7 peaks
Seven Summits
What are the Seven Summits?
The Seven Summits are the highest peaks on each continent: Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Vinson in Antarctica, and a seventh for Australia or Oceania. Two versions exist. The Bass list, named for Dick Bass, who completed it in 1985, uses Mount Kosciuszko on mainland Australia at 7,310 feet. The Messner list uses Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) in Indonesian Papua at 16,024 feet, the highest peak in the wider Australian continent. Some climbers also debate whether Elbrus or Mont Blanc is the highest in Europe. Everest is the highest at 29,032 feet.
Seven Summits list
A goal that spans the globe
The Seven Summits range from a long trek on Kilimanjaro to expeditions on Everest and Denali, with remote logistics for Vinson and Carstensz. Most people complete them over many years as time and travel allow, and many climb both Kosciuszko and Carstensz to cover both lists. Yak keeps each continent's peak in one place as you go.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Seven Summits?
They are Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, and either Carstensz Pyramid or Kosciuszko. The last depends on which version of the list you follow.
Why are there two versions of the Seven Summits?
They define the Australian continent differently. The Bass list uses Kosciuszko on mainland Australia, and the Messner list uses Carstensz Pyramid on New Guinea.
Who first climbed the Seven Summits?
Dick Bass completed the Bass list in 1985. Pat Morrow was the first to complete the Messner list, in 1986.
What is the highest of the Seven Summits?
Mount Everest is the highest at 29,032 feet (8,849 metres).
Is Elbrus or Mont Blanc the highest mountain in Europe?
Most lists use Elbrus in the Caucasus at 18,510 feet. The answer depends on whether the Caucasus is considered part of Europe.
Is there an app to track the Seven Summits?
Yes. Yak: Mountain Tracker is a free app for iPhone and Android that includes the Seven Summits as a quest with all 7 peaks. Mark each peak as climbed, log the date with notes and photos, plan the peaks you have left and see how close you are to finishing the list.
Which of the Seven Summits is the easiest?
Kilimanjaro and Elbrus are the most accessible. Kilimanjaro is a long, non-technical trek, and Elbrus has lifts partway up its standard route. Both are still high enough that altitude, not difficulty, is the main challenge.
Which of the Seven Summits is the hardest?
Everest is the hardest because of its extreme altitude and long expedition. Denali is often called the toughest after Everest, since climbers haul their own loads in severe cold, and Carstensz Pyramid is the most technical rock climb on the list.
How long does it take to climb the Seven Summits?
Most climbers spread the list over several years. Everest alone takes about two months, Denali and Vinson each need two to three weeks, and the shorter peaks take one to two weeks each including acclimatization.
Track the Seven Summits
Log each continent's highest peak as you climb it.