written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 16.12.2024
It’s not just height that makes a mountain mean. Different routes can make one side of a mountain a cinch and the other side nearly impossible. The weather can turn a technically easy climb into a deadly expedition. Whatever the weather, many aspire to tackle the world's hardest mountains to climb. Here's our ranking of the 11 trickiest ascents. Glorious and gruelling, gorgeous and grim – these peaks are as dangerous as they are awe-inspiring.
Annapurna in Nepal, the tenth-highest peak in the world, is proof that height doesn’t always equal difficulty. With a fatality rate of nearly 40%, Annapurna is statistically the most dangerous 26,247 feet climb. Here, mountaineers face relentless risks from avalanches, technical challenges, and unpredictable weather. It’s a mountain that demands absolute precision — and even then, luck often plays the final role.
Annapurna’s glacial terrain is highly unstable. The mountain is notorious for avalanches that can strike without warning, burying climbers under tons of snow and ice.
The south face of Annapurna is often considered the most dangerous climb in the world. With its sheer vertical walls, unstable ice cliffs, and ever-shifting snow, even the most experienced climbers find it a near-impossible ascent.
Like K2, Annapurna is plagued by sudden storms. Climbers often find themselves trapped by high winds, freezing temperatures, or whiteouts, making progress nearly impossible.
Unlike Everest, Annapurna has fewer established climbing routes, forcing teams to navigate more unstable and technical terrain.
For those who don’t want to risk life and limb, there’s now a safer way to experience Annapurna. Helicopter tours offer breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna range, including its glacial valleys and towering peaks. These tours allow visitors to witness the mountain’s raw beauty without the need for arduous treks to base camp — or the life-threatening climb to its summit.
Annapurna South and Annapurna I (left) from Poon Hill © saiko3p/Shutterstock
K2, often called the "savage mountain," is considered by many to be the hardest mountain to climb. Situated on the border of China and Pakistan, it is the second-highest peak in the world, but significantly more challenging than Everest. While Everest’s challenges are largely due to its altitude, K2 requires not just exceptional physical endurance but also advanced technical climbing skills and the ability to navigate life-threatening risks at every turn.
If you're planning a China itinerary, catching a glimpse of K2 from its remote side is an adventure in itself — though summiting is a whole other story.
K2's route is a nightmare for climbers, with steep rock faces, exposed ridges, and near-vertical ascents. Unlike Everest, which has fixed ropes and Sherpas to guide climbers, K2 demands far more self-sufficiency. Even seasoned climbers describe it as unrelenting.
The most notorious section, the bottleneck, is a steep traverse under a hanging glacier. Here, massive seracs (blocks of glacial ice) loom overhead, threatening to collapse at any time. Climbers must pass quickly to reduce their time in this high-risk zone — but haste increases the chance of mistakes.
Above 26,247 feet, the air is so thin that the human body starts to shut down. K2’s summit push keeps you in this "death zone" for far longer than most other climbs. Survival depends on speed, careful planning, and luck with weather conditions.
The mountain is notorious for its extreme weather, with sudden snowstorms, high winds, and temperatures plummeting as low as -58°F (-50°C). Climbers can spend weeks stuck at base camp waiting for a safe summit window.
In January 2021, K2 was summited for the first time in winter by a team of 10 Nepali climbers, marking a historic moment in mountaineering. Winter conditions on K2 are even more brutal than the already severe summer climate. Temperatures plunge to -76°F (-60°C), and hurricane-force winds tear through the mountain, making the climb nearly impossible. This achievement was a testament to the grit, skill, and teamwork of the climbers involved.
K2 mountain peak, Pakistan's side © Punnawit Suwattananun/Shutterstock
Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, is as deadly as it is sacred. Situated on the border of India and Nepal, it’s known for its rising fatality rates, bucking the trend of safer climbs seen on other 26,247 feet peaks. With treacherous conditions and a deeply spiritual significance to the local Buddhist communities, Kangchenjunga offers a rare and humbling challenge for climbers.
If you’re crafting an India itinerary, consider exploring Sikkim, where treks to Kangchenjunga’s base reveal stunning views and a deep connection to local traditions. Despite its allure, only 187 people have ever reached the top — and they’ve done so while stopping just short of the true summit out of respect for its religious importance.
Unlike many other peaks where climbing deaths are declining due to better equipment and preparation, Kangchenjunga's fatality rate is on the rise. This trend highlights just how challenging — and unpredictable—this mountain remains.
The climb to Kangchenjunga is brutal, with unstable ice, avalanches, and high-altitude sickness among the biggest dangers. The mountain’s remoteness adds another layer of risk, as rescue efforts are difficult to execute.
Like other Himalayan giants, Kangchenjunga is plagued by sudden storms, whiteouts, and extreme winds. Climbers often find themselves pinned down for days, waiting for a brief weather window to attempt the summit.
Beyond the physical dangers, Kangchenjunga carries immense religious importance for local Buddhist communities, who believe the summit is the home of a rakshasa (a man-eating demon). Out of respect, climbers traditionally stop short of the true summit, adding a unique cultural aspect to the challenge.
Despite advancements in mountaineering technology and techniques, Kangchenjunga continues to defy climbers with its rising fatality rates and unforgiving terrain. Unlike more popular peaks such as Everest, it remains far less commercialized and sees fewer climbers each year. This isolation, coupled with its spiritual significance, has helped preserve its mystique and reputation as one of the most formidable peaks in the world.
Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world © Shutterstock
Known as "The Ogre," Baintha Brakk in Pakistan is a mountain that commands both awe and dread. Immense in scale, with a complex and jagged structure, it has been summited only a handful of times in history. Its steep, harrowing inclines and intricate climbing routes make it a dream and a nightmare for mountaineering’s most hardcore enthusiasts. From the very first step, any attempt on Baintha Brakk is nothing short of a fight for survival.
Baintha Brakk’s steep rock faces, jagged ridges, and complex climbing routes demand an extraordinary level of skill and experience. This is no mountain for beginners — or even average climbers.
Situated in a remote part of Pakistan, The Ogre’s isolation adds another layer of difficulty. Rescue operations are nearly impossible in such an inaccessible and unforgiving environment.
Like many peaks in the Karakoram Range, Baintha Brakk is plagued by sudden storms and extreme weather shifts, making any summit attempt even riskier.
Few have managed to conquer this formidable mountain, and the sparse success stories only add to its fearsome reputation among climbers.
Baintha Brakk remains one of the least climbed mountains in the world. Despite advances in mountaineering gear and techniques, The Ogre’s technical difficulty and remote location keep it out of reach for all but the most elite climbers.
Surprised to see the world’s tallest mountain in the middle of this list? Make no mistake — Everest is still a formidable climb. The altitude alone is enough to threaten lives, and avalanches have claimed dozens of climbers in recent years. While reaching the top is a dream for many, Everest's increasing commercialization has made it as controversial as it is iconic for the Nepal Itinerary.
As the highest point on Earth, Everest’s thin air makes it a grueling test of human endurance. Even with supplemental oxygen, climbers face debilitating effects from the altitude, including fatigue, disorientation, and severe altitude sickness.
Everest’s weather is notoriously volatile, with sudden snowstorms and freezing winds that can derail summit plans or endanger climbers mid-ascent.
Recent years have seen fatal avalanches that wiped out entire teams, making these natural disasters one of the mountain’s deadliest hazards.
Everest’s popularity has become one of its biggest dangers. During peak climbing season, hundreds of climbers line up for their shot at the summit, creating traffic-jam-like queues in the "death zone." These delays can lead to exhaustion, frostbite, or worse.
Mount Everest’s commercialization has transformed the climbing experience, for better and worse. Today, climbers can hire Sherpas to carry their gear, employ chefs at base camp, and even have personal medics on standby. While these services make the climb more accessible, they also contribute to overcrowding on the mountain. The sheer number of climbers attempting Everest each year has led to increased litter, environmental concerns, and an elevated risk of accidents caused by inexperience or delays.
View of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar © Daniel Prudek/Shutterstock
Denali, North America’s tallest mountain (formerly Mount McKinley), is as breathtaking as it is brutal. Its altitude, isolation, and notoriously awful weather make it one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Combine that with punishing sub-zero temperatures and the thin oxygen caused by its high latitude, and you’ve got a mountain that tests even the most seasoned climbers.
If your USA itinerary takes you to Alaska, even catching a glimpse of this towering peak from Denali National Park is an unforgettable experience — no climbing required.
Denali is infamous for its extreme weather, including high winds, heavy snowfall, and temperatures that can drop as low as -40°F (-40°C). Storms can pin climbers down for days, derailing summit attempts.
At 20,308 feet, Denali’s altitude may seem lower than peaks like Everest, but its high latitude means the air is thinner, with less oxygen available for climbers. This makes the ascent feel more like an 8,000m climb in the Himalayas.
Located deep in Alaska, Denali’s remote location adds another layer of difficulty. Rescue operations are challenging, and climbers must carry their own gear and supplies without support from porters or Sherpas.
Despite its allure, Denali has only a 50% summit success rate. Many climbers are forced to turn back due to altitude sickness, exhaustion, or harsh conditions.
Denali’s appeal remains as strong as ever, drawing mountaineers from around the world to tackle its unforgiving slopes. The National Park Service strictly regulates climbs, requiring climbers to register and demonstrate proper preparation before attempting the summit. This has helped manage the environmental impact and improve safety, but Denali remains a formidable challenge.
Ready for epic views? Check out some of the most beautiful places in Alaska.
Majestic caribou bull in front of the mount Denali © Martin Capek/Shutterstock
The Eiger’s infamous north face, known as the "Murder Wall," is one of the most treacherous climbs in the world. Rising 5,906 feet, this near-vertical wall of rock and ice demands exceptional technical skills, an intimate knowledge of ice climbing techniques, and nerves of steel. Since the first successful ascent in 1938, at least 64 climbers have lost their lives attempting the climb, many falling victim to the mountain’s deadly mix of falling rock, ice, and extreme exposure.
The sheer 5,906 feet face is a test of precision and endurance, with steep overhangs and limited options for rest or recovery. Even for experienced climbers, it’s an unforgiving route.
Global warming has made the Eiger’s north face even more dangerous. Thawing ice destabilizes rocks and icefalls, increasing the likelihood of life-threatening hazards.
Sudden storms and temperature shifts are common, often leaving climbers exposed and vulnerable on the mountain’s open face.
Mastery of advanced climbing techniques, including ice axe use and mixed climbing skills, is essential for anyone daring to take on the Eiger’s north face.
As global warming accelerates, the Eiger has become even more dangerous. The melting ice loosens rocks, causing more frequent and unpredictable rockfalls that add to the risks climbers face. For those who prefer a less life-threatening Switzerland itinerary, helicopter skydives over Interlaken provide a unique and thrilling way to admire the Eiger from above.
Find out the best ways to get to Switzerland and discover how to plan an unforgettable trip.
Eiger @ Shutterstock
Elevation: 10,262 feet (3,128m)
Average time to summit: 4–7 days
Cerro Torre is a legendary spire that rises dramatically from the Patagonian Ice Field, captivating climbers with its jagged, otherworldly shape. Its sheer vertical walls and a summit shrouded in hazardous rime ice make it one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Known for its fierce winds and unpredictable weather, Cerro Torre demands not only advanced technical skills but also unrelenting determination.
Whether your Argentina itinerary takes you to El Chaltén or your Chile itinerary brings you to the other side of Patagonia, this iconic peak will leave you in awe — even if you’re just admiring it from the ground.
Cerro Torre’s peak is encrusted with rime ice — a fragile, windblown layer of ice that forms under the mountain’s extreme weather conditions. Climbers must tunnel through it to reach the true summit, a feat fraught with danger.
The climb involves steep vertical sections and overhangs that test even the most skilled climbers.
The Patagonian Ice Field is notorious for its battering winds and rapidly changing conditions, which can turn an already difficult climb into a fight for survival.
Cerro Torre’s remote location in Patagonia adds to the logistical challenges, requiring careful planning and self-sufficiency.
Cerro Torre continues to capture the imaginations of climbers worldwide, though its brutal conditions and technical difficulty make successful ascents rare. Advances in equipment have helped climbers attempt the spire, but its iconic rime-ice summit and unrelenting weather remain formidable obstacles.
Lago and Cerro Torre, with glacial ice, El Chalten
The Matterhorn, with its distinctive wizard’s-hat shape, is one of the most recognizable mountains in the world. While it’s successfully climbed by hundreds of people each year, it is far from an easy ascent. The mountain has claimed over 500 lives since the first successful climb in 1865 and continues to take lives annually. Between falling rocks, unpredictable weather, and the crowds that swarm the mountain in summer, the Matterhorn remains a serious challenge even for experienced climbers.
Rockfall is a constant threat on the Matterhorn, particularly during the warmer months when melting snow destabilizes the terrain.
The Matterhorn’s popularity has introduced a new hazard — congestion. Crowds of climbers in summer create traffic jams on narrow sections, leading to delays and increased risk.
The Matterhorn requires a mix of rock climbing and mountaineering skills, with steep sections and exposed ridges testing climbers’ abilities and endurance.
Like many Alpine peaks, the Matterhorn is notorious for its rapidly changing weather, which can trap climbers in dangerous conditions.
The growing crowds on the Matterhorn during summer have made it more dangerous for climbers, prompting many to attempt the ascent in winter instead. While winter climbing conditions are harsher, with colder temperatures and more snow, they offer a quieter, less congested route to the summit. For those who prefer not to climb, the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt provides stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Swiss Alps without the risks of the climb.
Zermatt and Matterhorn in Switzerland © Shutterstock
Vinson Massif, the tallest peak in Antarctica, is as remote and unforgiving as it gets. First sighted in 1958, it has since been summited by around 1,400 climbers — a small number compared to other notable peaks. The primary danger here isn’t the technical climb but the extreme environment. With temperatures that can plummet below -22°F (-30°C) and winds exceeding 50 mph (80 km/h), Vinson’s frigid conditions are its deadliest feature.
Vinson Massif has some of the coldest temperatures on the planet. Even during the Antarctic summer, temperatures hover well below freezing, with frostbite and hypothermia being constant threats.
Winds easily surpassing 50 mph (80 km/h) add to the danger, creating windchills that make the mountain’s already icy conditions even more punishing.
In the event of an emergency, getting to a proper hospital could take weeks, making self-sufficiency and preparation absolutely critical.
Just reaching Antarctica requires significant logistical effort and expense, adding to the challenges of the climb.
While the climb itself isn’t technically demanding compared to other major peaks, Vinson Massif’s isolation and harsh environment make it a test of endurance and survival skills. Advances in cold-weather gear have made it more accessible to well-prepared climbers, but the costs and risks of traveling to such a remote part of the world remain significant obstacles.
Vinson Massif, Sentinel Range, Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica © Wayne Morris/Shutterstock
Mont Blanc may not reach the heights of the Himalayas, and its typical routes are less technically demanding than those of peaks like the Matterhorn or the Eiger. However, this iconic mountain on the border of Italy and France remains one of the deadliest climbs in the world. Its accessibility and popularity attract thousands of climbers each year, but this same appeal has contributed to its grim reputation — Mont Blanc has claimed around 8,000 lives, making it Europe’s most fatal mountain.
Many of Mont Blanc’s fatalities involve novice climbers who underestimate the mountain’s challenges. Despite its accessibility, Mont Blanc requires proper preparation, training, and equipment.
The mountain’s slopes are prone to avalanches and falling rocks, which can strike without warning, especially during warmer months.
Like all Alpine peaks, Mont Blanc’s weather can shift rapidly, trapping climbers in storms or extreme cold.
The mountain’s popularity brings large numbers of climbers each season, increasing the risks of accidents and congestion on the more common routes.
Mont Blanc’s popularity among tourists and adventurers continues to grow, but so do the risks. Local authorities have implemented stricter regulations to manage the number of climbers, enforce safety measures, and reduce environmental impact. For non-climbers, a France itinerary might include a day trip from Geneva to Chamonix, which offers a safer way to admire Mont Blanc: cable cars provide spectacular views of the summit without the risk of climbing.
The atmospheric peak of Mont Blanc © Chris Pelle/Shutterstock
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 16.12.2024
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