International Mountain Day

International Mountain Day is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and power of mountains and connect with nature. Mountains have always been of spiritual significance, as evidenced by the many references in ancient mythology. Olympus, Safa, and Meru are some of the most famous examples, each with its own unique story.

History

Mountains have long symbolized eternity, harmony, and spiritual balance. Ancient peoples believed that mountains connected earth and sky and that the souls of the departed found peace in tunnels leading to the underworld. Mythology is full of mountain references, and some of the best-known are Olympus, Safa, and Meru—each named after a real mountain, albeit non-magical.

The goal of International Mountain Day is to explore and appreciate the world’s awe-inspiring peaks. Everest, K2 (Chogori), Lhotse, Manaslu, Fuji—the list is endless. Whether you enjoy an active lifestyle or simply seek knowledge, don’t miss this date!

Interesting Facts

It is incredible how much mountains have to offer. Here are some notable facts:

• Mountains cannot exceed a height of about 15 km, or they risk collapsing under their own weight.
• There are mountains on other planets—Olympus Mons on Mars is 26.4 km high.
• Mountains cover 64 % of Asia’s land area and 24 % of the world’s landmass.
• About 80 % of the world’s drinking water comes from mountainous regions.
• Australia has few mountains, accounting for only 3 % of its land area.

How to Take Part

If you’ve ever dreamed of reaching a mountain peak, International Mountain Day is the perfect opportunity. Remember to start at low altitudes and seek expert guidance—there are many resources online. You can also watch films about mountains, fiction or documentary, and learn about famous climbers.

When is International Mountain Day in 2025?

International Mountain Day is observed on December 11 each year.

Observations