The Seven Volcanic Summits

• Altitude: 6,893m
• Country: Argentina / Chile
• Time to visit: December - February (summer)

Nevado Ojos del Salado is an active neovolcano in the Andes sitting astride the Argentina/Chile border. It is located in the high Atacama with an extremely dry desert climate and little precipitation. In the climbing season the days are mostly bright and clear with freezing cold nights. 'Ojos' is the highest mountain in Chile and the highest volcano of the world. After Aconcagua (6962 meters) it is the second highest peak in South America and the Western hemisphere. Ojos del Salado is a massive desert mountain offering the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and high-altitude mountaineering in solitude, overlooking a boundless landscape.

'Ojos' is far less popular than Aconcagua, although it is only slightly lower. Given the relatively short climbing season it is possible to meet other parties on the mountain, but this remains a remote mountain visited by few climbers. There is a basic shelter at base camp plus another higher on the mountain, but most parties would be advised to take their own tents. The climb to the summit is mostly trekking except for the last part, which is a difficult scramble that may require use of rope as the rock can be loose and rotten and there may be snow. At the height of the summer there should be almost no snow on the ground. Cold is the main challenge. Footwear and clothing should be chosen with this in mind.

• Altitude: 5,895m
• Country: Tanzania
• Time to visit: Jan-Mar and June-October (dry seasons)

The dormant giant stratovolcano Kilimanjaro in north-eastern Tanzania has three summit cones: Kibo (5895 meters), Mawenzi (5148 meters) and Shira (3962 meters). The currently inactive volcano is the highest mountain in Africa, the fourth highest of the Seven Summits and the second highest of the Volcanic Seven Summits. The highest point on Kibo's crater rim is called Uhuru Peak, which means 'freedom peak' in Swahili. Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most recognizable and iconic peaks. Witnessing the sunrise over the African plains from its summit is an unforgettable experience.

This is probably the most frequently attempted mountain of its size in the world. There will always be many parties climbing, exhibiting varying levels of competence and fitness. It is possible to avoid the worst of the crowds by visiting outside the busiest periods or by climbing one of the less frequented routes. If using the most popular route it is obligatory to stay in huts that are often crowded. The less frequented routes are more expensive and require the use of tents but are usually more pleasant. Light boots should be adequate for all routes.

• Altitude: 5,671m
• Country: Iran
• Time to visit: June-Sept (summer hiking season) Mar/April (Spring ski season)

Damavand is a superbly shaped stratovolcano in the central Alborz range near the Caspian Sea. It and the highest peak in Iran and is located a short distance north of the capital city, Tehran. Damavand has a special place in Persian mythology and is the highest volcano in Asia and the Northern hemisphere. The mountain is potentially active. The ground on the summit is warmed year round by volcanic activity and this can melt the winter snows. Yellow sulphur deposits are found on the ground near the summit and sulphurous gasses can be smelt leaking through cracks in the rocks. A climbing trip to Iran combines an interesting ascent of Damavand with a chance to experience the rich and varied history and culture or Persia

Damavand has long been popular with Iranian hikers, and the number of international visitors is growing. There is a basic hut at base camp, plus one higher on the mountain, that can be relied upon during the 'off season' but it is essential to take tents if visiting during the popular season. In the early summer there may still be some snow on the ground in places but this should normally be a scree walk possible in light boots.

• Altitude: 5,642m
• Country: Russia
• Time to visit: June-Sept (summer hiking season) Mar/May (Spring ski season)

Elbrus is an inactive, heavily glaciated twin-peaked stratovolcano in the western Caucasus. The west summit stands at 5642 metres, the east summit is slightly lower at 5621 metres. Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia and has a permanent summit ice cap feeding numerous glaciers. It is the highest volcano in Europe and therefore one of the Seven Summits as well as the Volcanic Seven Summits. Whether you travel through Moscow or St Petersburg there is plenty to see and do while travelling to/from Elbrus. From the summit there is a magnificent view of the Caucasus chain spread out along the southern horizon.

Historically most ascents have been made from the south side of the mountain where there is an infrastructure of hotels, ski lifts and mountain huts. If your agent or guide can secure bookings in the huts they are adequate. A more scenic climb can be made from the north side of the mountain but this requires carrying tents and often leads to a longer summit day than is normal on the south side. In the summer season this mountain is fairly popular with climbers from around the world. Strong winds can scour the surface snow from the upper reaches of the mountain leaving an icy surface. In these conditions good crampon technique is required.

• Altitude: 5,610m
• Country: Mexico
• Time to visit: November - March (dry season)

Pico de Orizaba, also known by its Aztec name Citlaltepetl, is a beautiful stratovolcano and the highest mountain in Mexico as well as the highest volcano in North America. It is the third highest mountain in North America after Denali (Mt McKinley) in Alaska 6194 m and Mount Logan in Canada 5959 m. Pico de Orizaba is visible from afar and it is known as one of the most prominent volcanic peaks in the world, after Africa's Kilimanjaro. It is possible to see the ocean in the Gulf of Mexico, about 110 kilometers away, from the summit. The climbing is interesting and the peak is rarely crowded. A trip to Orizaba combines a chance to appreciate the history and culture of Mexico with a worthwhile mountain objective.

This peak is popular with local Mexican climbers particularly at the weekends as it can be reached in a few hours drive from Mexico City. The summit can be climbed in a single day from the Piedra Grande hut. This hut is often full so it is worth taking a tent. Warm boots and good crampon technique are required on the summit slopes, particularly if conditions are icy.

• Altitude: 4,368m
• Country: Papua New Guinea
• Time to visit: It is possible to climb year round, but rainfall is heaviest May-Sept

Giluwe is an old eroded shield volcano and the highest volcano in Papua New Guinea. Giluwe has the distinction of being the highest volcano in Oceania and on the Australian continent. Most geographers recognise the island of New Guinea is an integral part of the Australian continent. In regard to the definition of Oceania, which adds New Zealand and Polynesia including Hawaii, Giluwe remains the highest volcano since it exceeds the elevation of Mauna Kea in Hawaii and any volcano in New Zealand. The highlands of PNG are far from any tourist trail and facilities for visitors are basic. Meeting people who have only recently come into contact with the outside world is the highlight of a visit to PNG.

This peak is only visited by a few groups each year. A local agent can organise travel to the mountain, hire porters and smooth relations with local villagers. It is a long day's hike from the roadhead to the camp below the peak, firstly through 'jungle' and latterly across grasslands. The route to the summit climbs steep grass slopes that can be hazardous when wet. Light, but waterproof, footwear should be adequate.

• Altitude: 4,285m
• Country: Antarctica
• Time to visit: Dec-Jan (Antarctic summer)

Mount Sidley is the highest peak of the Executive Committee Range in the interior of the Polar Plateau. This region is still almost unknown even among mountaineers. It was first climbed by scientists working for the US Antarctic Programme in 1990. Mount Sidley is a huge and remote mountain set on the flat white expanse of Marie Byrd Land on the West-Antarctic Sheet. This majestic snow-covered peak features a five kilometers wide caldera and a deep, sheer walled amphitheater. Blue ice slopes guard the upper mountain and fantastical bizarre snow "mushrooms" sprout along the upper ridge and the crater rim. Mount Sidley's spectacular remote setting, as well as the interesting and varied climbing, make it a very exciting destination for adventurous mountaineers.

Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) are the only organization with the ability to get climbers to this extremely remote location. They provide a full service expedition operating out of Punta Arenas in Southern Chile. Several of the world&rqsuo;s leading guiding companies work with ALE to offer expeditions to Mt Sidley. A full set of Antarctic mountaineering clothing and equipment is needed for this expedition. This is similar to the items needed for climbing a Himalayan 8,000m peak.