List of Longest Mountain Ranges in the World

Andes, located in South America is the longest mountain range in the world. The list of longest mountain ranges in the world is based on the total length from start to end point, measured in kilometers or miles. It considers geological continuity across geographical boundaries which sometimes cover multiple nations under the same range.

In this article, we are going to learn the list of the longest mountain ranges in the world and some of their important features.

List of Longest Mountain Ranges in the World

These are the top 10 longest mountain ranges in the world:

Mountain Range	Continent	Countries/Regions	Length (Approximately)	Highest Peak
Andes	South America	Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela	7,000 km (4,300 miles)	Aconcagua (6,961 m/22,838 ft)
Southern Great Escarpment	Africa	South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland	5,000 km (3,100 miles)	Various peaks are there
Rocky Mountains	North America	USA, Canada	4,800 km (3,000 miles)	Mount Elbert (4,401 m/14,440 ft)
Transantarctic Mountains	Antarctica	None (This mountain range only covers Antarctica)	3,500 km (2,200 miles)	Mount Kirkpatrick (4,528 m/14,856 ft)
Great Dividing Range	Australia	Australia	3,500 km (2,200 miles)	Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m/7,310 ft)
Hindu Kush	Asia	Afghanistan, Pakistan	1,000 km (620 miles)	Tirich Mir (7,708 m/25,289 ft)
Alps	Europe	Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia	1,200 km (750 miles)	Mont Blanc (4,809 m/15,778 ft)
Atlas Mountains	Africa	Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia	2,500 km (1,600 miles)	Toubkal (4,167 m/13,671 ft)
Urals	Europe/Asia	Russia, Kazakhstan	2,500 km (1,600 miles)	Mount Narodnaya (1,895 m/6,217 ft)
Appalachian Mountains	North America	USA, Canada	2,400 km (1,500 miles)	Mount Mitchell (2,037 m/6,684 ft)

Longest Mountain Ranges in the World

As per the reverse order, starting with the Appalachian Mountains till Andes, which is present in South America, being one of the longest mountain ranges in the world is discussed below. Further, we’ll learn more about the height, geographical location, and unique features which are being offered by these mountain ranges.

10. Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains extend over 2,414 kilometers (1,500 miles) in the eastern United States, from Newfoundland in Canada to Central Alabama. They are among the oldest mountains in the world, offering a rich history and diverse ecosystems. The Appalachians are known for their fall foliage, scenic vistas, and the Appalachian Trail.

• Location: United States, Canada.
• Highest Peak: Mount Mitchell, 2,037 meters (6,684 ft).
• Features:
  • Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountains.
  • Presence of National Park.
  • Rich biodiversity.

9. Urals

The Ural Mountains extend approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) through Russia from the Arctic Ocean to the Ural River and northwestern Kazakhstan. They serve as a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. Rich in minerals, the Urals have been a significant source of mineral wealth for Russia for centuries. The range is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor activities.

• Location: Russia & Kazakhstan.
• Highest Peak: Mount Narodnaya at 1,895 meters (6,217 ft).
• Features:
  • Division between Europe and Asia.
  • Rich in minerals and natural resources.
  • Diverse flora and fauna, with many areas of untouched wilderness.

8. Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains stretch around 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia in North Africa. They separate the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. The range is known for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and the unique cultures of the Berber people who live there.

• Location: Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
• Highest Peak: Toubkal at 4,167 meters (13,671 ft).
• Features:
  • Berber culture and historical sites.
  • Diverse ecosystems, from snow-capped peaks to cedar forests.
  • Toubkal National Park, a popular destination for hikers.

7. Alps

The Alps are Europe’s most extensive and highest mountain range system, stretching approximately 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) across eight countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. This range is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which attract millions of tourists every year for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. The Alps play a vital role in Europe’s climate and hydrology.

• Location: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Slovenia.
• Highest Peak: Mont Blanc at 4,808 meters (15,774 ft).
• Features:
  • Major winter sports region.
  • Iconic peaks like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
  • Rich biodiversity and protected areas such as the Alpine National Parks.

6. Hindu Kush

The Hindu Kush is a formidable mountain range in Central Asia, extending across Afghanistan and into the northern parts of Pakistan. Known for its rugged terrain and significant historical importance as a trade route between Central Asia and South Asia, the Hindu Kush has been a crucial part of the Silk Road. This range is also known for its challenging peaks, attracting mountaineers from around the globe.

• Location: Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• Highest Peak: Tirich Mir at 7,708 meters (25,289 ft).
• Features:
  • Significant historical trade routes.
  • Part of the greater Himalayan mountain system.
  • Diverse ecosystems, ranging from alpine meadows to glaciers.

5. Great Dividing Range

Australia’s Great Dividing Range extends more than 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles), running the entire length of the eastern coastline. It forms a series of plateaus and upland areas and is the source of Australia’s significant river systems. The range is known for its diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to snow-covered peaks.

• Location: Australia.
• Highest Peak: Mount Kosciuszko, 2,228 meters (7,310 ft).
• Features:
  • Blue Mountains and Snowy Mountains.
  • Numerous national parks.
  • Forms the multiple regions for Australian river system.

4. Transantarctic Mountains

Spanning about 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles), the Transantarctic Mountains divide Antarctica into East and West Antarctica. They are one of the longest mountain ranges and contain some of the highest peaks in Antarctica, including Mount Kirkpatrick. The range is crucial for scientific research, offering insights into Earth’s history and climate change.

• Location: Antarctica.
• Highest Peak: Mount Kirkpatrick, 4,528 meters (14,856 ft).
• Features:
  • Dry Valleys.
  • Lake Vostok.
  • Presence of fossils and meteorites.

3. Rocky Mountains 

The Rocky Mountains extend over 4,800 kilometers (3,000 miles) from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico, in the southwestern United States. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the range offers dramatic landscapes, including towering peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The Rockies are a major source of water and home to diverse flora and fauna.

• Location: Canada, and United States.
• Highest Peak: Mount Elbert, 4,401 meters (14,440 ft).
• Features:
  • Yellowstone National Park.
  • Rocky Mountain National Park.
  • Very diverse ecosystems.

2. Southern Great Escarpment

The Southern Great Escarpment is a major geological formation in Southern Africa, extending approximately 5,000 kilometers (3,107 miles). It forms a significant barrier separating the high central Southern African plateau from the lower coastal areas. This escarpment is not a continuous mountain range but a series of plateaus and cliffs, including the Drakensberg in South Africa.

• Location: Southern Africa, including South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Angola.
• Highest Peak: Thabana Ntlenyana, 3,482 meters (11,423 ft) in Lesotho.
• Features:
  • Drakensberg Mountains.
  • Multiple biodiversity hotspots.
  • Significant water catchment areas.

1. Andes

The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles) across seven South American countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It is also the highest mountain range outside Asia, with Aconcagua at 6,960.8 meters (22,837 ft) being the highest peak. The Andes play an important role in the cultural and economic life of the region, influencing climate, agriculture, and biodiversity.

• Location: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina.
• Highest Peak: Aconcagua, 6,960.8 meters (22,837 ft).
• Features:
  • Amazon River’s source.
  • Diverse ecosystems from glaciers to rainforests.
  • Features in multiple hollywood movies for scematic views.

FAQs on Longest Mountain Ranges in the World

What is the name of the Longest Mountain Ranges in the World?

The Andes Mountains hold the title of the longest mountain range in the world.

Where is the Longest Mountain Ranges in the World located?

The Andes Mountains, the longest mountain range in the world, are located in South America, extending over seven countries from Venezuela to Argentina.

Name the Highest Mountain Range in the World?

The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world.

What is the Second Longest Mountain Range in Europe?

The second longest mountain range in Europe is the Scandinavian Mountains.

What is the Largest Mountain Range in Asia?

The largest mountain range in Asia is the Himalayas.

What is the Second Oldest Mountain Range in the World?

The Aravalli Range in India is considered the second oldest mountain range in the world.