to scrambling up steep rock, Puncak Jaya also has vast differences in climate and weather while climbing. The beginning of the trek starts in the dense rainforest, creating a challenge in and of itself to get to the mountain. Upon leaving the rainforest, climbers traverse through rock and snow on the way to the summit. These differences require carrying a diverse range of clothing and equipment for all portions of the climb. Standard treks up Puncak Jaya take an average of one week. Nowadays, there is a helicopter route that will take climbers directly to the base camp and bypass the rainforest portion of the climb.

This newly developed route was created due to local tribes living in the rainforest often holding climbers hostage and demanding thousands of dollars in ransom. In a few cases, climbers have even been beaten severely and kidnapped.

Once one takes the helicopter route to base camp, climbing to the summit takes about 12-14 hours. With this added transportation, the cost of climbing Puncak Jaya can be high, but so worth the endeavor to do so safely.

Surprising Seven Summit Records

Feeling invigorated? Tackle each mountain listed above, and join the ranks of the other 416 victors. The seven summits are no easy feat. Thousands have made the attempt, but only a few hundred have succeeded. Take a peek at some seven summit highlights below:

Youngest to Climb the Seven Summits

Jordan Romero, born in California, USA, has broken numerous records within his short 15 years of life. When he was just 13 years old, he became the youngest person to climb Everest, which was previously held by Ming Kipa - a 15-year-old Nepali native. After that, Jordan continued to train and on Christmas Eve of 2011, Romero completed his seventh of the summits, Mount Vinson, and became the youngest climber ever to reach the top of all the tallest mountains in the world.

An inspiration to all, Romero has written a book for teen readers, "No Summit out of Sight" and has a blog site where eager climbers can go to learn from his expertise on reaching all seven summits.

Oldest to Climb the Seven Summits

Equally impressive - on November 21st, 2013 - Werner Berger, a South African native, reached the top of Mt. Denali and became the oldest person to climb the seven summits at the age of 77 years old.

Berger, who started climbing at the age of 55, completed the seven summits 22 years later. His seven summits success came upon his third attempt at climbing Mount Denali. Previously, he came within 200 feet from the summit, but was forced to turn around due to a sudden and drastic change in weather. This turn of events was no sorrow for Berger, as he reflected on this first attempt with much admiration. His journey to completion of the seven summits is an admirable achievement, but also a reminder to remember your ‘why’ behind climbing - what legacy do you want to leave behind?

Fastest to Climb the Seven Summits

Reaching the seven summits is a lifelong journey for many; it was only a 117-day trip for Steven Plain, who completed the seven summits in just under 4 months. Standing on top of Mount Everest on May 14th, 2018 - Steven broke the record for fastest completion of climbing the seven summits; yet, this is only the beginning of his incredible story.

In 2014, Plain got into a swimming accident where he broke his neck and became partially paralyzed. While most would dream of one day regaining strength, he was dreaming of conquering the seven summits and crushing the record for fastest completion. After four years of intense physical training, he set out on his journey for the seven summits. He reached his first victory upon his summit of Mount Vinson on January 18th of 2018 and completed his journey on Mount Everest on May 14th, 2018.

When asked about his journey, Plain states, “The Seven Summits was an amazing journey, one I'll look back on for years to come.” However, “...summiting Everest, and completing the Seven Summits, was not the euphoric moment I thought it would be. It was a solemn moment of reflection."

Want to hear more about others that have tackled all seven summits? Check out our exclusive interview with Roxanne Litynska - the 2nd Ukrainian woman to join the ranks and scale all 7 peaks.

Start Your Seven Summits Expedition

While there is no required order for completion of the seven summits, there is a logical progression in order to build on mountaineering skills. If you are ready to start your journey towards the seven summits, you should first tackle Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro is the fourth highest mountain on the list, but also the easiest to climb.

Absolutely no technical skills are required, and the truest challenge is the altitude. For those lacking high altitude experience, consider climbing the 7-day Machame route, which builds in an extra day for acclimatization. An alternative is the Lemosho route - the longest of the main routes on Kilimanjaro, which takes eight days for completion, and offers the most beautiful panoramic vistas of the mountain.