12 mountains everybody should climb
Whether you’re a first-time climber or searching for your next high-altitude challenge, don’t overlook these ‘classic’ peaks…
1. Toubkal, Morocco
2. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
3. Kala Pattar, Nepal
4. Jebal Um Adaami, Jordan
5. Half Dome, California, USA
6. Table Mountain, South Africa
7. Mount Kinabalu, Borneo
8. Pacaya, Guatemala
9. Pico, Azores
10. Cotapaxi, Ecuador
An hour from Quito, Cotopaxi – one of the world’s highest active volcanoes – sits amid the forest and páramo of its namesake national park. It’s a tough climb: a guide is mandatory, acclimatisation essential, crampons and ice axes required. But the views are out of this world.
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11. Mont Blanc, France/Italy
The highest mountain in the Alps, Mount Blanc calls to climbers. But it’s not a simple peak to bag, and some technical nous is needed to navigate its glaciers and infamous Grand Couloir (where rockfalls are common). However, a good guide can get fit novices on top.
A week scaling Mont Blanc| A climbing novice kits up…
12. Kosciuszko, Australia
Australia’s highest peak is an easy, pleasant hike. However, while most people trek up and down it in one day, consider spending more time in Kosciuszko National Park. Camp among the meadows, lakes and rare mountain pygmy possums of Wilkinson Valley – a lovely spot, with the added bonus of giving you a crowd-beating headstart to Kosciuszko’s summit.
Australia travel guide | Start planning your trip here!
Main image: Mont Blanc mountaineers (Shutterstock)
