Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say. However, with nature, beauty becomes a universal thing, which can be easily appreciated by all levels of society.
If you want to experience real and unspoiled beauty in all its glory, you should not miss a trip to any or all the world’s ten must-see mountains.
- Denali, Alaska
A tour to Denali deserves a place on this list with its astonishing views all around. Standing at 20,320 feet above ground level, the peak of Denali is a sight to behold on the Alaskan skyline. Further below, at the base of the mountain, you will be amazed at how dramatically Denali rises to the top in clear, clear views.
- Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji can be unbelievably elusive in the sense that even although its base is 78 miles wide and 12,388 feet high, you will not see Japan’s iconic mountain right away on a cloudy day. However, on a clear day, this cone-shaped wonder located on Honshu Island can be seen even from Tokyo.
Also called Fuji-san or Fujiyama, Mt. Fuji is revered as a holy mountain, so no hashtag is #blessed if you are sharing photos of your ascent to Mt. Fuji on your social media accounts.
Tips from the pros: It is best to hike Mount Fuji during July and August. Start at night and reach the top around dawn.
- Canadian Rockies, Canada
The Canadian Rockies, as they’re called, span no fewer than 50 peaks that total more than 11,000 feet. As if all the splendor of the Rockies wasn’t enough, you will even be in awe of the serene-looking lakes surrounding the mountains. Even world-class photographers Ralph Wunsch cannot resist the charm of Moraine Lake, with its natural beauty that is completely Instagram-worthy.
- Mount Pulag, Philippines
This famous mountain from the province of Benguet is full of superlatives. This is the third highest peak in the Philippines, it’s the highest point on the whole island of Luzon, and arguably offers the most relaxing hikes for both novice climbers and those who like it. traveling alone via the Ambangeg route.
Trekkers unanimously describe the summit of Mount Pulag as the “Playground of the Gods”, where you feel like you are walking on a sea of clouds with the sun rising so close in perfect view.
- Table Mountain, South Africa
Although somewhat low 3,563 feet Tall, this mountain overlooking Cape Town is known for its unique appearance similar to a piece of table fit for the gods, no less. The mountain gets its name from Huri‡oaxa, which comes from the Khoekhoe language, meaning “the place where the sun rises”. This further adds to the appeal of Table Mountain, particularly when you’re looking at the entire view from the cable car hanging from the top of the mountain.
- Kirkjufell, Iceland
You may recognize the setting of the popular HBO show Game of Thrones, especially the sixth and seventh seasons, such as Kirkjufell, an arrowhead-shaped mountain located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. There is an aura of mystery that you want to explore in Kirkjufell – from the waterfalls, Kirkjufellsfoss, to the stunning scenery around the peninsula. Not surprisingly, Kirkjufell holds the title as the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland.
- Matterhorn, Switzerland
You’ll find the Matterhorn on the border between Switzerland and Italy. At 15,000 feet, it easily looks like the most charming peak in the Swiss Alps. However, the ascent to the Matterhorn is also probably the most dangerous. In fact, it has claimed the lives of around 500 mountaineers, including four of the seven members of the team that first climbed to the top of the Matterhorn.
For an genuine experience of living in an igloo village, there’s one located right at the base of the Matterhorn. It is an igloo resort housing a series of tunnels, which lead to individual igloo or hotel rooms, bars and restaurants.
The Matterhorn was also the first to run an open-cog railway, traveling between the city of Zermatt and the foot of the mountain.
- Ama Dablam, Nepal
The Himalayas are home to Ama Dablam, which means it’s located within the range of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on our planet. However, that doesn’t mean that Ama Damblam is something inferior in terms of beauty or elegance. On the other hand, Ama Damblam has quite a distinctive look. The mountain rocks appear to have contrasting angles and are astounding, particularly when there’s snow covering the mountain peaks.
Ama Dablam’s ridge also looks like a mother’s outstretched arm, and within it’s a dangling glacier similar to the pendant hanging from the necklace. Incidentally, Ama Dablam translates to “mother necklace” in English.
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak, which is called Kipoo, is the highest point on the African continent. At 19,000 feet, Kili is unquestionably for the brave and brave as it takes you 5 to 9 days to reach the summit. The view from the top makes it all worth it, obviously.
- Vinicunca Mountain, Peru
In Peru, there’s a local language where Vinicunca means “mountain of seven colors”. That’s why Vinicunca is also aptly named Rainbow Mountain. Mineral deposits on the mountain give Vinicunca its color, even though there are times when Vinicunca is not very visible because the thick layer of ice will hide the mountain from your view.
Today, all that ice is gone, and what you will see are summits layered with eye-catching views color mix – maroon, mustard yellow and soft blue. The summit is quite steep, so if you are up for the challenge, spending a few days in the Cusco region where Vinicunca is located will suit you for the trek at high altitude.
Undoubtedly, a visit to these world-famous mountains should be added to your bucket list. As you explore this natural wonder, you’ll realize how much beauty there’s in the world, and all of it’s waiting for you.
