From La Paz to Tehran: 9 capital cities with the highest elevations

From La Paz to Tehran: 9 capital cities with the highest elevations

New Delhi: Many people are drawn to travel to mountainous regions, where they often discover hidden towns and cities among the towering peaks and stunning landscapes. Cities, mostly capital cities, hold a rich historical significance. In the past, these cities were the residences of the rulers and places where one could directly seek solutions or favours. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the allure of these cities.

Besides the historical importance of a capital city, some cities in the world are worth exploring because of their highest elevation. Exploring them is a remarkable feat for adventure enthusiasts. Visiting a high-altitude city of such significance offers a unique and memorable experience.

In this article, let us look at 9 capital cities with the highest elevations.

Nine Capital Cities with Highest Elevations

Rank
Country
Capital
Elevation (m)

1
Bolivia
La Paz
3640

2
Ecuador
Quito
2850

3
Colombia
Bogotá
2625

4
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
2355

5
Bhutan
Thimphu
2334

6
Eritrea
Asmara
2325

7
Yemen
Sanaʽa
2250

8
Mexico
Mexico City
2240

9
Iran
Tehran
1830

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia, is the world’s highest capital city on South America’s Andes’ Altiplano plateau. Due to the extreme altitude, visitors may experience altitude sickness, with symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. The city is a starting point for hikes to mountains like Huayna Potosí, which is 6,088 metres high. The La Paz Golf Club is one of the highest golf courses in the world. Bolivia also has another capital, Sucre, at a high elevation of 2,790 meters.

Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador, is one of the world’s highest capitals, with an elevation of 2,850 metres. Visitors may experience altitude sickness, and the city is surrounded by over 200 mountains, some even higher than the city itself. Quito is also the city closest to the equator, just 24 kilometres away.

Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia, is situated at an altitude of around 2,625 metres. The city’s high altitude leads to a climate that sharply contrasts with other parts of the country. The average temperature in Bogotá is about 14℃ year-round. Monserrate, one of the city’s most visited mountains, stands at 3,152 metres and offers a panoramic view of Bogotá.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, sits at an elevation of 2,355 metres, making it the highest capital city in Africa. The city has a cool climate, with temperatures averaging around 18℃.

Thimphu, Bhutan

Thimphu, Bhutan, is located at 2,334 metres in the Eastern Himalayas. The city has a temperate highland tropical climate, with temperatures averaging around 10℃ year-round.

Asmara, Eritrea

Asmara, Eritrea, is approximately 2,325 metres high, making it the sixth-highest capital city in the world and the second-highest in Africa. The city has a cool, semi-arid climate with an average temperature of about 17℃.

Sana’a, Yemen

Sana’a, Yemen, is located at an altitude of around 2,250 metres. Its elevation results in cooler and more constant temperatures than most other cities on the Arabian Peninsula, with the average temperature being about 21℃.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, located in central Mexico, is 2,240 metres high and is situated in the Valley of Mexico on the Mexican Central Plateau, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.

Tehran, Iran

Tehran, located in northern Iran, is about 140 kilometres from the Caspian Sea. The city sits approximately 1,830 metres just south of the Elburz mountain range. Mount Damavand, the highest nearby peak, rises over 5,600 metres and is about 45 kilometres northeast of the city. The city’s elevation varies depending on the area, ranging from around 900 metres in the lowest parts to 1,830 metres in the highest areas.

 La Paz is the highest capital city in the world at 3,640 metres above sea level, but do you know which of the other cities has the highest capital? Read on to learn more about capital cities with the highest elevation.   knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge