“There can only be better mountains, which have not yet been,”. Once you get into mountaineering and take the first peak, it is difficult to resist the desire to climb others. Gradually gaining experience you may climb up to eight-thousand meter peaks, although climbing any of them will not be like climbing the stairs to the ninth floor when the elevator is out of order. We have compiled a list of the best mountains for climbing and mountaineering. Many of them are quite accessible even to the average, moderately prepared person.

Monte Rosa, Pennine Alps, Switzerland

The highest peak of the mountain range is Dufour, the height is 4,634 meters. Monte Rosa is located in the same chain as the Matterhorn, the peak of the Pennine Alps. Nearby is a popular resort Zermatt, which attracts many tourists. It has a good infrastructure and excellent views of the mountains.

In the northern part of Monte Rosa there is a large glacier called Gorner. Its length is just over fourteen kilometers. The mountains in the Monte Rosa massif are quite high and moderately difficult, but the local scenery makes up for any difficulty in climbing.

Belukha, Altai Mountains, Russia

You don’t have to travel far to feel like a mountaineer. On the border of Kazakhstan and Russia is the highest point of the Altai Mountains at 4,509 meters. It is called Belukha East. Nearby are Delone Peak (4,260 meters) and Belukha West (4,435 meters). Together they form three peaks, which is why Belukha is often called the “Three-headed sacred mountain”.

This mountain is considered sacred because, according to legend, the goddess Umai lives here. The Turkic peoples considered it the supreme female deity, as well as the patroness of women in childbirth and children. The Altai people do not strive to enter the goddess’s possessions, even on the contrary, they are wary of her and therefore do not usually ascend to the peak.

Island Peak, Himalayas, Nepal

The mountain is of decent size – 6,130 meters. Despite the supposed difficulty of the ascent, which is also associated with acclimatization, among professional climbers Island Peak is considered as a warm-up before the trek to Everest.

You can get to this part of the Himalayas by plane. To decide to take such a flight is a feat, not to mention the ascent of Island Peak. The fact is that Lukla Airport is located almost on a mountain ridge, and the length of the runway is only 527 meters. There is a cliff on one side and a concrete wall on the other.

Island Peak was first conquered in 1953. The mountain has become one of the most popular climbing sites among tourists who come to the Himalayas.

Stock Kangri, Himalayas, India

Stock Kangri, like Island Peak, often serves as a training ground among seasoned climbers before climbing more difficult mountains. You don’t need much equipment to climb it: those who have been there say that trekking sticks and “crampons” are enough. But safety is better not to be neglected, especially if you have not climbed such a high mountain – 6137 meters – before.

There are several places in the vicinity where you can buy everything you need for climbing. At 3,700 meters is the village of Stoke, and even higher (5,000 meters) is the base camp.

The Dolomite Alps, Italy

There are twelve ski resorts here at once, so with the search for a place to stop will not be difficult. The lower slopes are all in greenery – a lot of forests and meadows. In the Dolomite Alps there is Dolomiti Belunesi National Park, which you can walk before or before climbing to the summit of Marmolada (3,342 meters).

A big plus of this massif is the developed infrastructure. There are plenty of stores and places to rest and stop. Climbing Mt. Marmolada should not cause much difficulty, but it is not a walk – there is a glacier and dangerous precipices.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The highest point of Africa (5895 meters) is a stratovolcano. Despite its imposing height, Kilimanjaro is quite manageable for beginners, but it is better not to go there without the guidance of experienced climbers. As well as on any other mountain.

The mountain is very popular, the flow of tourists is stable, and to find a suitable all-inclusive tour is not a problem.

Elbrus, Russia

Another mountain that is located in Russia. The height is 5642 meters, the peak is on the west side of Elbrus. The place is very popular, with many tourist bases and hotels. Near the foot of the mountain there is a road, so you can easily get to the starting point.

There are about ten climbing routes, but despite the apparent ease, accidents are not uncommon here. Glacial crevasses and rapidly changing weather conditions pose a danger. For beginners it is better to postpone climbing Elbrus and conquer the easier mountains first.

Yangshuo, China

As is usually the case with Eastern names, Yangshuo is spelled and pronounced however you like: Yangsho, Yangsu, and Yangshuo. There are many green-covered mountains on the outskirts of the city. Some are suitable for the less experienced climbers, while others require a lot of hard work to conquer.

What to do if you like mountains, but do not want to endure the cold, icy winds, pounds of equipment and kilometers of walking up rock-ice fields? Most likely, you should consider rock climbing – this bright and beautiful sport does not require any superpowers or frost resistance, because the best climbing areas are located in warm countries, near the sea, and the easiest routes are available for everyone. We’ll tell you about three of the most notable areas.

El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, USA

The highest mountain in Yosemite National Park, located in California. The height, relative to other places on the list, is not very high – only about 900 meters, but that does not mean that the trails are easy. The first passage of this array in 1958 took a group of climbers as much as 47 days! Of course, nowadays climbing and belaying techniques have been improved and the record for a high-speed ascent of El Cap (as it is respectfully called) is just under two and a half hours!

In 2008, climber Alex J. Honnold climbed El Capitan solo, meaning he climbed to the top without belaying and without using any equipment other than climbing shoes and a bag of magnesia. The Discovery Channel created a documentary about this phenomenal climb.

Kalymnos, Greece

Kalymnos is not a mountain, but a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, widely known and very popular among climbers around the world. Good food, warm sea, great weather – in general, a great resort, where you can not only relax on the beach, but also test yourself on the rock climbing route.

By the way, there are a lot of climbing routes here: the so called “guide book”, i.e. the book that contains all the routes on the island, describes tens of thousands of routes for all climbing enthusiasts. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, everyone can find a route to their liking. After a busy sports day you can sit with friends in one of the many cozy cafes, and on the day off – scuba diving for sponges or a ride on a yacht around the island.

Arco, Italy

A small town in northern Italy, almost in the heart of Europe. The medieval castle, built by Count of Arco in the 14th century, and the ancient narrow streets are filled every year with crowds of tourists from all over the world. This place is also very popular with rock climbers. They come here alone, with couples, families and pets, staying in hotels and campsites. They climb – to get to the nearest route, it is enough to cross the road, ride bicycles – in those places are laid some of the best mountain bike routes in the world, visit museums or just enjoy life with a glass of delicious local ice cream “gelato”.

Rock climbing in Arco is a great option for the whole family: everyone will find a place or an activity to his or her liking, you do not have to think about what to do on a rainy day or when you are tired. Of course, before going to these rocks, you should train under the supervision of experienced instructors who will teach you the right climbing technique and show how to handle equipment. You can find everything you need for training at indoor rock climbing halls – simulators that simulate the rocks. For example, the Limestone climbing wall in Moscow, where experienced instructors with extensive experience in rock climbing will always help you, support and prepare, as well as answer all the questions that may arise for those who dare to try this wonderful sport!