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Seven Summits

What are the Seven Summits?

The Seven Summits are the highest peaks on each continent: Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Vinson in Antarctica, and a seventh for Australia or Oceania. Two versions exist. The Bass list, named for Dick Bass, who completed it in 1985, uses Mount Kosciuszko on mainland Australia at 7,310 feet. The Messner list uses Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) in Indonesian Papua at 16,024 feet, the highest peak in the wider Australian continent. Some climbers also debate whether Elbrus or Mont Blanc is the highest in Europe. Everest is the highest at 29,032 feet.

Seven Summits list

  1. Mount Everest

    Mount Everest

    29,032 ft · Nepal Border

  2. Aconcagua

    Aconcagua

    22,838 ft · Argentina

  3. Denali

    Denali

    20,310 ft · Alaska

  4. Kilimanjaro

    Kilimanjaro

    19,341 ft · Tanzania

  5. Mount Elbrus

    Mount Elbrus

    18,510 ft · Russia

  6. Mount Vinson

    Mount Vinson

    16,050 ft · Antarctica

  7. Carstensz Pyramid

    Carstensz Pyramid

    16,024 ft · Indonesia (Papua)

A goal that spans the globe

The Seven Summits range from a long trek on Kilimanjaro to expeditions on Everest and Denali, with remote logistics for Vinson and Carstensz. Most people complete them over many years as time and travel allow, and many climb both Kosciuszko and Carstensz to cover both lists. Yak keeps each continent's peak in one place as you go.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Seven Summits?

They are Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, and either Carstensz Pyramid or Kosciuszko. The last depends on which version of the list you follow.

Why are there two versions of the Seven Summits?

They define the Australian continent differently. The Bass list uses Kosciuszko on mainland Australia, and the Messner list uses Carstensz Pyramid on New Guinea.

Who first climbed the Seven Summits?

Dick Bass completed the Bass list in 1985. Pat Morrow was the first to complete the Messner list, in 1986.

What is the highest of the Seven Summits?

Mount Everest is the highest at 29,032 feet (8,849 metres).

Is Elbrus or Mont Blanc the highest mountain in Europe?

Most lists use Elbrus in the Caucasus at 18,510 feet. The answer depends on whether the Caucasus is considered part of Europe.

Track the Seven Summits

Log each continent's highest peak as you climb it.

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