Mountains have inspired mankind for centuries with their awe-inspiring size and grandeur. Many mountains have been considered sacred places by the people who live nearby, and gods and sacred beings are thought to reside on the peaks.

I have always been inspired by pictures of mountain peaks, and what follows is my personal list of the most inspiring peaks. Others may have their own choices, but these are the ones that fill me with awe.

Mount Everest

The tallest mountain in the world at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), Mt. Everest’s peak is so high that climbers have to use oxygen tanks because the air is so thin.  There is only one-third the amount of oxygen at Everest’s peak as there is at sea level. Although Everest is a massive mountain, it lies in the middle of the Himalaya mountain range, and for me, that takes away from its grandeur. I think mountains that rise dramatically out of a flat plain, like some of my other choices, are more inspiring to look at.

Mount Fuji

Although it is much smaller than Mount Everest, at only 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), this Japanese mountain rises out of a flat plain and dominates the landscape around it. Its snow covered peak can be seen for many miles.

Mount Kilimanjaro

The highest peak in Africa at 5,892 meters (19,331 feet), Mt. Kilimanjaro has a commanding view of the plains surrounding it in Tanzania. Unfortunately, global warming has shrunk the ice cap at the top of Kilimanjaro by more  than 80 percent in recent years.

Mount McKinley

The highest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley rises 6,194 meters (20,320 feet) above sea level, and is permanently covered with snow. Indeed, it is known for extremely cold weather, with temperatures of minus 75 degrees F recorded near its summit. Mt. McKinley is also called Denali, which means “The Great One”, and you can easily see why it got this name.

The Matterhorn

This is another mountain that is much smaller than Everest, at 4,478 meters (14,692 feet), but it is one of the most photographed mountains in the world. It thrusts up majestically from the surrounding Alps, and is known for the steep faces near its summit.

These are my picks for most inspiring mountain peaks. There are thousands of mountains around the world, and I’m sure there are lots of other choices you could make. The main thing, though, is that I’m thankful there are pictures of these majestic peaks to inspire us all.