8 Easy to Conquer Mountains for Beginners and Experienced Hikers

Are you dreaming of conquering a mountain, but the thought of extreme altitude and difficult terrain scares you off? Don’t worry!

There are many easy to climb mountains that are achievable for beginners, as well as experienced hikers looking for a less challenging adventure.

We’ve rounded up the top 8 peaks that are ideal for those who are new to mountaineering, or just looking for a fun and adventurous hike.

Mount Kosciuszko (Thredbo, Australia)

At 2,228 meters, Mount Kosciuszko is the highest peak in Australia, but its summit is completely achievable for hikers of all levels of experience. The mountain features a chairlift that goes most of the way to the top, dropping hikers off only 303 meters below the continent’s highest point.

From there, it’s just a 13km round trip, surrounded by picturesque alpine meadows, Australia’s highest lake, granite peaks, and a breathtaking 360-degree view at the summit. You can also do it all on foot with the Summit Walk (18.6km) and the Main Range loop (22km), both from Charlotte Pass village.

Mount Fuji (Chūbu Region, Honshu, Japan)

Mount Fuji is probably one of the most recognized volcanoes in the world, and it’s easier to conquer than you might think. At 3,776 meters, it only takes a short and well-signed climb to reach the summit. The best way to climb it is to split the hike into two days or climb overnight to see the wonderful sunrise at the top.

The most popular trail among the four is Yoshida, while the Fujinomiya on the south starts higher, making it second-best for watching the sunrise. The side route to the Hoeizan peak offers bonus views featuring a distant Tokyo skyline.

Jbel Toubkal (Imlil, Atlas Mountains, Morocco)

Jbel Toubkal is North Africa’s highest peak, standing at 4,167 meters. Despite its height, it is easily accessible from Marrakesh, offering a fun but challenging climb with a truly inspiring summit view as a bonus. The route begins with a 4 km hike, after which adventurers have to climb 1,400 meters over 8 km.

Some trekkers prefer to spend the night there to acclimate, then take the South Circque trail to finish climbing in the early morning to avoid the clouds before going back down. The climb takes 2-3 days, and it’s best to visit year-round.

Mauna Kea (Hawaii, USA)

Mauna Kea stands at 4,207 meters and is the highest mountain from base to top in the world (though 6 km of its 10,205m is below the sea). The summit is accessible by car, as there is an access road to the telescopes.

For those who prefer to hike, there is a 9km off-road trail, passing the Pacific Basin’s highest lake and cinder cones. Even though the high altitude makes the climb a real challenge, the view you get to see without the crowds is worth the effort. It’s best to climb year-round.

Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

As the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding summit in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure you won’t soon forget. With a peak of 5,895m, it’s no easy feat to reach the crater edge. The final scree slope ascent is at extreme altitudes, which decreases the chances of successful climb more than in half.

However, with sufficient acclimatization and the right route, you can conquer this peak and enjoy the breathtaking view of the African plains. The best time to climb is from August to October.

Chimborazo (Cordillera Occidental, Ecuador)

Although Mount Everest is more than 2.5km higher than Chimborazo, Chimborazo is the highest place on Earth if you measure from its center, making it a unique and challenging climb.

With a peak of 6,268m, it’s recommended to prepare for the climb for 10 days and practice on lower volcanoes, such as Pasochoa and Cayambe. The best time to climb is from May to July and November to February.

Mera Peak (Mahālangūr Himāl, Nepal)

If you want to enjoy a stunning view of five of the six highest mountains on Earth, including Everest, then conquering Mera Peak is a must-do. With a peak of 6,476m, this climb requires a three-day summit climb and at least 10 days of acclimatization.

The Everest region is spectacular, with its rhododendron forests, picturesque monasteries, and busy villages that will keep you entertained during the acclimatization period. However, reaching the summit requires a 60-degree rope climb and basic glacier hiking skills. The best time to climb is in May or October.

Aconcagua (Mendoza, Argentina)

Aconcagua is the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, standing tall at 6,962m. This hike requires no climbing skills, but it demands preparation, clothing, and equipment at the level of a serious Himalayan adventure.

Taking the “Normal” route to the Base camp lasts for about five days, but then it takes climbers another week to reach the summit. It’s a very tough summit, which is why only 40 percent of people who attempted it actually reach the top. The best time to climb is from November to March.

Conclusion

Conquering these four highest mountains is a dream come true for many adventure seekers. However, it’s important to remember that these are extremely challenging climbs that require preparation, experience, and the right equipment.

With the right mindset and preparation, you can conquer these peaks and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in the world.

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