The Seven Summits of the World
Mountaineering is an experience for every trekker to discover both inward and outward pleasures of life. However, climbing seven summits across the seven continents of the world is a challenge and very few make it. Today let us understand, what makes trekking these summits a cherishing lifetime achievement.
Mount Everest
If you want to party the zenith of one?s mountaineering skills in a frostbitten climate, then Mt Everest is the first option that must come to your mind. Located in Asia in Tibet-Nepal border, Mt Everest lies at an altitude of 29,035 feet and 8,850 meters.
Climate
Made up of manifold levels of rock crumpled back on themselves and shielded by snow and ice, Mt Everest gives an appearance of a three-sided pyramid. Known for its extreme climatic conditions, the mountain temperature not ever rose over above freezing or 32 F (o C). In the month of January, the average temperature ranges from -33 F (-36 C) to a dropping temperature of -76 F (-60 C).
Ideal route
The perfect time to climb the summit is before the monsoon season in the month of May. The ideal routes for climbing the mountain are North Col Route from Tibet and South Col Route from Nepal.
Un-designed for human survival, Mt Everest when reached gives you an adrenaline rush.
Mount Aconcagua
The second highest of the seven summits and the tallest peak in the western and southern hemisphere is Mt Aconcagua. Located in South America in Argentina, it lies at an altitude of 22,834 feet and 6,960 meters. Trek to this mountain is a non-technical route and an easy climb; however, it is the altitude one has to take care of.
Climate
Considered as chilly, snowy, the volatile climatic situations pose a difficult task for the Mountaineers thus preventing to climb in winter seasons. In the summer, the temperature ranges around minus 4 F at night above 16, 400 feet.
Ideal route
The normal route along Northwest Ridge is considered as the ideal mission that takes around 21 days from Mendoza. Simple hike path and steady gravel slopes, the travel route has no stable snow-fields. However, alpine ascending expertise, ice ax and crampons are a must.
Aggressive winds coupled with low oxygen and humidity from the Pacific Ocean makes summiting Mt Aconcagua a no easy task.
Mount Denali
One of the highest terrestrials established mountain on Earth and considered as the aim of high altitude climbers, third most significant and most inaccessible is Mt Denali, also formerly known as Mt McKinley. Located in North America in the United States and Alaska border, Mt Denali lies at an altitude of 20,320 feet and 6,194 meters.
Climate
Surrounded by five large glaciers flow off the slopes, the mountain is considered to have ferocious climatic situations. The wind chills as low as -118.1 F and temperatures as low as -75.5 F is documented by local weather stations.
Ideal route
Most of the climbers prefer West Buttress route, as it is the slightest technical way, also safest and used frequently to reach Denali. The Muldrow Glacier which lies on the north side and the West Rib is the next preferred choices, however, they come with challenges and difficulties as faced by the Mountaineers.
The best time to climb Mt Denali is from April to July. The weather is believed to be turbulent in May and wild in July. However, once you reach the peak of Mt Denali, you won?t look back at any obstacle that gave you a spine-chilling experience.
Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the major climbing destinations and the highest free-standing mountain in the world is Mount Kilimanjaro. Located in Africa in Tanzania, Mt Kilimanjaro lies at an altitude of 19,340 feet and 5,995 meters.
Climate
Irregular high winds, low-level climatic conditions, and high altitude pose a dangerous risk making it difficult for the Mountaineers. It is cautioned to perform a thorough research to remain physically fit and guided with necessary equipment. The mountain has regular upslope and nightly downslope winds, which are challenging.
The usual temperature is around 19 F. The regular daytime high temperature on the Northern Ice Field falls over 25 F and night time around 16 F.
Ideal route
January/February and August/September are considered ideal times to climb the mountain. Offering various climb routes, Marangu route helps you to get hut accommodation, however, camping is prohibited. A minimum of five days is perfect duration to trek Mt Kilimanjaro.
Lately, Mt Kilimanjaro has been in news due to its shrinking glaciers and vanishing ice fields. So mountaineers, make it a point to scale it at the earliest, to avoid regret later.
Mount Elbrus
The highest mountain in Europe and most rocky mountain summit in the world, sitting on a moving tectonic area is Mt Elbrus. Located in Europe across Georgia and Russia borders, Mt Elbrus lies at an altitude of 18,510 feet and 5,642 meters.
Climate
Weather poses a major danger. Unexpected winds and exceeding cold climatic conditions are very frequent. This has forced numerous mountaineers to become confused, meandered off the path and disappeared. Hypothermia injuries and frostbite injuries are quite seen on this mountain.
Ideal route
The normal route via South Face and Azau valley is considered to be lengthy and tiresome but the safest option for the trek. The ascent through this route usually takes around 6-9 hours and descent around 3-6 hours. Besides this, there is also northern route, Kiu kurtiliu and other difficult paths on the mountain that are rarely climbed. Considered as the deadliest mountains in the world, the erratic weather conditions pose challenges to mountaineers.
July and August are the best preferred times due to good weather conditions and is often crowded.
Mt Elbrus is an impeccable absorption into trek climbing.
Mount Vinson
Supreme in its unconditional magnificence, the trek to Mt Vinson flares up a human being?s primitive drive for wilderness. Located in Antarctica in Ellsworth Mts, Mt Vinson Massif lies at an altitude of 16, 066 feet and 4,897 meters.
Climate
Cruel conditions of extreme cold coupled with violent winds demand the Mountaineers be in a robust physical condition. Crevasse rescue, glacier travel, and self-arrest are few skills needed to climb this mountain.
Regulated by the polar ice caps intense system, the mountain offers steady climatic conditions. Snowfall and violent winds occur as it is in any polar climate. From November to January (summer season), sunlight is present all day and night with a moderate temperature of minus 20 F.
Ideal route
The trek to the mountain is temperate like other alpine routes with glaciated landscapes and slopes around.
Mt Vinson is a majestic peak that gives you an unforgettable mounting experience and an opportunity to click once-in-a-lifetime images.
Mount Kosciuszko
If you want to experience a low altitude and moderate slope mountaineering experience, Mt Kosciusko is the ideal summit. Located in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko lies at an altitude of 7,310 feet and 2,228 meters.
Climate
Cool temperatures are present all around the year. There is no specific time period as such to climb this mountain; however, avoiding trek from June to October is preferred due to snowfall.
Ideal route
Keeping in mind, the various environmental concerns, mountaineers either have to trek on foot or use a bicycle for 7.6 kilometers from Charlotte Pass to Rawson Pass. Here one has to leave their cycles and walk around two kilometers to climb the summit.
The most stress-free and leisure walk is the niche of Mt Kosciusko.
Are you planning on scaling these summits anytime soon, if yes, tell us how in the comments section?