The world's most famous mountains

Whether you are hiking along their slopes or simply admiring them from a distance, mountains remain some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth.

Many of the world’s best-known mountains are instantly recognizable because of their unique shapes and landscapes. Mount Fuji is famous for its perfectly symmetrical, snow-covered volcanic cone, while the Matterhorn is admired for its dramatic pyramid-like peak. Some mountains attract visitors with powerful volcanic activity, offering views of ash clouds or even glowing streams of lava.

Here is a look at some of the most iconic mountains around the world and the best ways to experience their beauty.

Mount Everest, Nepal–China Border

Standing at an incredible height of 8,849 metres, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on the planet. Located within the Himalayas, it sits along the border between Nepal and China, within one of the largest mountain systems in the world. The Himalayas create a natural divide between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian Subcontinent.

Everest was created millions of years ago when the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. The movement of these plates continues today, causing the mountain to rise slightly over time.

Climbing Everest requires advanced mountaineering skills, extensive preparation, and a significant financial investment. However, seeing its magnificent peak from a viewpoint is a much easier and equally memorable experience. Numerous locations across Nepal, Tibet, and northern India provide opportunities to admire Everest among a dramatic landscape of snow-covered peaks.

How to see it: Classic Nepal includes free time in Kathmandu, where several nearby viewpoints offer chances to spot Everest when weather conditions are favorable. Mystic Realms of India and Bhutan also feature spectacular Himalayan views, including a sunrise experience from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji, also known as Fujisan, is one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks. Its elegant cone-shaped silhouette is often hidden behind clouds, making a completely clear view of the mountain a special experience.

The mountain developed over approximately 2.6 million years through the activity of three volcanoes: Komitake, Ko Fuji, and Shin Fuji. Beyond being a natural wonder, Mount Fuji is a sacred symbol in Japanese culture, with numerous temples and shrines located around its slopes.

Some of the most beautiful views can be found from nearby Lake Ashi, which was formed inside the flooded caldera of Mount Hakone. Travelers can also admire Fuji from Japan’s famous shinkansen bullet trains. The Tokyo–Kyoto route passes south of the mountain, and passengers sitting on the right side of the train (or the left side when traveling toward Tokyo) often enjoy spectacular views. On clear days, the mountain’s 3,776-metre summit can even be seen from Tokyo observation towers.

How to see it: Essence of Japan features a boat ride on Lake Ashi, a bullet train journey from Kyoto to Mishima, and a stay at a hotel overlooking Mount Fuji, offering the possibility of unforgettable views right from your room.

Grand Tour of Japan includes a full day exploring Hakone, where visitors have many opportunities to admire Mount Fuji, especially from the Hakone Ropeway cable car.

Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna is the most active stratovolcano in the world. Rising dramatically in northeastern Sicily, it regularly releases clouds of volcanic ash and occasionally produces spectacular lava fountains.

Visiting Etna is relatively accessible thanks to established tourist routes. Cable cars can take visitors from parking areas to higher elevations, where the slopes are covered in snow during winter and become popular with skiers and snowboarders. From there, specially designed 4x4 vehicles can travel across cooled lava fields to reach elevations of around 2,900 metres.

At the higher areas of the volcano, visitors can walk across dark volcanic landscapes and enjoy panoramic views extending across the island. One useful tip: avoid wearing white shoes, as volcanic dust can quickly cover everything.

Beyond exploring the volcano itself, Mount Etna offers many other experiences. The mineral-rich volcanic soil on its lower slopes creates excellent conditions for vineyards, producing wines with distinctive flavors. Local farm-to-table restaurants also serve traditional Sicilian dishes made with ingredients grown in the surrounding volcanic landscape.

How to see it: Sicily – Jewel of the Mediterranean and Sicilian Escape both provide opportunities to explore Mount Etna, including volcanic excursions and visits to local wineries.

Matterhorn, Switzerland–Italy Border

The Matterhorn is another famous mountain located across an international border. Its southern side belongs to Italy, while its northern, eastern, and western faces are located in Switzerland.

Although it is not the tallest mountain in Europe, the Matterhorn is arguably one of the most recognizable. Its sharp, almost perfectly pyramid-shaped summit was carved by glaciers over millions of years, creating the dramatic profile that has made it one of the most photographed mountains in the world.

The Swiss mountain village of Zermatt offers incredible views of the Matterhorn. For a classic Swiss experience, visitors can take the Gornergrat cogwheel railway to Riffelsee Lake, where the mountain can be reflected in the calm water on a still day. Another option is the Glacier Express, which travels between St Moritz and Zermatt while passing through spectacular alpine scenery.

How to see it: Scenic Lake Orta includes a day trip into Switzerland, featuring a journey on the Gornergrat railway with outstanding views of the Matterhorn.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro holds two impressive titles: it is Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Located on the plains of Tanzania, its snow-covered summit rises dramatically above the surrounding sun-drenched savannah.

The mountain consists of three major volcanic peaks, and its landscapes range from glaciers and alpine deserts to lush forests. The area is protected as Kilimanjaro National Park, which supports wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and antelope.

One of the best places to view Kilimanjaro is Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Wildlife safaris here are enhanced by the spectacular backdrop of the mountain. The region around Arusha in Tanzania also provides excellent opportunities for mountain views.

How to see it: The Best of Kenya and Tanzania combines wildlife experiences with many chances to admire Kilimanjaro, from safari camps and game drives in Amboseli to journeys through the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Highlands.

Machu Picchu Mountain, Peru

This lush Peruvian mountain is best known for the remarkable Inca city built upon its summit: the legendary Machu Picchu.

The ancient citadel stretches across a mountain ridge at an altitude of nearly 8,000 feet. Often surrounded by mist and low clouds, the site has a mysterious and unforgettable atmosphere. The structures reveal the advanced knowledge of the Inca civilization, functioning as astronomical observatories and using carefully positioned stones designed to withstand earthquakes.

Behind Machu Picchu stands Huayna Picchu, meaning “New Mountain” in Quechua. This is the dramatic peak often seen in photographs of the ancient city. Adventurous hikers can climb its steep paths, including the famous and challenging “Stairs of Death.”

How to see it: Footsteps of the Incas and Wild Peru both include full-day visits to Machu Picchu. During Wild Peru, travelers can choose between taking a train up the mountain or hiking the final section of the famous Inca Trail.

Mount Robson, Canada

Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, reaching nearly 4,000 metres above sea level.

Its southern face is especially impressive, and some of the finest views can be found along Highway 16. Travelers often stop along the road to capture photographs of this towering mountain.

On the opposite side of the Fraser River, railway tracks carry the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train as it travels between Jasper and Vancouver. The journey provides unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain scenery.

How to see it: Deluxe Alaskan Voyage and Rocky Mountain Railtour both include a Rocky Mountaineer journey from Jasper, offering spectacular views of Mount Robson during the first day of rail travel. Other Canadian Rockies tours also provide opportunities to see the mountain while traveling between Jasper, Kelowna, and Sun Peaks.

Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand

New Zealand’s highest mountain rises within the stunning landscapes of the Southern Alps on the South Island. Surrounded by a spectacular national park, it holds deep cultural importance for the Ngāi Tahu people, who regard the mountain as a sacred ancestor.

Visitors can follow walking trails leading to beautiful lakes and glaciers or simply admire the snow-covered summit from scenic viewpoints. The winding Mount Cook Road through the national park offers some of the best locations for photography.

Aoraki is also located within a Dark Sky Reserve, making it an exceptional destination for stargazing. On a clear night, visitors may see incredible views of the Southern Cross and Alpha Centauri, stars that cannot be observed from the Northern Hemisphere.

How to see it: The Best of New Zealand includes a stay in Twizel, a small town near the national park, and a full morning exploring the Aoraki area. Travelers can also choose a scenic helicopter flight for a breathtaking aerial view of the mountain.