Top 10 Deadliest Mountains Challenging Expert Climbers

There are several high mountains in the world, such as Mount Everest, Mount K2, Mount Annapurna, and many more. These mountains are listed as the most dangerous mountain to climb based on elevation, challenging climbing faces, probability of avalanches, and fatality rate. Some mountains, such as Mount Kailash, pose religious significance and occurrences that make them dangerous. Apart from these challenges, altitude sickness, hypothermia, hypoxia, avalanches, etc., make the ascension more dangerous.

Due to its high fatality rate and steep climbing faces, Annapurna I is considered the most dangerous mountain. Here are the 10 most dangerous mountains to climb in the world.

Annapurna I, Nepal

With a total altitude of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet), Annapurna I is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Located in the north-central part of the Himalayas of Nepal, it has a fatality rate of 32% and is a feared mountain to summit. Out of every 3 climbers, one fails to claim the mountain. The mountain’s northern face, with steep slopes, makes it more dangerous.

Due to its high altitude, there are always the dangers of altitude sickness and loss of appetite and sleep. Similarly, Annapurna’s weather is unpredictable; the temperature can drop to negative 14C. Likewise, the mountain is prone to frequent avalanches, making it more fearsome and adding to the fatality rate. Therefore, Mount Annapurna is considered the world’s most dangerous mountain to climb. Yet, the experienced and the bravest set out for the Annapurna climb.

K2, Pakistan-China

Mount K2, also known as ‘Savag Mountain’, is a monstrous mountain with a maximum altitude of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), 2nd highest mountain in the world. K2, situated between the borders of Pakistan and China, is one of the world’s most dangerous and toughest mountains to climb. The topography and sharp edges make the mountain one of the world’s most dangerous mountains to climb.

The northern face of the K2 is comparatively more complex. Frequently changing weather, freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and strong winds increase the difficulty and chances of avalanches. One simple mistake on the mountain could take your life. Likewise, there is a taboo around saying that the K2 is a cursed mountain for females. However, the death rate dropped to just 13.7% by 2024 from 25% in 2021.

Nanga Parbat, Pakistan

The 9th highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters/26,660 feet), is also the 3rd most dangerous mountain to climb. Located in Pakistan, Nanga Parbat is also known as ‘Killer Mountain’ or ‘King of Mountains’. The southern face (Rupal face) of the mountain, which is 15,090 feet high, makes climbing the mountain more challenging. This face is the largest mountain face on Earth.

Moreover, the Nanga Parbat is the most technical and difficult mountain to climb in the world. Changing climatic conditions make it more deadly. By the time the mountain was first summited in 1953, there were already 31 death records.

Kanchenjunga, Nepal-India

Mount Kanchenjunga, situated on the border of Nepal and India, is the 3rd highest mountain in the world, with a maximum altitude of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). Kanchenjunga is an avalanche-prone zone, with a death rate of around 22%. The mountain is notoriously famous for taking the lives of climbers due to hypoxia (low oxygen level), exposure, falling rocks, and avalanches.

There is no easy path to the Kanchenjunga summit. You need technical climbing experience and proper climbing gear, or you can get an experienced guide from a travel and tour company. The remoteness of the Kanchenjunga region makes it the fourth most difficult mountain to climb in the world.

Dhaulagiri I, Nepal

Dhaulagiri I is the world’s seventh highest peak, with a maximum elevation of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). Located in the western part of Nepal, the mountain has a date rate of 21%. Since its first ascension in 1960, it has already claimed more than 30 lives.

The Dhaulagiri is so dangerous that the mountain’s southern face is still not climbed. Even the experienced mountaineers have fallen victim to the hands of Dhaulagiri. The mountain ranked 5th most difficult due to frequent avalanches, unprecedented weather, and unknown terrain.

Mount Everest, Nepal-China

The world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, reaches 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) and is the sixth most dangerous mountain to climb in Nepal. The death rate of Everest is around 14%, with more than 300 deaths. The extreme altitude of the mountain is the prime reason Mt Everest is the most dangerous mountain to climb.

Although the path to the top of Everest is set, it is still idiotic to underestimate the challenges during the climb. There are several crevices hundreds of meters deep. One simple, wrong step can cost your life. Due to overcrowding on the way, the death toll has been increasing around the ‘Death Zone’, which is the region over 8,000 meters. Likewise, the area is called’ Rainbow Valley‘ due to frozen bodies and their gears just below the summit in the death zone.

Manaslu, Nepal

Mount Manaslu, with a maximum elevation of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), is the 7th most dangerous mountain to climb in the world. Manaslu, the world’s 8th-highest peak, might not currently have a high fatality rate. However, it is one of the most technical mountains to climb. The region faces seasonal snowstorms and frequent avalanches.

In 2012, an unseen avalanche killed 11 people. Although climbing Manaslu is dangerous, people like adventure, so hundreds of mountaineers set out to summit the mountain.

Makalu, Nepal

Located in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal, Mount Makalu is the world’s 5th highest mountain, with an elevation of 8,485 meters (27,940 feet). Since the first ascent in 1955, more than 30 climbers have already died, making the fatality rate about 13%. The technical climb makes conquering the mountain difficult.

Similar to Mount K2, climbers on Mount Makalu die during descent. Even experienced mountaineers fail to summit Makalu. The lengthy path and severe climate make the mountain notorious. Likewise, strong freezing winds and the risk of avalanches are notable.

Siula Grande, Peru

The Siula Grande, with a maximum elevation of 6,343 meters (20,810 feet) in the Peruvian Andes, is known for its extreme climbing challenges. Its western face is notorious for its challenging and technical climbs. The mountain’s unpredictable climate, steep slopes, and various deep crevasses make it dangerous.

Only a few mountaineers have successfully climbed the mountain through the west face of Siula Grande. Siula got its name as one of the most difficult mountains to climb in South America.

Broad Peak, Pakistan

The Broad Peak is the world’s 12th-highest peak, with an altitude of 8,051 meters (26,414 feet). Its fatality rate is 8.37%. Because of its never-ending broad, steep slope from the beginning to the summit, Broad Peak is listed among the top 10 most dangerous mountains to climb in the world. More than 20 climbers have lost their lives on the mountain.

The Broad Peak is one of the most challenging and deadliest mountains to climb. The mountain’s most dangerous parts are the low number of climbers and the danger of getting lost and never reaching the true summit.

Among the mountains listed above, which one do you think is the most dangerous mountain to climb?