Wednesday, November 21, 2018

7 challenging mountains in Asia not for amateur climbers

7 challenging mountains in Asia not for amateur climbers
Being on top of well-known mountains is always the goal of every climber out there. If you are a professional climber, perhaps one of the mounts mentioned here will somehow be your next target.

7. Mount Huashan, China

Mount Huashan, China
Starting with something low but not quite the easiest, Mt. Huashan is located in the Shanxi province of China and has a reputation for having the world’s most dangerous hiking trail. The most famous part of this mountain isn’t the very top but a path of narrow, wooden planks haphazardly bolted onto the mountainside. Other than getting that hair raising selfie on the edge of this mountain, it also boasts breathtaking scenery through the trail. 

6. Mount Apo, Philippines

Mount Apo, Philippines
Located between Davao city and Cotabato province, Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines & a potentially active volcano. Attracting trekkers from all over the world, expect an array of landscapes — from an endless rock face to lush green forests, mossy swamps to volcanic structures. The first campsite is also where the Mainit hot springs can be found where trekkers are welcome to take a dip.

5. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
If you’re looking for a little more thrill, how about having a go at climbing an active volcano? In fact, Mount Rinjani last eruption happened very recently in August 2016 causing flight disruption around the area. However, once the ash settles, it very quickly continues to be a popular hiking route in the area. Visitors often take on a 3-day trekking route to the crater rim, down to the famous crater lake where you’ll find turquoise blue waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue all the way to the summit of the volcano for a panoramic view over the crescent shaped crater lake, Segara Anak.

4. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Despite being closed for 3 months after it was hit by a 6.0 magnitude earth quake back in June 2015, Mount Kinabalu remains on many bucket lists as it’s the tallest mountain in South East Asia. Although the more scenic Mesilau route is now deemed inaccessible, the shorter Timpohon route still stands strong. Trekkers usually split the climb into 2 days — arriving at the base camp then starting again at 2am to catch the sunrise at the peak.

3. Mount Khuiten, Mongolia

Mount Khuiten, Mongolia
Mount Khuiten is the tallest peak in Mongolia and considered as one of the most remote and untouched regions in the world. So remote that it takes a couple of flights, a 400km drive from the nearest airport and a 17km trek to reach the base camp of Mount Khuiten — only then does the climb really begin. A challenging climb up on varied terrain — endless green lands to thick snow and barren rock faces. It takes about 9 days to acclimatise and reach the peak, requiring 15 days for a round trip.


2. Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal
At over 8,000m above sea level, the Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain in the world but ranked as one of the most dangerous to climb, even beating Mount Everest! It has a shocking fatality rate of 40% but those fit for the challenge can take part in an exciting trail run.
The Annapurna Marathon, Annapurna 100 and Annapurna Ultra Mountain run are popular choices amongst adrenaline seekers. Participants of the marathon get to experience beautiful landscapes and views of the surrounding mountains.

1. Mount Everest, Nepal

Mount Everest, Nepal
But of course, a worthy mention would be none other than the highest mountain on Earth. The one height every mountaineer aspires to check off their bucket list — who wouldn’t want to be at the highest place on earth at some point in their lives right? Located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, there are 2 ways to tackle this mountain — one from the southeast of Nepal and the other from the north in Tibet. Surprisingly, the dangers this mountain presents aren’t in its technical climb but the extreme weather and life threatening altitude sickness. 

Source: redbull