“You are not in the mountains. The mountains are in you,” said John Muir, the renowned naturalist, author and environmental philosopher
These brave men and women will face vertiginous vertical falls, sub-zero temperatures and 8,000m death zones in pursuit of their summit dreams. It’s in ode to them that we present this list.
MOST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS IN THE WORLD
In no particular order, these are the most beautiful mountains in the world.
1. CUERNOS DEL PAINE
Height: 2,600m (8,530ft)
Location: Andes, Chile
Los Cuernos del Paine or ‘Paine horns’ refer to a set of sharp granite peaks in Torres del Paine National Park, all of which rise above 2,000m.
The spiky peaks have delightfully fitting names – among them Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin), La Espada (The Sword) and La Hoja (The Blade) – and are located halfway along the W trek, one of the best hiking trails in Torres del Paine.
2. MOUNT THOR
Height: 1,675m (5,495ft)
Location: Baffin Mountains, Canada
Mount Thor, appropriately named after the Norse god of thunder, is arguably the scariest mountain on the planet. The hulking mass of solid granite is simply extraordinary. Located on Canada’s remote Baffin Island, Thor is home to the world’s greatest vertical drop. It would take a terrifying 36 seconds for a 170lb (77kg) person to fall the 1,250m (4,101ft) from the cliff face below the summit all the way to the floor.
Because of this remarkable geographical feature, Thor became a popular site for BASE jumpers and paragliders. However, Auyuittuq National Park authorities have banned the practice due to the difficulties involved in getting rescue teams to the site and will prosecute and fine those who flout the rule.
3. ALPAMAYO
Height: 5,947m (19,511ft)
Location: Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Often referred to as the most beautiful mountain in the world, Alpamayo lies in the heart of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. With a steep pyramidal shape and Viennetta flutes that look practically edible, Alpamayo remains a highly coveted summit.