Mount Everest Is Not Tallest Mountain In The World- Find Out Which One Is!

Which is not the Tallest Mountain: When we think of the tallest mountain in the world, one name instantly comes to mind. It's the peak that has long been known as the ultimate challenge for climbers and the most iconic point on Earth. Found in the Himalayas, this mountain has been taught in textbooks, shown in documentaries, and celebrated in adventure stories. However, what if we told you that this popular mountain is not the tallest when measured in a certain way? Shocking, right?

There’s another mountain, far away from the Himalayas, that silently holds a taller title. It may not reach as high above sea level, but its true size from base to peak makes it the tallest mountain on Earth by a different measurement. Located in the middle of the ocean, this giant often gets overlooked simply because most of it is hidden underwater. In this article, we’ll reveal the actual tallest mountain in the world, how it’s measured, and why it often gets overshadowed by its Himalayan cousin.

Mount Everest – Tallest Above Sea Level

Tallest mountain in the world (Image: Canva)

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. Mount Everest is part of the Himalayas, located on the border of Nepal and China (Tibet). Mount Everest attracts climbers to the top of the world and is known as the "roof of the world." However, Everest is not the tallest mountain when measuring from base to peak. 

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Mauna Kea – The Real Tallest Mountain on Earth

Tallest mountain in the world (Image: Canva)

Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano located in Hawaii, is the actual tallest mountain in the world when measured from base to summit. Its total height is 10,210 meters (33,500 feet), but only 4,205 meters (13,796 feet) are above sea level. The rest of the mountain is underwater, making it less known to the public. 

Why Mauna Kea is Taller Than Everest

If you include the base at the Pacific Ocean floor, Mauna Kea surpasses Everest by over 1,300 meters from base to peak. Since we usually measure mountains from sea level, Everest is often considered the tallest, but it is not the tallest from a true height perspective. 

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Ten Interesting Facts About Mauna Kea

1. Taller Than Mount Everest

Mauna Kea measures about 10,210 meters (33,500 feet) from its base on the ocean floor to its summit, making it taller than Mount Everest.

2. Mostly Underwater

Over 60% of Mauna Kea is submerged beneath the Pacific Ocean, which is why many people don’t realise it's the tallest by total height.

3. Located in Hawaii

Mauna Kea is on Hawaii’s Big Island and is part of a chain of volcanoes that formed the Hawaiian Islands.

4. Dormant Volcano

It is a dormant volcano, meaning it hasn’t erupted in a long time but could still erupt in the future.

5. Snow-Capped Peaks

Despite being in tropical Hawaii, Mauna Kea’s summit often gets snowfall in winter, making it one of the few places where you can surf and ski on the same day!

6. Home to the World’s Largest Astronomical Observatories

Its summit hosts 13 world-class telescopes from 11 countries, due to its high altitude, dry air, and clear skies.

7. Sacred in Hawaiian Culture

Mauna Kea is considered sacred by Native Hawaiians. It is believed to be the home of the gods and ancestors.

8. Challenging Climb Despite Roads

Though a road leads near the summit, climbing Mauna Kea is still physically challenging due to altitude sickness from the rapid ascent.

9. Astronomers’ Paradise

It is one of the best locations on Earth for stargazing, thanks to minimal light pollution and stable air.

10. Name Meaning

The name "Mauna Kea" means "White Mountain" in Hawaiian, referring to its snow-covered summit.

While Mount Everest is still the highest mountain above sea level, the true tallest mountain on the planet is Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Most of its height remains submerged underwater, which is why it is so often neglected. This illustrates that "tallest" is a subjective term that can vary depending on our mode of measurement and sometimes, the greatest giants are those that rise quietly from below.