In light of the upcoming International Mountain day that falls on the 11 of December, we wanted to share the four best peaks or mountains that you should visit now. Together with our friends from the Scott Dunn team, they helped handpick these four majestic peaks to inspire you and help you plan your next trip.
If adventure is high on your holiday checklist, what better way is there to explore some of the most beautiful peaks of the world than on foot. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature and to get out into the great outdoors for an adventure like no other. Mountains also offer monumental and unrivalled views that show us the scale and unending wonders of our natural world.
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What is International Mountain Day?
The U.N. establishes December 11 as International Mountain Day each year for the protection and sustainability of mountains. Mountains are some of the most interesting and awe-inspiring natural wonders in our world.
Mountains have served as playgrounds and places of worship, homes for people and animals, as well as beautiful natural structures that we marvel at daily. That’s why it is important to recognise this and also encourage sustainable travel to the mountains to preserve this for future generations.
So, here’s the list of the top 4 peaks to climb this International Mountain Day.
Mount Sinai, Egypt
- When best to visit: Spring or Autumn
- Best for: couples, Best friends, history & culture buffs
Traditionally known as Jabal Musa, the scenic Mount Sinai is a popular pilgrimage site and is considered a must-see along with the UNESCO-listed St. Catherine Monastery while you are in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula. Said to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, its rich history dates back to the 6th century AD where the 2,285 metres tall peak became one of the most important sacred sites in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. The stunning mountain scenery along the way makes this path well worth the extra effort.
Our friends at Scott Dunn provided some tips for your trip. There are two main routes that lead up to the summit of Mount Sinai; the Camel Trail and a steeper direct route comprising 3750 “steps of penitence” called Siket Sayidna Musa. It’s recommended not to attempt the steps while it’s dark, so those heading to the summit for sunset views and not staying overnight should go up via the steps and come down the easier Camel Trail.
Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido, Japan
- When best to visit: July to October
- Best for: families, best friends, honeymooners
Located in Daisetsuzan, one of the biggest national parks in Japan, Mount Asahidake is an active volcano, though it hasn’t erupted since 1739; you’ll see billowing white plumes of gas steaming out of sulfurous vents. Open for public hikers from late spring to the autumn season when it is not snowing, Mount Asahidake is the highest peak in Hokkaido, standing at 2,291 metres above sea level.
Expect amazing views of the pristine Japanese wilderness at the top. In fact, the local Ainu people have named the area Kamuimintara, which means the garden where Gods play. There is also a ropeway that takes about 10 minutes to bring you up to enjoy the unrivalled views too.
According to the experts at Scott Dunn, it is best to explore Mount Asahidake in July to admire the alpine flora, August when greens are grown thick, or mid-September to mid-October when you get to enjoy spectacularly vibrant autumn colours. After a day out exploring the wilderness, we recommend heading to a local onsen to soak off and relax.
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Mont Blanc, France
- When best to visit: June, July, and August
- Best for: Thrill-seekers, fit people and the adventurous
Sitting on the borders between France and Italy in the Alps, Mont Blanc is widely considered to be the birthplace of modern mountaineering – looming large over the mountain town of Chamomix. Despite its impressive stature as the highest point in Western Europe and the Alps, around 20,000 people ascend to the summit each year, showing it to be a very achievable goal for avid hikers. Mont Blanc combines everything you want from a hiking adventure: beautiful scenery, moderately difficult terrain, and a chance to experience the culture from multiple countries. Best of all, it accommodates a variety of different skill levels.
According to the folks at Scott Dunn to best enjoy this challenging climb depends on your ability, as most Mont Blanc excursions range anywhere from 2 days or more. Or embark on an exceptional glacier hike from France to Italy, guaranteed to be one of the most magnificent walks of your life. Led by a fully qualified mountain guide this hike begins at the Aiguille du Midi at 3482 m high over the famous Vallee Blanche Glacier to Italy, returning on the Panoramic du Mont Blanc lift where you can marvel at the route you have just taken across the glacier.
Denali, Alaska, USA
When best to visit: May and June
Best suited for: adventure-seekers, wilderness enthusiasts, experienced climbers
Majestically standing at 20,320 feet above sea level and known to be the highest peak in North America, Denali’s base to a summit elevation gain of 18,000 feet is more than any other mountain in the world – offering climbers a breathtaking and phenomenal view on any given day. With its topographic prominence, Denali is the third most prominent and third most isolated peak on Earth, after Mount Everest and Aconcagua. As the centrepiece of Denali National Park & Preserve, this mountain size and beauty of this summit draws climbers of all levels from the months of May and June, before the threat of avalanches and open crevasses become too severe.
Scott Dunn Travel Tip: To climb Denali you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days’ duration. It usually takes 21 days on average to summit the peak from the base camp. Alternatively, board a private helicopter and head to the Denali base camp for a picnic and bubbles to soak in the atmosphere with the climbers.
If you have any other suggestions for peaks you want to conquer or have climbed, drop us a note in the comments.
