These peaks seem tough, but if you are in good shape, their summits are totally achievable.
It’s not necessary to be an experienced climber to make it to the top of these noteworthy mountains, including even two that are technically taller than Everest. We have gathered both easy summits to conquer as well as more challenging ones so that everyone could find something they like!
1. Mount Kosciuszko (Thredbo, Australia)
2,228 meters
Duration: 1 day
Best time: November-May
Chairlift that goes most of the way to the top makes Mount Kosciuszko very easy to conquer. It drops hikers off only 303m below the continent’s highest point. Then the travelers have a 13km round trip, in which they are surrounded by picturesque alpine meadows, Australia’s highest lake, and granite peaks, and a breathtaking 360-degree view on top. There’s also a way to do it all on foot: the Summit Walk (18.6km) and the Main Range loop (22km), both from Charlotte Pass village.
2. Mount Fuji (Chūbu Region, Honshu, Japan)
3,776 meters
Duration: 1-2 days
Best time: July-September
This is probably one of the most recognized volcanoes in the world, and it only takes a short and well-signed climb to conquer it. The best way to do it is to split the hike into two days or climb overnight to see a wonderful sunrise on the top. The most popular among the 4 trails is the one called Yoshida. The Fujinomiya on the south starts higher, and it’s second-best for watching the sunrise. Meanwhile, the side route to the Hoeizan peak offers bonus views featuring a distant Tokyo skyline.
3. Jbel Toubkal (Imlil, Atlas Mountains, Morocco)
4,167 meters
Duration: 2-3 days
Best time: year-round
Jbel Toubkal is North Africa’s highest peak; despite this, it is rather easy to access from Marrakesh. It offers a fun but challenging climb with a truly inspiring summit view as a bonus. The only route begins with a 4 km hike, after which adventures have to climb 1,400m over 8km. Some trekkers prefer to spend the night there to acclimatize, and then they take the South Circque trail to finish climbing in the early morning. Travelers do it to avoid the clouds before going back down.
4. Mauna Kea (Hawaii, USA)
4,207m
Duration: 1 day
Best time: year-round
Mauna Kea is the highest mountain from base to top in the world (however, 6 km of its 10,205m is below the sea). You can reach its summit by car, as there is an access road to the telescopes. For those who don’t want to use a car, there is a 9km off-road trail. When taking the trail, you’ll pass the Pacific Basin’s highest lake and cinder cones. Even though the high altitude makes the climb a real challenge, the view you get to see without the crowds is worth the effort.
5. Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
5,895m
Duration: 5-7 days
Best time: August-October
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding summit in the world. The final scree slope ascent of this peak is at extreme altitudes, which decreases the chances of successful climb more than in half. The good news is that with sufficient acclimatization and the right route you will definitely reach the crater edge and enjoy the breathtaking view of the African plains.
6. Chimborazo (Cordillera Occidental, Ecuador)
6,268m
Duration: 2-day climb & 10 days acclimatization
Best time: May-July and November-February
The top of this volcano is the highest place on Earth if one measures from its center. Although Mount Everest is more than 2.5km higher than Chimborazo, because of the fact that the Earth is wider at its middle, Ecuador’s highest point wins if you count from the center of the planet. It is recommended to prepare for the climb for 10 days, and practice on lower volcanoes, for example, Pasochoa and Cayambe.
7. Mera Peak (Mahālangūr Himāl, Nepal)
6,476m
Duration: 3-day summit climb & at least 10 days acclimatization
Best time: May or October
If you conquer Mera Peak, your award will be a stunning view of five of the six highest mountains on Earth, including Everest. Exploring the Everest region is spectacular because of its rhododendron forests, picturesque monasteries and busy villages that will keep you entertained in the time of the acclimatization. Be aware that reaching this summit requires a 60-degree rope climb and basic glacier hiking skills.
8. Aconcagua (Mendoza, Argentina)
6,962m
Duration: 7-day summit climb & 8-10 days acclimatization
Best time: November-March
This hike requires no climbing skills, but it demands preparation, clothing, and equipment at the level of a serious Himalayan adventure. Taking the “Normal” route to the Base camp lasts for about five days, but then it takes climbers another week to reach the summit. It’s a very tough summit, that’s why only 40 percent of people, who attempted this, actually reach the top.
