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The second highest peak in the world is K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen), located in the Karakoram Range on the Pakistan–China border, with a height of 8,611 meters (28,251 ft).
Why is K2 in the News?
In August 2024, a group of international climbers created a new record by scaling K2 in under 12 hours using advanced equipment and satellite-guided navigation. This highlighted the growing role of technology in extreme mountaineering. K2, often overshadowed by Everest, is now being studied more in geography and climate science because of its location in the fragile Karakoram ecosystem.
Which is the Second Highest Peak in the World?
The second highest peak in the world is K2, also called Mount Godwin-Austen. It stands at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet).
- Discovered & Named: In 1856 during the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, surveyors simply marked it as “K2,” where “K” meant Karakoram.
- Other Names: Locally known as Chogori, meaning “King of Mountains.”
K2 is the highest point of the Karakoram Range, unlike Everest which is in the Himalayas.
Where is K2 Located?
K2 lies in the Karakoram Range, which forms part of the Trans-Himalayan Mountain System.
- Border: Between Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan) and Xinjiang (China)
- Nearby Glaciers: Baltoro Glacier, Godwin-Austen Glacier, and Siachen Glacier.
K2’s location is geopolitically sensitive, as it lies near the India-Pakistan-China tri-junction, making it important in geography and international relations.
Why is K2 Called the “Savage Mountain”?
K2 is known as the Savage Mountain because of its extreme difficulty, unpredictable weather, and steep slopes.
- Fatality Rate: Roughly 1 in 4 climbers die attempting the summit.
- First Winter Ascent: Achieved only in 2021 by a Nepali team, proving how harsh the peak is compared to Everest.
- Challenges: Frequent avalanches, strong winds up to 200 km/h, and dangerous icefalls.
How is K2 Different from Mount Everest?
| Feature | Mount Everest | K2 |
| Height | 8,849 m | 8,611 m |
| Location | Nepal–China Border (Himalayas) | Pakistan–China Border (Karakoram) |
| First Ascent | 1953 (Hillary & Tenzing) | 1954 (Italian Team) |
| Difficulty | Comparatively lower | Extremely difficult |
| Climbing Success Rate | ~65% | ~25% |
Despite being shorter, K2’s slopes are much steeper and technically challenging than Everest’s gradual approach.
Quick Exam Facts about K2
- Second Highest Peak: K2 is the 2nd highest peak in the world at 8,611 m, just 238 m shorter than Everest.
- Location: Lies in the Karakoram Range, part of the Greater Himalayas, on the Pakistan–China border.
- First Ascent: Climbed in 1954 by Italians Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli.
- Name Origin: Marked as “K2” during the Great Trigonometric Survey (1856) because it was the second peak measured in Karakoram.
- Local Name: Known as Chogori, meaning “Big Mountain” in Balti language.
- Fatality Rate: One of the deadliest peaks with a 25% fatality rate for climbers.
- Winter Ascent: First winter climb achieved in January 2021 by a Nepali team.
- Geopolitical Importance: Lies close to the Siachen Glacier and disputed borders, making it a key location in geopolitics.
FAQs
Q1. What is the second highest peak in the world?
It is K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) at 8,611 meters.
Q2. Where is K2 located?
On the Pakistan–China border in the Karakoram Range.
Q3. Why is K2 called the “Savage Mountain”?
Because of its high fatality rate, steep slopes, and unpredictable weather.
Q4. Has K2 been climbed in winter?
Yes, in January 2021 by a Nepali team, making history.
Q5. Who first climbed K2?
Italian climbers Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli in 1954.
