Mount Kosciuszko in Australia
Mount Kosciuszko stands as the tallest mountain peak on mainland Australia, soaring to an elevation of 2,228 meters (7,310 feet). Situated within New South Wales, in the southeastern reaches of the country, it holds a significant place in Australia’s geographical landscape. Although Mawson Peak (a volcano) is Australia’s highest peak, geographically, it is part of ‘sub-Antarctica’. Named by the Polish explorer Paul Strzelecki in 1840 in honour of the revered Polish figure Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Mount Kosciuszko is nestled within the confines of Kosciuszko National Park. It is also part of the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge, where climbers endeavour to conquer the highest peaks on each continent.
Mount Elbrus in Europe and Russia
Standing proudly at an elevation of 18,510 feet (5642 meters) above sea level, Mount Elbrus is located in Russia, yet, intriguingly, the mountain, along with its sprawling glaciers, falls under the domain of the European continental plate, thus earning its place among the Seven Summits—the ultimate challenge for mountaineers. There is also a debate over whether Mount Elbrus or Mont Blanc reigns as the highest peak in Europe.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa
Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro claims the title of Africa’s loftiest peak, towering at approximately 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). It is the world’s largest free-standing mountain rise, distinguished by its solitary prominence, unattached to any mountain range. Termed a stratovolcano, Kilimanjaro comprises three distinct cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo reigns supreme as the pinnacle, harbouring the mountain’s summit. While Mawenzi and Shira remain extinct, Kibo remains dormant, albeit with the potential for future eruptions.
Mount Everest in Asia
The highest mountain peak in the world is at the crest of the Great Himalayan range. Mount Everest lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet and has a towering elevation of 29,032 feet (8,849 metres). Its most common Tibetan name, Chomolungma, means the Goddess Mother of the World or Goddess of the Valley. Its Sanskrit name is Sagarmatha, which means ‘peak of heaven’. The summit faces a rock-hard snow surface that is surrounded by softer snow and is incapable of sustaining human occupation, although the valleys are inhabited by Tibetan people.
Mount Denali in North America
Also known as Mount McKinley, this is the highest peak resting in the south-central region of Alaska. The summit has an elevation of 6,190 meters (20,310 feet) above sea level, securing Denali’s position as the third-highest peak among the Seven Summits. A vast expanse of 2.4 million hectares is devoted to Denali National Park and Preserve, which is a protective sanctuary for this natural wonder. The name Denali comes from the Koukon language, translating to “the tall one.”
Cerro Aconcagua in South America
Commonly known as Aconcagua, this prominent peak is located in Argentina near its border with Chile, marking the highest peak with an elevation that exceeds 6,706 meters (22,000 feet), although precise measurements of its summit have spurred some debate. Being part of the Andes Mountains range, Aconcagua is believed to owe its genesis to volcanic activity. The name remains a mystery, with some historians suggesting it has its roots in the Quechua language. In 1897, Swiss mountaineer Matthias Zurbriggen etched his name in history as the first documented climber to successfully reach the summit.
Mount Vinson in Antarctica
Mount Vinson rises to an impressive height of 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level and stands as one of the more recently explored peaks among the Seven Summits. Although in 1935, U.S. aviator Lincoln Ellsworth spotted the peak, only in 1966-67 did an American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition team under the leadership of Nicholas Clinch first achieve the historic feat of scaling Mount Vinson! The vicinity surrounding Mount Vinson hosts an ensemble of other towering peaks, collectively known as the Vinson Massif, which was named after Carl Vinson, a distinguished U.S. Representative from Georgia.
