Non-technical mountain climbs: 13 trekking peaks

Non-technical mountain climbs: 13 trekking peaks

There are no “dead zones” on these non-technical mountain climbs, but they offer many challenges for mere mortals like me

As a climber, I have completed several indoor climbing and winter mountaineering courses, but my technical climbing skills still leave something to be desired. I've mastered basic rope, ice ax and crampons skills, but don't practice them as often as I'd like.

All too often I only find time for wilderness backpacking in Europe or low altitude climbing in the UK. Still, I have high hopes of climbing the Seven Summits (three down, four to go).

I'm aware that I'll never be a Reinhold Messner or Chris Bonington (I'll settle for reading their books instead), but I still long to stand up to tall mountains with imposing names.

If you're an amateur climber's base camp like me, you'll certainly enjoy these great non-technical mountain climbs. There are no “dead zones” on these mountains, but they offer many challenges for mere mortals like me.

Non-technical mountain climbs

With the help of Adventure Consultants, we have classified the following as non-technical mountain climbs.

These peaks are below 7,000 m (23,000 feet) and do not require extensive altitude experience or practical knowledge (e.g. rope, crampons, and ice ax knowledge, or the ability to abseil and abseil).

However, as with all adventure sports, the more experienced and prepared you are for these challenges, the better.

1. Kilimanjaro

Location: Tanzania, AfricaElevation: 5,895m (19,341ft)Range: None - freestandingDuration: 5-7 days

Andrzej Kubik/ShutterstockKilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world

Kilimanjaro was the first seven peaks I climbed because it is by far the easiest. There are several easy to moderate routes to the summit, making it one of the most accessible mid-altitude hikes in the world.

The highest mountain in Africa is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Like many volcanoes, it is not connected to a mountain range.

The Machame route is by far the most scenic, but the mountain is very popular with tourists and hikers, so don't expect to have any of the routes to yourself.

More information: Adventure Consultants

2. Mountain Temple

Location: Canada, North AmericaElevation: 3,544m (11,627ft)Range: Bow RangeDuration: 1-2 days

alt="Non-technical mountain climbs: Temple Mount">DreamtimeMount Temple dominates the western landscape of Banff National Park

The most accessible peak above 3,400 m (11,000 ft) in the Canadian Rockies is also one of the most frequently climbed. The peak can be reached in a day thanks to its relatively low elevation gain: approximately 1,600 m (5,250 feet).

Despite its relative accessibility, it should be noted that the mountain is a giant and dominates the western landscape of Banff National Park. Even the “easy” route requires some fairly moderate to intense scrambling.

More information: A Scrambler’s Guide to Mount Temple

3. Ojos del Salado

Location: Argentina/Chile, South America Altitude: 6,893 m (22,615 ft) Range: Andes Duration: 12 days

DreamtimeOjos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world

Located on the Argentine-Chilean border, Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world. It is also the second highest mountain outside of Asia, second only to Aconcagua 630 km further south.

Due to its proximity to the Atacama Desert (the driest place on Earth), conditions on the mountain are fairly dry year-round. Still, expect snow on the slopes, as this can fall year-round due to the volcano's exposed slopes.

More information: Adventure Consultants

4. Khüiten Peak

Location: Mongolia, AsiaElevation: 4,375m (14,354ft)Area: Tavan BogdDuration: 7 days

DreamtimeKhüiten is the highest peak in Mongolia

Mongolia's highest peak is probably the most remote mountaineering experience in the world. Its peak lies on the trilateral border between Mongolia, Russia and China!

It is not a technical mountain but difficult to reach. The surrounding wilderness consists of spectacularly flowering fields and vast, open mountain tundra inhabited only by traditional pastoralist families - everything you would expect from the plains of Mongolia.

More information: Adventure Consultants

5. Mount Whitney

Location: USA, North AmericaElevation: 4,421 m (14,505 ft) Range: Sierra Nevada Duration: 1-3 days

DreamtimeMount Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States (i.e. excluding Hawaii and Alaska).

It looks intimidating at first glance, but the popular Mount Whitney Trail starts at an elevation of 2,550 m (8,360 feet), meaning the summit can be reached in just one day (if you're brave!).

Most hikers prefer to take at least two days to complete the 35 km round trip hike with an elevation gain of just over 1,900 m (6,100 ft).

Further information: National Park Service

6. Mount Elbrus

Location: Russia, Europe Altitude: 5,642 m (18,510 ft) Range: Caucasus Mountains Duration: 7 days

Elbrus was my second of the seven peaks. It requires some crampons and ice axes, but these basic skills can be learned from guides before the climb.

A cable car takes would-be summiteers to accommodation at the base of the climb at 3,600 m (11,800 ft). Here mountaineers can undertake a few acclimatization hikes before tackling the actual mountain.

Huts along the route make for a relatively “comfortable” climb before the 3am summit bid.

Further information: Read my travel report about climbing Elbrus

7. Kosciuszko Mountain

Location: Australia, OceaniaElevation: 2,228m (7,310ft)Range: Snowy MountainsDuration: 1 day

The highest mountain on mainland Australia is Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 m (7,310 ft). However, whether it is a member of the Seven Summits is up for debate. The highest mountain on the Australian continent - which includes Australia, New Zealand and thousands of islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans - is Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) in Indonesia at 4,884 m (16,024 ft).

We climbed Kosciuszko during our visit to Australia and found the day hike and its alpine air refreshing after several weeks at sea level in Australia. The peak is not a jagged peak, it is more like a British fell (albeit several times higher), but offers magnificent panoramic views over 'The Snowies', Australia's highest mountain range.

8. Assemble Brewster

Location: New Zealand, OceaniaElevation: 2,516m (8,255ft)Area: Southern AlpsDuration: 1-2 days

Leigh Blackall/CC BY 2.0Mount Brewster does not require acclimatization

Brewster is a great mountain if you're looking for a taste of alpinism in the wilderness of New Zealand's South Island. No acclimatization is required on this mountain, but your guide will teach you some basic alpine skills (ice ax and crampons) that you will need during the climb.

Other than that, just a lot of endurance and a pair of sturdy legs should be all you need to get to the top. Brewster Hut offers comfortable bunk beds for the night at 1,450 m (4,750 ft), making for a pleasant summit day via the West or South Ridge.

More information: Adventure Consultants

9. Pokalde Peak

Location: Nepal, AsiaAltitude: 5,806m (19,049ft)Area: HimalayasDuration: 9-12 days

Daniel Karfik/ShutterstockPokalde Peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal

One of Nepal's most popular non-technical mountain climbs, Pokalde Peak offers an excellent introduction to Himalayan mountaineering if you want to further develop your skills. You're one of the big dogs here. Expect to see glimpses of the Himalayan giants Nuptse, Lhotse and of course Everest.

Luckily for you, you are far below all the death zones on this mountain. Ideally, you'll have some experience using ice axes and crampons before attempting this, but there are many ways to improve these skills.

More information: Adventure Consultants

10. Mera Peak

Location: Nepal, AsiaElevation: 6,476m (21,246ft)Area: HimalayasDuration: 18-20 days

Janos Rautonen/ShutterstockMera is Nepal's highest trekking peak

Nepal's highest trekking peak is less technically demanding than Pokalde Peak, but its higher altitude requires longer and higher acclimatization days.

The gentle climb to the summit shouldn't fool aspiring climbers. This mountain is very high and, like any Himalayan peak, is prone to severe weather. Additionally, the trekking route from the north requires some high altitude glacier hiking.

More information: Adventure Consultants

11. Stok Kangri

Location: India, AsiaAltitude: 6,153m (20,182ft)Area: HimalayasDuration: 7-9 days

AL-media Stockhouse/ShutterstockStok Kangri is one of the more accessible Himalayan mountains outside of Nepal

Stok Kangri is located in the middle of the enchanting region of Ladakh in the northern part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the more accessible Himalayan mountains outside of Nepal. High above the Indus Valley, many mountains in the area quickly rise above 6,000 m (19,700 feet).

You will likely fly to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, at 3,524 m (11,560 ft) and undergo thorough acclimatization before heading to base camp at 4,980 m (16,340 ft) to climb the peak.

Further information: Summit post

12. Mount Chimborazo

Location: Ecuador, South AmericaElevation: 6,268m (20,564ft)Area: AndesDuration: 7-15 days (depending on experience/skills and program)

DreamtimeThe summit of Chimborazo is the closest point on earth to the sun

At the summit of Chimborazo you are at the closest point on earth to the sun. Due to the mountain's location along the equatorial bulge, its summit is the furthest point from the Earth's core.

Depending on your experience, it may be best attempted as part of an Ecuadorian volcano expedition, taking in the Cotopaxi and Cayambe volcanoes beforehand.

No mean feat in themselves, these lower altitude volcanoes will equip you with the acclimatization and basic mountaineering experience needed to tackle the (currently) inactive Chimborazo stratovolcano.

More information: Adventure Consultants

13. Aconcagua

Location: Argentina, South America Altitude: 6,961 m (22,838 ft) Range: Andes Duration: 14-17 days

Aconcagua was the third Seven Summit I completed. The highest mountain outside of Asia, Aconcagua is a fantastic mountain for professional and amateur climbers alike.

The route is non-technical and is often referred to as the “highest trekking peak in the world”. The key to tackling this mountain is time and acclimatization - there is no shortcut to the summit. It's the perfect preparation if you dream of tackling the great mountains of the Himalayas.

More information: Read my travel report about climbing Aconcagua

More options

Another popular alternative to Mera Peak in Nepal is Island Peak (Imja Tse). Island Peak at 6,189 m (20,305 ft) is usually considered the second highest trekking peak in Nepal.

Mount Toubkal in Morocco is North Africa's highest peak at 4,167 m (13,671 ft) and a popular introduction to the Atlas Mountains.

The Breithorn at 4,164 m (13,661 ft), located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, is one of the most accessible trekking peaks in the Alps.

Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia is another popular trekking peak. At 4,095 m (13,435 ft), it is the highest mountain in Malaysia and the wider of the Malay Archipelago.

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills covers everything from the basics of equipment, knots, rappelling techniques, and leave-no-trace principles to the more advanced skills of setting up complex anchors, assessing avalanche terrain, and developing your leadership skills.

Mission statement: Dreamstime

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