December 11 is International Mountain Day. One of the most beautiful and amazing creations of nature, they have long amazed people with their mysterious beauty and bizarre forms. Get to know the most beautiful and unusual mountains of our planet
Colored Mountains of China (Pink Cloud)
Tourists come to the Chinese province of Gansu from all over the world. The main local attraction is the Danxia (Pink Cloud) landscape. It is under this name that the colored mountains of China are known throughout the world. The formation of this beauty began many millions of years ago as a result of the accumulation large quantity sandstone and other mineral deposits. Air and water contributed to the slow oxidation of rocks. This was the reason for such an unusual riot of colors.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
Mountain range in eastern China. The area is famous for its granite cliffs covered with pine trees, praised by Chinese artists and poets since ancient times. The height of seventy-seven peaks in this ridge exceeds 1000 m. The Huangshan region is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO and is a national park of the People's Republic of China. The mountains were formed 100 million years ago. Later, the landscape was transformed by glaciers, which left rocks various shapes. Since the cloud level is often below the level of the mountain peaks, interesting light effects are observed in this area. At the foot of one of the mountains there are hot springs.
Kailash
This mountain is located in the west of Tibet. Millions of years ago, Mount Kailash rose along with the plateau from the ocean floor, and then water and wind sharpened its edges, giving it a pyramidal shape. Four world religions consider Kailash sacred place. Hindus believe that the powerful god Shiva lives on Kailash. From the point of view of eastern cosmology, Mount Kailash is the center through which the axis of the universe passes. Kailash is distinguished by its pyramidal shape with a snow cap, and the edges are oriented almost exactly to the cardinal points; its slopes are crossed by bizarrely located cracks that form a swastika. The exact height of the peak has not been determined, since the mountain “breathes” - its height changes by several tens of meters every year. It is believed that it is at the peak of Kailash that the entrance to the mysterious country of Shambhala is located.
Mount Roraima
This unusual, forbidding, flat-topped mountain is located in Venezuela ( South America). The landscapes opening from its top are impressive, since the beds of many rivers are covered with quartz crystals for many kilometers different color. And the view of the mountain itself is breathtaking.
Grand Canyon
In the northwest of Arizona is one of the most unique corners of the Earth - the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is neither the largest nor the deepest in the world - it is prized for its harmonious combination of size, depth and multi-colored layers of exposed rock. This is a whole complex of canyons, waterfalls, caves, towers, ledges and ravines. Each time the Grand Canyon looks new, and the sun and shadows from passing clouds make the rocks constantly change shades of color. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual places on our planet, which features four geological era Earth. Landslides, water and wind erosion created the outlines of giant pagodas, pyramids, towers, and fortress walls in the canyon, presenting a unique spectacle.
Coyote Butte Slope, Arizona, USA
These mountains are located on the border between Arizona and Utah. According to scientists, it was formed 190 million years ago. The slope of Coyote Butte is undulating sandstone.
Bryce Canyon
This amazing canyon is part of the National Park of the same name. It is located in southwestern Utah. These are thousands of geological structures formed by long-term erosion under the influence of wind, water and ice. Many rocks have bizarre shapes.
Devil's Tower
This mysterious mountain is located in the northeast of Wyoming (USA). Its height is 386 m. The rock was formed 65 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity, and the unusual figured sides were the result of erosion of the surrounding soft rocks around the stronger internal ones. According to Indian legend, the rock was created by an evil demon who beat a drum on its top, generating thunder and lightning. The Indians, who believed in the dark essence of the mountain and called it the Tower of the Bad God, preferred not to settle nearby and avoided it. In the 20th century, mystical theories of the origin of the rock were replaced by science fiction theories. So, according to one version, the peak is a UFO landing site. This version was so popular that it even became a famous movie Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
Tsingy de Bemaraha are strange forest-like mountains, a nature reserve located about 80 kilometers off the west coast of Madagascar. Most of these mountains are ridges of jagged limestone, called "tsingi" ("to walk on tiptoes") in the Malagasy language. Tsingy de Bemaraha are almost impenetrable labyrinths. The mountains of Tsingy de Bemaraha were created as a result of erosion, under the influence of acid rain and water that dissolved the chalk layers over many centuries. Over time, this led to the formation of 30-meter needles of limestone.
Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock is the informal name for Mount Diogenes in the center of the Australian state of Victoria, near Melbourne. The height of the mountain is 718 meters above sea level and 105 meters above the level of the surrounding terrain. Hanging Rock gained fame and popularity among tourists after the release of Peter Weir's mystical detective story Picnic at Hanging Rock in 1975.
Stone wave
An amazing rock formation in Western Australia is located 340 km from the city of Perth. The granite block resembles a stone tsunami. Visible part The rock rises above the ground to a height of about 15 meters, and its length is 110 meters. According to scientists' hypotheses, the wave rock appeared more than 27 million years ago. Australian aborigines noted the similarity of the stone wave to real water and believed that it was in this place that the powers of spirits and the forces of nature intertwined. A dam was built to protect this unique mountain from natural destruction.
Cappadocia
The landscape of the Cappadocia plateau in Turkey looks like a set for a science fiction film. The unusually beautiful landscape, located at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level, resembles the Moon. Such bizarre-shaped hills were formed by ancient volcanoes. From the 4th to the 13th centuries AD, people cut tunnels and lived in these rocks. Today tourists from all over the world flock to Cappadocia to see this ancient world with my own eyes.
Mountains are truly natural wonders that need to be seen up close to be inspired by their majestic beauty. These photos show some of the most picturesque peaks in the world.
1. Vinicunca, Cusco, Peru
It is also called the Seven Colored or Rainbow Mountain. The bright colors are minerals hidden in the mountain, but they were not always visible. For many years, Vinicunca was “hidden” under a thick layer of ice.
2. Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
The mountain in a small rural province in northern Vietnam is used to grow rice on its terraces. Field colors can range from emerald green and golden yellow to light brown.
3. Kirkjufell, Grundarfjordur, Iceland
The mountain is located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Its peak seems to rise from the ocean, and the waterfalls make the mountain even more picturesque. By the way, the sixth and seventh seasons of Game of Thrones were filmed here.
4. Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, Australia
Crowds of tourists come here every year to see the Three Sisters. According to legend, they were from the Katoomba tribe, but fell in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe, which is why an intertribal war began. To protect the sisters, the sorcerer turned them into rocks.
5. Dolomites, Italy
Lake Braies (Lake Pragsa) is often called the pearl of the Dolomites and it extends over 35 m. In summer it is crystal clear clear waters They reflect the surrounding landscapes very beautifully.
6. Andes, Altiplano, Bolivia
The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world. In Bolivia, on the Altiplato, there is Lake Laguna Colorado or the red lagoon. Its shallow, salty waters attract the rare Andean flamingos, and the lake owes its color to algae and sediment in the water.
7. Zhangye Danxia Geopark, Gansu, China
The colorful striped mountains are made up of layers of minerals and rocks. Now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, the previously little-known natural wonder is a popular tourist attraction.
8. Mount Fitz Roy, Patagonia
The local Tehuelche tribe called this mountain Chalten or "smoking mountain". It also served as inspiration for the Patagonia product logo. The founder of the company, Yvon Chouinard, climbed the mountain in 1968.
9. Mount Snowdon, Gwynedd, Wales
Chances are you've never heard of Mount Snowdon, but it's actually worth checking out. Edmund Hillary, the first climber to climb Everest, used Snowdon as a training ground.
10. Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland
The Matterhorn is perhaps the most famous peak in the Alps – and one of the most dangerous. The world's first electrified railway also ran here. Railway Gornergrat under open air, launched in 1898.
11. Mount Cradle, Tasmania, Australia
For tourists, a six-day Overland Track trek of 64 km is offered here. You have a great chance to see wombats, possums and wallabies along the way.
12. Ama Dablam, Himalayas, Nepal
Everest usually gets all the attention in the Himalayas. And although Ama Dablam is not as famous, it is no less impressive. Its name translates to "mother's necklace" because the mountain ranges look like they are opening their arms and the hanging glacier looks like a pendant on a necklace.
13. Reinefjorden, Reine, Norway
It is located in the Lofoten archipelago in North Arctic Circle, and looks incredibly picturesque. Scattered throughout the area are “rorbu” or fishermen’s houses, which have now been converted into hotels for tourists.
What are the “most beautiful landscapes"? Everyone has different preferences, but many will immediately think of mountain peaks. On our planet there are many mountain ranges of luxurious beauty and grandeur that remind a person of how short his life is, in essence. If you have never been to the mountains, then perhaps looking through these photographs of the most beautiful peaks, you will finally decide on such an adventure. So, the top most beautiful mountains in the world.
Mount Matterhorn, Switzerland
Beauty is a subjective concept, but there is no doubt that the Matterhorn is an amazingly picturesque peak. A famous point in the Swiss Alps is not only beautiful views, but also a platform for very interesting and dangerous climbs. The fact is that in the area of the 4478-meter peak there is very unpredictable weather, which can make it difficult for climbers to climb. But bad weather, of course, can accentuate the beauty of a mountain, adding color and a certain attractiveness.
Mount Denali, Alaska
Double Headed Mountain in Alaska is the highest mountain North America. So, if you want to see a truly huge mountain, then you should go to these distant lands. The snow-capped 6190-meter peak looks quite majestic against the backdrop of the picturesque valley. 
Mount Kirkjufell, Iceland
Mount Kirkjufell is perhaps the country's most famous mountain. She is not that tall, but her appearance is very sculptural and unusual. The slope of the base is very smooth and even, and it creates a symmetrical appearance. Thus, the mountain is unique in its own way, because it has almost architectural beauty. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Iceland attracts numerous tourists and photographers every year. 
Table Mountain, South Africa
This mountain, like Kirkjufell, is a horizontal peak, not particularly high. Despite this, the 1085-meter peak is very picturesque, and what is especially impressive is the way it echoes the stark oceanic horizon. 
Mount Ama Dablam, Nepal
Viewing this peak from afar, you will certainly notice a series of sharply contrasting, surprising angular folds. They are especially noticeable when snow falls, which outlines these natural features even more sharply. Ama Dablam is certainly one of the most amazing mountains in the world. Its height is 6856 meters above sea level, and the first ascent of it was made in 1961. 
Mount Eiger, Switzerland
The third highest mountain in the Bernese Alps, the Eiger Peak is very popular among climbers. Translated from German language, Eiger - means "ogre". And, honestly, this “cannibal” is much more pleasant to admire than to conquer. Climbing the Eiger is quite difficult, and many climbers have died trying to conquer the Swiss peak. By the way, the first ascent of the mountain was made in 1938. 
Mount Machapuchare, Nepal
One of the most beautiful peaks of the Himalayas, Machapuchare, which is also called the Fish Tail for its characteristic shape, is almost 7000 meters high. This peak is very recognizable, and nature gives especially gorgeous views by covering the top with snow. Locals The mountain is considered the home of the god Shiva, and the streaks of snow are considered the smoke of his divine essence. Therefore, Machapuchare in Nepal is a sacred mountain, and climbing to the top is prohibited. The only unfinished ascent to the peak was undertaken in 1957 by a British team, however, they interrupted the ascent 50 meters from the summit, as they promised that they would not set foot on the summit itself. Since then, no one has climbed this beautiful mountain. 
Mount Alpamayo, Peru
This stunning mountainous area, creeping sharply upward, looks amazingly like a pyramid of ice with clear vertical lines. There is no second mountain on the entire planet that is the same or even similar. According to a number of polls, this peak was even recognized as the most beautiful mountain on the planet. Continued along the slopes of a 5957-meter peak in the Peruvian Andes tourist routes, and from the top there are breathtaking views of the icy slopes of the Cordillera Blanca ridges. 
Mount Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy
The name of the mountain means “three peaks of Lavaredo” in Italian. Indeed, three large teeth of these not very high rocks - distinguishing feature this mountain in northeastern Italy. And this is perhaps one of the most famous mountain groups in the Alps. 
Mount Everest, Nepal
The highest peak on Earth, a tasty morsel for any climber, the most beautiful and one of the most dangerous on the planet. The majestic 8,848-meter peak has been the site of death for more than 200 people since its first ascent until now, many of whose bodies remain on the slopes of the mountain to this day. Nevertheless, Everest continues to attract those who want to conquer the harsh peak. 
Mount Laila, Pakistan
The amazingly picturesque peak Laila, in the Himalayas in Pakistan, is 6141 meters high, and the climb to it is more than difficult. 
Mount Kailash, China
Since the mountain is a Tibetan peak and an important place of pilgrimage, the Chinese prohibited climbing Kailash. The famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner once said: “If we conquer this mountain, then we will conquer something in the souls of people... climb more difficult mountains than Kailash. This mountain is not so high and not so difficult.” 
Mountains occupy about a quarter of the surface of planet Earth and even have their own holiday, which is celebrated on December 11. They have different heights and relief shapes, but some of them amaze with their bizarre shapes or spectacular appearance. We offer a selection of the most amazing mountains in the world. Each of them is unique in its own way, sometimes it’s even difficult to believe that they are the creation of nature’s hands.
Stone wave
In western Australia, in the Coyote Butts National Park, there is an amazing rock formation that has the shape of a beautiful frozen wave. Despite its rather modest size (the height of the mountain is 15 m, the length is 110 m), this place has always attracted the attention of people from all over the world. Scientists believe that the mountain was formed 27 million years ago from compressed multi-colored sandstone, and winds and precipitation gave it an unusual wavy shape with color transitions.
The incredible resemblance of the Stone Wave to a real tsunami was noticed by the Australian aborigines and they believed that here the powers of spirits united with the forces of nature.
Danxia Landscape
In Gansu Province (China) there are amazing colored mountains that tourists from all over the world come to admire. This unique local landmark, also known as the Pink Cloud, began to form millions of years ago when large masses of sandstone and other minerals accumulated here. Over time, exposure to water and air led to their slow oxidation, as a result of which today you can see a riot of colors created by nature itself. The mountain slopes shimmer with lemon, burgundy, terracotta, blue and green shades.
Danxia is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit it unusual place Anyone can.
Weathering pillars (Manpupuner)
Amazing mountains can be seen in Russia. In the Komi Republic there is such an unusual formation that is included in the list of Seven Wonders of Russia. In its place, more than 200 million years ago, high mountain peaks stretched, which were gradually destroyed by winds and precipitation, leaving to this day only a few vertical pillars of bizarre shapes. What is especially striking is the fact that, despite the narrower bases compared to the peaks, they have stood for several thousand years and have not collapsed. It is not surprising that the Mansi in the past worshiped grandiose stone sculptures, but climbing them was considered a great sin.
To get to this miracle of nature today, tourists must first obtain a pass to the Pechora-Ilychsky Nature Reserve, and then overcome a rather difficult route.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
Unique mountains reminiscent of a stone forest are located on the territory of the same name. national park on o. Madagascar. They are stone needles 30-50 m high, from which impenetrable labyrinths are formed. Most of them are formed from limestone: millions of years ago, narrow and deep karst caves appeared deep underground, and later water and erosion over the centuries eroded the chalk and limestone layers, creating amazing mountains, which have no analogues in the whole world.
Groundwater continues to change their appearance today: periodically the rocks are eroded and new spiers and deep gorges appear.
Kailash
Kailash, one of the peaks in the Western part of the Tibetan Plateau, once rose from the bottom of the ocean, and then winds and water sharpened its edges, forming a unique pyramid shape.
It is one of the most amazing and mystical mountains in the world. And that's why:
- Hindus consider this place to be the home of the supreme god Shiva;
- followers of Eastern cosmology perceive it as the center where the axis of the universe passes;
- there are cracks on its surface, which, when viewed from above, form a swastika;
- its edges almost exactly point to the 4 cardinal directions;
- The height of the mountain is believed to be 6,666 km. (but this figure changes annually, since Kailash “breathes”) and Stonehenge and the North Pole are located at the same distance from it.
Conder
Conder is another amazing mountain, which is located in the Khabarovsk Territory of Russia. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only rock formation with an almost ideal round shape, the appearance of which is not associated with the results of volcanic activity.
Konder is considered a sacred place among the Yakuts and Evenks. But, unfortunately, it remains inaccessible to tourists. Firstly, because of the complex surrounding landscape, and secondly, because of the platinum deposit located here, which is strictly protected by the state.
Matterhorn
The iconic Matterhorn mountain peak is one of Switzerland's most photographed landmarks. This symbol of the country also became the logo of the world-famous triangular chocolate brand “Toblerone”. The pyramid-shaped mountain has steep slopes, which, together with unpredictable weather conditions, makes it much more difficult to conquer. But despite this, the famous Swiss climber Ulrich Inderbieden managed to climb to its peak 371 times, and he made his last climb at the age of 90.
Interesting! On July 14, 1865, people set foot on the top of the Matterhorn for the first time. But every year on this day, climbing the mountain is closed to everyone in memory of the climbers who died on the way to conquer it.
Bryce Canyon
These are not just amazing mountains, but national park, which is located in the US state of Utah. The first look at the canyon evokes associations with alien landscapes: vertical formations with pointed peaks coexist next to stone pyramids of cosmic shapes. According to ancient Indian legends, people who committed any bad deeds, turned into rocks at this place.
Tourists from all over the world prefer to admire this stone beauty at sunset, when its rays create an unusual play of reflections and shadows. The rocks themselves were formed about 15 million years ago, and then erosion erased a thick layer of sedimentary rock, leaving fantastic stone pillars. Due to the content of a large number of trace elements that gradually oxidize, they are colored orange, red and white.
Khoja-Mumin
Despite its unremarkable appearance, Khoja-Mumin, located in the south of Tajikistan, is rightfully one of the most amazing mountains in the world. It consists almost entirely of salt, the reserves of which, according to geologists, are sufficient to meet the needs of all humanity for several centuries. Pale pink, gray and blue-green appear on its slopes. rock salt. Only certain areas of the surface are covered with a thin layer of soil, which appeared here thanks to dust particles carried by the winds. In ancient times, there was a salt sea in this place, which gradually dried up, the salt layers were compressed at its bottom, and then, as a result of tectonic processes, they were lifted up, forming Khoja-Mumin.
Amazing fact! At the top of the salt mountain, numerous and varied plants grow, freshwater springs flow, and in spring you can see a whole carpet of red tulips.
Devil's Tower
A mountain with a mystical name, located in the northeastern part of Wyoming (USA), is shrouded in no less mystical legends and stories. According to Indian legends, it was created by an evil demon who beat a drum on its top, spewing lightning and thunder, and in the 20th century. it was called a UFO landing site.
The amazing mountain looks like a bunch of narrow vertical pillars stacked together, which were formed more than 60 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity, and then were carved by erosion. Sheer cliffs make Devil's Tower an almost impregnable target for climbers. So far people have only managed to conquer its summit twice.