Top 8 Mountains to Climb

The world's tallest mountains attract strong and brave people who want to reach their tops. Climbing some of these peaks requires special training, but others just need good fitness and no fear of heights. You can expect amazing views, a feeling of adventure, and beautiful sunrise scenes from the summit. Good travel companies also help protect these places and treat their local staff fairly.

1. K2 Base Camp, Pakistan

The journey to K2's base camp is a long and impressive trek, ending about 4,500 meters above sea level. You walk on the huge Baltoro Glacier, cross rivers, and camp along the way until you reach Concordia, where two glaciers meet. Here, you'll see a circle of some of the world's highest peaks. We don't recommend trying to climb to K2's summit—it's very dangerous—but this trek brings you closer to it than almost anywhere else.

Best time: July and August

2. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro takes great stamina and willpower, but no special climbing skills—it's more of a tough hike than a climb. You can choose from several paths, each with its own highlights, taking you from green lower slopes up to the snowy summit at 5,895 meters.

Best time: Any time except during the rainy months of April, May, and November

3. Mount Aconcagua, Argentina

This is the highest mountain outside Asia, at 6,961 meters tall. The normal route doesn't require technical climbing skill, but that doesn't mean it's easy. It's very physically demanding due to the extreme height and weather. If you're fit and have some experience hiking and camping in mountains, you can do it.

Best time: Mid-December to end of January

4. Mount Kenya, Kenya

Africa's second-highest mountain has amazing plants, animals, and views, with far fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro. To reach Point Lenana (the hiking summit), you need to be fit, have a sleeping bag, and love adventure—but no climbing experience is necessary.

Best time: December to March and July to mid-October

5. Mount Toubkal, Morocco

Climbing Mount Toubkal is a good challenge for fit hikers with some mountain experience. You must be comfortable with high altitude, as the top is 4,176 meters high. The reward is an incredible view over the plains toward Marrakech. You can finish the trek in just three days if you're short on time.

Best time: Year-round, but there will be snow from November to April

6. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

At 5,364 meters, Everest Base Camp is over halfway up the world's highest mountain. You don't need climbing skills to get there, but you must be very fit for the 13 days of uphill and downhill hiking at high altitude. From Base Camp, you can go higher to Kala Patthar for Everest views, or to the Gokyo Valley to see its lakes and cross the high Cho La Pass.

Best time: Avoid the monsoon season from May to mid-September

7. Mount Nuvolau, Dolomites

Hike up to the summit of Mount Nuvolau and its mountain hut for incredible 360-degree views of the Dolomites. The sight is even more stunning on a clear day. A local guide can show you quieter trails and the best viewpoints in this dramatic mountain range.

Best time: Year-round

8. Mount Kinabalu, Borneo

The path up Mount Kinabalu in Borneo slowly changes from green rainforest to rocky landscape as you climb higher and the mist clears. After a day of hiking, you'll stay at a simple mountain hut before finishing the climb in time for sunrise. There's also a special climbing route (via ferrata) available.

Best time: Year-round