Seven Summits – The Complete Guide (With Comparison Table)

Updated: December 11, 2023
seven summits

Seven Summits is a coveted mountaineering challenge that sees climbers tackle some of the world’s tallest mountains in order to reach the highest peaks located on each of the seven continents.  

Despite being no small feat, over the years there has been a rise in popularity of this prestigious challenge as an increasing number of people make an attempt the reach the peaks. 

There is some contention as to which summits are part of the list due to differing interpretations of the boundaries of the continents, so for clarification purposes, we have based our guide on Messner’s version of the 7 summits as this uses Puncak Jaya rather than the lower elevated Kosciuszko, as Australasia’s highest summit. 

Seven Summits - Comparison Table

Seven Summits

Continent

Elevation

Experience

climbing-kilimanjaro-difficulty

Africa

5,895m

Very high altitude, non-technical climb

mount vinson

Antarctica

4,892m

High altitude, extreme cold, basic mountaineering skills required

mount-everest

Asia

8,848m

Extreme altitude, mountaineering experience required

Carstensz Pyramid

Australasia

4,884m

High altitude, rock climbing skills required

mount-elbrus-climbing

Europe

5,642m

Very high altitude, non-technical climb, basic mountaineering skills required

denali

North America

6,194m

Very high altitude, extreme cold, technical climb

aconcagua

South America

6,961m

Very high altitude, basic mountaineering skills, non-technical

7 Summits - Detailed Overview

1. Mount Everest (8,848m/29,028.9ft)

mount-everest

As the highest mountain on earth and head of the Eight Thousanders, reaching the summit of Mount Everest is often considered to be the ultimate achievement for mountaineers and because of the cost of an Everest expedition as well as the lengthy duration, it is for many people a once in a lifetime experience. 

Everest is situated in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and Tibet and even though there are a number of recognised routes to the summit, the two most common approaches to the mountain begin from Nepal in the South, and Tibet in the North. 

The South Col route which takes the South East Ridge to the summit is known as the standard route. Most tour operators opt to use this route as the Base Camp is very well established and allows climbers access to all the facilities and comforts that it has to offer. It is also technically easier than the North Col route. 

The North Col route takes the North East Ridge to the summit is increasing in popularity but remains a little less travelled as the weather conditions tend to be a bit tougher than the South Col route and the Base Camps are not as equipped as the south side.    

Mount Everest is best climbed in the spring months of April to May. Though summer may seem the obvious choice, it is monsoon season so heavy rain can hinder your progress. 

1st Summit, Success Rates & Deaths

  • First recorded successful summit made in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
  • Approximately 800 people attempt the summit every year and of those roughly 60% successfully summit
  • From 1953 to date there have been 297 deaths recorded on Everest. (Find more facts about Mt Everest here)

Costs, Technicalities and Length

  • Costs vary depending on the guide company you use and can range from US$30,000 upwards to US$80,000
  • Technical at points - must be able to use crampons, an ascender, be able to rappel with a backpack on, and be in top physical shape.  Previous high altitude climbs highly recommended
  • Usually a 2-month expedition

Pro Tip

If you are attempting the 7 summits challenge then consider leaving Mount Everest until the end.  It is best done with prior high altitude experience and you will build up essential mountaineering skills by attempting the other summits beforehand.

2. Mount Aconcagua (6,961m/22,837ft)

aconcagua

In order of elevation, Aconcagua is number two on the 7 summits list and is the highest peak outside of Asia as well as the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is located in the Andes mountain range of Argentina.

Aconcagua is often considered to be one of the easiest climbing peaks for its height as it is not particularly technical and because of this is a popular mountain to climb. The altitude is often underestimated though and care should be taken to acclimatize properly. 

There are three main routes up Aconcagua, the most popular being the Normal Route which takes the North West Ridge to the top. It is a non-technical, ‘trekking’ route and is popular with the guide companies. 

The Polish Traverse Route is also non-technical but you are more likely to need to use crampons and an ice axe than on the Normal Route. It is also slightly longer than the Normal Route. 

Not to be confused with the Polish Traverse Route, the Polish Glacier Route is substantially more technical and requires mountaineering skills to ascend so is more suited to experienced climbers who are proficient with equipment such as an ice axe and short rope.  

Climbing season for Aconcagua is during the summer months from 15th November through to 31st March every year, with the peak times being from mid-December to the end of January.

1st Summit, Success Rates & Deaths

  • Matthias Zurbriggen made the first recorded successful summit in 1897 via the Normal Route.
  • An average of 3,500 people attempt the summit every year but only about 40% reach the top
  • Aconcagua has earned itself the nickname of ‘Mountain of Death’ with an average of three deaths per year

Costs, Technicalities and Length

  • You can expect an expedition to cost anything from about US$3,500 to US$5,000 or more
  • Knowing how to use crampons and an ice axe is essential and you should be in top physical shape with an excellent level of aerobic fitness
  • Aconcagua expeditions typically take just less than three weeks

Pro Tip

Aconcagua is often used as a warm up in the 7 summits challenge. Consider tackling this one or Mount Elbrus, after summiting Kilimanjaro.

Check prices to Trek Aconcagua with our trusted operator.   

3. Denali (6,194m/20,310ft)

denali

Number three on the 7 summits list in terms of elevation is Denali. This impressive mountain is situated in the Alaska Range of mountains in the US state of Alaska. It is the main feature of the Denali National Park and its proximity to the Arctic Circle means that sub-zero temperatures and extreme cold weather are to be expected year round.

The West Buttress Route is the most commonly used path to the summit of Denali as it is the least technical and has significant infrastructure set up along the way in terms of Base Camps and medical evacuation availability. 

Muldrow Glacier Route is probably equal in terms of technicality to the West Buttress Route but is not quite as popular as climbers have to hike in instead of fly to Base Camp and so is generally a longer expedition. 

The West Rib Route is a step up in difficulty from the West Buttress route as it is considerably steeper, and as there is a greater depth of snow to get through the risk of an avalanche is more prominent.

It diverges from the West Buttress route at Ski Hill point and then takes the North East fork of the glacier to reach the summit.

The most difficult route along Cassin Ridge is reserved for very experienced climbers as in addition to facing adverse and extreme weather conditions like all the routes on Denali, it is a technical climb and requires sustained periods of rock and ice climbing at altitude. 

Denali is best attempted in the early summer months from May through to July.

1st Summit, Success Rates & Deaths

  • The first verified ascent to Denali’s summit was made in 1913 by climbers Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum.
  • Just over 1,000 people attempt the summit each year and of those, approximately half reach the peak.
  • An average of 3 people a year perish on Denali

Costs, Technicalities and Length

  • Costs range from US$6,500 upwards to US$10,500
  • Use of crampons and mountaineering equipment is required and skill in glacier travel and crevasse rescue is essential for this climb
  • Denali is usually attempted over 3 weeks as extra days are generally allowed to accommodate bad weather conditions

Pro Tip

It is advisable to prepare for Denali by climbing Mount Elbrus and Aconcagua beforehand to be adequately prepared.    

4. Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19,341ft)

climbing-kilimanjaro-difficulty

Due to the non-technical nature and only moderate difficulty of the climb, the iconic Kilimanjaro is often one of the first extreme-altitude mountains that climbers attempt.

The allure of being one of the 7 summits combined with its location in beautiful Africa makes Kilimanjaro a very popular mountain indeed.  The extreme altitude should not be ignored but with adequate preparation, Kilimanjaro is very 'summitable'. 

Kilimanjaro has a multitude of routes that access the summit, but there are five which are consistently used and considered to be the most popular.  

These are Machame (the most popular), Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Marangu Routes. Choosing a route to the summit generally depends on how much time you want to spend on the expedition, how much other foot traffic you want to encounter, and if you want to overnight in hut accommodation instead of camping over the expedition.

Due to its proximity to the equator, Kilimanjaro experiences relatively stable weather and can be climbed year round. Generally, it is best to climb Kilimanjaro between June and September and it is best to avoid the rainy season of April and May, as well as November.

1st Summit, Success Rates & Deaths

  • Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller made the first recorded successful summit  in 1889
  • Approximately 35,000 people hit the slopes of Kilimanjaro each year and the summit success rates increase as the number of days on the expedition increases with 8-day trips seeing an average success rate of 85%
  • It is estimated that there are between 3 and 7 deaths per year on the mountain

Costs, Technicalities and Length

  • Costs can range upwards from about US$3,000 to US$6,000
  • Because you spend a good portion of the day hiking up increasing altitudes, you need to be in good physical condition to summit Kilimanjaro
  • Though it is better to join one of the longer 7 or 8-day expeditions, the summit can be reached on a 5-day expedition

Pro Tip

Kilimanjaro is a great mountain to begin your 7 summit challenge.

Check prices to Climb Kilimanjaro with our trusted operator.   

5. Mount Elbrus (5,642m/18,510ft)

mount-elbrus-climbing

Mount Elbrus is number five in elevation on the 7 summits list. It also makes it on to the World's 7 Volcanic Summits list.

It is based the Caucasus Mountain Range in Southern Russia. Though there is some contention as to how the Caucasus Mountains are distributed between Europe and Asia, Elbrus lies north of the Caucasus watershed which is deemed - by most of the relevant authorities - to be the borderline between the two.

Elbrus has two summits, both of which are dormant volcanic domes.  The west summit is the taller of the two and is the one that puts Elbrus on the map of the 7 summits.  

There are two main approaches to the summit of Elbrus, the South Side approach and the North Side approach. 

The South Side approach sees a much greater summit success rate in comparison as there is better infrastructure along the route and it is not quite as demanding so is generally the favoured route to reach the summit.  

The North Side involves a glacier crossing so climbers should be comfortable with short rope techniques and crevasse rescue.

The main climbing season on Elbrus is during the summer months from June to September with peak season in July. 

1st Summit, Success Rates & Deaths

  • First successful ascent to the west summit of Elbrus was in 1874 by a British expedition comprising of F. Crauford Grove, Frederick Gardner, Horace Walker, and Peter Knubel
  • The summit success rate for the South Side approach is estimated to be as high as 80 -90% whilst the North Side is much lower at about 50%
  • Due to the great number of people who climb the mountain each year, there are as many as 25 deaths annually. These are generally the result of bad weather conditions or altitude sickness

Costs, Technicalities and Length

  • Cost wise it can be as little as US$1,000 and range upwards to US$6,000 or so
  • Basic mountaineering skills along with a solid aerobic fitness level is a must
  • A typical expedition on Mount Elbrus will take approximately a week

Pro Tip

Mount Elbrus and Aconcagua are often done early on in the 7 summits challenge. Consider tackling this one before moving on to Denali and Mount Vinson.

6. Mount Vinson (4,892m/16,050 ft)

mount vinson

Vinson Massif is the highest peak in Antarctica. It is based in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains and is the sixth highest of the 7 summits.

Due to its isolated location, it is the ‘youngest' of the 7 summits as it was the last one to be successfully summited, and the popularity of climbing this mountain is mainly attributed to its status as one of them. 

The remote location and stark polar landscape make for a surreal and breath-taking expedition to the summit. For most people, the Mount Vinson expedition will certainly be one of the most remote climbs that they undertake. 

While the wilderness is truly spectacular the weather is often unpredictable and extra days are usually incorporated into an expedition to allow for the possible bad weather which may delay flights or restrict movement out of base camps.

The majority of climbs go via the western side of the massif from the Branscomb Glacier and make use of the various base camps along the route.

The best time to climb Mount Vinson is in the summer months between December and January when temperatures are slightly warmer and there are long sunlight hours. 

1st Summit, Success Rates & Deaths

  • The first recorded ascent to Mount Vinson’s summit was in 1966 by an American team led by Nicholas Clinch
  • Only about 1,200 people have climbed Mount Vinson
  • There have not been any recorded deaths on the mountain

Costs, Technicalities and Length

  • Because of the logistics involved in getting there, it is one of the more expensive climbs and can easily cost between US$30,000 up to US$50,000
  • Mount Vinson is not particularly technical though you must have good basic mountaineering skills. More important is to take care of your body in the extreme weather conditions
  • Usually, an expedition will be around three weeks but depending on the favourability of the weather conditions it can take more or less time

Pro Tip

Mount Vinson is best done later on in the challenge as a precursor to Mount Everest. By now you should be better-prepared skills wise to tackle Everest but the harsh weather conditions do make Vinson challenging too.

7. Carstensz Pyramid / Puncak Jaya (4,884m/16,024ft)

Carstensz Pyramid

The Carstensz Pyramid, also known as Puncak Jaya is the lowest elevated mountain of the 7 summits on the Messner version list.  It is the highest summit of Mount Carstensz in the Sudirman Range of the western central highlands of Papua Province in Indonesia. 

The Bass version of the 7 summits includes Mount Kosciuszko, which is located in Australia as the final summit.  But as this is lower than Carstensz and excludes the rest of Australasia in the running we have based our list on the Messner version.  It is to be noted though that most climbers will attempt both of these summits to make sure that they have covered all bases of the challenge.

The Carstensz Pyramid rises up from an exotic rainforest landscape to expose a mountaintop covered with glaciers.  It is unique in the sense that it is the only one of the 7 summits that requires technical rock climbing skills as opposed to the alpine mountaineering skills required on the other summits.

There is one main route to the summit which is known as the Normal Route or Harrer’s Route.  Most guide companies will fly their clients into Base Camp on a helicopter and from Base Camp, it is usually a 12 – 14 hour round trip to the summit.  Alternatively, climbers can hike in from Ilaga to Base Camp though this is the less favoured option of the two due to constant rainfall on the trek through the rainforest to the Base Camp.

Due to its proximity to the equator, the weather is relatively stable throughout the year and when to climb Carstensz Pyramid generally relies on when your guide company is taking the expedition.

1st Summit, Success Rates & Deaths

  • Carstensz Pyramid was successfully summited for the first time in 1962 by Heinrich Harrer, Philip Temple, Russell Kippax, and Albertus Huizenga
  • Unknown
  • Unknown

Costs, Technicalities and Length

  • Costs average at about US$23,000 for the helicopter option but are less if trekking in
  • Rock climbing skills are essential and Carstensz is known to be a technical climb.  Having good upper body strength is a must, as well as a good overall fitness
  • The expedition is generally a week for the helicopter option as several days are spent acclimatising and resting before the summit day

Pro Tip

Carstensz Pyramid is often done as the final summit of the challenge in conjunction with the Mount Kosciuszko hike to cover bases.

Three Poles Challenge

Just in case conquering the 7 summits is not quite adventurous enough, there is also the Three Poles Challenge which sees adventurers reach the North Pole, the South Pole, and the summit of Mount Everest.

Considering the remoteness of each of the poles and the close proximity of the South Pole when on the Mount Vinson expedition, the Three Poles Challenge is often seen as an extra title to bag, leaving just the North Pole as the final marker point.

Seven-Summits-MountainIQ

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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  1. good day.I would like to inquire about the availability of a space for 2021 Denaili expedition.cost and list of gear needed.Thanks in advance

  2. I am mainly retired from working in labour intensive jobs now living mainly on the pension. I have hiked over most of Victoria Australia high country and trekked in the Himalayas. I have summited Mt Kosciuszko. I would like to do the seven summits, financially not in a position to do so.

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