Mountains the most magnificent piece of art by nature, but they are menacing all the same. Accidents are inevitable; it can occur even occur at relatively benign roadside crags. But these mountains commands respect from even the experienced climbers and continues to inspire awe and anxiety even after decades of their first ascents.

Today, we will look over some of the dangerous mountains in the world which are majestic and glorious, and as well as perilous. Here is the rundown of deadliest mountains around the world, although in no particular order.

Annapurna

Annapurna is a giant massif located at the north-central Nepal. The massif harbors one peak over 8,000 meters, thirteen over 7,000 meters and sixteen over 6,000 meters. The main peak at 8,091, known as Annapurna I, also the tenth tallest mountain of the world possesses a great danger.

First scaled on June 3, 1950, Annapurna I was the first eight-thousander to be climbed. This spectacular mountain also holds the record of greatest fatality rate of all the 14 eight-thousanders. As per the data of Wikipedia, by March 2012, there was 52 death during ascents, 191 successful ascents and nine death on descent. Annapurna I has the ratio of 34 deaths per 100 safe return.

K2

K2 is the second tallest mountain in the world after Everest at 8,611 meters above sea level. Located on China-Pakistan border, K2 is also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori.

Apart from its height, K2 is recognized as a difficult peak to scale. Because of its extreme difficulty, it is also cited as Savage Mountain. Climbing K2 from even the easiest route is difficult as it commands crossing complicated glaciers, ascending steep section of rock, and overcoming a path around a series of ice pillars known as seracs, which are so vulnerable that they can collapse anytime without warnings. The technical difficulty of scaling K2 has kept in one most dangerous mountain in the world.

After Annapurna I, it has second-highest fatality rate with about one person’s death on mountain for every four hours who reach the summit.

Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat ranges at an elevation of 8,126 meters and is the ninth highest mountain in the world. Known as by the nickname Killer Mountain, this craggy mountain in Pakistan is an enormous ridge of rock and ice.

The name of the mountain is derived from Sanskrit, nanga means naked,andparvata means mountain, altogether “Naked Mountain.” However, the peak has its local Tibetan name, Diamer or Deo Mir meaning “Huge Mountain.”

First climbed July 3, 1953, the mountain had already witnessed casualty of 31 people. It is an immense and dramatic peak rising above its surrounding terrain making it extremely challenging to scale.

Kanchenjunga

The tallest mountains are usually plagued by weather hazards and avalanche, and Kanchenjunga is not any different. This third tallest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters had more than 200 summits and 20 % of fatality rate as of 2010 data.

Located between the Nepal-India border, this epitome of nature has appeared in several literary works including the series of James Bond novel in 1996.

There are also some rumors regarding the existence of yeti in Kanchenjunga region. In 1925, a British geological expedition team spotted a bipedal creature which they were told the “Kanchenjunga Demon” when inquired the locals. There are many legends and myths recounted by the locals of surrounding area that there is a valley of immortality hidden on its slopes. Well, god knows the truth, but with or without yeti, Kanchenjunga is one of the deadliest mountains all the same.

Matterhorn

The creation of nature never fails to amaze us and Matterhorn is one perfect example in this idiom. Looking at this peak, you will see a horn rising from surrounding valley is amazing and astounding as well.

Harbored between the border of Switzerland and Italy, Matterhorn ranges at 4,478 meters. It is one of the highest summits in Alps and Europe and has highest fatality rate of any peak in Alps.

Matterhorn is isolated of the region. Its position on main Alpine watershed and its height make the peak exposed to rapid weather changes. In addition, the steep face of mountain and isolated location makes it prone to banner cloud formation increasing the risk of casualty.

Everest

Well, despite being the tallest mountain in the world, Everest claims very less fatality rate than its fellow mountains. Soaring at the height of 8,848 meters, Everest is one spectacular piece of art in between Nepal and Tibet.

With its mighty height, Everest is bound to some popularity. It has names in Nepali, Tibetan and many languages and this auspicious is even worshipped by many groups of people.

Avalanche, fall, ice collapse, frostbite, health issues, altitude sickness, exposure are some major reason for death in Everest. As per the record, over 297 people have lost their life trying to climb the peak, however not all the bodies have been.

Eiger

Although Eiger ranges at an elevation of only 3,967 meters, it is one of the difficult and challenging mountains to scale. Eiger was initially climbed in 1938, and since then it has been summited by several times. However, it still challenges the ability of even expert climbers with technical difficulties and heavy rockfall that rakes the face.

The north face of Eiger is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous ascents, and it has been highly publicized for the many tragedies involving climbing expedition. The mountain has faced at the death of least sixty-four people since 1935 while attempting from the north face earning the nickname of Mordwand, or Murder wall. Well, as they say, do not judge a book by its cover, Eiger has really shocked the world despite its small height with such death rate.

Denali

Also known by the name of Mount Mckinley, Denali is the tallest mountain peak in North America at an elevation of 6,190 meters above sea level. It is also one of the most isolated and prominent peaks in the world.

First climbed on June 7, 1913, the success rate of Denali is 50% only. Although its altitude is only 20,320 feet, its high latitude means that atmosphere is thinner than it would be at the equator. Low oxygen level, altitude sickness, weather condition has remained some extreme threat to Denali climbers.

Mount Vinson

Mount Vinson is the part of Vinson massif and the tallest mountain of Antarctica at 4,892 meters elevation above sea level.

Initially scaled in 1966, Mount Vinson has no major elevation, technical difficulty or fatality rate, yet the isolation, with the extreme coldness and unpredictable weather condition, makes it a real challenge and way too risky as a small mistake can result a disastrous accident.

Mount Washington

Ranging at an elevation of 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in the Northeastern United States. The peak also goes by the name of Agiocochook in some Native American tribes.

Mount Washington is known for its erratic and unpredictable weather. Rapid change in weather, hurricane force wind and summer ice pellets scouring this slope has cause many casualty. Here is another bit of a fact; the record of strongest wind ever measured on Earth was once held by this peak, wind speed of 231 mph (372 km/h).

As per the record, nearly 150 people have faced death since 1849. Looking at the book by author Nicholas Howe, deaths over the past 150 years can be attributed to poor planning and lack of understanding of difference in weather between the Boston and the mountains.