The Most Dangerous Mountain to Climb (and 14 Giving Steep Competition)

With the highest fatality rate of all the eight-thousanders, Annapurna I has claimed many lives. Its steep southern side, unpredictable weather, and avalanche-prone slopes make successful summits rare.

Despite being only the 10th-highest mountain in the world, it's often considered the world's deadliest mountain.

Known as the "Savage Mountain," K2 is the second-highest mountain on Earth but arguably the hardest to climb.

Hurricane-force winds, technical climbing, and high altitude make this a test of modern mountaineering. Bad weather and avalanches have stopped even the best climbers.

Nicknamed the "Killer Mountain," this ninth-highest mountain has a grim history. Its south face — called the Rupal Face — is the tallest mountain face in the world.

Winter storms and sheer vertical climbs make rescue almost impossible.

The tallest mountain in the world attracts hundreds each year. But Everest remains a dangerous mountain due to altitude sickness, overcrowding, and unqualified climbers.

While it has many successful ascents, it's also home to many bodies that remain on the mountain.

This peak in the Peruvian Andes gained fame from Joe Simpson’s survival story in "Touching the Void." Unpredictable storms, a remote location, and sheer ice faces make it one of the most dangerous mountains to climb, especially for inexperienced climbers.

The third-highest mountain in the world, Kangchenjunga has a reputation for bad weather and avalanche-prone slopes. Its remote location and extreme altitude mean rescue services are limited.

Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Dhaulagiri's steep slopes and unpredictable weather system make it treacherous. It’s considered dangerous due to high fatality rates among summit attempts.

The fifth-highest peak in the world features steep pitches and knife-edge ridges. Even experienced climbers struggle with its exposed routes and frequent bad weather.

Though often called an "easier" eight-thousander, Manaslu has seen numerous deaths from avalanches and extreme weather. Its routes are often climbed by those underestimating its danger.

Also known as Hidden Peak, Gasherbrum I has a high fatality rate. The technical climbs and risk of falling rocks make it one of the deadliest mountains.

Located near K2, Broad Peak poses many of the same challenges: high altitude, dangerous crevasses, and unpredictable storms. Summit success doesn’t always mean a safe descent.

The 14th-highest mountain is often underestimated. However, its southern routes are prone to avalanches and sudden weather changes that have trapped climbers unexpectedly.

Famous for its north face, or "Mordwand" (murder wall), the Eiger has claimed many lives due to falling rocks and fast-changing Alpine weather. It remains one of the most dangerous mountains in the Alps.

Western Europe’s highest peak draws many climbers, but unqualified climbers and summer ice pellets have led to frequent fatalities. It’s a deadly mix of popularity and unpredictability.

This remote peak is notorious for technical difficulty and few successful summits. Climbers face severe weather and complex aid climbing routes that test even elite mountaineers.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.