9 Non-Technical Mountains You Can Climb with No Training

Reaching the summit of some of the world’s highest mountains can require years of experience and training. And it’s not just the mountains that are steep – so are the prices of the equipment and gear you’ll need to give the hike a go.

But not all mountains require fancy ice axes and month-long boot camps. As long as you’re reasonably fit and Healthy, there are a bunch of non-technical peaks waiting to be conquered.

All you’ll need to climb these nine peaks is some determination, comfy hiking boots, and plenty of snacks.

9. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia (12,224 feet)

If you’ve seen photos of candy floss skies over a volcanic crater in Indonesia, chances are they’re of Mount Rinjani. While I wouldn’t consider it a casual walk-in-the-park, this volcanic hike is doable for the persistent hiker.

It will take you two to three days to complete. There is usually a small fee to enter the national park where the mountain is located. The trail cuts through the lush tropical jungle of Lombok. That is, until you’re standing on the edge of a volcanic crater, staring down towards the turquoise lake of an active volcano.

8. Mount Toubkal, Morocco (13,671 feet)

Located in Southwest Morocco, Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains is the highest peak in North Africa. There are two main routes to the summit, each taking two to three days to complete.

The trails you will walk have been used by local tribes for centuries – way before European mountaineering became trendy. The route is steep but steady, passing through Berber villages and rocky landscapes that look like a different planet. Bring layers, because this mountain packs some serious heat along the base and a chilly breeze at the summit.

7. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia (13,435 feet)

As the highest mountain in Malaysia, it’s no surprise that Mount Kinabalu is one of the most popular hikes in Southeast Asia.

You’ll need both a permit and a guide to hike this peak, which takes around two days to summit. Day one is all about walking through a rich, biodiverse rainforest. But the main attraction here (as with many mountains) is the sunrise on the second day. For the best views, you’ll start the final summit push around 2am.

From the peak, the forest thins out and the landscape shifts from vibrant greens to rocky surfaces and misty clouds.

6. Mount Khuiten, Mongolia (14,291 feet)

Mount Khuiten is Mongolia’s highest mountain. While it is fringed by glaciers and snow-capped peaks, it’s not as technical as it looks. Since it is one of the most remote mountaineering experiences on the map, you will need a permit and a guide to navigate the multi-day excursion.

The peak sits at the junction of Mongolia, Russia, and China, nestled deep in the Altai Mountain range. The hike begins with a moderate walk through the green Altai valleys. It then gradually ascents into a landscape of snowcapped peaks and glaciers. As you might expect, this is the kind of place where you can experience all four seasons in one day.

5. Mount Whitney, USA (14,505 feet)

There are countless peaks to summit in North America, but Mount Whitney in California is a sure highlight. It’s one of the highest in the contiguous US but isn’t as technical as it sounds. It’s set in one of the most strikingly beautiful parts of the West Coast, between the Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest.

The most popular trail takes two to three days (or 12 to 14 hours of hiking) to complete. It requires no more than some warm clothes, comfy boots, a permit, and a camera to capture the views.

4. Mera Peak, Nepal (21,247 feet)

Mera Peak is located in the Sagarmāthā region of Nepal – the very same Himalayan stretch home to the legendary Mount Everest. Unlike its neighbor, this is one of the country’s most accessible climbs. Despite its nauseating altitude, it’s a technically doable climb for the average hiker.

You’ll need a guide, a permit, some basic ice axe and crampon skills, and a few days to acclimatize. The multi-day hike treks through remote villages and stunning mountain scenery, with exquisite views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from the peak.

3. Mount Elbrus, Russia (18,510 feet)

Europe’s highest peak is awarded to Mount Elbrus, a beast of a mountain in the heart of the Russian Caucasus Mountains. A now extinct volcano, this mountain is home to 22 glaciers and a huge snowy crater. It also sits on the list of the world’s Seven Summits.

The hike to the summit takes over one week. For a head start, there is a cable car that can help with the first part. For the rest of the climb, you can expect snow, ice, and a chilly summit. You’ll also pass through a few high-altitude refuges to help with acclimatization. While it might not be considered highly technical, this hike is not for the faint of heart.

2. Mount Aconcagua, Argentina (22,837 feet)

Argentinas’ Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, and the second highest of the Seven Summits. It’s considered the tallest non-technical mountain in the world, yet still requires crampons and ice axes to get through the glaciers.

It’s one of the longer hikes on this list, with the shorter route taking around two weeks to complete and the more advanced glacial traverse lasting 20 days. As you trek from camp to camp, you’ll acclimatize to the altitude. Expect semi-desert-like conditions at the base, snow at the summit, and thin air all around.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (19,340 feet)

Kili, as the industry calls it, is one of the world’s most famous non-technical climbs. Every climber wants to tick this one off the bucket list. It’s the tallest mountain on the African continent, and while no rock climbing skills are needed, it’s one of the toughest summits on the map.

The experience lasts around one week of hiking, depending on which route you take. The trek traverses through a range of different landscapes and climates – from rainforests to glacial valleys to alpine deserts. If you have the mental grit and leg power to get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with views across the African plains.