The “7+2” Series in the Climbing World: Do You Know the Real Difficulty of the Seven Summits?

Article reprinted from: BM Banma, authorized

is a climbing challenge that involves ascending the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. In the past 25 years, only a few hundred climbers have achieved this feat. Each mountain has its unique characteristics, and the climbing difficulty varies greatly, ranging from basic hiking to exploring the death zone. Let’s take a look at these exciting journeys, starting from the easiest to the most difficult.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the easiest of the Seven Summits Challenge. Due to its low-latitude geographic location and stable weather, only basic equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and warm jackets are needed for the hike to the summit.

The summit temperature usually remains in the teens and twenties Celsius, with occasional occurrences below zero. With good health and adequate preparation, there is a 90% chance of successfully reaching the summit. However, as most climbers are ordinary travelers with little preparation, many fail, resulting in an overall success rate of only 50%. This mountain is not as difficult as it seems.

Location: Tanzania, Africa

Elevation: 19340 feet (5895 meters)

Time Required: 5 days; Success Rate: 50%—90%

Mount Elbrus is similar to Kilimanjaro but is only suitable for summer climbing. The snow line is lower in the summer, adding to the fun of the snow slope experience. Basic equipment such as hiking boots, crampons, and ice axes are required to complete the climb.

Located in a remote area of Russia, close to the border with Georgia, Elbrus is typically visited by those specifically seeking to climb. Therefore, most climbers are well-prepared.

Location: Russia, Europe

Elevation: 18510 feet (5640 meters)

Time Required: 5 days; Success Rate: 80%

Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak outside of Asia, reaching 23000 feet (nearly 7000 meters). Here, climbers can experience a professional high-altitude mountain expedition without dangerous slopes or technical climbs.

Most climbers require specialized training to reach the summit. Due to lack of experience, many climbers mistakenly believe that Aconcagua’s difficulty is similar to Kilimanjaro. In reality, climbing Aconcagua requires preparation for long-distance mountain climbing with heavy loads at high altitudes, sometimes encountering storms. As a result, 70% of climbers ultimately fail to reach the summit.

Location: Argentina, South America

Elevation: 22841 feet (6962 meters)

Time Required: 18 days; Success Rate: 30%—70%

Unlike other peaks, on Denali there is no assistance from porters or guides. Climbers need to carry up to 150 pounds (approximately 68 kilograms) of gear and use sleds to drag it through the coldest place on Earth. This is one of the biggest physical challenges in the world and certainly the biggest challenge in the Western Hemisphere.

Denali stands at over 20,000 feet (approximately 6100 meters), and the effect of the Arctic low pressure and its distance from the equator adds several thousand feet in terms of human perception. Some climbers who are comfortable at altitudes above 5000 meters may find themselves breathless and experiencing altitude sickness at 4000 meters here.

The exceptionally high altitude, harsh weather, temperatures frequently below minus forty degrees Fahrenheit, and a latitude only two degrees below the Arctic Circle mean that climbers are constantly exposed to severe conditions. Through strict screening and mandatory training, many unprepared climbers are denied access. Even among well-trained and physically fit expedition members, only half reach the summit.

Location: Alaska, North America

Elevation: 20237 feet (6168 meters)

Time Required: 25 days; Success Rate: 50%

Carstensz Pyramid is the shortest of the Seven Summits, but its difficulty lies in the climbing techniques and the climb itself. These techniques include rock climbing, speed climbing, and vertical ascents. Some climbers, less inclined towards adventure, choose to take a helicopter to an altitude of 14,000 feet (approximately 4267 meters) and then complete the summit, taking only a few hours. A full climb takes a week to traverse muddy rainforests and swamps to reach the base camp.

Due to security concerns arising from nearby gold mines, there are only two ways to ensure a safe summit: pay a high national climbing permit fee and hire a helicopter to fly over the mine, or stay as far away from the mine as possible during the traversal. The cost of jungle trekking used to be significantly lower than helicopter travel, but now, with the need to pay tolls to local indigenous people, it is no longer as cost-effective.

Location: Indonesia, Oceania

Elevation: 16023 feet (4884 meters)

Time Required: 15 days; Success Rate: 99%

Mount Vinson is very similar to Denali, but the weather is colder. Vinson is 4,000 feet (approximately 1220 meters) lower than Denali, requiring less acclimatization time, which translates to a shorter expedition duration and lighter supplies and equipment.

Located in Antarctica, the expensive travel cost presents a major challenge. The success rate for this mountain is very high because those willing to spend such a sum will do everything possible to ensure they are in peak condition, and many are experienced veterans, some even having already successfully climbed Everest.

Location: Antarctica

Elevation : 16067 feet ( 4897 meters )

Duration: 15 days; Success Rate: 99%

Mount Everest integrates the difficulties of the Seven Summits: it is over a mile (approximately 1600 meters) higher than Aconcagua, the temperature is always below zero, and it requires significant climbing skills. The success of other peaks largely depends on the climber’s level of preparation. However, on Everest, even the strongest and most experienced climbers are at risk of losing their lives due to extreme altitude and fatigue.

An Everest expedition takes over two months, which is also a test of the climber’s willpower. Before the 1990s, the fatality rate was about 30%. Technological advancements and progress in understanding altitude sickness have significantly reduced the fatality rate.

Location: Nepal, Asia

Elevation : 29028 feet (8848 meters)

Time Required: 70 days; Success Rate: 20%