If you’re a climbing novice, put Kilimanjaro and Everest on the back burner until you’ve built experience on lower peaks.
You will also need to make sure you have the right climbing equipment. Once you have, get climbing! The mountains listed below may be lower than Everest and Kilimanjaro but offer some of the most famous ascents. With views from the summit to match.
Mount Maglić, Bosnia
At 2,386 meters, this is Bosnia’s highest peak. The mountain resembles a towering limestone pyramid with its 700-meter-high rock walls and offers a challenge. There are two popular short routes to the summit from Bosnia and Herzegovina and a longer route from Montenegro.
The most popular and most scenic route starts at the village of Prijevor. It’s a steep hike that takes between eight to 10 hours and rewards you with fantastic views.
The alternative route from Bosnia is a longer climb but less challenging and as you’ll be hiking through forest part of the way, the views aren’t consistently spectacular. The route from Montenegro is the longest option but gives you more time to explore this remote region.
Mount Toubkal, Morocco
North Africa’s highest mountain stands at 4,167 meters. Situated in the High Atlas Mountain range, this is a challenging yet rewarding trek for regular walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
The altitude of Mount Toubkal does make this hike more difficult though with 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Despite this, you won’t encounter technical climbing.
All of this makes it an excellent climb if you are traveling solo and want to partake in group hiking trips as there will be opportunities to meet and talk with fellow climbers. The ascent takes two days although longer may be needed for altitude acclimatization.
Mount Olympus, Greece
Greece’s highest peak stands at just under 3,000 meters and was the mythical home of 12 of the ancient Greek gods. Mount Olympus lies 260 miles north of the capital, Athens, and is the country’s first national park.
The starting point for the summit is Litochoro, a rural village on the eastern slopes. From here you can hike or drive to the two main trails: the Prionia and Gortsia. Depending on the route you choose most of the climb is a not-too-strenuous hike except for the final leg.
The final leg is challenging with a steep incline and loose gravel requiring the use of hands as well as feet. Technical climbing skills aren’t required but you’ll need a good level of strength, stamina, and mobility.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Around 300,000 people reach the summit of Mount Fuji each year. In short, this 3,776-meter peak is a beginner-friendly mountain. For a limited period, between July and August, it even has a vending machine on the summit serving hot and cold drinks!
Reaching the machine means hiking paths that are generally wide while the climb isn’t too steep. But conditions can adversely affect your ascent as the mountain can become shrouded in low clouds.
And altitude sickness can be an issue. The best time of year to climb is between July and mid-September for milder weather and a snow-free climb (between October and mid-June there is a chance of avalanches).
The climb can be done in five to 10 hours although the less experienced may want to break their journey overnight in a hut. This allows you to make the final ascent at sunrise.
