Ask people to name the highest peak in their country or continent and a fair few will be able to do it. Ask again for them to name the second highest and the chances are that only the outdoor enthusiasts or geography geeks will come up with the right answer. This obsession we have in holding the highest peaks in awe extends to actually climbing them with our choice to hike or climb a particular hill or mountain often determined solely by its physical dimension or relative ranking. 

Why is it that thousands of people are attracted the slopes of Mount Everest? Perhaps the prestige of reaching Everest Base Camp and being able to include the famous mountain's name in later travel stories is enough for thousands to choose this trek over the many alternatives. Similarly for those who force themselves up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro: ask those who have been and most will speak of the tortuous final ascent, the feeling of sheer exhaustion at the top and the absolute relief at returning to a bearable, less hostile altitude. 

For some determined folks, "because it's there" is reason enough to set out to climb a mountain. Seeing a peak on a map where its allocated number is bigger than all the others is the cue to plan an expedition to the summit. Those who have stood at the summit of the seven continents form a highly exclusive but much revered club. 

Perhaps the language we use provides further insights into our obsession with the highest mountains. We talk about climbers conquering Everest, an inappropriate choice of words if ever there was one. Any climber would agree that no mountain can ever be conquered, and to claim this is both arrogant and dangerous. Witness the many accounts of explorers and climbers who have reached their target but failed to make it back to safety.

But this fascination with the highest, with achieving the 'no.1 challenge' does persist and is unlikely to change anytime soon. With this in mind, those who are looking for a great hike that offers the best all-round experience, perhaps with the best views and the most satisfying challenges, are often better looking beyond merely the height of the mountain above sea level or its ranking alongside other peaks. 

Each country has its most popular trek, often one that promotes itself to those who set out with the aim of 'conquering' the highest peak. Listed somewhere just behind this star attraction is often a similar option in every respect other than the chance to boast of standing at the highest point of wherever. The 'second' option often has one very important advantage over and above its more illustrious rival: with most of the crowds heading to the main event you'll have this one all to yourself.   

In the second part of this post, we'll look at some of the world's best alternative summits to climb.