Why conquer the tops of the mountains. Legend of the "Stone Mirrors". Graceful beauty of the top of the world

Warning: the article is full of beauty and aesthetics, from which the next eight unconquered peaks becomes even more desirable. Especially if you are extreme, love heights, and have been looking for thrills for a long time.

Gangkhar Puensum

• Height: 7,570 meters
• Location: border between China and Bhutan
• Why not subdued: stupid laws

Gangkhar Puensum is located on disputed border between China and Bhutan. It is definitely not disputed that Gangkhar Puensum is the highest of the still unconquered peaks. In the 1980s, four attempts were made to climb, after which a law was passed in Bhutan prohibiting climbing at an altitude above 6 km.

Source: wikipedia.org

North Face Masherbrum 4

• Height: 7.821 m
• Location: Pakistan
• Why Not Conquered: Extreme Difficulty

Masherbrum was conquered back in 1960 along a fairly simple route. But there is a wall that no one has climbed yet. The reason is the same - the route as "unrealistically extreme".

Source: supercoolpics.com

Siple Mountain

• Height: 3.110 m
• Location: Siple Island, Antarctica
• Why not conquered: harsh climate

This peak is located in Antarctica, and the main difficulty in conquering it is not the route, but low temperature and distance from the civilized world. There are suspicions that Siple Mountain is actually an extinct volcano covered with a glacier.

Source: wikipedia.org

Machapuchare

• Height: 6.998 m
• Location: north central Nepal;
• Why not subdued: religion and law

The most beautiful mountain peak, which, thanks to its steep slopes, stands out against the background of the rest of the massif called Annapurna, once almost surrendered to the courage of climbers. The 1957 expedition organized by Jimmy Roberts stopped only fifty meters from the summit. They were prevented from conquering one of the most beautiful mountains of the Himalayas by a promise given to the government of Nepal.

The bottom line is that in Hindu beliefs, it is on the top of Machapuchare that one of the supreme deities of religion, Shiva, lives. Despite the fact that the Roberts team kept their promise, the first persons of Nepal immediately closed Machapuchare for any visits.

Source: green-travel.biz

Kailash

• Height: 6.638 m
• Location: south of the Tibetan Plateau in the Tibetan autonomous region People's Republic of China
• Why not conquered: “sacred” status

The Tibetan six-thousander is considered sacred mountain representatives of four major religions at once - Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and adherents of a faith called Bon. Despite the fact that Kailash is under the jurisdiction of the government of China, which has occupied Tibet, it is the sacred status of the peak that has not allowed it to be conquered so far.

All known attempts to climb the mountain have failed for one reason or another. For example, the famous climber Reinhold Messner, who did receive permission from the PRC authorities to conquer Kailas, subsequently refused to climb, and the Spanish expedition in 2000, which bought a pass for an impressive amount, was stopped by thousands of pilgrims who blocked the route, and protests from the UN.

Source: wikipedia.org

Tongshanjiabu

• Height: 7.207 m
• Location: central part Himalayas, 12 km northwest of Kangphu Kang
• Why not subdued: laws

The peak, rushing into the sky at 7207 meters, is also located on the constantly contested Tibetan-Bhutanese border. Not a single attempt was made to climb Tongshanjiaba, even before the law "everything above six thousand is impossible." After him, of course, and even more so. At the same time, the neighboring Shimokangri was taken by the Korean expedition, which was lucky to find itself completely on the Chinese side.

“Better mountains can only be mountains that you have not yet visited,” Vladimir Vysotsky once sang. Once carried away by mountaineering and taking the first peak, it is difficult to resist the desire to climb others. Gradually gaining experience, you can reach the eight-thousander mountains, although climbing any of them will not at all be like running up the stairs to the ninth floor when the elevator is not working. We've made a list best mountains for mountaineering and climbing. Many of them are quite accessible even to an ordinary, moderately prepared person.

The highest peak of the mountain range is Dufour, the height is 4634 meters. Monte Rosa is located in the same chain with the Matterhorn, the peak of the Pennine Alps. Nearby is popular resort Zermatt, which attracts many tourists. Here good infrastructure and superb mountain views.

In the northern part of Monte Rosa is located large glacier named Horner. Its length is just over fourteen kilometers. The mountains in the Monte Rosa massif are quite high and moderately difficult, but the local landscapes make up for any climbing difficulties.

You don't have to travel far to feel like a climber. The highest point is located on the border of Kazakhstan with Russia Altai mountains 4509 meters high. It is called Eastern Belukha. Nearby are Delaunay Peak (4260 meters) and Belukha West (4435 meters). Together they form three peaks, which is why Belukha is often called the "Three-headed sacred mountain."

This mountain is considered sacred because, according to legend, the goddess Umai lives here. Among the Turkic peoples, this is the highest female deity, as well as the patroness of women in childbirth and children. Altaians do not seek to enter the domain of the goddess, on the contrary, they are wary of her and therefore usually do not climb to the top.

Mountain of decent size - 6130 meters. Despite the expected difficulty of climbing, which is also associated with acclimatization, among professional climbers, Island Peak is considered a kind of warm-up before going to Everest.

You can get to this part of the Himalayas by plane. Deciding on such a flight is already a feat, not to mention climbing Island Peak. The fact is that Lukla Airport is located almost on a mountain range, and the length runway- only 527 meters. There is a cliff on one side and a concrete wall on the other.

Video: Kirill Yasko

Island Peak was first climbed in 1953. The mountain has become one of the most popular places for climbing among the tourists who come to the Himalayas.

Stok Kangri, like Island Peak, is often used by seasoned climbers as a place to practice before climbing more difficult mountains. You won’t need a lot of equipment to conquer: people who have been there say that trekking poles and crampons are enough. However, it is better not to neglect safety, especially if you have not climbed such high mountains before - 6137 meters.

In the vicinity there are several places where everything you need for climbing is sold. At an altitude of 3700 meters is the village of Stok, and even higher (5000 meters) there is a base camp.

There are twelve here ski resorts, therefore, with the search for a place to stop, there will definitely not be any difficulties. The lower slopes are all green - there are many forests and meadows. IN Dolomites There is national park Dolomiti Bellunesi, which you can walk before or before climbing to the summit of Marmolada (3342 meters).

Big plus of this array - developed infrastructure. There are plenty of shops and places to stay and stop. Climbing Mount Marmolada should not cause great difficulties, but you can’t call it a walk either - there is a glacier and dangerous cliffs.

The highest point in Africa (5895 meters) is a stratovolcano. Despite the impressive height, Kilimanjaro will be quite within the power of novice tourists, but it is better not to go there without the accompaniment of experienced climbers. Just like any other mountain.

The mountain is very popular, the flow of tourists is stable, and finding a suitable all-inclusive tour will not be a problem.

Another mountain, which is located on the territory of Russia. The height is 5642 meters, the peak is located on the western side of Elbrus. The place is very popular with many tourist bases and hotels. Near the foot of the mountain passes highway, so you can easily get to the starting point.

There are about ten climbing routes, but despite the apparent ease, accidents are not uncommon here. The danger is glacial cracks and rapid change weather conditions. It is better for beginners to postpone climbing Elbrus and first conquer simpler mountains.

As is usually the case with Eastern names, Yangshuo is written and pronounced by everyone: Yangshuo, Yangsu, and Yangshu. In the vicinity of the city there are many mountains covered with greenery. Some are suitable for not the most trained climbers, while others will have to work hard to conquer.

What if you like mountains but don't want to endure cold, icy winds, kilos of equipment and miles of walking up rocky ice fields? Most likely, you should pay attention to rock climbing - this bright, beautiful sport will not require superpowers or frost resistance from you, because the best climbing areas are located in warm regions, by the seas, and the simplest routes are quite within the power of any person. We will tell you about the three most remarkable areas.

The most high mountain V national park Yosemite, located in California. The height, relative to other places on the list, is not very high - only about 900 meters, but this does not mean that the routes are easy. The first ascent of this massif in 1958 took a group of climbers as much as 47 days! Of course, in our time, climbing and belaying techniques are improving, and now the record for high-speed ascent of El Cap (as it is respectfully called) is a little less than two and a half hours!

In 2008, climber Alex J. Honnold made a solo ascent of El Capitan, that is, he climbed to the top without insurance and using no equipment other than climbing shoes and a bag of chalk. Discovery Channel created documentary about this phenomenal ascent.

Kalymnos is not a mountain, but Greek island in the Aegean Sea, widely known and very popular among rock climbers all over the world. Tasty food, warm sea, Nice weather- in general, a wonderful resort where you can not only relax on the beach, but also test yourself on the climbing track.

By the way, there are a lot of climbing routes here: the so-called "guide book", that is, a book that contains all the routes located on the island, contains a description of tens of thousands of routes for all climbing enthusiasts. Both a professional and a beginner - everyone can find a track according to their shoulder and mood! After a busy sports day, you can sit with friends in one of the many cozy cafes, and on a day of rest - scuba dive for sponges or go sailing around the island.

Arko,

A small town in northern Italy, almost in the very center of Europe. Medieval castle, built by Count Arco in the 14th century, and the ancient narrow streets are filled with crowds of tourists from all over the world every year. This place is also very popular with rock climbers. People come here alone, together, with families and pets, settle in hotels and campsites. Climbing - to get to the nearest route, it is enough to cross the road, ride bicycles - in those places some of the best mountain bike routes in the world are laid, visit museums or just enjoy life with a glass of delicious local gelato ice cream.

It is believed that mountaineering in its modern sense originated at the end of the 18th century. More than 200 years have passed since then, but even today thousands of people climb the snow-capped mountain peaks, which are located in different corners peace. There are many mountains available for climbing on the territory of our country. Let's see which are the most beautiful mountains in Russia are available for climbing.

Kyzyl-Taiga, height 3121 meters

Kyzyl-Taiga is sacred place for the people of Tuva. It is more convenient to get to the mountains from the capital of Tuva. From there, the transfer will take you to the Peredovaya village near the Ak-Khem River.

If the lift is to be carried out with north side, then it, together with the descent, will take about seven hours. In general, such an ascent is best done in the summer, since you are unlikely to be able to get to the camp off-road at other times of the year.

Munku-Sardyk, height 3491 meters

Mount Munku-Sardyk is the highest peak Eastern Siberia. Interesting feature- a section of the Russian-Mongolian border passes along its top. Munku-Sardyk is covered by a glacier, and at its foot there is a beautiful mountain lake.

The starting point of the route is Irkutsk or Ulan-Ude. The best time for climbing is from late April to mid-autumn. From the city you will be taken to the base, where for acclimatization you will first be offered to climb the peak of the Sixtieth Anniversary of October. And only after that you will go to conquer Mount Munku-Sardyk.

After the hike, be sure to get acquainted with (if you have chosen this city). For example, visit a Buddhist monastery on Streletskaya street, 1 or a history museum on Lenin street.

Belukha, height 4432-4509 meters

Mount Belukha is highest point Gorny Altai, which has two vertices. The most accessible route for climbing Belukha runs along its southern slope. In addition, there is a difficult, but less long way to the top of Belukha along the Akkem wall.

How to get there: a transfer from Barnaul will take you to the starting point of the route. As for the ascent itself, during organized tours the responsibility of laying the trail and hanging the railing lies entirely with the instructors, so you do not need any special skills.

After descending from Belukha, stay for a couple of days in Barnaul and get acquainted with it: the Museum of Local Lore located on Polzunova Street, 46, the Auto Theft Museum (Anatolia Street, 130) and take a picture of the monument to V. Shukshin on the square of the same name.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka, height 4835 meters

Extreme lovers will especially enjoy climbing the highest active volcano Eurasian continent - Klyuchevskaya Sopka.

How to get there: from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky you will be taken by bus to the village of Klyuchi. Then you will go on an all-terrain vehicle to the starting point of the route. Such a hike is considered basic and does not require special mountaineering training. best time for such a tour, the period from mid-summer to the end of August is considered.

Kazbek, height 5033 meters

Kazbek is another famous peak in the Caucasus, which can be climbed both from Russia and from the territory of Georgia. If you are going to conquer it from the northern, Russian side, be sure to take the opportunity to swim in the waters of thermal baths. They are located in the Genaldon Gorge, along which part of the climbing route passes.

You can get to Kazbek from Nalchik or all the same Mineralnye Vody. A stop in Nalchik will provide cultural program: pay attention to the museums of Nalchik. This is the National (Gorkogo street, 62) and fine arts(on Lenina Avenue), as well as the Nalchik Zoo (in Dolinsk) and the hippodrome.

Elbrus, height 5642 meters

The most popular peak that most climbers dream of conquering is Elbrus. There are many routes to climb this highest peak, which are suitable for people with different levels preparation. For example, we recommend trekking to Elbrus for beginner climbers. southern route from early July to early September.

You can get to Elbrus from Mineralnye Vody. After the conquest Caucasus mountains see the Cathedral of the Intercession here Holy Mother of God(Pyatigorskaya street, 35), Museum of Local Lore and Orthodox St. Nicholas Church.

Everest

Location: Nepal, China. Himalayas
Height: 8 848 m

Everest is the modern Golgotha. Everyone who has the courage and decides to climb the mountain that breathes grave cold knows that the chance to return may not fall. The bodies of those who are no longer destined to descend will certainly remind of this. Of the more than 7,000 who climbed Everest, about 250 people are officially considered dead. In percentage terms, this figure is not so large, but the statistics cease to reassure and turn into a nightmare when you rise and see the bodies of those who also believed in their invulnerability.

Annapurna

Location: Nepal. Himalayas
Height: 8 091 m

Annapurna is best described in the words of the American climber Ed Vitus: “Annapurna is one continuous danger, completely covered with ice. One large piece of ice with ice growths on it. And the question is which way the next growth will turn, forward or backward. Annapurna is considered to be one of the most dangerous mountains. About 40% of climbers who tried to conquer it remain lying on its slopes.

Mont Blanc

Location: France, Italy. Alps
Altitude: 4 695 m

Mont Blanc or White Mountain is the highest massif in the mountain range and the most high peak in Europe. Among climbers, Mont Blanc is not considered particularly dangerous for climbing, but by some sinister twist of fate it breaks records for mortality. Over the history of ascents, numbering more than two centuries, the slopes of the White Mountain claimed the lives of several thousand climbers - a figure that even Everest is far from.

Nanga Parbat

Location: Pakistan. Himalayas
Height: 8 126 m

Before Everest gained its popularity among climbers, it was Nanga Parbat that held the lead in the number of climbers who died on its slopes. For which she received the nickname of the Killer Mountain. In 1953, trying to get to its top, 62 people died at once. Since then, apparently, the mountain has quenched its thirst for blood. To date, mortality has decreased significantly - to 5.5%.

Kanchenjunga

Location: Nepal, India. Himalayas
Height: 8 586 m

This is the third highest mountain in the world. Kanchenjunga is a true climber's nightmare, as inclement weather reigns here all the time and avalanches break down every now and then. Only 190 daredevils managed to climb to the top of Kanchenjunga, and the mortality among climbers here reaches 22%.

K2

Location: Pakistan, China. Himalayas
Height: 8 614 m

Mount K2 or Chogori provides the most extreme conditions for climbing. This mountain knows no mercy and does not forgive mistakes - every fourth climber who tries to reach its top dies. IN winter period ascent is not possible at all. Our compatriots have made their contribution to the history of climbing K2. On August 21, 2007, Russian climbers managed to climb the very difficult route, until that time considered impassable western slope tops.

Aigar

Location: Switzerland, Alps
Height: 3970 m

Eigar is considered one of the deadliest peaks in the world, despite its insignificant height. He is often referred to as "The Cannibal". Big problems for climbers turn into an incredibly large height difference and constantly changing weather. For a century and a half of ascents, the summit claimed the lives of 65 people.

Fitzroy

Location: Argentina, Chile. Patagonia
Height: 3 359 m

This majestic granite peak is both the most unvisited and one of the most dangerous. mountain peaks. On average, there is only one successful ascent per year. The climber faces two problems at once: firstly, in order to climb to the top, you need to overcome a sheer section of rock 600 meters high, and secondly, inclement weather that can last for weeks can generally discourage any desire to climb the rocks. In addition, you can climb Fitzroy only from December to February - the summer months in the southern hemisphere.

Vinson Massif

Location: Antarctica
Height: 4 892 m

The highest mountains of Antarctica are not considered too difficult to climb in the climbing environment. Since 1958, about one and a half thousand people have climbed their peaks. The hardest part is getting to the array itself. Antarctica is a good place for penguins, but it's easy for people to freeze to death or perish in a blizzard here.

Matterhorn

Location: Switzerland, Italy. Alps
Height: 4 478 m

One of the most difficult peaks in the Alps to conquer - its northern slope is generally considered impregnable and technically the most difficult to conquer. Frequent avalanches and rockfalls do not facilitate the ascent. However, in 1865, the summit of the Matterhorn was conquered twice at once. True, the first group of four people fell into the abyss due to a cable break.

1. Annapurna (8091 meters, translated from Sanskrit "Goddess of fertility")

One of the 14 eight-thousanders of the planet (the tenth in height), is located in the central part of the Nepalese Himalayas. Despite the fact that Annapurna became the first eight-thousander conquered by man (1950), this mountain is also the most dangerous for climbing. For every 130 successful ascents, there are 53 dead climbers. This number includes our famous compatriot Anatoly Bukreev. Surviving the horrific tragedy on Everest in 1996, he died a year later while climbing Annapurna. This mountain could become his 12 conquered eight-thousander.

2. K2 (8611 meters, she is Chogori, Dapsang or Godwin Austin)

The second highest peak in the world after Everest is located on the territory of the Pakistani part of Kashmir and belongs to mountain range Karokorum. The first ascent was made in 1954 by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio, the first climbers to reach the summit were Lino Lacetelli and Aquile Companioni. K2 is technically one of the most difficult mountains in the world, 249 people climbed to the top, 60 died during the ascent.

K2

3. Nanga Parbat (8126 meters, Sanskrit "Naked Mountain", also Diamir "King of Mountains")

Nanga Parbat - the ninth highest mountain in the world, located in the northwestern Himalayas in the Pakistani part of the state of Kashmir, closes the top three most dangerous mountains for climbing. The first successful ascent was made in 1953 by Hermann Buhl, a member of the German-Austrian expedition. Nanga Parbat is quite comparable to K2 in terms of technical complexity, its southeastern side (Rupal wall) is the highest sheer wall in the world (4.5 kilometers) and is called “people eater” among climbers. In the entire history of ascents on the mountain, 64 climbers have died.

4. Kanchenjunga (8586 meters, the third highest mountain in the world)

Its name means "five treasures of the great snows". This easternmost of the eight-thousanders is located on the border of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. According to local legend, Kanchenjunga is the embodiment of a female deity and tries to kill any woman who tries to climb to the top. Indeed, until 1998, only one woman managed to climb the summit safely, it was a climber from Britain, Janet Harrison, who, however, died four years later while climbing Dhaulagiri. IN Lately, despite the general tendency to reduce the risk of climbing, in the case of Kanchenjunga this rule does not work, and if we take statistics recent years, then it is Kanchenjunga that is by far the most dangerous mountain in the world. According to the statistics of ascents to Kangchenjunga, 22 percent of climbers die.

5. Eiger (Eiger) 3970 meters

Located in the Bernese Alps, the Eiger peak is not too high by Himalayan standards, however, it ranks fifth in the sad ascent statistics. Its northern wall, 1650 meters high, has earned the name "killer wall". The first successful ascent of the north face took place in 1966 and took a whole month!

6. Matterhorn (4478 meters)

The mountain in the Alps on the border of Switzerland and Italy, one of the most beautiful and impressive peaks in the world, ranks sixth in the sad climbing statistics. This is due to a number of different factors, including frequent avalanches and rockfalls, as well as the exceptional popularity of the route during the peak season.

Matterhorn

7. Mount Vinson (4892 meters)

The mountain is located in Antarctica, and its extreme isolation from any civilization can make any mistake when climbing fatal.

8. Bayta Brakk (Ogre (Man-eater, English) 7285 meters)

Located in the north of the Biafo Glacier in Karokorum, the mountain lives up to its name and is one of the most technically difficult mountains to climb in the world. The first ascent took place in 1977, the next time people climbed to its top only in 2001, that is, 24 years later!

9. Everest (Chomolungma, 8848 meters)

The highest peak in the world is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet. The first successful ascent was made in 1953 by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary. Since the first ascent, about 1,500 people have climbed to the summit and about 200 have not returned. Recently climbing Everest has become safer and climbing statics are improving, despite the serious technical difficulty of the mountain due to its unprecedented height. This is explained by the excellent infrastructure and the best Sherpa guides, who sometimes go to the top several times a season, throwing the necessary equipment.

Everest from Tibet (Rongbuk Valley)