If you’re a serious mountaineer, then achieving the Seven Summits Challenge is the biggest accomplishment you can do.
It’s obviously no easy feat and takes years of training, planning, and (unfortunately) saving. However, if you do manage to tick this challenge off your bucket list, you’ll be part of the elite few hikers who’ve experienced the world’s greatest mountain peaks.
What are the Seven Summits?
The Seven Summits are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Climbing all of them is a major goal for many climbers. Here’s a quick look at each one:
- Mount Everest (Asia) – The tallest mountain in the world, standing at 29,032 feet. It’s located in the Himalayas and is a tough climb due to extreme altitude and harsh weather.
- Mount Elbrus (Europe) – The highest peak in Europe, located in Russia’s Caucasus Mountains. It reaches 18,510 feet and is covered in snow and ice.
- Aconcagua (South America) – This is the tallest mountain in South America at 22,841 feet. It’s found in Argentina and is the highest peak outside of Asia.
- Denali (North America) – Located in Alaska, this mountain stands at 20,310 feet. It is known for its severe weather and is the highest peak in North America.
- Kilimanjaro (Africa) – The highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro is 19,341 feet tall. It’s in Tanzania and is popular because it doesn’t require technical climbing skills.
- Mount Vinson (Antarctica) – The tallest peak in Antarctica, standing at 16,050 feet. Climbing this mountain means facing extreme cold and remote conditions.
- Puncak Jaya (Oceania) – Also known as Carstensz Pyramid, this mountain in Papua Province, Indonesia, reaches 16,024 feet. It’s the highest point in Oceania and involves rock climbing.
Each mountain presents its own challenges, from freezing temperatures to technical climbing skills. Achieving all seven is a testament to a climber’s skill and determination. Even reaching the summit of one is a significant accomplishment.
What is the Seven Summits Challenge?
The Seven Summits Challenge involves climbing the highest mountain on each continent.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each summit.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Continent: Africa
- Elevation: 19,341 feet (5,895 meters)
- Best times to climb: June to October and December to March
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. It’s a popular climb because it doesn’t require technical mountaineering skills.
There are seven established routes to the summit, taking between 5 to 9 days. The longer you spend on the mountain, the better your body can adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of reaching the top.
Check out our detailed guide to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for everything you need to know about reaching this peak.
Mount Elbrus, Russia
- Continent: Europe
- Elevation: 18,510 feet (5,642 meters)
- Best times to climb: July to August
Mount Elbrus is an inactive volcano in the Caucasus Mountains and the highest peak in Europe. It has two summits: the higher western summit and the slightly lower eastern summit.
Climbers can approach Elbrus from the South (5-6 days) or North (6-7 days). While it’s one of the easier Seven Summits, climbers must be prepared for cold weather and understand basic technical skills.
Aconcagua, Argentina
- Continent: South America
- Elevation: 22,841 feet (6,961 meters)
- Best times to climb: December to January
Aconcagua, the highest peak outside of Asia, is located in Argentina’s Andes Mountains. It’s a popular choice for climbers after Kilimanjaro because it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, but it’s physically demanding.
The climb can take up to 15 days, with climbers facing high altitudes and extreme weather. The best time to climb is during the high season, offering the most stable weather.
Vinson Massif, Antarctica
- Continent: Antarctica
- Elevation: 16,050 feet (4,892 meters)
- Best times to climb: December to February
Vinson Massif is the highest mountain in Antarctica. Named after US congressman Carl Vinson, it’s known for its extreme cold and remote location.
Climbers need technical skills to navigate glaciers and steep snow-covered slopes. Despite its challenges, the views from the summit are breathtaking and pristine.
Puncak Jaya, Indonesia
- Continent: Oceania
- Elevation: 16,024 feet (4,884 meters)
- Best times to climb: Year-round
Puncak Jaya, also known as Carstensz Pyramid, is the highest mountain in Oceania. Located in Indonesia, it is one of the few tropical mountains with glaciers.
Climbing Puncak Jaya is technically challenging and requires permits from the Indonesian government. The climb involves steep ascents and the use of rappelling and jumar techniques.
Denali, Alaska
- Continent: North America
- Elevation: 20,310 feet (6,190 meters)
- Best times to climb: May to June
Denali, the tallest peak in North America, is located in Alaska. It’s considered one of the most difficult of the Seven Summits due to its high altitude, extreme weather, and the requirement for climbers to carry their own gear.
Climbers must undergo rigorous training and be prepared for both physical and mental challenges.
Mount Everest, Nepal
- Continent: Asia
- Elevation: 29,032 feet (8,849 meters)
- Best times to climb: March to May
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world and the ultimate challenge for mountaineers. Climbing Everest requires significant dedication and experience.
Due to extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and difficult terrain, only a limited number of climbers reach the summit each year. Climbers must be physically fit, experienced, and have previously climbed a high-altitude peak.
Not sure if you’re ready to hike the summit of Everest yet? Then check out our guide to the Everest Base Camp trek for some inspiration.
Conclusion
The Seven Summits Challenge is certainly no easy feat. However, those who do manage to achieve it are able to tick off the most highly-coveted mountaineering accommodate out there.
Looking for more hiking guides and inspiration? Or want to know where to get started before tackling the Seven Summits? Check out our guides for some ideas.