Comparing Mount Washington To The World's 7 Most Dangerous Mountains (2024)

Scaling the summit of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, is a dream for many thrill-seeking hikers. However, Mount Washington is notorious for being the most dangerous small mountain in the world because it experiences treacherous and often unexpected weather conditions with avalanches, intense winds, abrupt temperature swings, and bitterly cold temperatures, even in the summer.

According to a Mount Washington Avalanche Center report, over 150 individuals have lost their lives trying to climb the peak, and on average, 25 people need rescue aid each year. Hikers must be well-prepared and aware of some crucial details to successfully and safely hike Mount Washington, including what to bring, when to hike, and more.

Mount Washington, at 1920 meters, is considerably smaller than the world's most dangerous mountains, all of which have more than 8,000 meters of elevation and are known as the Eight Thousanders (8000ers), yet the risks are nonetheless deadly. According to Statista, they have the highest summit-to-death ratios, making them the most dangerous in the world.

This list compares Mount Washington to seven of the world's deadliest mountains, shedding light on the inherent dangers that climbers who dare to ascend these challenging heights face. This list of the most dangerous mountains in the world is sorted out according to their summit-to-death ratio as of May 2023, according to the Statista report.

7 Makalu, Nepal

Summit to Death Ratio: 10%

Camp tents at Makalu

With a height of 27,838 feet, Makalu ranks as the world's fifth-highest mountain. Located on the Nepal-Tibet border, this mountain has two climbing routes: the North Western Ridge and the South Eastern Ridge.

The North Western Ridge route involves a steep slope with magnificent views. Conversely, the South East Ridge presents a somewhat modest level of technical exposure, albeit with certain fixed rope requirements.

Climbing Makalu is a difficult and deadly endeavor because of harsh weather conditions, high winds, crevasse dangers, avalanche risks, and steep and exposed terrain.

The mountain has a fatality rate of about 10 deaths per 100 successful summits, ranking it as the seventh deadliest in the world.

6 Manaslu, Nepal

Summit to Death Ratio: 12.4%

With a height of 26,781 feet, Manaslu in Nepal is the eighth-highest mountain in the world and the first of the fourteen 8000er peaks worldwide.

Aspiring Everest climbers train themselves on this challenging Himalayan peak and test their mettle above 8,000 meters.

The mountain is well-known for its hazardous, steep slopes that are prone to avalanches, technical challenges, and extreme weather.

Because of the harsh conditions, it is the world's sixth-deadliest mountain, with a summit-to-death ratio of 12.4%, or 12 to 13 deaths every 100 summits.

5 Dhaulagiri I, Nepal

Summit to Death Ratio: 13.5%

The seventh-highest peak in the world, Dhaulagiri I, has captivated the interest of mountaineers worldwide due to its challenging climbing conditions.

It is one of the less-climbed 8000er peaks, and it is difficult for even the most seasoned climbers to reach the summit, with about 13 to 14 fatalities for every 100 successful summit ascents.

The mountain's unpredictable weather, challenging technical sections, and avalanche risk are some of the challenges climbers face on this mountain.

The north-east ridge is the most favored route to climb this mountain, as it bypasses the sharpest portion of the icefall. However, it does face serious and deadly challenges that need to be carefully considered.

4 Mount Kangchenjunga, Nepal

Summit to Death Ratio: 15%

Kanchenjunga range of Himalayas

Situated at the boundary between India and Nepal, Kanchenjunga is the world's third-highest mountain at 28,169 feet. The mountain is considered sacred by the Sikkimiese people, and it was customary to halt expeditions a little distance from the summit in observance of the ancient beliefs.

Hiking was prohibited on this peak for a number of years, but climbing Kanchenjunga is now permitted.

The mountain poses threats like extreme weather, avalanche-prone slopes, and isolation, making hiking and climbing extremely difficult.

Because of these conditions, Kanchenjunga's fatality rate is around 15%, or 15 deaths per 100 successful summits, proving how dangerous the mountain is.

3 Nanga Parbat, Pakistan

Summit to Death Ratio: 20.75%

A path leading to Nanga Parbat

The ninth-highest peak in the world, Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, is known as "Killer Mountain" due to its infamous summit-to-death ratio of 20.75%, or roughly 21 fatalities for every 100 successful summit attempts.

As it rises over the Himalayan range's western anchor, the peak appears stunning, but mounting it is not for the faint of heart.

The mountain features three major faces: Diamir, Rakhiot, and Rupal, each of which has its own set of challenges for climbers, with Rupal being the most challenging. Most climbers prefer the Diamer District route in the spring or autumn since it is a relatively simple approach to the summit.

Mountaineers should anticipate rough terrain and frozen meadows, as well as erratic weather, a large risk of avalanches, and high altitude risks.

2 K2, Pakistan/China Border

Summit to Death Ratio: 22.8%

K2 is the second-highest peak in the world and the second deadliest as well, with a summit-to-death ratio of 22.8%. That's 22 to 23 deaths for every 100 attempts—quite scary!

Located on the border between China and Pakistan, this mountain is infamous as the "Savage Mountain" because of its high fatality rate. This is due to a variety of variables, including steep climbing routes, regular rockfalls, unpredictable weather, frequent avalanches, technical difficulty, high-altitude hazards, and so on.

There are many routes to hike K2, but the most popular is the Abruzzi Spur route. Strong technical climbing expertise is required for mountaineers ascending the steep snow and ice slopes of K2, and success rates are decent but not great.

Indeed, summiting such great mountains is among the bravest achievements one can ever accomplish!

1 Mount Annapurna I, Nepal

Summit to Death Ratio: 27.2%

Trekker on the way to Annapurna base camp, Nepal

Situated in the Gandaki Province of Nepal, Annapurna I is a part of the Annapurna mountain range. It is the tenth-highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,091 meters and has a breathtaking landscape.

However, with the highest fatality-to-summit ratio (27.2%) worldwide, Annapurna I is the deadliest mountain in the world to climb.

Trekking to its base camp alone is a two-week adventure, while the iconic Annapurna Circuit is incredibly scenic and among the best mountain experiences for scaling the world's top peaks.

That said, there are a number of hazards for hikers, including avalanches, abrupt weather, steep terrain, and shifting glaciers, that make hiking this peak extremely dangerous.

These risks may sometimes result in accidents and fatalities. Nonetheless, for those who have the courage to take the challenge, the reward is as terrific as the risk.