We climb the valleys to discover the 20 most beautiful mountains in the world. These enormous deformations of the Earth’s crust represent the bloody battle that the tectonic plates have been fighting for centuries to rise above the Earth like giants in their valleys. Their unusual structures show the traces and folds of a structure of the lithosphere where the slabs are folded like an accordion. From the heights, the mountains have been and will be incredible objects of admiration, some for their height, others for their history, or simply for their spectacular beauty. Sit back and feast your eyes on the most beautiful mountains in the world.
1. Matterhorn Mountain
The Matterhorn mountain on the border of Switzerland and Italy is possibly the most famous mountain in the Swiss Alps for its spectacular pyramid shape. Its summit, at 4,478 metres, is the fifth highest peak in the Alps. In addition, nestled in the canton of Valais, in the northeast, and in the Aosta Valley, in the south, this mountain is iconic. It also serves as a very exciting and dangerous climb for those who wish to ascend it. The dramatic weather certainly accentuates the beauty of the mountain, which adds to its charm.
2. Everest
Mount Everest is the highest mountain on the surface of the planet Earth, with an altitude of 8,849 metres above sea level. It is located on the Asian continent, in the Himalayan mountain range, specifically on the border between China and Nepal. The Nepalese call it Sagarmatha (“Heaven’s Front”), while the Tibetans know it as Chomolungma (“Mother of the Universe”). The massif includes the neighbouring peaks Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7855m) and Changtse (7580m).
3. Mont-Blanc
Mont Blanc is the highest granite mountain in the Alps, located on the border between France and Italy. It is 4,810 metres high. Similarly, it is surrounded by valleys with numerous glaciers and forms part of the massif of the same name, which stretches between the Aosta Valley (Italy) and Haute-Savoie (France). According to the 1860 treaty, the summit is shared by the two countries. It is possible to admire it from the funiculars and it is crossed by a tunnel which forms a border crossing between France and Italy. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. If you want to know more, here is a special we did on Mont Blanc.
4. Half dome from Yosemite
Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of California’s Yosemite Valley and is probably the most famous image in Yosemite National Park. The crest of the mountain rises to an altitude of 1,440 metres and its massive wall is a mystical enclave for climbers. It is worth noting that despite an 1865 report declaring it inaccessible, George Anderson reached the summit in 1875. Today, it remains a great challenge for many hikers, but it can undoubtedly be ranked as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
5. K-2 Mountain
K-2 is a mountain located in the heart of the Karakoram range in the Himalayan system. It is located on the border between Pakistan and China. K-2 is 8,611 metres high and is the second highest mountain on Earth, after Mount Everest. It is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, but it is also one of the most difficult to climb, along with Annapurna and Nanga Parbat, which makes it one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. They call it “Wild Mountain”, since for every 4 mountaineers who summit it, one dies in the attempt.
6. Fuji Mount
At 3,776 metres, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak, with its volcanic cone visible on the horizon from Tokyo on clear days. It lies between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures in central Japan and just west of Tokyo. Mount Fuji is classified as an active volcano although it last erupted in 1707. It is a tradition in Japan for any self-respecting Japanese to climb this huge crater at least once in their lifetime. The ancestral culture of the Japanese people kept its summit off-limits to women until the end of the 19th century. It is worth noting that due to its beauty, the photo of Mount Fuji is one of the most frequently printed pictures on postcards.
7. Sassongher Mountain
The Sassongher is a 2,665-metre-high mountain located in the Puez-Odle Natural Park. It is a mountain located in the Dolomite mountain range, specifically above the hill town of Corvara in Italy. Its alpine route of moderate difficulty leads to one of the best panoramic points in the valley. If you want to enjoy an incredible view, the terrace at the top of the Sassongher offers a 360° view over the Italian mountain range.
8. Vinicunca Mountain
The Vinicunca Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colours or Rainbow Mountain, is located in Peru with an altitude of 5,200 metres. It can be found in the Andes of Peru, Cusco Region, between the districts of Cusipata (Quispicanchi) and Pitumarca (Canchis). These colourful mountains look like a real work of art, their peaks rise thousands of metres! The unusual colours are photographed by thousands of visitors every year and make these colourful mountains one of the most beautiful in the world.
9. Devil’s Tour
Devil’s Tower National Monument is an igneous intrusion or volcanic neck located in the Black Hills, Crook County, United States. It rises dramatically in a huge valley and its summit is 1,558 metres above sea level. The mountain is formed by phonolithic columns. It is known and famous for being the setting of a Steven Spielberg classic and has been a tourist attraction ever since.
10. Fairy Chimneys
Can you imagine climbing to the top of one of these pinnacles? These fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey, are the result of lava flows from volcanic eruptions. They are found mainly in the desert and in hot, dry, arid areas. Centuries ago, monks would cut a hole in these spectacular mountains to build their own houses inside their winding chimneys. Also known as “hoodoos“, these pinnacles vary greatly in size, ranging from human height to heights greater than a 10-storey building. Impressive, isn’t it?
11. Kilimanjaro Mount
Kilimanjaro is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world located in northeastern Tanzania, formed by three dormant volcanoes: Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, standing some 4,900 metres above sea level from its base on the plateau. This mountain is world famous for the beauty and richness of its biodiversity. Among the images of mountains of the world, Kilimanjaro certainly does not cease to amaze with the contrast between its African snows and its tropical forests.
12. Popocatepetl Volcano
Popocatepetl is an active volcano located in central Mexico. It is located on the territorial limits of the states of Morelos, Puebla and the state of Mexico. The volcano has a symmetrical conical shape and has glaciers near the mouth of the cone. It is the second highest volcano in Mexico, with a maximum altitude of 5,400 metres above sea level. Although only authorised people can climb it due to its constant activity, it is a magnificent setting for hiking, trekking, mountain biking, camping and biodiversity observation.
13. Denali Mount
Mount Denali is the highest mountain in North America, with an altitude of 6,190 metres above sea level. It is located in the Alaskan mountain range (United States), more specifically in the Denali National Park. In addition, the height difference that must be overcome, together with the low temperatures (it is only 3 degrees above the Arctic Circle), make Denali one of the most difficult peaks to climb. Although it is undoubtedly not one of the highest peaks in the world, it offers impressive views all the way to the Alaskan border.
14. Tour Hill Mountain
Cerro Torre is a mountain located in southern Patagonia, in the southern part of South America. It is located on the border between Argentina and Chile. Also, its steepness and ruggedness make the 3,128 metres of Cerro Torre only accessible to the best climbers in the world. The icing on the cake comes at the end, though, as the summit is a huge frost mushroom formed by the famously strong Patagonian winds, making the peak that much harder to reach.
15. Otemanu Mount
The island of Bora-Bora in French Polynesia is formed by an extinct volcano, Mount Otemanu. From the top of the 727-metre-high mountain you can enjoy spectacular views of the lagoon and coral reefs surrounding the island of Bora Bora. The spectacular scenery offered by nature can be enjoyed from the mountain ledges, as climbing is not possible due to the volcanic rock which is too fragile and dangerous. Undoubtedly, the contrasting colours of Bora Bora with its turquoise waters, Mount Otemanu is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
16. Kirkjufell Mount
At 463 metres high, Kirkjufell Mountain is one of the must-see sights of Snaefellsnes. Its seaside location and curious, almost perfectly conical shape have made it Iceland’s most photographed landscape. Although it is possible to hike up the mountain, most tourists prefer to stay at the foot of Kirkjufell to enjoy the views of one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
17. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain located on a well-known prominent site overlooking Cape Town in South Africa. It is also one of the most representative symbols of the city, appearing on its flag. At 1,086 metres above sea level, this mountain is another horizontal peak that is not particularly high. Despite this, it is very beautiful to behold, especially when it rises up against the sea. It is certainly a peak unlike any other in the world, and instantly recognisable.
18. Machu Picchu Mount
The Machu Picchu mountain is located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, in the Andes mountain range at 2,430 metres above sea level. It is located in the Cusco region, a city in Peru. In Spanish it means “old mountain” and it is the most famous Inca citadel in the world. It is surrounded by temples, terraces and water channels, built on the top of a mountain. Undoubtedly, a mountain worth admiring for its original beauty.
19. Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is a mountain located in Tasmania, Australia. At 1,545 metres above sea level, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island thanks to its natural beauty. Overlooking Lake Dove, Cradle Mountain’s ridge tent is quite a sight to behold. The views of the mountain are majestic in both winter and summer, so if you’re planning to make the climb, don’t hesitate for a second and check out one of the 20 most beautiful mountains in the world.
20. Castle Mountain
Castle Mountain is a mountain located within Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. The massif contains several high points including Helena Ridge (2,862 metres), Stuart Knob (2,850 metres) and Television Peak (2,970 metres). Although it seems almost inaccessible, the peak can be climbed from the rear on the northeastern slopes. Without doubt, the crenellated, or castle-like appearance of the mountain makes it worthy of admiration and makes it one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Come and see it!
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