Best of Mountaineering - Asia / Far East

The Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world. This is a climber's Mecca. Nepal, even when troubles with Maoist rebels occur, is always home base for all the world's mountain climbing operations. Here you will not only find Mount Everest, but dozens of other peaks that are among the world's highest. Neighboring India, Tibet, and Bhutan also share some of the mountain kingdom's glory, with 7,000 meter peaks of their own.

1. Mount Everest, Nepal

   Since the late Sir Edmund Hillary made this climb in 1953, adventurers the world over have made this their goal too. It's the world's highest peak, but don't expect to be alone. This mountain is climbed frequently. Many are turned away. Many never return.

2. K2, Pakistan

   At 8611 meters above sea level, K2 is the world's second highest mountain and one of the most desired climbs.

3. Shishapagme, Tibet

   With an altitude of 8012 meters, Shishapagme is one of the world's great peaks, although relatively unknown when compared to Everest or K2. It's often considered the best "first" 8000 meter ascent.

4. Cho Oyu, China

   The sixth highest mountain in the world is a fairly straightforward climb, although far form easy.

5. Kangchenjunga, India

   Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and the highest peak in India with 8,586 meters. The mountain contains five peaks above 8,000 meters, and is home to the Red Panda and other rare snow animals.

6. Ama Dablam, Nepal

   Often paired with Laboche peak, 6,856 meter Ama Dablam in the Khumbu region of Nepal is one of Nepal's most frequently climbed and favorite peaks.

7. Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan

   The highest peak in this remote area of the Himalayas tops out at 7443 meters making it easily the most under climbed 7,000 meter mountain in the world.

8. Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan

   The summit of this 7,570 meter peak has never been reached, although many have tried. Subsidiary peaks have been ascended though.

9. Mount Küiten, Mongolia

   Straddling the border region with Russia and China, Mount Küiten is one of the most isolated high climbs in Asia. The 4,375 meter glaciated peak is moderately technical.

10. Kongur Tagh, China

    Kongur Tagh, hidden in China's Kunlun Mountains, wasn't even discovered until 1900. The 7,719 meter peak is sometimes called China Pamir.