K2

K2 is an 8,611 metre peak in the Karakoram range on the Pakistan-China border, and is the world’s second-highest mountain. It is renowned for its steepness and technical difficulty among the eight-thousanders.

The mountain’s height of 8,611 metres defines its significance for high-altitude mountaineering; the most commonly climbed line is the Abruzzi Spur on the southeast ridge, which becomes technical above about 7,000 metres. The standard approach uses the Baltoro Glacier and the Concordia plateau as the main acclimatization and staging area.

A range of technical routes climbs different faces of the peak - the Abruzzi Spur, the North Ridge from the Chinese side and several harder lines on steep faces - making K2 a test of mixed snow, ice and rock climbing at extreme altitude. Its reputation for sustained technical difficulty and objective hazards distinguishes it from many other 8,000-metre peaks.

K2 was first successfully climbed on 31 July 1954 by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio; the summit party included Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli. The peak has a long history of international exploration and many notable ascent and rescue efforts, and it has remained one of the most challenging of the world’s highest mountains.

The mountain sits in the central Karakoram within Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, on the international watershed with Xinjiang, China. The usual approach starts from Skardu and the roadhead at Askole, then continues by trek onto the Baltoro Glacier toward Concordia and K2 base camp.

• Climbing season: Best climbing window is in summer, typically June to August, when the Karakoram experiences its main climbing season.
• Approach: Approach to base camp requires a multi-day trek on the Baltoro Glacier from the last road-access village of Askole, followed by glacier travel to Concordia.

What to See #

• Abruzzi Spur (Southeast Ridge): Located on the southeast and north faces, this is the standard high route used by most expeditions and follows the Abruzzi Spur (Southeast ridge). It involves technical rock, ice and mixed climbing above 7,000 metres and is the route of the 1954 first ascent.
• K2 Base Camp / Concordia: Access and high camp area on the Baltoro Glacier used by expeditions approaching from Askole; the Concordia plateau is the main staging area where teams acclimatize before moving to high camps.
• North Ridge / Chinese Side: Routes climbing from the Chinese side approach the mountain via the broad northern slopes and are less frequently used by large international expeditions.