Majestic Mountains to See Before You Die

There’s something about mountains that never fail to captivate me. 

These looming formations can kiss the clouds and cast shadows over villages. They cause jaws to drop in awe and inspire people to dream and challenge themselves to accomplish immense feats. Sometimes they just feel like home. And of course, they offer spectacular views if you make the trek to the top. Sure you can take an elevator to the top of a skyscraper or take a ride in an airplane to see views from high above ground, but there is no better natural or more rewarding way to see breathtaking panoramic views than by hiking or climbing up a mountain. There’s also nothing like standing at the foot of one of these mind blowing parts of nature, looking up as it pierces into the sky. So without further ado, I bring you the top majestic mountains to see before you die!

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro – Photo by Tambako The Jaguar via Flickr

Country: Tanzania
Elevation: 19,341 feet (5,895 meters)
First ascent: 1889

This dormant volcanic mountain is the highest free standing (not part of a mountain range) mountain in the world. Remember to do your research if you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Most people will take 6-8 days to complete the trek, although it’s always best to take your time if necessary to adjust to altitude changes. With plenty of preparation involved before the trip, don’t hesitate to do more in depth research on the trek to prepare you for the journey ahead.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest – Photo by MrGaryLarson via Flickr

Country: China (Tibet)/Nepal
Elevation: 29,029 ft (8,848 meters)
First ascent: 1953

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. At such an enormous size, it makes my favorite Colorado mountains look minuscule! If you are brave enough to visit Everest Base Camp, make sure you know how to do it right before you depart. And don’t forget to tell me all about it! Aside from seeing this majestic mountain, check out some of these sights to see on China holidays to complete your trip to the area if you are on that side of the mountain. There is so much more to discover when visiting Asia, so see as much as you can to make the most of your stay!

Mount McKinley (Denali)

Mount McKinley (Denali) – Photo by Christoph Strässler via Flickr

State/Country: Alaska, USA
Elevation: 20,322 feet (6,194 meters)
First ascent: 1913

As the highest mountain peak in North America, Mount McKinley is as cold as it is majestic. Brutal winter temperatures can drop all the way to -75° F (-60° C), with windchill temperatures as low as -118° F (-83° C). The Koyukon Athabaskan people who inhabit the area refer to the peak as Denali, which means “the great one.” It wasn’t until 1896 when a gold prospector named the mountain McKinley to support presidential candidate William McKinley. The name Mount McKinley was officially recognized by the United States when President McKinley signed the Mount McKinley National Park Act of February 26, 1917.

Matterhorn

Matterhorn – Photo by Kosala Bandara via Flickr

Country: Switzerland
Elevation: 14,692 feet (4,478 meters)
First ascent: 1865

The Matterhorn is a fascinating mountain, with a peak that is almost perfectly pyramidal. Whether you are just stopping by for the day to admire the view, or you are more adventurous and want to attempt to climb the peak, you will certainly not regret your visit. Said to be the most photographed mountain in the world, you have to make a stop there to take at least one photo!

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Aoraki/Mount Cook – Photo by karlnorling via Flickr

Country: New Zealand
Elevation: 12,218 feet (3,724 meters)
First ascent: 1894

The highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook is nothing short of spectacular. And yes, both names are a part of the mountain’s official name today. The original name of the mountain was Aoraki, given many centuries before the first European discovered the mountain. When Captain John Lort Stokes discovered the mountain in 1851, he named it Mount Cook to honour Captain James Cook, who first surveyed and circumnavigated the islands of New Zealand in 1770. A settlement was made in 1998, which is when the name was officially changed to Aoraki / Mount Cook to honor the historic name of the mountain.

I know there are tons more out there that didn’t make it on this list, so let me know in the comments below – which majestic mountains would you add?