Choosing K2 Instead of Mount Everest?

With a height of a few hundred meters less than Everest, but more technically challenging, the world’s second-highest mountain K2 is becoming a place to attract many climbers to conquer.

What is the special thing that attracts many climbers to choose to conquer K2 instead of Mount Everest?

The world’s second-highest mountain K2 in Pakistan just had its busiest climbing season ever. K2, at 8,611 meters above sea level, is considered by many climbers to be more technically challenging than the 8,848-meter summit of Mount Everest.

K2 is considered one of the highest and most dangerous mountains in the world. It is estimated that 1 out of every 4 people trying to reach the top will have an accident or lose their life. The wild mountain has the second-highest death toll after Annapurna mountain. Given the dangers of K2, never before has the manager opened the door to climbers in the winter.

The mild weather in July is the best time of year to climb to the top of Mount K2. The world’s second-highest mountain K2 in Pakistan attracts many climbers to conquer the peak this year, amid the reopening after the pandemic.

Sajjid Hussain, a tourism official in the Gilgit Baltistan region of the Karakoram Mountains, said that about 207 permits have been issued for visitors to climb Mount K2.

Besides, the ease of travel compared to previous years due to the pandemic and the stable situation in the country have contributed to attracting more climbers to Pakistan to conquer the 8,600-meter-high mountain.

Good weather on Mount Everest only appears a few days in May favorable for climbers to conquer the world’s highest peak.

The license to climb the world’s highest mountain Everest is 11,000 USD/person, climbers will have to calculate the cost of going to and from Nepal, clothing, equipment, food, hiring guides, and guides Sherpa.

Meanwhile, tourists who want to climb to the top of Mount K2 usually cost about 7,200 USD for a group of 7 people.

This year, tourists come to K2 a lot, but not the most in recent years. Mirza Ali, the founder of Pakistan-based climbing company Karakorum Expeditions, said about 20 women took part in climbing K2 this summer, which is the highest number of women participating ever.

In particular, Samina Baig is the first Pakistani woman to successfully conquer the K2 peak and Jenn Drummond is the first American woman to conquer all 7 highest peaks in the world.

Top 7 tallest mountains in the world

Although high and difficult to climb, these 7 highest mountains in the world are always the dream of thousands of people who are passionate about challenges to overcome themselves.

1. Mount Everest

Located in the Himalayas, Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Located on the border of Tibet and Nepal, Mount Everest is 8,848 m above sea level.

The first people to climb this mountain were Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Not only very high, but the mountain also has a dangerous and harsh environment.

Over the past decade, someone has died every year trying to conquer the roof of the world.

2. Mount K2

This is one of the highest mountains in the world found in Pakistan. Mount K2 is at an altitude of 8,611 m above sea level.

Belonging to the Karakoram range, this mountain is also known as Mount Savage. The first people to climb the summit of K2 were an Italian expedition team led by Mr. Ardito Desiofinally.

3. Kangchenjunga

This is the third-highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,586 m above sea level. The mountain is found between the border of Nepal and India, located in the southern part of Mount Everest.

This mountain was thought to be the tallest in the world until 1852. Kanchenjunga is known to have a climbing fatality rate of 22%, due to poor environmental conditions and often strong avalanches.

4. Lhotse

The Himalayas are home to towering mountains, including Mount Lhotse 8,516 meters above sea level.

The mountain is found on the border between Tibet and the Khumbu region of Nepal, very close to Mount Everest. An interesting fact is that both Mount Everest and Lhotse share the same climbing route.

5. Mount Makalu

Mount Makalu is the 5th highest peak with an elevation of 8,481 m above sea level. The mountain is also found southeast of Mount Everest, at the border of China and Nepal.

The first time humans conquered the summit was in the spring of 1954 by a team of American climbers led by William Siri.

Compared to the above 4 mountains, visitors have some more favorable conditions to climb Makalu.

6. Cho Oyu

Over 8,201 m above sea level, Cho Oyu is found on the border of Tibet and Nepal. The mountain is a good starting point for beginners who want to practice conquering the high mountains of the Himalayas.

Many Cho Oyu climbers consider this spot to be relatively more accessible than other mountains.

7. Dhaulagiri

This 8,167 m high mountain found in Nepal, is a very beautiful mountain, first climbed on May 13, 1960.

Dhaulagiri is also famous for having the best view towards Annapurna Road, just 34 km away. However, there is a secluded gorge called Kaligandaki.