K2

K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, at 8,611 metres (28,251 ft) above sea level, is the second-highest mountain on Earth, after Mount Everest at 8,849 metres (29,032 ft). It lies in the Karakoram range, partially in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and partially in the China-administered Trans-Karakoram Tract in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang.

Elevation
8,611 m
Prominence
4,020 m
Coordinates
35.88111° N, 76.51333° E
Range
Baltoro Muztagh
Region
Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Pakistan
K2 (also known as Chogori) from Broad Peak Base Camp

About K2

K2 is the world’s second-highest mountain, rising to 28,251 feet (8,611 metres) in the Karakoram Range on the China–Pakistan-administered Kashmir frontier . The mountain rises from about 15,000 feet on the Godwin Austen Glacier, a tributary of the Baltoro Glacier, and was surveyed in 1856 by T.G.

Open K2 in Traverse at 35.88111° N, 76.51333° E to inspect 8,611 m of relief, 4,020 m of prominence, and approaches around Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Pakistan on 3D terrain.

Documented mountaineering milestones

  • 1856 — Survey and designation of the peak as K2 during the Survey of India’s Karakoram measurements: Col. T.G. Montgomerie
  • 1902 — First recorded summit attempt, reaching approximately 18,600 feet on the northeastern crest: Anglo-Swiss expedition
  • 1954 — First ascent via the Abruzzi Ridge: Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli, on an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio

Routes and approaches

A recognised approach from the Pakistan side proceeds by a roughly 130-kilometre trek to Concordia, the junction of the Godwin-Austen, Vigne, Broad Peak, and West Gasherbrum glaciers, followed by access up the Godwin-Austen Glacier toward K2 Base Camp .

GPX-backed hiking and ski touring records near Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County from the Traverse catalog. Metrics appear only when the source provides them.

More mountains in Traverse

Sources and provenance

Mountain information is factual reference only, not a current conditions or safety report.

Page reviewed .