The second tallest mountain in the world is K2. Rising to about 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level, K2 ranks behind Mount Everest and stands in the Karakoram range on the Pakistan–China border region.
The name K2 comes from the 19th-century Survey of India, which labeled it the second measured peak in the Karakoram. Unlike many famous mountains, it retained its survey designation. K2 is also known as Mount Godwin-Austen and is called the “Savage Mountain” because of its steep faces, violent weather, and dangerous climbing conditions.
An Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio made the first successful ascent on July 31, 1954. Climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni reached the summit via the Abruzzi Spur. K2 is generally considered more technically difficult to climb than Everest, even though Everest is higher.
A frequent mix-up comes from the phrase “tallest mountain.” By elevation above sea level, K2 is second. Rankings can differ if mountains are measured from their underwater bases or by prominence, but standard world-elevation lists place K2 immediately after Everest.