The Most Difficult Climb in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the climb you think is the most difficult!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:24

Climbers often face the challenge of selecting their next big ascent among many formidable peaks. By creating a ranked list of the most difficult climbs, based on collective voter insights, we aim to provide a clearer picture of these challenging adventures. This can serve as a guide for preparation or even help in choosing a climb that matches one's skill level and ambitions. As votes are cast and opinions shared, the list dynamically adjusts to reflect the latest consensus on which climbs are the most taxing physically and technically. This continuous influx of community feedback ensures the rankings are not only current but also inclusive of diverse experiences and perspectives. It's a tool that empowers climbers to make informed decisions fueled by the collective knowledge and experiences of their peers.

What Is the Most Difficult Climb in the World?

1

89
votes
K2

Located in the Karakoram range in Pakistan, K2 is considered the most difficult climb in the world due to its steep and technical terrain, unpredictable weather, and high altitude. Only one in four climbers who attempt K2 successfully reach the summit.
K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, is the second tallest mountain in the world and is considered one of the most difficult 8,000-meter peaks to climb. It is located on the border between Pakistan and China's Xinjiang region in the Karakoram range. K2 is known for its treacherous weather conditions, technical climbing challenges, and high fatality rate among climbers.

Height: 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)

Location: Pakistan & China

Range: Karakoram

First Ascent: 31 July 1954 by Italian climbers Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli

Prominence: 4,017 meters (13,186 feet)
2

43
votes
Annapurna

Located in the Himalayas in Nepal, Annapurna is known for its highly variable weather conditions and steep, avalanche-prone slopes. It has a fatality rate of 32%, making it one of the most dangerous climbs in the world.
Annapurna is one of the most challenging and dangerous 8,000-meter peaks in the world. It is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal, within the Himalayas. Standing at an elevation of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet), it is the 10th highest mountain globally. Annapurna consists of multiple peaks, with Annapurna I Main being the highest. It was first climbed in 1950 by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog. The mountain is renowned for its steep and icy slopes, unpredictable weather conditions, and technical difficulty, making it a formidable expedition for climbers. The stunning beauty of the surrounding Annapurna massif and the rich cultural heritage of the region also attract adventure enthusiasts and trekkers from around the world.

Elevation: 8,091 meters (26,545 feet)

First Ascent: June 3, 1950

Location: Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Range: Himalayas

Rank: 10th highest peak globally
3

11
votes
Atif Gulzar · Copyrighted free use

Nanga Parbat

Also located in the Himalayas in Pakistan, Nanga Parbat has a reputation as one of the most difficult climbs in the world due to its steep, icy terrain and unpredictable weather. It has a fatality rate of over 20%.
Nanga Parbat is a challenging mountain peak located in the western Himalayas in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is the ninth highest mountain in the world and has gained a reputation as one of the most difficult 8,000-meter peaks to climb. Nanga Parbat is known for its treacherous climbing conditions, unpredictable weather, and landslide-prone slopes, which make it a daunting mountaineering expedition.

Elevation: 8,126 meters (26,660 feet)

Location: Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Mountain Range: Himalayas

Prominence: 4,608 meters (15,118 feet)

First Ascent: July 3, 1953 by Hermann Buhl
Nanga Parbat in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult 8,000-meter peak
4

24
votes
qwesy qwesy · CC BY 3.0

The Eiger

Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, the Eiger is known for its difficult and technical climbing routes, including the infamous North Face, where many climbers have lost their lives.
The Eiger is a famous mountain located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. It is known for its challenging climbing routes and its reputation as one of the most difficult climbs in the world. The mountain stands at an elevation of 3,967 meters (13,015 feet) and has three primary ridges - the Mittellegi Ridge, the South Ridge, and the North Ridge. The North Face of Eiger, also known as the 'Eigerwand' or 'Eiger Nordwand', is particularly renowned for its extreme difficulty and dangerous conditions.

Location: Switzerland

Elevation: 3,967 meters (13,015 feet)

Primary Ridges: Mittellegi Ridge, South Ridge, North Ridge

Famous Face: North Face or 'Eigerwand'

Difficulty: Extremely challenging
5

15
votes
Mount_Everest_as_seen_from_Drukair2.jpg: shrimpo1967 derivative work: Papa Lima Whiskey 2 (talk) · CC BY-SA 2.0

Mount Everest

While Mount Everest is not considered the most technically difficult climb, its extreme altitude and unpredictable weather conditions make it one of the most dangerous. It has a fatality rate of around 1%.
Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, standing at an impressive elevation of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China. This majestic mountain offers breathtaking scenery and is renowned for its challenging climbing routes, making it a dream destination for mountaineers and adventurers from around the globe. The grandeur and beauty of Mount Everest attract not only climbers but also nature enthusiasts who appreciate the stunning landscapes that surround it.

Location: Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China

Elevation: 8,848 meters (29,029 feet)

First Ascent: Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953

Coordinates: 27°59′17″N 86°55′31″E

Prominence: 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) (highest peak)
Mount Everest in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular hill
6

10
votes
Denali

Located in Alaska, Denali is known for its extreme cold, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions. It is also one of the most isolated mountains in the world, making rescue attempts difficult.
Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America and one of the most challenging climbs in the world. It is located in the Alaska Range within Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali offers extreme weather conditions, high elevation, steep slopes, and technical routes, making it a formidable challenge for even the most experienced climbers.

Elevation: 20,310 feet (6,190 meters)

Prominence: 20,146 feet (6,168 meters)

First Ascent: The first recorded successful summit was on June 7, 1913, by Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum.

Location: Denali is located in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Difficulty: Denali is graded as one of the most difficult climbs due to its technical challenges, unpredictable weather, and high altitude.
7

8
votes
Gonce · CC BY-SA 4.0

Fitz Roy

Located in Patagonia, Fitz Roy is known for its steep and technical climbing routes, as well as unpredictable weather conditions. It has a reputation as one of the most challenging climbs in the world.
Fitz Roy is a towering mountain located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, on the border of Argentina and Chile. It is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world due to its technical difficulties, extreme weather conditions, and remote location.

Height: 3,405 meters (11,171 feet)

First Ascent: The first ascent of Fitz Roy was completed on February 2, 1952, by French mountaineers Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone.

Difficulty: Fitz Roy is known for its challenging climbing routes, which involve technical rock and ice climbing skills, as well as high levels of commitment and endurance.

Weather Conditions: The mountain is notorious for its unpredictable and harsh weather, with strong winds, heavy snowfall, and frequent storms, making climbing extremely challenging and dangerous.

Granite Rock: Fitz Roy is composed of granite, providing a variety of challenging climbing features such as cracks, chimneys, and steep faces.
8

8
votes
Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0

Ama Dablam

Located in the Himalayas in Nepal, Ama Dablam is known for its steep and technical climbing routes, as well as unpredictable weather conditions. It has a reputation as one of the most beautiful and challenging climbs in the world.
Ama Dablam is a majestic mountain located in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal. Known for its iconic pyramid-shaped peak, it is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the world. Standing at an elevation of 6,812 meters (22,349 feet), Ama Dablam offers a thrilling and challenging experience for mountaineers.

Elevation: 6,812 meters (22,349 feet)

Location: Solu-Khumbu region, Nepal

Shape: Pyramid-shaped peak

Difficulty: Considered one of the most difficult climbs in the world

First Ascent: First successful ascent on March 13, 1961, by Mike Gill and Wally Romanes
9

7
votes
Davide Brighenti · CC BY 2.5

Cerro Torre

Cesare Maestri

Located in Patagonia, Cerro Torre is known for its steep and technical climbing routes, as well as unpredictable weather conditions. It has a reputation as one of the most beautiful and challenging climbs in the world.
Cerro Torre is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world. It is a mountain located in the Southern Patagonian Icefield, on the border between Argentina and Chile. The iconic tower-like peak rises to an elevation of 3,128 meters (10,262 feet).

Location: Southern Patagonian Icefield, Argentina and Chile

Elevation: 3,128 meters (10,262 feet)

First Ascent: January 31, 1959, by Cesare Maestri and Toni Egger

Difficulty: Considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world

Nature of Peak: Distinctive tower-like shape
10

6
votes
Jackph · Public domain

The Eigerwand (North Face of the Eiger)

The Eigerwand, also known as the North Face of the Eiger, is known for its extreme steepness and difficulty, as well as unpredictable weather conditions. It has a reputation as one of the most challenging climbs in the world.
The Eigerwand, also known as the North Face of the Eiger, is one of the most challenging and iconic climbing routes in the world. Located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, it is a sheer mountain wall that rises approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above the Grindelwald valley. The Eigerwand has a reputation for its treacherous conditions, unpredictable weather, and numerous fatalities.

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 feet)

Difficulty Level: Considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world

Vertical Drop: Around 1,300 meters (4,265 feet)

Average Ascent Time: 2-4 days

Route Length: About 1,800 meters (5,900 feet)

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Ranking factors for difficult climb

Technical Difficulty

This refers to the steepness, type of rock or ice, and availability of holds. More complex and difficult climbs require advanced climbing skills and techniques.
Altitude

Higher altitudes pose various challenges and carry additional risks such as altitude sickness and extreme cold. A higher mountain may be harder to climb due to the impact on climbers' stamina, speed, and decision-making ability.
Weather Conditions

Extreme weather can make a climb more difficult, as climbers have to face high winds, snowstorms, or heavy rain. Weather can also make certain routes inaccessible due to avalanches or rockfalls.
Length and Duration of the Climb

A longer climb generally means more exposure to the elements, higher risks of accidents, and greater physical and mental fatigue for climbers.
Remoteness and Accessibility

Mountains that are difficult to get to or require lengthy approaches can add to the overall challenge. In case of emergencies, it may be more difficult to receive proper help, and resupplies will be harder to come by.
Route Finding

On complex climbing routes, navigation can be challenging and time-consuming. Poorly marked or unmarked routes can confuse or mislead climbers, increasing the risk of accidents.
Objective Hazards

These include avalanche risk, crevasse danger, rockfall or icefall risk, and other environmental factors that are not directly related to the difficulty of the climb itself, but can still significantly impact the overall challenge and safety of the climb.
Popularity and Crowding

While a popular climbing destination may offer more resources and support, it also presents challenges such as route congestion, increased impact on the environment, and the risk of inexperienced climbers causing accidents.
Commitment Level

A climb with a high commitment level means it is difficult to retreat or escape in case of emergency, adding to the challenge and risk. High commitment climbs demand strong mental and physical fortitude from climbers.
Personal Experience and Skill Level

The difficulty of a climb can vary greatly depending on an individual's experience, fitness, and climbing abilities. What may be an easy climb for an experienced mountaineer could be extremely challenging for a beginner.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult climb in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or climbing is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1886 views
222 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each climbing once every 24 hours. The rank of each climbing is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult climb in the world

When it comes to mountaineering, there are a few climbs that stand out as the most challenging in the world. These climbs require extreme physical and mental endurance, as well as technical climbing skills. One of the most difficult climbs is the K2, also known as the Savage Mountain, located in the Karakoram range on the border of Pakistan and China. With an altitude of 8,611 meters, it is the second-highest mountain in the world and has a fatality rate of roughly one in four climbers. Other challenging climbs include Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Nanga Parbat. These climbs are not for the faint of heart and require extensive training and preparation before attempting. Nonetheless, for those who are up for the challenge, these climbs offer an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and adventure.