The idea of climbing the Seven Continental Summits was first publicized by American Dick Bass. His book, "Seven Summits", described his ascents of the continental peaks, although he climbed Kosciuszko, the Australian Summit, instead of the much higher and more difficult Carstensz Pyramid. Canadian Pat Morrow, was the first to complete all Seven Summits with Carstensz in 1986. Four months later Reinhold Messner followed suit.

By September 2000, 70 people had completed the Seven Summits. This includes 53 people (7 women) who had climbed the Seven Summits with Carstensz Pyramid, and 46 people (6 women), who had done the Kosciusko version. Both versions had been climbed by 29 people (5 women).