K2

Introduction

K2 is a majestic mountain located in the Karakoram range, which is part of the northern Himalayas and stretches between Pakistan and China. With a height of 8,611 metres above sea level, K2 is the second highest mountain in the world after Everest. Its grandeur and pyramid shape make it one of the most iconic and fascinating peaks in the world.

Description

K2 is also known as the 'Mountain of the Gods', but it is above all known as the 'Wild Mountain' because of its extreme and unpredictable conditions that make it one of the most demanding challenges for mountaineers. Its ascent is technically difficult and dangerous, with vertical walls, unstable seracs, and an extremely severe climate.
The mountain was first climbed in 1954 by an Italian expedition, but despite advances in modern mountaineering, ascending K2 remains a risky undertaking and requires exceptional preparation and technical skill.
The area surrounding K2 is remote and sparsely populated, with breathtaking scenery and wild beauty that attracts adventurers from around the world. However, accessing the mountain is challenging and requires complex logistics, including overcoming vast expanses of ice and crevasses.
Despite the challenges, K2 continues to attract the most daring mountaineers, eager to test their limits and conquer one of the world's most feared and respected peaks. Its aura of mystery and wild beauty make it a symbol of adventure and determination in mountaineering.

The mountaineering history of K2 is full of adventures, challenges and tragedies, reflecting its reputation as one of the most dangerous and challenging mountains in the world. Here is an overview of the main milestones in its mountaineering history:

1. Initial Exploration: The mountain was first sighted in 1856 by Thomas Montgomerie, a British topographer, during an expedition to map the Himalayan region. However, K2 remained untouched for many years due to its technical difficulty and remote location.
First climbing attempts: The first documented attempt to climb K2 took place in 1902 by a British expedition led by Oscar Eckenstein. However, the entire expedition failed to reach the Baltoro Plateau, the base of the mountain, due to logistical difficulties. First ascent: On 31 July 1954, an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio succeeded in climbing K2 via the Abruzzi-Spagnola route. The crew consisted of Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli, who reached the summit after a strenuous effort and a night spent in the open near the summit.
2. Tragedies and disasters: K2 has gained its reputation as a dangerous mountain because of the many tragedies that have occurred during attempts to climb it. In 1986, one of the most serious tragedies struck an expedition led by Alan Rouse, with the loss of five climbers. In 2008, a series of fatal accidents during the climbing season led to the deaths of eleven climbers, making that year one of the deadliest on the mountain.
Winter ascents: Despite the difficulties, there have been several attempts to winter climb K2 in recent years, considered one of the last remaining challenges in mountaineering. In January 2021, a team of Nepalese mountaineers succeeded in making the first winter ascent of K2, marking a historic milestone in mountaineering.

The mountaineering history of K2 is characterised by courage, determination and tragic human losses. It remains a symbol of challenge and adventure for mountaineers around the world, requiring technical skill, physical endurance and a good dose of luck to reach its summit.

Information

 Information sheet

Highlight: 8611m
Alternative name: ChogoRi
Mountain group: Baltoro Karakoram
First ascent: 31/07/1954
First ascentionists: Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli

 Description

 

Mountain group: Karakorum

Altitude: 8611 m

First Ascent: 

Achille Compagnoni, Lino Lacedelli

First Ascent Date: 

31/07/1954