Is Kilimanjaro Taller Than Everest? Mount Everest is located on the border of Tibet and Nepal in the Himalayan mountain range, while Mount Kilimanjaro is in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, East Africa. Both mountains are among the seven tallest peaks in the world and attract thousands of tourists every year.
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, while Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain. Both are popular tourist destinations. Climbing Mount Everest costs between £25,000 and £70,000.
Is Kilimanjaro Taller Than Everest?
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is located on the border of Nepal, China, and Tibet. The Sherpa people, who live near the Himalayan mountain ranges, are skilled climbers and the best guides for climbing Mount Everest.
Mount Everest’s height was first measured at 8,840 meters in 1886. A 1955 measurement by the Nepalese government recorded it as 8,848 meters, while the Chinese government claimed it measured 8,844 meters above sea level. After a 2015 earthquake, Mount Everest’s height may have changed, but new measurements have not yet been confirmed. It is estimated that Mount Everest grows about 44 mm every year.
Mount Everest was formed millions of years ago when India’s continental plate pushed under Asia, causing the land to rise and create the Himalayan mountain range.
It takes about 39 to 40 days to climb Mount Everest, compared to 5 to 9 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The longer duration for climbing Mount Everest allows the body more time to adjust to high altitudes.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The mountain has three volcanic cones: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo.
- Shira erupted about 2.5 million years ago and stopped 1.9 million years ago.
- Mawenzi and Kibo began erupting 1 million years ago and are separated by a saddle plateau at 4,400 meters.
- The youngest rocks in Mawenzi date back about 460,000 years. Kibo’s last major eruption occurred 150,000 to 200,000 years ago.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it stands alone and is not part of a mountain range. In comparison, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain above sea level and is part of the Himalayan mountain range.
When measured from their base camps:
- Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters.
- Mount Everest measures 5,365 meters.
By this measurement, Mount Kilimanjaro is taller than Mount Everest when considering the height from base camp to summit.
Climbing Differences
- Mount Everest: Requires technical and physical training.
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Can be climbed by beginners with no experience.
Both mountains have their own challenges, but altitude sickness is a common problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or fitness level.
Climbing Routes
- Mount Kilimanjaro: There are seven established hiking trails, with journeys ranging from 5 to 9 days.
- Mount Everest: There are four routes from the base camp to the summit.
