Mount Kilimanjaro - Africa 5,895m
HAKUNA MATATA! - What a wonderful phrase!
The rooftop of Africa, rising above the plains of Tanzania at 20,000ft, is not only the tallest mountain in Africa but the tallest free standing mountain in the World! My first of the 7 to tackle will take me on a 10 day trek through five different climate zones! 25,000 people attempt this mountain each year with only two thirds of these making it to the top, but I should be fine so long as I keep it "pole pole"!
Aconcagua - South America 6,962m
This beast, lurking in Argentina, is not only the second tallest on the list of the 7, but it is the tallest mountain outside of Asia! Although a non technical climb, meaning I don't need the use of any ropes or other equipment, the real challenge is the altitude! At just under 7,000m, altitude sickness is the main reason why only 60% of those that attempt this mountain actually make it to the summit. It is also leading the charts for causes of the over 140 deaths on the mountain.
Denali - North America 6,190m
Denali - once known as Mount McKinley, is the third highest of the 7. Situated in south central Alaska, it is considered an extremely challenging climb. Although not the most technical, the extreme weather poses massive challenges. Temperatures of -60 degrees Celsius with a wind chill factor of -80 degrees Celsius keep the success rate of making it to the top around an average of 60%. This hill is not here to play games!
Mount Vinson - Antarctica 4,892m
Part of the Vinson Massif, Vinson is the most remote of the 7. Located 750 miles from the South Pole the logistics of getting to and climbing this peak is just as challenging as the climb itself! Factor in a two week climb in the Antarctic summer, where the warmest temp rises to -20 degrees Celsius on a good day, in 24 hour sunshine, and you'll know it sure is one to test the soul. When I hold our flag high above this peak you know you're really achieving something!
Mount Elbrus - Europe 5,642m
Europe's entry to the list is this snow covered giant! Covered in the white stuff all year round Elbrus has 22 glaciers and 2 summits. The west summit being the true peak just 21cm higher than the east! Considering this mountain is in Russia this is likely going to be one of my later climbs, allowing time for their leader to stop being such a d#@$
Puncak Jaya - Oceania 4,884m
Also known as the Carstensz Pyramid, this jagged landscape is located in Indonesia. There is some dispute over this summits inclusion in the 7 as not everyone seems to agree on the continent regions. One interpretation has Australia as the continent which makes the summit Mount Kosciuszko in mainland Australia. However, the more widely accepted version of the challenge identifies the continental region of Oceania which lets this mountain come into the fray! Considering it is double the size of the Australian peak and a much more difficult climb, I felt better to take on the greater challenge and take on this version! Surrounded by Indonesian jungle homing some of the last of the worlds shield and spear carrying tribes who kidnap tourists and hold them hostage gives severe surroundings for the climb! Having to get to the peak by helicopter to avoid the dangers of this jungle you then reach the mountain itself which is a pure, technical, rock climbing peak! The smallest in size but posing a completely different and serious challenge!
Mount Everest - Asia 8,849m
Needing no introduction, the last of the list is the mother of all mountains, Mount Everest! Situated in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal, Tibet and China, Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. Rising into the sky at 8,849m it's peak lies just below the cruising altitude of a jumbo jet! One of the deadliest mountains in the world due to it's sheer size, harsh weather and lack of oxygen. Of all those attempting each year, around 64% of climbers successfully reach the top, 14% lose their lives trying. With some severe levels of climbing, miles of crevasses to navigate, use of supplemental oxygen to keep the body alive long enough to make the top and a 2 month long expedition just to try get to the rooftop of the world, Everest is a challenge of a lifetime and is where our NeST flag will be lifted to complete the challenge. Everest, we're coming!