If you’ve ever climbed a mountain, you’ll already know how exhilarating and rewarding it can be. The sense of achievement you get after a gruelling climb to the peak of a summit is unique – and the views from the top are almost always sensational.
The world is full of dramatic, snow-capped peaks that seem to stretch towards the sky, and while climbing them is rarely easy (no matter what some people might say!), some are far more manageable than others.
So, whether you’ve climbed a few mountains in your time and are looking for a new challenge, or you’re a climbing rookie and want to know which mountains are best for beginners, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the seven best mountains to climb around the world.
1. Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Wales
If you’re new to climbing, the good news is that you don’t need to visit another country to climb your first peak.
Britain is home to several impressive mountains, and one of the most famous is Yr Wyddfa – which has become known by many as Mount Snowdon. Located in the spectacular Snowdonia (or Eryri in Welsh) National Park, Mount Snowdown is the highest mountain in Wales and England, and a great place to begin your climbing journey.
Standing at 1,085 metres, Snowdon is the smallest mountain on this list – and while it’s a manageable climb for anyone with a good level of fitness, it’s still a challenge. It takes around seven hours to get to the top and back, and parts of the route are steep and rocky. For this reason, it’s best for people who are comfortable walking long distances on difficult terrain.
It’s also really important to consider the weather when climbing Snowdon. It’s much colder, wetter, and windier at the top of Snowdon than it is at sea level, so even on a sunny day, taking precautions is recommended. In winter, it’s pretty much impossible to reach the summit without having ice picks and crampons – and knowing how to use them.
Spring and summer are the best times to climb Snowdon, and the routes can get busy during peak season. There are six routes to the summit, and while all are classed as ‘hard and strenuous’, some involve a more gradual climb. Whichever route you take, it’s vital to wear walking boots and layered clothing, and to pack food, drink, and waterproofs – even if it’s sunny!
To find out more about climbing Mount Snowdon, have a read of this guide on the official Snowdonia website. or
2. Mount Triglav, Slovenia
Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and while it was overlooked for years, it’s rapidly rising in popularity.
If you’re thinking about a holiday here, it’s worth spending some time in the Julian Alps, which is home to dense pine forests, turquoise lakes, and the highest peak in the country, Mount Triglav.
Standing at 2,863 metres, Triglav is a national symbol of Slovenia, with the mountain depicted on the country’s flag and coat of arms. It’s sometimes said that you’re not a true Slovenian if you don’t climb Triglav once in your life – though, you don’t have to be a local to want to scale this summit! While not easy, this is another peak that’s definitely manageable if you’re fit and healthy.
Most treks up Triglav take two days, though it is possible to climb it on a day trip. However, you need to be in tip-top condition to do this, and to have favourable weather, so a two-day trek is advised.
There are four main routes, and most involve hiking for six to eight hours on day one, staying overnight in a mountain hut, and then hiking to the top early in the morning before descending.
The terrain is pretty barren and rocky, but the views are breathtaking – and on a clear day you can see all across the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. You can climb Triglav independently, but unless you’re a very experienced climber, it’s best to do it with a guide or on a tour. Depending on your route, you may also need a harness and helmet – but on a tour, these will be provided by your guide.
To find out more about climbing Mount Triglav, have a read of this guide from Triglav Tours.
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3. Mount Fuji, Japan
The perfectly symmetrical, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji is an icon of Japan – but climbing the world’s most picture-perfect volcano is almost as popular with foreigners as it is with tourists.
The 3,776-metre summit of Mount Fuji has been a pilgrimage site for hundreds of years, and while the hike has a few challenging sections, it’s possible to climb to the top in a single day.
The views at sunrise from the summit are incredible, and many climbers time their ascent to reach the top in the early morning hours.
Rather than climbing all night, it’s generally recommended that you hike up to one of the mountain huts close to the top and get some sleep there before finishing the climb at the first light. Or, if you’re not too fussed about being there for sunrise, you can do what most people do, which is begin your climb early in the morning and complete it in a day.
While you don’t need proper climbing skills to scale Fuji, the climb is strenuous and steep, and as you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner, which may be problematic for some people.
There are four different routes you can take, each of which starts from a different point around the volcano – and you can pick your trail based on length and difficulty, as well as the views. You’ll need proper walking boots and clothes, food and water, and money, should you wish to buy provisions or use a toilet on the way. Walking poles are also recommended.
To find out more about climbing Mount Fuji, have a read of this guide from Truly Tokyo.
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4. Mount Toubkal, Morocco
Morocco might be synonymous with images of sun-soaked riads, bustling souks, and camels trekking over sweeping sand dunes, but it’s also home to the mighty Atlas Mountains, and North Africa’s highest peak.
At 4,167 metres, this is a tough but enjoyable climb that can be completed in two days – although to enjoy the views and acclimatise, three days is better.
Unlike many mountain treks, there’s only one route up Toubkal, which begins from the village of Imlil, which is a bustling hikers’ hub sitting at the meeting point of three valleys. And while you can climb Toubkal independently, you do need to be accompanied by a local for safety reasons. Imlil is the place to find a porter or guide, as well as to buy camping provisions and food.
From Imlil, the hike winds through the Mizane Valley to the village of Aroumd, before climbing more steeply to the Toubkal Refuge at 3,207 metres. Most climbers spend the night here, allowing them to acclimatise, before beginning the trek up to the summit in the early hours. This final push is tough and can leave you gasping for air, but the views will make it worth it.
From the summit, you can marvel at inspiring views of Marrakesh, the looming, snow-capped Atlas Mountains and, on a clear day, the Sahara Desert, which lies to the south.
The descent down boulder fields is usually slow, and a highlight is passing through Berber communities along the way. You can trek down slowly, spending another night at the campsite, or head straight back to Imlil.
To find out more about climbing Mount Toubkal, have a read of this guide from Climbing Toubkal.
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5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
As Africa’s highest mountain, and the world’s tallest freestanding peak, Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous and popular climbs in the world.
Located on Tanzania’s northern border, on the edge of South Kenya, this flat-topped mountain is made up of three dormant volcanoes, and climbing to the top of this iconic peak is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Though, despite its 5,895-metre height, scaling Kilimanjaro is probably more achievable than you think. Thanks to the gradual ascent, getting to the top is entirely possible if you’re fit and healthy. But, it’s important to take time to acclimatise to the altitude, which is the biggest issue for climbers. It’s generally advised that you put aside five to seven days for this adventure.
There are six different routes up Kilimanjaro, and the one you take will depend on the scenery you want to see, how long you want to spend climbing, and your budget. The most popular routes are the Marangu, which is steady but busy, with hut accommodation, and Machame, which is more strenuous but has better acclimatisation – and absolutely magical views.
Watching the sunrise over the African plains from the summit is something you’ll remember forever – and you’ll see many of the region’s unique animals and birds as you climb too.
Because this is a multi-day trek, you can only climb Kilimanjaro if you’re with a registered guide or tour. They’ll supply porters, food, water, camping equipment, and a cook, so you can focus on enjoying the climb.
To find out more about this spectacular climb, have a read of this guide from Climbing Kilimanjaro.
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6. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
Indonesia definitely isn’t short of volcanoes – and when it comes to active volcanoes, it has the most in the world. Mount Rinjani stands at 3,726 metres tall and is the second-tallest of Indonesia’s volcanoes and looms ominously over the island of Lombok.
Located within the Gunung Rinjani National Park, beside Segara Anak – the astonishingly blue crater lake – the views throughout this two-to-three-day trek are absolutely sensational. As you hike, you can admire vistas of not just the glimmering crescent-shaped lake below you, but the rest of Lombok, the Gili Islands, and even Bali way out in the distance.
While the views are magnificent, the hike is challenging, and much tougher than most people think. The 2,600-metre ascent is steep, windy, and at times, very slow – and the summit, even in summer, is extremely cold. However, it’s an experience you’ll remember for years to come, so if you’re tough and have a good level of fitness, it’s undeniably a worthy challenge!
There are two routes: the path from Senaru village weaves through the gorgeous rainforest, while the trail from Sembalun is steeper and more gruelling. The routes meet at the crater rim, where there’s a single path to the peak.
Aside from the typical walking gear, you’ll need a guide and porter – not just to help carry your gear, but to set up ‘tent-toilets’…as there are none on the volcano!
To find out more about climbing Mount Rinjani, have a read of this guide on the Summits website.
7. Mount Aconcagua, Argentina
If you’re an experienced hiker and are looking for a challenge, you may want to consider climbing Mount Aconcagua.
Known for being the highest peak outside of the Himalayas, Aconcagua is 6,962 metres above sea level. Though, you don’t actually need any specific climbing skills to scale it – just a good level of fitness and stamina, and a tough attitude!
Aconcagua is located in the heart of the Central Andes, in Argentina’s Mendoza district, known for its excellent wine – which is handy, as you’ll definitely deserve to raise a glass after this trek!
This is a difficult hike on challenging terrain, and only around 40% of climbers reach the top. Due to the high altitude, you also need to leave plenty of time to acclimatise.
Most treks take between 16 and 20 days, which gives you an idea of how long and tough this trek is – although some of these days are rest days when you’re acclimatising and enjoying the views. And the sweeping views of the towering Andes are definitely worth treasuring. You can also learn about the Pre-Columbian Incas who managed to climb this mountain hundreds of years ago!
Most routes take five days to reach basecamp, then you’ll spend a week climbing between basecamp and camps one, two and three, before the final slog up the North Ridge to reach the peak.
You might not require any climbing skills to scale this summit, but you certainly need the right outlook, gear, and guides. As one of the windiest mountains in the world, climbing Aconcagua is not to be sniffed at!
To find out more about climbing Mount Aconcagua, have a read of this guide from Adventure Consultants.
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Final thoughts…
Climbing the world’s tallest mountain may be a dream for many, but due to the extreme danger and cost involved in scaling Mount Everest, only a tiny majority will ever turn those dreams into reality. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the unique glory of mountain climbing.
The experience of pushing your body and mind to their limits as you scramble up steep slopes will show you how tough you really are…and no matter how hard the hike is, the feeling of reaching the top, and knowing you’ve conquered the mountain, is one of the most rewarding feelings there is. The views are just an added bonus!
You don’t need to have any climbing experience at all to scale a sizable summit – and you also don’t need to have any fancy gear or a big budget. So, if you’d like to climb a mountain but have never done it before, why not start small, with a UK mountain like Snowdon, and see how you get on?
Alternatively, if you’ve already climbed a few mountains and are looking for your next summit, hopefully one of the peaks featured in this article might take your fancy…or at least inspire you to dig out your hiking boots!