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Everest vs K2: Comparison of Two Epic White Giants

Everest vs K2: Comparison of Two Epic White Giants

Hi Nepal Team

Whenever it comes to the world’s most legendary mountains, there has always been a debate between Mount Everest vs K2 among the climbers and adventurers. These giant mountains are not just symbols of natural wonders but also symbols of human ambitions, endurance, and the pursuit of adventure.  

When Mount Everest, the tallest mountain, attracts thousands of people every year, the second-tallest mountain, K2, holds the title of “Savage Mountain” because of its extreme difficulties and harsh weather. However, climbing either of these giants is not an easy task.


Facts: Mount Everest vs K2

Mount Everest, situated at an altitude of 8,848.86 m above sea level, is the tallest peak in the world, which is standing tall on the border of Nepal and Tibet, China. It was first successfully ascended by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in their Mount Everest expedition in 1953. 

Mount K2, on the other hand, is the world’s second-highest peak, located at the border of Pakistan and China. Mount K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, was first conquered by Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedell in 1954. Compared to Mount Everest, Mount K2 is climbed by fewer climbers.

Located in different regions, both K2 Mountain vs Everest are very different from each other. The following table is a quick comparison between K2 vs Mount Everest:

FeatureMount EverestMount K2 
Height8,849 m (29,032 ft)8,611 m (28,251 ft)
LocationNepal-Tibet borderPakistan-China border
First Ascent1953 (Hillary & Norgay)1954 (Compagnoni & Lacedelli)
Coordinates27°59′17″ N, 86°55′31″ E35°52′57″ N, 76°30′48″ E
PopularityVery highLow
NicknameThe Roof of the WorldSavage Mountain

Best Season to Climb: Mount K2 vs Mount Everest

Climbing the world’s highest peaks is not just about skills and courage, but also about proper timing. The best seasons to climb Mount Everest vs K2 differ because of the weather patterns and safety considerations.

Everest vs K2 - Best Season to Climb

Best Season To Climb Mount Everest

The most favorable time to summit Mount Everest is during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. 

  • Pre-monsoon (April to June): Pre-monsoon/spring is the most ideal time to climb Mount Everest. During these months, the climate is stable with longer days and clear skies. 
  • Post-monsoon (September-November): Less popular than Spring, post-monsoon/Autumn is another favorable season to climb Mount Everest. During these months, the weather is simply stable, offering a clear mountain view.

Best Season to Climb Mount K2

In contrast to Mount Everest’s best climbing seasons, the most preferred time to climb Mount K2 is in the Summer from June to August, when the temperature is hotter and the skies are clear. 

  • Summer (June-August): Summer is the only feasible time to climb Mount K2, as it is the best season offering clearer skies and a warmer climate, making it a comparatively better time to climb than any other month.

While making the comparison, Mount K2 vs Mt Everest, Everest offers two climbing windows with better infrastructure, guides, and a support system; K2, on the other hand, offers a narrow climbing window in summer with limited facilities and a tougher route.


Is K2 Harder than Everest?

Being logical, neither of the mountains is easy to climb. Climbing either of the mountains: Everest vs K2, is a life-risking challenge demanding years of mountaineering experience, physical strength, and a strong mentality. However, when compared, most climbers agreed with K2 being comparatively difficult.

Why is Mount Everest Difficult?

Climbing Mount Everest is one of the physically and mentally challenging adventures in the world. At an altitude of 8,488.86 m above sea level, the climbers are pushed towards the Mount Everest death zone, where the oxygen is one-third of sea level, making survival extremely difficult. 

Sudden storms, freezing temperatures, and strong winds make the climbing further challenging. In addition, during peak climbing season, overcrowding makes the Mount Everest expedition further challenging.

Why is Mount K2 Difficult?

Mount K2 is considered to be more difficult and dangerous. Unlike Mount Everest, K2 does not have well-established routes, proper facilities, and guides. Instead, the climbers need to go through steep rock falls, icy slopes, and highly experienced climbing skills.

The weather in K2 is unpredictable. Uncertain storms, heavy snowfall, and a shorter climbing window make the expedition further challenging and dangerous.


Records and Achievement

Both of the legendary mountains have made significant contributions to the history of mountaineering worldwide.

Mount Everest Record and Achievements:

  • First Climbers: Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953
  • Youngest Climber: Jordan Romero at the age of 13 in 2010
  • Oldest Climber: Yuichiro Miura in 2013 at the age of 80
  • Most summits by: Kami Rita Sherpa – 31 times
  • Fastest climber: Lakpa Gelu Sherpa – 10 hours, 56 minutes, and 47 seconds

Mount K2 Record and Achievements:


Final Thoughts

Mount Everest vs K2, the world’s two giants, continue to enthrall mountaineers and adventurers with their majesty, mystery, and danger. While Everest is “The Roof of the World” and receives thousands thronging to its summit every year through its popularity, K2, the “Savage Mountain,” remains a test of sheer ability, stamina, and survival against hostile conditions.

Choosing between Mt Everest vs K2 is not simply a choice based on height, it’s a choice about what kind of challenge an individual climber wants. Everest boasts more established routes, facilities, and access, while K2 demands technical ability, stamina, and the courage to deal with unreliable weather. Both mountains are symbols of human determination, demonstrating that mountains aren’t merely ascended for titillating stories, but for the exhilaration of adventure and the motivation of pushing human boundaries.

Ultimately, whatever the step may be to Everest or K2, the achievement is a lifetime testament to human will and to the inescapable call of the mountains.


FAQs (Frequently Asked Questios on Everest vs K2)

1. Why is K2 harder than Everest?

K2 is harder than Everest, due to a lack of proper facilities and difficult and sloppy routes, compared to Everest.

2. How far is K2 from Everest?

The distance of Mount K2 is approximately 1,316 km from Mount Everest. 

3. Can you see K2 from Everest?

No, you cannot see Mount K2 from Mount Everest.

4. Are K2 and Everest in the same mountain range?

No, Everest and K2 are not in the same mountain range. Mount Everest is in the Himalayan Range, whereas Mount K2 is in the Karakoram Range.

5. How high is Mount K2?

Mount K2 is 8,611 m tall.

6. How tall is Mount Everest?

Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, stands tall at an altitude of 8,488.86 m above sea level.

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