K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chogori, is the second-highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest. It is located in the Karakoram Range on the border of Pakistan and China. The mountain stands tall at an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), making it one of the most challenging and dangerous mountains to climb. (Watch video: K2 in 15 minutes)
K2 was first measured in 1856 by a British survey team, but it was not until 1902 that a team led by Italian mountaineer Ardito Desio was able to reach the summit. Since then, K2 has become known as one of the most challenging and dangerous mountains in the world to climb, with a death rate for climbers that is second only to Annapurna in Nepal. (Is Pakistan safe for travelling)
K2 is notable for its steep and rocky terrain, which makes it difficult to climb. The mountain has several ridges and faces, the most popular being the Abruzzi Spur, which was first climbed in 1954 by an Italian team led by Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni.
Here are some more interesting facts about K2:
- K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, but it is also the second most isolated. It is located about 160 miles (260 kilometers) away from the nearest city, Skardu in Pakistan.
- The name K2 comes from the fact that it was the second peak in the Karakoram Range to be measured.
- K2 is considered more difficult to climb than Mount Everest due to its technical terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. It is often referred to as the “Savage Mountain.”
- K2 has been climbed by only a few hundred people, while Mount Everest has been climbed by thousands.
- K2 has a death rate of around 25%, meaning that for every four climbers who reach the summit, one dies on the mountain.
- The first winter ascent of K2 was made in 2021 by a team of 10 Nepalese climbers, marking a historic achievement in mountaineering.
- Despite its dangers, K2 continues to attract climbers from around the world who are looking for a challenge. While the mountain is not as well-known as Mount Everest, it is revered by those who have attempted to climb it and is widely considered to be one of the most formidable peaks in the world.
- K2 has a distinct pyramid shape with four steep ridges that meet at the summit. The mountain is covered with glaciers and snow, which gives it a stunning appearance.
- K2 is also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, named after two British surveyors who first surveyed the region. The mountain was later named K2, with “K” standing for Karakoram and “2” indicating that it was the second peak to be measured in the Karakoram range.
- K2 has three main climbing routes: the Abruzzi Spur, the Cesen Route, and the West Ridge. The Abruzzi Spur is the most popular and the safest route, while the West Ridge is considered the most challenging and dangerous.
- The Karakoram mountain range, which includes K2, is experiencing the impacts of climate change, including retreating glaciers and changes in weather patterns. This could have significant implications for the people and wildlife that depend on these mountains.
The first successful ascent of K2 was made by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio on July 31, 1954. The two climbers who reached the summit were Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni, both of whom were from Italy. The successful climb of K2 was a significant achievement in the mountaineering world, as it was the first time that a peak over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) had been successfully climbed.
The death ratio in summiting K2, also known as the fatality rate, is estimated to be around 25%. This means that for every four climbers who attempt to summit K2, one of them does not return alive. This high fatality rate is due to a combination of factors, including the mountain’s challenging and unpredictable weather conditions, steep and unstable terrain, and the need for climbers to spend extended periods at high altitudes. As a result, K2 is considered one of the most dangerous mountains in the world, and climbers who attempt to summit it must be experienced, well-trained, and well-equipped.
