The Mountain K2: 28,251 Feet

Coming in at a close second, the succinctly named K2 is set within the Karakoram Mountain Range in the Himalayas. The K in the mountain’s name is abbreviated from Karakoram, while the 2  meant it was the second mountain to be discovered during the 19th century Great Trigonometrical Survey. Known for being the deadliest mountain range for explorers to tackle, K2’s notorious nickname is ‘Savage Mountain,’ a nod towards its sheer slopes and exposed terrain. Its mortality rate is at 29%, compared with Everest’s modest-by-comparison 4%.

 

Historical studies of the mountain  were observed from more hospitable terrains. The first attempt to climb to the top was in 1902, in a group including the notorious Aleister Crowley. An Italian group was first to reach the mountain summit in 1954, led by Ardito Desio, who headed a team of 11 accomplished climbers.