28,251 ft · Karakoram, Pakistan Border
K2
K2 is a 28,251 ft peak in the Karakoram, Pakistan Border. The standard route is the Abruzzi Spur: 12 mi, 11,355 ft of gain, Class 5.
K2 at a glance
- Elevation28,251 ft8,610 m
- RouteAbruzzi SpurClass 5
- Distance12 mi11,355 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 wksExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Aug
- RangeKarakoramPakistan Border
Climbing the Abruzzi Spur
Fly to Skardu, Pakistan, then trek 8-10 days via the Baltoro Glacier to basecamp at Concordia. The Abruzzi Spur on the southeast ridge is the standard route, though other technical routes exist. This is extremely serious expedition terrain with technical rock and ice climbing, rockfall, avalanche hazards, and unpredictable weather. The second highest mountain on Earth with a high fatality rate. Only suitable for elite climbing teams with extensive 8000-meter experience. Pakistani permits and liaison officer required. Weather windows are very brief in July and August. Supplemental oxygen typically used above 8000m.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (65–85 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Expedition Mittens
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Oxygen System
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Two-Way Radio
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Glacier Glasses
Goggles
Down Suit
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Technical climbing
- High winds
- Extreme cold
- Storms
- High altitude
- Remote location
- Rockfall
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Altitude sickness
- Avalanches
- Serac fall
Quests with K2
Eight ThousandersPeaks near K2
Frequently asked questions
How tall is K2?
K2 is 28,251 feet (8,610 m) tall. It is in the Karakoram, Pakistan Border.
How does K2 rank among the Eight Thousanders?
At 28,251 feet, K2 is the 2nd highest of the 14 Eight Thousanders. The highest is Mount Everest.
How hard is it to climb K2?
The Abruzzi Spur is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 12 miles with 11,355 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb K2?
K2 is an expedition: most climbers plan 7 – 9 weeks for the Abruzzi Spur, much of it spent acclimatizing between camps.
Is K2 dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need oxygen to climb K2?
Most climbers use it. Supplemental oxygen is on the gear list for the Abruzzi Spur, and only a small number of very experienced climbers summit without it.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb K2?
Yes. At 28,251 feet, K2 is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb K2?
The usual climbing window is July to August. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Where can I check avalanche conditions for K2?
Check the avalanche forecast at weather.gov.pk before any trip with snow on the route.
Can you hire a guide to climb K2?
Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of K2 include Madison Mountaineering and 8K Expeditions.
Climb K2 with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list