K2 second-highest mountain on Earth

Kedar Neupane 18th May, 2025

K2, towering at 8,611 metres (28,251 feet) above sea level, holds the formidable title of the second-highest mountain on Earth, surpassed only by Mount Everest, which stands at 8,849 metres (29,032 feet). But while Everest is often the dream of commercial climbers, K2 is the true test of elite mountaineering. Known widely as the “Savage Mountain”, K2 commands not just respect, but awe and reverence from all who attempt to climb it.

About fact of Mt K2

K2, at 8,611 metres above sea level, is the second-highest mountain on Earth, after Mount Everest at 8,849 metres.

Elevation: 8,611 m

Mountain range: Karakoram

First ascenders: Achille Compagnoni, Lino Lacedelli

First ascent: July 31, 1954

Prominence: 4,020 m

Coordinates: 35°52′57″N 76°30′48″E / 35.88250°N 76.51333°E

Easiest route: Abruzzi Spur

A Mountain of Sheer Challenge and Prestige

Situated in the Karakoram range, straddling the border between Pakistan and China, K2 is renowned for its steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and high fatality rate. Unlike Everest, which has established commercial routes and a relatively high success rate, K2 remains remote, wild, and unconquered by many. Its extreme conditions and technical difficulty have made it a benchmark for serious climbers seeking not just fame, but fulfillment.

The Nickname: “The Savage Mountain”

The name “Savage Mountain” comes from American climber George Bell, who, after a failed 1953 expedition, remarked, “It’s a savage mountain that tries to kill you.” That statement still rings true today. With no easy route to the summit, K2 demands physical strength, mental resilience, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Avalanches, rockfalls, and storms have cost many climbers their lives.

Fewer Ascents, Greater Glory

As of today, fewer than 400 people have summited K2, compared to the thousands who’ve stood on Everest. This rarity gives K2 a special mystique. A successful ascent is a mark of true alpinism — earned, not bought. It’s why elite mountaineers from around the world consider K2 the crown jewel of high-altitude climbing.

History of Exploration

K2 was first surveyed by the Great Trigonometric Survey of British India and marked as the second peak in the Karakoram range — hence the name “K2.” The first successful summit came in 1954, by Italian climbers Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli, after a grueling expedition.

Since then, the mountain has seen dramatic stories of triumph and tragedy, including the tragic 2008 disaster in which 11 climbers lost their lives.

Modern Expeditions

Today, expeditions to K2 remain rare and elite. Most attempts are made from the Pakistani side via the Abruzzi Spur, the most popular route. Climbers must navigate ice pillars, the infamous Bottleneck, and crevasses at high altitudes. Successful climbs still make international headlines, especially when records are broken or milestones are reached — such as the first winter ascent in January 2021 by a team of Nepali climbers, a historic feat never achieved before.

Why Climbers Still Dream of K2

• Untouched Wilderness – K2 is not as commercialized as Everest, keeping its environment purer and its adventure raw.

• Prestige of Difficulty – Climbing K2 is regarded as one of the hardest achievements in the world of mountaineering.

• Fewer Crowds – There’s no traffic jam on K2’s slopes. Every step is a solitary march through a majestic and lethal landscape.

• The Ultimate Test – For purist mountaineers, K2 is not just a goal — it’s a rite of passage.

🏔 What is K2?

K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), located on the Pakistan–China borderin the Karakoram Range, part of the greater Himalayas. It is known for its exceptional technical difficulty, remoteness, and extreme weather conditions. K2 is often referred to as the most dangerous and demanding 8,000-meter peak on Earth.

🌍 Location and Geography

• Mountain Range: Karakoram Range

• Coordinates: 35°52′57″N 76°30′48″E

• Region: Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) and Xinjiang (China)

• Nearby Peaks: Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II

• Glaciers: Baltoro Glacier (one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions)

• Name Origin: Surveyed as "K2" (Karakoram 2) during the Great Trigonometric Survey; no widely accepted local name. In China, it's known as Qogir Feng.

🧗‍♂️ Climbing Routes on K2

1. Abruzzi Spur (Southeast Ridge) – Most popular and successful route.

2. North Ridge (Chinese Side) – Rarely attempted due to political restrictions and greater difficulty.

3. Southwest Pillar (Magic Line) – Extremely difficult and dangerous.

4. West Ridge – Complex, technical, and rarely climbed.

5. Cesen Route – Parallel to Abruzzi, slightly less technical but still demanding.

📜 Climbing History

• First Attempt: 1902, led by Oscar Eckenstein (failed).

• First Successful Ascent: 1954 by Italians Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli.

• First Woman to Summit: Wanda Rutkiewicz (Poland) in 1986.

• First Winter Ascent: January 16, 2021 – by an all-Nepali team including Nirmal Purja, Mingma G, and others.

• Fastest Ascent: Kristin Harila (Norway) and Tenjen Sherpa (Nepal) in July 2023 – part of their record 8000ers project.

⚠️ Dangers of Climbing K2

• Death Rate: Historically around 25%, now reduced to ~13% due to better gear and planning.

• Technical Climbing: Steep rock, icefalls, and vertical sections at high altitude.

• Bottleneck Couloir: A narrow, exposed ice chute at ~8,200 m, notorious for fatal serac collapses.

• Unpredictable Weather: Sudden storms, high winds, and whiteouts are common.

• Altitude Sickness and Avalanches – Two of the most common causes of fatality.

🔥 Famous Tragedies

• 1986 K2 Disaster: 13 climbers died in multiple incidents in one season.

• 2008 K2 Disaster: 11 climbers died due to a series of accidents, mostly around the Bottleneck.

🏅 Records and Achievements

• Oldest Summiter: Carlos Soria (Spain), age 65.

• Youngest Summiter: Mingma Gyalje Sherpa’s brother, Dawa Gyalje Sherpa (exact age under 20).

• First Pakistani to Summit: Ashraf Aman, 1977.

• First Pakistani Woman to Summit: Samina Baig, 2022.

🛖 Base Camp and Access

• Trekking Route: From Skardu (Pakistan), via Askole village and the Baltoro Glacier Trek (~7 days to Base Camp).

• K2 Base Camp Altitude: ~5,150 m (16,896 ft)

• K2 Trek: Known as one of the world’s most stunning treks, offering views of Masherbrum, Trango Towers, Broad Peak, and more.

🌏 Cultural and Symbolic Importance

• For Pakistan: K2 is a national symbol and appears on postage stamps and cultural motifs.

• Mountaineering Community: Represents the peak of technical climbing achievement.

• For Local Balti People: The mountain is awe-inspiring, but rarely climbed by locals due to spiritual beliefs and the dangers it poses.

🧳 Is K2 Climbable for Amateurs?

No. K2 is only for highly experienced climbers. There is no commercial climbing route comparable to Everest’s South Col. Even seasoned alpinists consider it a lifetime achievement. Rescue options are limited, and self-reliance is critical.

✈️ Getting There

• Fly to: Islamabad → Skardu (or drive 2 days)

• Trek to Base Camp: 6–7 days via Askole and Concordia

• Permit Requirements: Must go through a registered Pakistani tour operator. Climbing permits are regulated by Pakistan's Ministry of Tourism.

🧊 Interesting Facts About K2

1. K2 Has No Local Name in Pakistan

   • Unlike Everest (Sagarmatha or Chomolungma), K2 doesn’t have a widely recognized native name. It’s called "K2" because it was the second peak cataloged in the Karakoram range by British surveyor Thomas Montgomerie in 1856.

2. The World’s Deadliest 8,000er

   • K2 has historically held the highest fatality rate among the 14 eight-thousanders, earning it the nickname “The Savage Mountain.” Around 1 in 4 climbers who attempted the summit before 2000 didn’t return.

3. First Winter Ascent Took Over 60 Years

   • Despite being climbed in summer in 1954, K2 remained unclimbed in winter until January 16, 2021, when 10 Nepali climbers made history during extreme cold and wind.

4. No Commercialized Base Camp Like Everest

   • Unlike Everest Base Camp, which has Wi-Fi, tents, and even a bakery, K2’s base camp is raw and rugged, with limited infrastructure and far fewer visitors.

5. Unclimbed for Years at a Time

   • In some years, no climber summits K2 at all, due to weather or route conditions. This makes each ascent a rare achievement.

6. It’s Steeper Than Everest

   • Though lower than Everest, K2 has steeper and more technical climbing routes, requiring rock climbing, ice climbing, and mixed alpine skills at extreme altitudes.

7. Bottleneck: The Killer Section

   • Near the summit lies the Bottleneck, a narrow 60-degree couloir under unstable seracs. Most K2 deaths occur here, often due to avalanches or falls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About K2 – The Savage Mountain

1. Where is K2 located?

K2 is located in the Karakoram mountain range, straddling the border between Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan) and Xinjiang (China). The majority of climbing expeditions access the mountain from the Pakistani side, via Skardu and the Baltoro Glacier. This region is part of the greater Himalayas and is home to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth. Despite its height and significance, K2 is extremely remote, requiring several days of trekking through rugged terrain to reach its base camp. Due to security restrictions and complex logistics, the Chinese side of K2 is rarely used by climbers.

2. How high is K2?

K2 stands at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level, making it the second-highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest, which is 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) tall. Despite being shorter than Everest, K2 is often considered more difficult to climb due to its steeper slopes, technical rock and ice sections, and more dangerous weather conditions. The sheer height of K2 means that climbers must spend extended periods above 7,000 meters, in what is known as the “death zone,” where oxygen levels are insufficient to support human life for long.

3. Why is K2 called the “Savage Mountain”?

K2 earned the nickname “The Savage Mountain” from American climber George Bell, who attempted the mountain in 1953 and famously said, “It’s a savage mountain that tries to kill you.” The name stuck because it perfectly captures the brutal nature of K2. With steep, exposed ridgelines, unpredictable avalanches, narrow ice couloirs, and some of the worst weather on the planet, K2 is unforgiving and extremely challenging. It has a high fatality rate compared to other 8,000-meter peaks, especially during summit attempts. Climbers face not only physical hardship but also a psychological battle as they push through some of the most dangerous conditions in mountaineering.

4. How difficult is it to climb K2?

Climbing K2 is widely regarded as one of the toughest feats in mountaineering. Unlike Everest, which has a relatively straightforward route on the South Col, K2 offers no easy path to the summit. All routes require high-level alpine skills, including ice climbing, mixed rock and snow climbing, and navigating crevassed terrain. The infamous Bottleneck Couloir, located just 400 meters below the summit, is one of the most dangerous sections, where climbers must pass under unstable ice seracs that can collapse without warning. In addition, climbers face persistent threats from altitude sickness, frostbite, and exhaustion, with limited rescue options. Weather can change rapidly, often trapping climbers high on the mountain. This combination of factors makes K2 suitable only for experienced high-altitude climbers.

5. Has anyone climbed K2 in winter?

Yes, K2 remained the last 8,000-meter peak to be climbed in winter until January 16, 2021, when a historic ascent was made by a team of 10 Nepali climbers. The group included legendary names like Nirmal “Nims” Purja, Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, Sona Sherpa, and others. They summited together in harsh winter conditions, marking a monumental moment in mountaineering history. Their success was not only a technical triumph but also a powerful symbol of Nepali leadership in high-altitude climbing, as Sherpa climbers have long supported international expeditions but rarely received recognition for leading summits themselves. This ascent redefined the legacy of K2 and proved that teamwork and determination could overcome one of the last remaining challenges in Himalayan climbing.

6. How many people have summited K2?

As of 2024, fewer than 500 people have successfully summited K2, a stark contrast to Mount Everest, which has seen over 10,000 summits. This low number is primarily due to the extreme difficulty and risk associated with the climb, as well as the lack of commercialization that Everest has experienced in recent decades. Climbers must often spend weeks acclimatizing and waiting for a narrow window of good weather. Even then, many expeditions are forced to turn back due to safety concerns. K2’s summit is a rare and prestigious achievement that represents the highest level of mountaineering accomplishment.

7. How many people have died on K2?

K2 is one of the deadliest mountains in the world. Over the decades, more than 85 climbers have lost their lives on its slopes. The most dangerous section is the Bottleneck, where most of the fatalities have occurred due to serac collapses and falls. The 2008 K2 disaster is one of the most infamous events in modern mountaineering, where 11 climbers from various expeditions died in a single day due to a combination of accidents and delays. Even in years when the weather appears promising, climbers are always at the mercy of the mountain’s volatile nature. Despite improved equipment and weather forecasting, K2 continues to demand a high price from those who attempt to summit it.

8. What’s the best time to climb K2?

The best time to climb K2 is during the summer season, typically from late June to early August. This is when the weather is most stable, and temperatures, while still cold, are more manageable. However, even in summer, conditions can be extremely harsh, with sudden storms, high winds, and deep snow. Winter climbs are far more dangerous and were considered impossible for decades. The narrow climbing season means that teams must carefully plan their logistics, acclimatization, and summit push to align with short-lived windows of good weather.

9. Can I trek to K2 Base Camp without climbing the mountain?

Yes, the K2 Base Camp Trek is one of the most awe-inspiring trekking experiences in the world. It does not require technical climbing and is accessible to fit trekkers with proper acclimatization and support. The route begins in Skardu, Pakistan, and follows the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, the meeting point of some of the tallest mountains on Earth. From there, trekkers can reach K2’s base camp at around 5,150 meters (16,896 feet). The trek offers breathtaking views of peaks like Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, and, of course, K2 itself. However, this is a remote and strenuous trek, requiring experienced guides, porters, and permits arranged through a local operator.

10. Do I need a permit to climb or trek to K2?

Yes, permits are mandatory for both climbing and trekking in the Karakoram region. For climbing K2, you must secure a mountaineering permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department, and the climb must be organized through a registered Pakistani expedition operator. For trekking to base camp, you will also need trekking permits, No Objection Certificates (NOC), and possibly military clearance, depending on your route. Due to K2's location near the sensitive Pakistan-China border, foreigners must follow strict regulations, and it's strongly advised to arrange your trip through a reliable local agency that can manage logistics and legalities.

Final Thoughts

K2 may be second in height, but it’s first in challenge. It separates the tourists from the true mountaineers and offers no mercy to the unprepared. For those who dare to climb it, K2 is more than a mountain — it is the ultimate symbol of nature’s raw power and a climber’s inner strength.

Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or an adventure enthusiast, the story of K2 is a humbling reminder of the world’s wildest heights.