When measuring mountain heights, common conventions can guide us. Let’s begin by adopting the most widely accepted terms for the world's tallest peaks.
These elevations are measured from sea level, not from the mountain’s base or surrounding terrain.
At 8,848 m (29,029 ft) above sea level, Mount Everest stands as the highest point on Earth. The peak straddles the border between Nepal and China, part of the Himalayas, and attracts climbers worldwide—its popularity leads to crowding and environmental concerns.
At 8,611 m (28,251 ft), K2 is the second‑tallest peak, located in the Karakoram range on the China‑Pakistan border. It is renowned for its extreme difficulty and high fatality rate.
The third‑highest mountain, Kangchenjunga rises to 8,586 m (28,169 ft). It sits on the Nepal‑India border within the eastern Himalayas.
Lhotse, 8,516 m (27,940 ft), is the fourth‑highest peak and shares a ridge with Everest. Its summit is connected to Everest’s by the South Col.
Makalu, at 8,485 m (27,838 ft), is the fifth‑highest mountain, positioned on the Nepal‑China border.
