21 Jaw-Dropping K2 Mountain Facts For Every Adventure Lover
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If you're an adventure lover, then you know that there's nothing quite like scaling a mountain.
And if there's one mountain that is definitely worth scaling, it's K2. At 28,250 ft (8,611 m) high, K2 is the world's second-tallest mountain. It offers some of the most challenging terrains on the planet and is famously known as 'Savage Mountain.'
If you're thinking about climbing K2, or simply want to learn more about this iconic mountain, keep reading for some jaw-dropping K2 Mountain Facts!
Geographical Facts
The Karakoram Range, also known as the 'Roof of the World', is home to K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
Located on the border of Pakistan and China, K2 has a peak elevation of 28,250 ft (8,611 m) and is a popular destination for mountain climbers.
The range also contains glaciers and is considered to be one of the most dangerous ranges in the world for climbers. Despite this danger, many people continue to attempt to summit K-2 each year.
The Karakoram Range is an important part of Pakistani culture and history and continues to be a popular tourist destination today.
Early Expeditions
Many people have attempted to conquer this treacherous peak, with only a few succeeding-
The first attempt on K2 was made in 1902 by a British expedition including the climbers Oscar Eckenstein, Victor Wessely, Jules Jacot-Guillarmod, Aleister Crowley, Heinrich Pfannl, and Guy Knowles, but they managed to reach a maximum altitude of only 21,407 ft (6,525 m) and were forced to descend due to the lack of proper climbing equipment, and good waterproof tents to guard them against the bad weather.
The second attempt was made in 1909, led by the Italian Duke of the Abruzzi, Prince Luigi Amedeo. He reached a height of 20,510 ft (6,250 m) via the South East spur, which has since been named Abruzzi spur in his honor.
The climb was unfortunately abandoned as he was unable to find a safe route to proceed from that point onwards.
It was not until 1954 when Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli, part of an expedition led by Italian climber Ardito Desio, reached the summit after overcoming many difficulties, including frostbite avalanches and high winds. However, their climb is riddled with controversy because of a number of unsavory incidents occurring during the climb.
The second successful attempt to scale the summit of this precarious mountain happened almost 23 years later- via the Abruzzi spur by Japanese climber Ichiro Yoshizawa, accompanied by the Pakistani climber Ashraf Aman.
Another successful attempt was done in 1982, with a Japanese team successfully scaling the mountain from the treacherous Chinese face of the mountain.
Modern Expeditions
There have been a number of recent expeditions to scale Savage mountain as well-
2012 saw a Russian expedition aim to be the first winter ascent of the mountain, however, it was canceled after the death of a member. However, almost 30 climbers reached the summit during the summer.
In 2014, the first successful Pakistani expedition of K2 happened. Nepali, Americans, and Bulgarians also successfully ascended.
2017 saw the first American and British women scale the summit, along with the eldest woman at 52 years old!
In 2018 Garett Madison became the first climber to reach the summit more than once when he led an expedition. A Polish mountaineer also daringly skied down from the summit to the base camp!
Anja Blacha became the first woman of German origin to reach the summit of K2 in 2019!
Not So Fun Facts: K2 Tragedies
Since 1954 only about 377 people have reached the summit of K2, while 91 have lost their lives during their attempts making it one of the deadliest mountains in the world. The fatality rate is estimated at around 16%, much higher than Mt Everest’s mortality rate of about 5%.
Unlike Everest, where most accidents happen due to avalanches, icefalls, and crevasses, the majority of fatalities on K2 are caused by falling ice and rock.
The year 1986 was horrific for mountaineering history when 13 climbers died during expeditions on K2 due to terrible weather conditions. This included five climbers from a single expedition- with the remaining eight succumbing during subsequent climbs.
In August of 1995, a group of climbers was attempting to summit K2, one of the most difficult mountains in the world. Unfortunately, their climb would end in disaster. Most of the group, led by Peter Hillary, the son of Sir Edmund Hillary, turned back before reaching the summit due to unfavorable weather.
A group of six people who continued to climb successfully reached the summit but were killed by an extremely violent storm during their descent.
The death toll increased to seven when a climber who had turned back before reaching the summit died at one of the base camps because of exposure.
Other Miscellaneous Facts
The name K2 itself comes from a British officer conducting the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in 1856. Noticing two towering peaks in the distance, he named them K1 and K2- with the K standing for 'Karakoram.'
It is also called Mount Godwin-Austen in honor of Henry Godwin-Austen, who was an early explorer of the Karakoram region.
The oldest person to summit K2 was the Spanish climber Carlos Soria Forntan. The Spanish climber reached the peak at 65 years old!
The first woman to scale K2 was Wanda Rutkiewics, a Polish climber.
It was dubbed 'Savage Mountain' by George Bell, a climber who almost slipped off the mountain to his death in 1953.
FAQs
What is special about K2?
K2 is a notoriously dangerous mountain to climb- making it all the more desirable for mountain climbers to add to their list of achievements!
Why is it called K2?
It was named K2 after the Karakoram range.
Why K2 is called killer mountain?
This is due to the fact it is extremely difficult to scale.
How many have died on K2?
91 climbers have died on K2 so far.
How steep is K2?
K2 has a steepness of 50-60 degrees.
Who fixed ropes on K2?
Many adventure teams have contributed to fixing ropes on K2 over the years.
How many routes are there up K2?
There are 13 routes up K2.
Did Nims climb K2 without oxygen?
Yes, Nims climbed K2 without supplemental oxygen.
Who climbed K2 in winter?
The first successful winter summit climb occurred in January 2021, with climber Nimsdai Purja leading a group of 10 Nepali climbers.
Where is the K2 mountain?
K2 is located in the Karakoram range in Pakistan.
How many summits does K2 have?
K2 has only one summit and is the second-highest mountain in the world.
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Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K2#:~:text=Early attempts-The west face&text=In 1892 Martin Conway ledKnowles via the Northeast Ridge.
https://www.atlasandboots.com/travel-blog/interesting-facts-about-k2/https://www.beautifulworld.com/asia/pakistan/k2/
https://thrillspire.com/interesting-facts-about-k2-godwin-austen-mountain
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Economics
Tanya ParkhiBachelor of Arts specializing in Economics
Tanya is a skilled content creator with a passion for writing and a love for exploring new cultures. With a degree in Economics from Fergusson College, Pune, India, Tanya worked on her writing skills by contributing to various editorials and publications. She has experience writing blogs, articles, and essays, covering a range of topics. Tanya's writing reflects her interest in travel and exploring local traditions. Her articles showcase her ability to engage readers and keep them interested.
Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts
Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts
Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.
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