K2

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K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level. It is located on the border between Pakistan and China in the Karakoram range. K2 is also known as the "Savage Mountain" due to its extreme difficulty and high fatality rate among climbers.

Geography

K2 is part of the Karakoram range, which is a segment of the greater Himalayas. The mountain is situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang, China. The nearest major peaks are Broad Peak and Gasherbrum I.

Climbing History

The first serious attempt to climb K2 was made in 1902 by an Anglo-Swiss expedition led by Oscar Eckenstein and Aleister Crowley. The first successful ascent was achieved on July 31, 1954, by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio, with climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni reaching the summit.

Routes

There are several established routes to the summit of K2, the most popular being the Abruzzi Spur, which was first attempted by the Duke of the Abruzzi in 1909. Other notable routes include the North Ridge, the South-Southeast Spur, and the West Face.

Challenges

K2 is known for its technical difficulty and severe weather conditions. The mountain has a high fatality rate, with approximately one in four climbers perishing in the attempt. The combination of steep slopes, ice, and rockfall makes K2 one of the most challenging climbs in the world.

Significance

K2 holds a significant place in the mountaineering community due to its difficulty and the prestige associated with summiting it. It is often considered a more challenging climb than Mount Everest, despite being slightly lower in elevation.

Flora and Fauna

The harsh conditions on K2 mean that there is very little flora and fauna. The lower slopes may have some hardy plant species, but the higher elevations are devoid of life due to the extreme cold and lack of oxygen.

See Also

• Mount Everest
• Karakoram
• Gilgit-Baltistan
• Mountaineering