K2 is the world's second-highest mountain.
K2 rises to 8,611 metres above sea level in the Karakoram range on the China–Pakistan border. Only Mount Everest is higher. The mountain is also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, Chhogori, and Qogir, but K2 is its most widely used short name.
The letter-and-number name came from an 1856 survey of the Karakoram, when K2 was the second peak recorded in the range. Unlike many other surveyed peaks, it did not receive a widely adopted local name in English mapping. Its first successful ascent was made in 1954 by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio.
K2 is famous for steep terrain, severe weather, and technical climbing demands. It is sometimes called the Savage Mountain. Its elevation is lower than Everest's, but many climbers regard its routes and conditions as more difficult.