Sunday, Aug 16, 2020, 3:27 pm

By:Tony Williams

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1.Annapurna

With a peak of 26,545 feet, this is the tenth highest mountain in the world. But the scariest number is the 41% success rate, which means that more than half of those who attempt to reach the impressive summit of this gargantuan rock will not make it. As you can see, those that make it have a great deal of luck on their side.

2.Nanga Parbat

At 26,657 feet, this dangerous peak is known to climbers as "man eater." The nicknamed is well earned. Thirty-one climbers lost their lives before it was finally successfully scaled in 1953 by an Austrian named Herman Buhl. I don't know what Nanga Parbat translates to in English but it's probably "Try skateboarding -- it's safer."

3.Siula Grande

Located in the Andes Mountains and standing a frightening 20,814 feet, this enormous rock was not fully scaled until 1985. The story behind the the two-man climb contains lots of drama, with one climber breaking his leg on the way down and surviving a one hundred foot fall to the ground while his partner went home assuming he had died.

4.K2

K2 is nickname for a deadly mountain whose proper name may be too long to write here. It is the second highest peak on earth, measuring an imposing 28,251 feet. It is estimated that for every four climbers who attempt to scale it, only one actually survives to reach its icy top.

5.Kangchenjunga

Apparently this mountain is as difficult to climb as it is to pronounce. With an altitude of 28,685 feet, this is the third highest mountain in the world. As with many of the world's most dangerous peaks, it lies between the border of two countries, in this case Nepal and India.

6.The Matterhorn

This lovely rock is located in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Calling this peak deadly is an understatement. When it was first scaled in 1865, four members of the expedition fell to their deaths. Even as recently as 1995, five hundred climbers died trying to reach the summit.

7.Mount Everest

Located on the border between Nepal and China, this giant boulder has gained a legendary status among climbers. Everest was first climbed by Edmund Hillary's expedition in 1953. It was very much a team effort but because Hillary's Hillary's foot first reached the peak, he gets the credit.

8.Mount Washington

Don't be deceived by the placid, scenic surrounding of the peak. Mount Washington, located in New Hampshire, is a tough rock to scale. Tragically over a hundred climbers have lost their lives here and with temperatures dropping to lows of -50 degrees Fahrenheit, the death toll is sure to grow.

9.Denali

This mountain is located in Alaska and stands at 20,320 feet. It seems it is prone to earthquakes. In fact, the lines indicated in the picture represent the faults, in other words the places to stay away from. I'd say if you're not a very skilled, experienced climber you may want to stay away from Alaska altogether.

10.Mount Fuji

This is the highest mountain in Japan. So if you are an avid mountain climber, this is the best reason to visit Japan. Only one problem, Mount Fuji is on our list of the world's most dangerous mountains which means you'd better know what you're doing before you start climbing.Mount Fuji

11.Baintha Brakk

I'm not entirely sure how this mountain's name is pronounced, but, as I look at the view, I have no difficulty pronouncing the word "wow." It was first scaled in 1977, but it took another twenty four years for the second successful climb. Twenty expeditions failed in between the two scalings.

12.The Eiger

This mountain, located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, has been nicknamed the "Mordwand" or "Murder Wall." It is known for its treacherous surface and the ever present danger of ice and rock falls. If scaling something called "Murder Wall" seems like a good idea to you, go for it.

13.Vinson Massif

The next time you find yourself in Antarctica and you have a few weeks to kill, you may want to consider scaling this monster. Or maybe not -- if you value your safety. Antarctica is not exactly known for its hospitable climates even in the summer. It was first climbed in 1966, probably by somebody who's still waiting for his toes to warm up.

14.Fitz Roy

This gorgeous peak makes our list despite its relatively low height (it stands just 11,020 feet). Apparently what makes it difficult to scale are its sheer granite faces. The challenging weather also seems to make things difficult for climbers. It is estimated that, on average, only one climber a year makes it to the top.

15.Mount McKinley

If you are a casual mountain enthusiast, it's possible that Mount McKinley is the only mountain on our list that you've heard of before. It's possible that you know that Mount McKinley is located in Alaska and that it's highest mountain in North America. But thanks to this list you now know it's a mountain you shouldn't try to climb unless you really, really know what you're doing.

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