K2: The Savage Mountain

I have never seen a mountain quite like K2. Its majestic peak, standing at 28,251 feet, is the second highest in the world. The locals call it Chogori, which translates to "the king of mountains". The Balti people, who live in the surrounding area, have a deep respect for the mountain but also fear its treacherous slopes. Despite dozens of attempts every year, only a handful of climbers successfully summit K2. The mountain is notorious for its "savage" reputation and has claimed the lives of many skilled mountaineers. The history of K2 is as fascinating as it is fraught with danger. I learned that it was first surveyed back in 1856 by British surveyors. Since then, many have tried to reach its peak but few have succeeded. In fact, the first successful summit was not until 1954 by a team led by Italian climber Ardito Desio. The weather on K2 can change rapidly and violently, with high winds and frequent avalanches. I found it remarkable that despite its danger, people still attempt to conquer K2 every year.