Monumental Mountains – 8 Spectacular Summits
There’s something about the world’s most formidable peaks which have challenged, mesmerized and humbled man since time immemorial. For millennia man worshipped what were thought to be insurmountable mountains, yet since the mid 19th century, conquering these colossal landmasses has become one of the most popular sports on earth. But don’t be fooled…ascents of the most monumental mountains still claim the lives of avid mountaineers every year. Luckily, one need not risk life and limb to catch a glimpse of the most spectacular peaks on our beautiful planet.
Nowadays, you can sit comfortably on a steep Swiss mountain train to reach a viewing platform right in front of the mighty Matterhorn or sip hot jasmine tea in the warmth of a rustic teahouse on the northern shores of Japan’s Lake Kawaguchiko, as the sun sets on Mount Fiji. Yet if there’s a definite once-in-a-lifetime activity you ought to add to your bucket list, then head to Shigatse in Tibet and tackle a 77km hike to the Ronbuk Monastery for uninterrupted and breathtaking views of Mount Everest, the tallest and most enormous mountain of all. This is about as close to heaven as you’ll ever want to be.
Matterhorn, Switzerland
Aconcagua, Argentina
Denali, Alaska, USA
Mont Blanc, France
Mount Elbrus, Russia
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Fuji, Japan
