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 to them in ancient mythology. Olympus, Safa and Meru are some of the most famous examples, each with its own unique story.

History

Mountains have always symbolized eternity, harmony, and spiritual balance. Ancient peoples believed that mountains were the connection between the earth and sky, and that the souls of the departed people found peace in the tunnel that led to the world of the dead. Mythology is full of references to mountains, and some of the most well-known are Olympus, Safa, and Meru. Interestingly, all of these famous mountains have real-life prototypes, albeit non-magical.

The goal of International Mountain Day is to explore and appreciate the awe-inspiring peaks of the world. Everest, Chogori, Lhotse, Manaslu, Fuji – the list is endless. Those who enjoy an active lifestyle or seek knowledge should not miss this date!

Interesting facts

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

• Mountains cannot exceed a height of 15km, as they will collapse under their own weight.
• There are mountains in the Solar System too – for example, Olympus Mons, a volcano on Mars, is 26.4km high.
• Mountains occupy 64% of the territory of Asia and 24% of the world’s total landmass.
• 80% of the drinking water supply is obtained from mountainous areas.
• Australia has very few mountains – they account for only 3% of the country’s landmass.

How to take part

If you have ever dreamt of reaching the peak of a mountain, International Mountain Day is the perfect opportunity to do so. However, it is important to remember to start at low altitudes and seek the help of specialists – there are many resources available online. You can also watch movies about mountains, be it fiction or documentaries, and learn about the lives of famous climbers.

When is International Mountain Day celebrated in 2023?

International Mountain Day is observed on December 11 each year.

Observations