K2 and Mount Everest are two different peaks rising on two different lands, taking the spot of the top 2 tallest mountains in the world. The most popular attractions of the mountaineering world are definitely on the bucket list of madcap mountaineers and daring climbers.
Both of these mountains host the greatest trekking expeditions and the most rewarding experiences. The view from the top of these two 8000+ peaks is an absolute delight for thrill-seekers.
Though, K2 and Mount Everest are both the highest, they are incredibly challenging to climb. When we do a K2 vs Mount Everest comparison, we learn about the critical differences between the two colossal mountains. It also highlights why K2 is respectively more harder than its taller cousin, Mount Everest.
K2 vs Mount Everest:
Here are the differences between the K2 and Mount Everest given below:
Location:
Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas on the outlined borders that occur between Nepal and Tibet.
The K2 (also called Mount Godwin-Austen) rises in the Karakoram Ranges of Pakistan, between the midline borders of Pakistan and China.
Elevation:
Mount Everest has an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. This makes it the highest mountain in the world!
K2 has an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), which makes it the second-highest mountain on the Earth.
Difficulty:
K2 marks to be the most dangerous to climb with a higher fatality rate. It is steep and notoriously risky to climb. The unpredictable weather and the height that it offers to the climbers bring utmost challenges. The difficulties throughout the route make it a hard climb.
Mount Everest is less challenging and dangerous. It is like a walk in the park when compared to the mighty K2. Though it is less challenging still, it possesses other dangers that make it more risky. One of those is the Khumbu Icefall, which is a highly dangerous glacier that comes under its terrain. One can have sickness from the altitude.
Ascent Difficulty:
Mount Everest is less risky, and it has more number of successful climbers. Annually, a good number of people conquer it successfully. The peak climbing season welcomes climbers from all around the world. As per the records, 6,338+ people have climbed Everest until now.
K2 has difficult climbing conditions and roads. Thus, there are very few climbers that are able to climb K2 more successfully than those of Mount Everest. Until now, only 700+ climbers have summited K2 successfully.
First Ascent:
Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, and sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay made their first successful ascent to Mount Everest on 29 May 1953.
K2 was first climbed successfully by Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli in 1954.
Both the mountains differ in location and have different kinds of challenges when it comes to climbing. K2 is considered more dangerous than Mount Everest, which has kind of a smoother challenge as compared to the real danger which is given by K2 with its rough and steep terrains.
Distinctive Characteristics Of K2:
Let’s have a glance on how K2 is different from all the peaks and why is it more important than any other peak. These distinctive features set the mighty K2 above every peak!
Deadliness and Difficulty:
K2 is considered and called a “savage mountain” because it reflects some of the most difficult terrains in its nature. The successful ascent to this mountain is completely challenging and hard for this mountain because It has some really hard icy slopes, rocks, and unpredictable weather.
The mount has a high rate of fatality because of its deadly climbing routes. The mountain has dangerous peaks, unpredictable weather and harsh conditions that make the climbers less motivated to climb it because it is more challenging.
Altitude and Climbing Environment:
The altitude for a mountain peak reaches a towering elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). The air at such an altitude leads to many hardships for a person climbing it, for example, altitude sickness and a higher risk of apoxia. The environment of K2 is very harsh and offers bitter weather with a lot of changes.
Isolated Environment and Limited Accessibility:
The location of K2 is such that it is located in a remote region, which is the Himalayas and between the border of Pakistan and China, and this location of K2 makes it less accessible compared to Mount Everest.
The remoteness and the location of K2 only allow those to survive who are ready to have such skilled techniques with them that are enough for their survival.
Historical Significance and First Ascent:
The first successful ascent of K2 was done by an Italian team led by Ardito Desio (July 31, 1954). This successful ascent made K2 a peak that was remembered in people’s minds for years to come. After the first ascent, many such attempts were made by different climbers, and unfortunately, many of them could not make it and met with many tragedies and failures.
Lower Successful Ascents:
K2 is not easy to climb, which is why it has fewer climbers and people who successfully climbed it. The mountain has dangerous and uncompromising terrains, making it difficult for the climbers.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this K2 vs Mount Everest shows that both mountains are incredible and dangerous to climb. However, K2 is generally considered to be the more difficult and dangerous climb due to its steeper slopes, more treacherous terrain, more unpredictable weather conditions, and higher fatality rate.
But for the adrenaline junkies, this is the kind of mountaineering experience they would not want to miss. So, when it’s K2 vs Mount Everest, you can always expect the best adventure and euphoria when climbing to the top of both these summits!