K2 vs Mount Everest | How They Differ

Mount Everest and Mount K2 are two of the most iconic and tallest mountains and the most renowned peaks on Earth. They symbolize the awe-inspiring power of nature and human determination. If we are really talking about Mount Everest vs Mount K2, which one is better or more challenging? They both have their own significance.

Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, lies at a staggering elevation of 8848.86 meters. Everest lies in the Mahalangur mountain range, extending approximately 120 km (75 miles) from east to west and about 50 km (31 miles) from north to south. The range forms the border between Nepal and China.

Whereas Mount K2 (8,611 m/28,251 feet) is the world’s second-highest mountain and probably the most challenging mountain to climb. It is a part of the Karakoram Mountain range, approximately 500 km (311 miles) long and 150 km (93 miles) wide. The mountain range stretches across Pakistan, India and China.

Where is K2 located?

K2 is located in the Karakoram range, with a major portion situated in Pakistan. The mountain is shared among Pakistan, India and China within the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It borders between Pakistan and China.

For those aiming to summit Mount K2 have to trek up to the base camp on the Pakistan side, the only possible route to climb the mountain.

Everest Located at Mahalangur Range

Mount Everest is a part of the greater Himalayan Mountain range, a part of the Mahalangur range in the Tibetan Plateau. The mountain forms a border between Nepal and Tibet (China). The southern part of the mountain lies in Nepal, while the northern part lies on the China side. Almost 2/3 part of the Everest lies in Nepal.

The majority of the mountaineers aim to climb Everest, trek up to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and then attempt the summit. However, it can be summited from both sides, from Nepal and Tibet.

Factors that determine the difficulty level of K2 and Everest climbing

Although Mount K2 is less high than Mount Everest, 237.86 meters (780 feet) less high than Everest, K2 is considered more difficult and technical to climb. There are several factors that determine the difficulty level of K2 and Everest climbing.

Climbing Difficulty

As compared to K2, climbing Everest is usually considered technical and demanding.

Mount Everest is less technical to climb due to the fixed ropes, ladders, and support of Sherpa. Some of the sections on Everest are particularly difficult. Sections like Khumbu Icefall and Hillary Step require some technical climbing skills. However, it is still accessible.

In contrast, K2 is known for its extreme technical difficulty. Especially due to the steep ridges like the Abruzzi Spur and the Bottleneck Couloir, climbing K2 is challenging. Only the experienced climber attempts to climb the peak of K2.

Furthermore, due to the high number of mountaineers in Everest, especially during peak climbing season (spring and fall), crowds often create traffic jams. For that reason, the climber has to wait in queues for long hours, increasing the risks. Mainly in the death zone, staying for an extended period of time could be life-threatening.

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions on Mount Everest and K2 are notoriously harsh and unpredictable. Although the weather window in Everest is somewhat predictable, the climate in the mountains can change suddenly.

The weather on K2 is extremely unpredictable. It is featured with sudden snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and high winds. In contrast, Everest weather is featured with high winds and extreme cold.

Altitude

The towering altitude of Everest makes it more challenging than K2. Staying for a prolonged period in the Death Zone (above 8000 meters) is risky. There is a constant risk of altitude sickness, hypothermia, exhaustion, etc.

With every meter gain in altitude, the level of breathable oxygen decreases. However, K2 is slightly shorter (about 240 meters), and the high altitude, steep technical ridges, and remote location makes climbing K2 difficult.

Death Rate

Until 2024, over 6000 people have successfully summited Everest, with a death rate of just about 2%. In contrast, just about 400 are able to claim K2. However, the death rate of K2 is about 23%.

The Bottleneck Couloir on K2, extremely unpredictable weather, falling ice and avalanches are the major reasons for the high death rate of K2. Due to its high death rate, K2 is popularly known as “Savage Mountain”.

Success Rate

Further, the success rate of climbing these mountains can help determine if Mount K2 or Everest is hard to climb.

The success rate of K2 is around 25%, while the success rate of Everest is about 50-60%. The success rate of climbing these mountains depends on the individual physical health, landscapes, remoteness, location of the mountains, and climate.

Additionally, K2 has never been summited from its east face and during winter.

Base Camps of Mount Everest vs Mount K2 and Their Location

There are two different Everest Base Camps. North Base Camp is located in China on the Tibetan side, at an elevation of 5150 meters (16,896 feet). Meanwhile, South Base Camp lies in Nepal at an elevation of 5364 meters (17,598 feet).

Trekkers can reach the South Everest Base Camp by first flying to Lukla and then trekking to the base camp via Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep. Meanwhile, North Everest Base Camp can be accessed by vehicle or trekking.

Meanwhile, Mount K2 has only one base camp located in Pakistan. Trekkers can reach the K2 Base Camp by first flying from Islamabad, Pakistan, to Skardu, then driving to Askole village, and finally trekking to the base camp via Baltoro Glacier.

Other Some Differences Between Mount Everest vs Mount K2

Interesting FAQs About Mount Everest vs Mount K2

How close is K2 to Mount Everest?

K2 is about 1316 km (818 miles) away from Everest.

Can you see K2 from Everest?

No, K2 is way too far from Everest and is in different mountain ranges, so it is not possible to see K2 from Everest.

How far is K2 from Everest?

If we are to measure the straight-line distance between K2 and Everest, they are about 1316 km (818 miles) far from each other.