By what standards should we measure “the beautiest mountains in the world”?
Should it the most popular mountains? The biggest and tallest mountains? The most challenging for climbers? Or perhaps the most historically significant to the region in which they’re found?
For us, the best mountains are those that capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The ones that have played a role in local folklore for centuries, and which continue to draw travelers from around the world today.
So here’s a look at our totally subjective picks for the 20 Best Mountains in the World, some of which we’ve already visited, and many of which we hope to visit in 2021 (or in the future…)
3. Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), China
4. Table Mountain, South Africa
5. Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand
9. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
10. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia
11. Matterhorn, Switzerland/Italy
1. Kirkjufell, Iceland
Kirkjufell Mountain is one of the top attractions in the northern part of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland, Without any doubt, Mount Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed places in Iceland, and for good reason.
For us, Mount Kirkjufell was one of those places where photos were better than reality, and where we were not able to connect with nature as in other parts of the country.
2. Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet
Everest is the dream for every climber, but without a doubt it is the most challenge on Earth, Everest rises just right on the border between two Asian countries: China and Nepal
Located at the border between Nepal and Tibet, the northern part of Mount Everest is located in Tingri County in southwestern Tibet. There are two Everest base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest, namely South Everest Base Camp in Nepal and North Everest Base Camp in Tibet. From the Everest Base Camp in Tibet, travellers can see the magnificent northern face of the highest peak on the earth.
3. Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), China
Mt.Huangshan is world-famous for its beautiful landscape – sunrise, sunset, granite peaks, pine trees, and the other-worldly sea of the clouds. Also much of Mt. Huangshan’s reputation comes from its significant impact on Chinese art, literature and profound cultural resources.
4. Table Mountain, South Africa
Table Mountain, one of the New7Wonders of Nature and a part of the Cape Floristic Kingdom, shows off what she has to offer in grand style. Fynbos is endemic to the Cape and the range of flora on the mountain is staggering. The fauna on the mountain include dassies, frogs and lizards, among many other creatures.
Whether it is covered in a blanket of moody clouds or showing off against a crisp cloudless blue sky, Table Mountain is always spectacular.
5. Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand
Mount Cook National Park is located on New Zealand’s South Island, it is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand for tourists, and I can see why. After visiting Mount Cook for the first time, I just couldn’t wait to head back! Fast forward to now, and I’ve visited the national park countless times.
New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, is a marvelous place to visit. Not only do you get the sight of the mighty mountain itself but there are plenty of things to see and do there too.
6. Mount Fuji, Japan
Mt Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and one of the most famous landmarks in the country. Mt Fuji is about 100 km away from Tokyo, and it’s one of the most popular destinations for a day-trip from Tokyo through the year. Numbers of tourist attractions are available in and around Mt Fuji offering visitors unforgettable experiences with the stunning scenery.
However, clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours than during the middle of the day
7. Vinicunca, Peru
This mountain- which is also known as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, and Montaña de Colores - has blown up in popularity in the last few years!
8. Castle Mountain, Canada
Castle Provincial Park, in southwestern Alberta, not too far from Montana, is one of Canada’s newest parks, officially approved and designated in February of 2017. Along with its sister park, Castle Wildland Provincial Park, it contains a combined 105,000 ha (405 square miles) of Rocky Mountain peaks, alpine meadows, forests and rolling foothills, and is home to over 200 rare species – including grizzly bears, whitebark and limber pine, and western cutthroat trout.
9. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro holds an almost mythical fascination for the adventurous traveler. This snow capped peak near the Equator is the highest freestanding mountain in the world
10. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia
Calm and serene, pleasant and rocky, it would be easy to assume that “Cradle Mountain” takes its name from a baby’s bed. But locals say no - it’s derived from the mountain’s resemblance to a miner’s cradle. This unique shape creates a dramatic vista that’s impossible to miss as visitors walk along the shores of the many lakes, river gorges and waterfalls that decorate the surrounding areas.
Feel free to skip Cradle Mountain if you're not a hiker, but it's worth doing if you're keen to do some walking. It's easy hiking here, with a boardwalk for much of the route, but it's still spectacular
11. Matterhorn, Switzerland/Italy
This famous jagged peak is etched in the world’s consciousness as clearly as Mount Fuji.
The Matterhorn is just one of 29 peaks higher than 4,000 meters in the Upper Valais region. And in this Alpine playground, you can do things that you might not have dreamed possible, like a walk through a glacier, go skiing in mid-summer, and climb one of Europe’s highest mountains. This is all made feasible by record-breaking infrastructure, from aerial tramways to funiculars, all testifying to human ingenuity in this extreme environment.
12. Denali, USA
Known around the world for its amazing scenery and wildlife, Denali is a place of excitement, inspiration, and exploration for travelers.
Denali is a place you will never forget — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come. Phenomenal wildlife, meandering rivers, and an exhilarating massive mountain make this park the perfect backdrop for your next adventure. This incredible place will leave you speechless!
13. Uluru (Australia)
Central Australia – famous for its red dirt, starry nights and Dreamtime significance – is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination.
-> Read more: 20 Best Naturals Places to Visit in Australia in 2021
The Best 7 Natural Wonders in Australia You Must Visit In 2021
