Unveiling the Peak Before Everest- The Mystery of the Highest Mountain Discovered Before Mount Everest
What is the highest mountain before Mount Everest was discovered? This question has intrigued mountaineers and geologists for centuries. The discovery of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, marked a significant milestone in the history of exploration. However, long before this majestic mountain was recognized as the tallest, there were other peaks that held the title of the highest mountain on Earth. In this article, we will delve into the history of these mountains and explore the fascinating story of their discovery.
Mount Everest, officially known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, was first discovered by George Everest, a British surveyor, in 1852. Before this, the highest mountain was believed to be K2, located on the border between Pakistan and China. K2, also known as Chogori, stands at an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) and has been known as the “King of Mountains” due to its challenging climb and treacherous weather conditions.
The story of K2’s discovery dates back to the early 19th century when the British began surveying the region. In 1846, the British Indian Survey Department conducted a survey of the Karakoram range and identified K2 as the highest peak in the region. However, it was not until 1856 that the British recognized K2 as the highest mountain on Earth, surpassing the previously accepted highest peak, Dhaulagiri.
Dhaulagiri, located in the central Himalayas, was considered the highest mountain before the discovery of K2. With an elevation of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet), Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world. The first successful ascent of Dhaulagiri was made by a Swiss expedition in 1960, led by Ernst Reiss and with the assistance of the Italian mountaineer Lino Lacedelli.
Prior to Dhaulagiri, the title of the highest mountain was held by Kangchenjunga, another Himalayan peak located on the border between India and Nepal. Kangchenjunga, which means “Five Treasures of Snow,” has an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). It was first climbed by a British expedition in 1955, led by Joe Brown and George Band.
The discovery of Mount Everest and the subsequent recognition of K2 as the highest mountain marked the beginning of a new era in mountaineering. The quest for the highest peak on Earth has since inspired countless adventurers to conquer the world’s most challenging mountains. Today, the title of the highest mountain remains with Mount Everest, but the legacy of the mountains that preceded it continues to captivate the imaginations of mountaineers and enthusiasts worldwide.
