Mountain climbing is a mixture of thrill and difficulty. The inconvenience of the long routes, unpredictable weather, and the steep rocks make the views from the top more rewarding. It also means one more adventure conquered and an achievement added to one's travel portfolio. While there are so many mountains in the world to climb, those seeking the ultimate thrill and an unforgettable experience should head over to these mountains for an adventure of a lifetime.

8 Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The tallest mountain in Africa stands at 5,895 m (19,340) and remains one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Its location is in Tanzania - a country known for its exceptional parks, many of which consist of some of the most interesting wildlife presence in the world. While the routes on the mountain may not be too steep, it is a long way to the top therefore climbers are required to be physically fit to be able to keep up with the trek which usually goes on for days (with camping in between).

Related: You Don’t Need Experience To Climb Kilimanjaro, But Brace Yourself For This

7 Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in the beautiful Asian country of Japan with its 3,776 m height. One noteworthy feature of this Japanese holy mountain is the scenic views it presents from the top and also the mountain’s snow-capped cone top which can be seen from surrounding cities miles away. The climb to the top of Mount Fuji and back takes between 5 - 10 hours but the unpredictable weather and some steep routes can make it more challenging. The weather here can quickly change from strong winds to the heavy downpour of rain so come prepared with proper equipment. Some climbers climb the Mountain throughout the night to enjoy the views of sunrise from the top but this may pose more challenges as the weather is chillier and the routes are darker at night. One thing to note though is that the climb at Mount Fuji is rewarding regardless of whether you get to witness the sunrise or not.

6 Matterhorn, Switzerland

The pointy Matterhorn in Zermatt Valley is a 4,478 m-tall mountain with lots of steep rocks. The climb may take well over 2 days for some or less than 10 hours for others too and climbers need to be physically fit to be able to withstand the tough trek. While it is not an extremely difficult climb, some snow and ice-covered parts might pose a little difficulty for climbers but the views from the top are nothing short of amazing.

Related: Switzerland Vs Austria: Which Has The Better Alps?

5 El Capitan, United States

The magnificent El Capitan is one of the most popular rocks in the United States. It is located in Yosemite National Park in Sierra Nevada, California. Technically, El Capitan is not exactly a mountain like the others but a large rock; however, it is still related to the climbing game, and it's sometimes more appealing to drop the hiking poles for a moment and pick up the climbing ropes. This 914 m-tall rock has been the place where individuals like Alex Honnold have made epic rock-climbing history so it's an opportunity to join the increasing list of climbers who tick this climb off their bucket list.

Related: The Ultimate Guide To Hiking In Yosemite National Park

4 Mount Denali, United States

Amazing views, extreme gratification, and an unforgettable experience are things climbers who successfully climb Mount Denali will enjoy. However, there is no pain without gain and this is the same for the 6,190 m-tall Mount Denali located in Alaska. It is the highest peak in North America and comes with extreme weather and challenging routes. The climb is not short of beautiful views but be ready to deal with freezing/hot temperatures and altitude sickness while trekking and camping for days in the snow-covered mountain.

3 Mount Annapurna, Nepal

At 8,091 m, Annapurna is the tenth highest mountain in the world which means it comes with the same shortage of oxygen that eight-thousanders (mountains above 8,000 m) are known for. Located in Nepal, this mountain is just like its peers - presenting perilous routes and betraying weather. The long climb is made up of falling avalanches, steep rocks, cloudy atmosphere, and freezing temperatures; Still, it is one of the most rewarding adventures in the world.

2 Mount Everest, Nepal/China

The harder they are, the more reward they offer and when it comes to mountains, Mount Everest is one of the hardest climbs in the world. To begin, it is the highest mountain in the world at 8,848 m (29,031 feet). The mountain is located on the Himalayas range on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China) and its snow-capped mountain presents a couple of pyramid-like shapes and steep terrains. The trek to the top of this magnificent mountain takes between 40 and 60 days even on the mountain's easiest trail. One of the most challenging features of the climb on Mount Everest is the shortage of oxygen at higher elevations. Climbers usually need extra oxygen to stay conscious when they get to 8,000 m.

1 K2, Pakistan/China

Something always connects height with difficulty and K2 - the second highest mountain in the world confirms that. This mountain sits at a towering height of 8,610 m and is located at the Karakoram range – a place that lies between the China and Pakistan border. Besides the terrifying height, K2 has been known as the deadliest mountain in the world for a while now. Climbers here are at risk of oxygen loss, rushing winds, falling avalanches, and slippery steep rocks which usually result in several feet of horrifying falls. The weather at K2 is one more treacherous thing to deal with, especially in winter. The temperature is usually freezing and the thick clouds sometimes render vision partially useless. With less than 400 successful climbs and up to 91 deaths, climbers who can successfully make it to the top of this super difficult mountain will have a story that news organizations will come knocking to get.

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