We may still be in the midst of finalising our Kilimanjaro climb in September, but I have already heard the words ‘Everest’ and ‘Aconcagua’ more times, than I care to hear at this stage!

An infectious hobby that draws adrenalin junkies from around the world, mountain climbing is certainly something that gets under your skin, and I am starting to believe that the Seven Summits will be making their way onto our ‘bucket list’ in the near future.

The seven highest mountains across the seven continents, the Seven Summits feature on many climbers wish list, and if you are seeking a challenge quite unlike any other, it might be time to follow in the footsteps of Richard Bass and Reinhold Messner, and attempt these snow-capped giants on a journey that will take you around the world.

The lowest of the Seven Summits will take you to Oceania, and the Carstensz Pyramid measuring 4884 metres or 16023 feet. Some climbers argue that Mount Kosciuszko in Australia should feature on this list, which measures 2228 meters or 7310 feet, but as many do not agree that Australia is a continent, we will leave that for you to decide!

Your next journey will be to Antarctica, to attempt the Vinson Massif, a 4897 meter (16067 feet) mountain in the Ellsworth Range.

Your third mission will take you to Russia, and the magnificent mountain of Elbrus.  At a whopping 5642 metres high (18510 feet), this mountain is quite a lot higher than its predecessors are.

Fourth spot goes to the highest peak of Africa, Kilimanjaro.  At 5895 meters or 19340 feet, this freestanding mountain is claimed to be one of the easiest to climb (I’ll let you know in October!).

From East Africa, our next mountain will take us all the way to North America, and the Denali or Mount McKinley.  At 6194 meters or 20320 feet, this huge mountain takes the number three spot on the Seven Summit list.

Flying south to the magnificent country of Argentina, one can tackle the second highest mountain on this list – Aconcagua.  Measuring 6962 meters (22829 feet) high, this will take you way up where the air is thin, and the views are amazing.

Last, but by no means least, if you still have the energy to climb one more mountain, your ultimate challenge is Mount Everest in Nepal.  A striking mountain measuring 8848 meters or 29029 feet, it will take you to heights one can hardly believe possible.

Do the Seven Summits feature on your bucket list?  Have you already conquered them?  Let us know!

*feet / meter height measurements sourced from internet