Google this week unveiled the ability to virtually explore, via Google Maps, some of the most famous mountains on Earth, including Aconcagua (South America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe) and Everest Base Camp (Asia).
These mountains belong to the group of peaks known as the Seven Summits—the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. While there’s nothing quite like standing on the mountain, with Google Maps you can instantly transport yourself to the top of these peaks and enjoy the sights without all of the avalanches, rock slides, crevasses, and dangers from altitude and weather that mountaineers face.
Start your adventure on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, the dormant volcano known as the Roof of Africa. See amazing views of the highest freestanding mountain in the world covered in snow just three degrees south of the equator.
It’s pretty amazing. I attended the Explorer’s Club 2013 dinner over the weekend with people who have actually summited these mountains (the experience of being a fly on the wall during that dinner is a blog post all its own), and this is a great tool for the many of us who won’t make it up there in our lifetimes. And, for young people whose horizons need expanding.
Official Blog: Explore Everest, Kilimanjaro and more with Google Maps.