FX.co ★ Seven most beautiful and unusual mountains on globe

Fuji (Japan)

The top spot among the world’s most beautiful mountains goes to Mount Fuji. It has an almost perfectly conical shape and is a symbol of Japan. Moreover, Fuji is not just a mountain, but a dormant volcano with what is called a "sensitive sleep." Its last eruption occurred in 1707, but it could awaken at any moment. A huge number of tourists and climbers conquer this mountain — about 200,000 people each year. For two months a year, Fuji is free of snow. Therefore, if you want to admire snow-capped peaks, it is better to visit in autumn or spring, when you can also enjoy blooming sakura. At the summit of Fuji, there is a temple, a post office, and a meteorological station. The surroundings are part of Japan’s national park system. Mount Fuji is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is protected by international organizations.

Bungle Bungle (Australia)

Bungle Bungle is a stunningly beautiful mountain range, representing a chain of cone-shaped peaks. It consists of black, orange, and white rock layers. This layered structure makes the mountains resemble beehives. Bungle Bungle is made of sandstone. Under the influence of erosion over hundreds of thousands of years, it has taken on its unique shape and color. The sandstone remains fragile, so climbing Bungle Bungle is prohibited. The origin of these mountains deserves special attention. Around 20 million years ago, a meteorite struck Australia, lifting a layer of sandstone. Then, under the influence of water flows, these beautiful hive-like formations appeared. Today, the Bungle Bungle range is protected by the state and is part of the country's national park.

Table Mountain (South Africa)

Table Mountain, located in the Republic of South Africa, amazes with its appearance. The base of the formation is typical, but the summit seems to be missing and looks cut off. Table Mountain ends with a huge, absolutely flat plateau. According to legend, this formation gave the city of Cape Town its name. The perfectly flat plateau on top of Table Mountain resembles a cap laid over the hills. The summit is connected to Cape Town by a cable car. Once on the plateau, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the port city, considered the trade gateway between Africa and other countries.

Mouaroa (French Polynesia)

Mount Mouaroa, located on one of the volcanic islands of French Polynesia, is one of the world’s most remarkable peaks. It rises sharply above surrounding peaks, standing at 761 meters, with almost sheer slopes. Only experienced climbers who can challenge gravity are able to conquer this mountain. Like other mountain formations on the Pacific islands, Mouaroa has volcanic origins. Its slopes are not very fragile and are covered in lush vegetation — Polynesian jungles reach almost to the summit. Thanks to its unusual shape, Mouaroa Peak is visible from nearly every corner of French Polynesia.

Rainbow Mountains (China)

The Rainbow Mountains got their name due to their unique structure: they are primarily composed of sandstone, colored by various minerals. The mountains are striped but also feature brick-red, yellow-white, golden, blue, and emerald shades. These colors are layered on top of each other. The shades are very bright and contrasting, making the mountains look fantastic. The Rainbow Mountains are protected by the Chinese government and are part of the Danxia National Geological Park. They are open to visitors, so anyone can travel to Gansu Province and enjoy the unique landscape. The peaks of the Rainbow Mountains do not exceed 300–400 meters, but they impress not with height, but with their rich variety of shades and surreal appearance.

Fairy Chimneys (Turkey)

The Cappadocia region, where this formation is located, has a rich history. Millions of years ago, a volcanic eruption occurred in Turkey, and lava flows created exclusive mountain formations resembling mushrooms or chimney stacks. Therefore, in Turkey, this mountain range is called "Fairy Chimneys." Later, monks settled in the area. They carved caves into the rock, from which these slender peaks are formed, and lived there for a long time. In Turkish Cappadocia, these formations are remarkably refined and narrow, although similar rock structures can also be found in France, Serbia, and the United States. Turkey’s Fairy Chimneys are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and are protected at the international level.

Kinabalu (Malaysia)

Mount Kinabalu has a unique shape that resembles a vast plateau topped by a sharp, almost vertical peak. Due to the dramatic vertical drop between the summit and its horizontal, contoured base, it is considered one of the most prominent mountains in the world. The peak of Kinabalu is very high, 4,095 meters, yet it remains green year-round and is almost unaffected by ice formation. Thanks to its wide plateau and evergreen massifs, the mountain is home to a vast number of remarkable animals and plants. Mount Kinabalu is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can find rare orchids, a large population of orangutans, and over 300 species of birds. It is also one of the youngest mountains on Earth and continues to grow. Each year, the summit of Kinabalu rises by 5 millimeters.