What is the Second Tallest Mountain on Earth?
The second tallest mountain on Earth is K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori. Standing at a formidable 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level, K2 is located in the Karakoram Range on the border between Pakistan and China.
Understanding K2: The Savage Mountain
While Mount Everest reigns supreme as the world’s tallest mountain, K2 often holds a different kind of allure for mountaineers. Its reputation as the “Savage Mountain” stems from its significantly higher fatality rate compared to Everest, making it a much more challenging and dangerous climb. The mountain’s treacherous terrain, unpredictable weather patterns, and steep, exposed slopes contribute to its infamous status. Unlike Everest, which has become somewhat commercialized, K2 retains a raw, untamed character that appeals to experienced climbers seeking the ultimate mountaineering challenge.
K2’s Unique Challenges
Several factors contribute to K2’s heightened difficulty. Firstly, its latitude – further north than Everest – exposes it to more severe and unpredictable weather, including fierce winds and heavy snowfall. Secondly, its technical difficulty is arguably greater. The slopes are steeper, requiring highly skilled climbers adept at ice climbing and navigating complex rock formations. The infamous “Bottleneck,” a narrow couloir near the summit with a looming serac (an unstable ice formation) above, poses a significant and constant threat of avalanche. Finally, K2 lacks the established infrastructure and support systems found on Everest, further compounding the challenges faced by climbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About K2
This section addresses common questions about K2, providing a deeper understanding of this majestic and challenging peak.
FAQ 1: Why is K2 called the “Savage Mountain”?
K2 earned its ominous moniker due to its extremely high fatality rate. Historically, for every four climbers who reached the summit, one perished. While climbing safety has improved, K2 still remains one of the deadliest mountains in the world, far more so than Mount Everest. This high fatality rate is due to a combination of factors, including the mountain’s steep slopes, unpredictable weather, frequent avalanches, and technical climbing difficulty.
FAQ 2: Where exactly is K2 located?
K2 is situated in the Karakoram Range, specifically on the border between the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of China. The mountain forms part of the Baltoro Glacier system, a region renowned for its concentration of high peaks and extensive glaciers.
FAQ 3: What is the origin of the name “K2”?
The name “K2” is a simple designation given by Thomas Montgomerie, a surveyor working for the Great Trigonometrical Survey of British India in 1856. He designated the peaks in the Karakoram Range with a “K” followed by a number, indicating their order of observation. K2 was the second peak measured in the Karakoram range; hence, its unromantic but functional name.
FAQ 4: Who was the first to summit K2?
The first successful ascent of K2 was achieved on July 31, 1954, by two Italian climbers, Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli, as part of an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio. Their ascent was a monumental achievement, particularly considering the limited technology and equipment available at the time.
FAQ 5: How does K2’s climbing difficulty compare to Mount Everest?
While Everest is taller, K2 is generally considered a more technically challenging and dangerous climb. K2 boasts steeper slopes, more exposed terrain, and more unpredictable weather. The “Bottleneck” is a particularly perilous feature not found on Everest. Furthermore, Everest has become increasingly commercialized, with established routes and extensive support systems. K2 remains a more remote and less forgiving mountain, requiring a higher level of mountaineering skill and experience.
FAQ 6: What is the “Bottleneck” on K2 and why is it so dangerous?
The “Bottleneck” is a narrow couloir located at approximately 8,200 meters (26,900 feet) on the route to K2’s summit. It’s a particularly dangerous feature because it’s located directly beneath a massive, unstable serac (a block or pillar of glacial ice). The serac poses a constant threat of collapse, potentially triggering avalanches that could sweep away climbers in the bottleneck. This section is often the site of accidents and fatalities on K2.
FAQ 7: What are the main climbing routes on K2?
The most popular and successful climbing route on K2 is the “Abruzzi Spur,” also known as the Southeast Ridge. Other notable routes include the Cesen Route (Southeast Ridge variant), the North Ridge, the South Face (often considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world), and the Northwest Ridge. Each route presents its own unique challenges and requires different levels of technical expertise.
FAQ 8: How many people have successfully summited K2?
As of 2023, the total number of successful summits on K2 remains relatively low compared to Everest. Estimates suggest that fewer than 400 individuals have reached the summit of K2. This highlights the mountain’s difficulty and the high level of risk involved in attempting to climb it.
FAQ 9: How many people have died attempting to climb K2?
The fatality rate on K2 is significantly higher than on Everest. While estimates vary, approximately one in four climbers who attempt to summit K2 die. This tragically emphasizes the inherent dangers of this formidable mountain.
FAQ 10: Is it possible to climb K2 without supplemental oxygen?
Yes, it is possible, but it dramatically increases the difficulty and risk. Climbing K2 without supplemental oxygen requires exceptional acclimatization and physical endurance. Fewer than a dozen climbers have successfully summited K2 without using supplemental oxygen. It’s considered a remarkable achievement in the mountaineering world.
FAQ 11: What kind of gear is required to climb K2?
Climbing K2 necessitates specialized mountaineering equipment, including:
- High-altitude mountaineering boots: Designed for extreme cold and rugged terrain.
- Crampons: Attachments for boots to grip ice and snow.
- Ice axe: For self-arresting and climbing steep ice.
- Harness: For rope attachment and safety.
- Ropes: For belaying and rappelling.
- Helmet: For protection against rock and ice fall.
- Warm and waterproof clothing: Essential for protection against extreme cold and weather.
- Supplemental oxygen equipment (if used): Including oxygen tanks, regulator, and mask.
- Navigation equipment: GPS, map, and compass.
FAQ 12: What is the impact of climate change on K2?
Climate change is significantly impacting K2 and the surrounding Karakoram Range. Glacier retreat is accelerating, leading to increased instability and the formation of glacial lakes that pose flood risks. Changes in weather patterns are also making climbing conditions even more unpredictable and dangerous. The melting ice is exposing previously frozen terrain, potentially destabilizing routes and increasing the risk of rockfall and avalanches. The long-term consequences of climate change on K2 and the surrounding region are a major concern for scientists and mountaineers alike.