📌 Topic 04 of 6 · Chapter 11 · World Physical Geography
World Mountain Ranges & Highest Peaks
Himalayas, Andes, Alps, Rockies — highest peaks by continent — complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
⛰️ Highest Peaks by Continent
| Continent | Highest Peak | Height | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | Mt. Everest | 8,849 m | Nepal/China border; world’s highest |
| South America | Aconcagua | 6,961 m | Argentina; highest outside Asia |
| North America | Denali (Mt. McKinley) | 6,190 m | Alaska, USA |
| Africa | Mt. Kilimanjaro | 5,895 m | Tanzania; dormant volcano; free-standing |
| Europe | Mt. Elbrus | 5,642 m | Russia (Caucasus Mountains) |
| Antarctica | Vinson Massif | 4,892 m | Ellsworth Mountains |
| Australia | Mt. Kosciuszko | 2,228 m | New South Wales, Australia |
⛰️ Major Mountain Ranges
| Range | Location | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayas | Asia (India, Nepal, China, Bhutan) | Highest range; young fold mountains; source of major rivers |
| Andes | South America (7,000 km) | Longest continental mountain range; source of Amazon River |
| Rocky Mountains | North America | Extends from Canada to New Mexico; Continental Divide |
| Alps | Europe | Mont Blanc (4,808m); Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria |
| Ural Mountains | Russia | Boundary between Europe and Asia |
| Atlas Mountains | NW Africa | Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia; Toubkal (4,167m) |
⭐ Key Facts — Mountains:
• Mt. Everest = 8,849m = world’s highest = Nepal/China border
• Andes = longest mountain range in world = South America
• Kilimanjaro = highest in Africa = Tanzania = dormant volcano
• Ural Mountains = boundary between Europe and Asia
• K2 = 8,611m = 2nd highest = Pakistan/China border
• Mt. Everest = 8,849m = world’s highest = Nepal/China border
• Andes = longest mountain range in world = South America
• Kilimanjaro = highest in Africa = Tanzania = dormant volcano
• Ural Mountains = boundary between Europe and Asia
• K2 = 8,611m = 2nd highest = Pakistan/China border