I should say right away that the rating includes conventionally popular peaks, which have been climbed by 100 or more climbers. Those mountains on which there were only a few expeditions, or which ended in tragedy, I do not include in the rating. The statistics for them is very difficult to find.
Symbolically, all of the deadliest peaks in the world are eight-thousanders. Statistics for Nepalese summits were taken from Himalayan Database, and for Pakistani and Shishapangma according to Alan Arnette.
Death rate is considered as a percentage ratio of those who died to those who have climbed the summit. That is exactly those who were on the summit. Those who turned around and did not attempt the summit are not included in these calculations.
Rating of the world's deadliest peaks
And so, let's begin. Let's start our ranking with the less dangerous peaks.
5. Kanchenjunga 8586 m
The mortality rate is 12.7%. At the top of our ranking is the killer of women - Kanchenjunga, the third eight-thousandth peak after Everest and K2. It is located in a remote area. The mountain has gained a very terrible fame among women. For some reason it allows men to climb, but the opposite sex is mostly killed. Only a few women who ascended and descended alive, so for a long time the summit was impregnable for the female half of mankind.
4. Dhaulagiri 8167 m
The mortality rate is 15.6%. It is noteworthy that despite its low altitude (the seventh peak in the world), Dhaulagiri is considered one of the most difficult eight-thousanders on the classical route. The reason for this is primarily avalanches, as well as falls and falls and falls off, because the route runs on a very steep slope. The weather conditions for climbing are more favorable in spring and a little worse in fall.
3. Chogori (K2) 8611 m
The mortality rate is 19%. Often the summit of K2 (the second highest peak in the world) is at the top of the list of the most dangerous mountains. This is partly justified, as the mortality rate until recently was 42%. That is, almost every second who set out to climb the summit, did not return from it.
2. Nanga Parbat 8126 m
The mortality rate is 21%. Pakistani peak, the ninth eight-thousandth peak in the world. Some of the deaths were not the fault of the mountain. The fact is that the political situation in Pakistan is often turbulent. In 2013, part of the base camp was shot by the local Taliban. Unfortunately, many climbers died, including three Ukrainians. All of them are also included in the mountain's mortality rate. Barring the terrorist attack, the main causes of death on Nanga Parbat are also avalanches and falls from the wall. By the way, the Diamir Valley is considered one of the most beautiful places where the base camp is located. It is a large green area, above which the three-kilometer Diamir Wall rises.
Annapurna I 8091 m
The mortality rate is 26.7%. The first place in the ranking of the deadliest peaks in the world is occupied by Annapurna I. The mountain is at the bottom of the ten highest peaks, but it is still the most dangerous. During all time on its peak have successfully visited only 266 people - this is the smallest quantity of climbers among all eight-thousanders. The main cause of death is avalanches. But at the same time it is the first eight-thousanders climbed by a man. The first successful ascent was made by Maurice Herzog in 1950. An epic story you can read a book about.
Summary data of the world's most dangerous peaks
Peak | Height, m | № of the high in the world | Successful climbing | Deceased | Mortality, % | Main causes of death |
Annapurna 1 | 8091 | 10 | 266 | 71 | 26,69 | avalanches from 90%, falls |
Nanga Parbat | 8126 | 9 | 355 | 74 | 20,96 | avalanches , falls |
К2 | 8611 | 2 | 452 | 86 | 19,03 | avalanches , falls, bad weather, serac collapse |
Dhaulagiri | 8167 | 7 | 544 | 85 | 15,63 | avalanches , less - falls |
Kanchenjunga | 8586 | 3 | 379 | 48 | 12,66 | an overwhelming number are falls, less avalanches |
I'll also tell you about one more peak - Peak Pobeda. This is actually the northernmost peak of the seven-thousanders. It is considered a very difficult mountain. But according to the statistics that I was able to find, about 900 people were on top and 70 died (mortality rate of 7.8%). Therefore, in the rating of the top 5 deadly peaks Victory Peak is not included. Although in some years no one manages to get to the top and people die.
You climb the mountains safely and let luck be always on your side! You can find hiking and climbing programs under the guidance of reliable guides on the routes selection page.