Everest Vs K2 : Which Mountain Is the Greater Challenge

Everest vs K2: Why the Comparison Matters

Since both Everest and K2 are the highest mountains in the world, we will compare them in this article. We will also discuss how difficult K2 is to climb and how it differs from Everest, even though it is 300 metres lower.

For your information, these mountains symbolise two distinct mountaineering extremes: K2 is the most difficult and hazardous peak, while Everest is the highest and most recognisable. Climbing communities have been debating for years which is more difficult: the technical difficulty or the sheer altitude.

Every year, thousands of climbers of all skill levels flock to Everest, while only the most skilled mountaineers dare to ascend K2. The primary factor may be the mortality rates, which show sharp disparities over the previous decades, with K2 being 20–25% and Everest being 1-2%.

For this reason, contrasting Everest vs K2 offers valuable perspectives on adventure travel, taking risks, human stamina, and cultural importance.

Everest vs K2 elevation, location, and geographic and climatic differences

Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,848.86 metres (29,031.7 feet), straddles the Nepal-China (Tibet) border. It is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the central Himalayas, while the second-highest mountain in the world, K2, is located in the Karakoram Range of Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan) and Xinjiang (China), on the Pakistan-China border at 8,611 metres (28,251 feet).

Furthermore, the K2 is significantly more remote than Everest, requiring a lengthy trek through the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia.

In terms of geography, Everest can be approached from the south via Nepal (Khumbu Valley) or the north via Tibet, with long glacier approaches, snow slopes, and icefalls. Whereas K2 has few established routes, the most common is the Abruzzi Spur, which is a technically demanding and extremely steep pyramid-shaped peak with sheer rock faces, ice pillars, and avalanche slopes.

Everest's climate can be extremely cold throughout the year, with winter temperatures at the summit dropping to -60°C, while even colder K2 experiences winter temperatures that fall below -40°C. 

Storms in K2 are notoriously violent and erratic, with abrupt weather shifts and frequent storms even during the summer. Similarly, jet streams sweep across the summit of Everest, causing winds exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph).

These mountains have very short climbing windows; for example, Everest is best climbed in the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), while K2 has an even shorter window, primarily July–August.

Difficulty Level and Climbing Routes

Let us now move on to the more serious titles, which are the difficulty and climbing routes that form the basis of the Everest vs K2 comparison. We will delve deeply into the technical challenges of both mountains and the ascent routes.

In terms of Everest, the South Col Route via Nepal is the standard and most popular route, used by 90% of climbers. This route's main challenges are the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, Lhotse Face, and the most dangerous of all, the "Death Zone" at over 8,000m. Less frequently used and more direct, the North Ridge route via Tibet is largely avoided due to the needless risks it poses from severe weather and strong winds.

Similarly, the Abruzzi Spur via the southeast ridge, which is the most popular and climbed by most expeditions, is K2's main route. The most difficult parts of this route are the exposed bottleneck beneath seracs, House's Chimney, and Black Pyramid. The magic line, Cesen Route, and North Ridge are additional, even more difficult, and infrequently used routes.

To be clear, Everest is considered less technical than K2, which requires advanced skills in rock, ice, and mixed climbing. However, Everest is extremely difficult to climb due to its high altitude and long duration.

Everest's bottleneck point prior to the summit was the Hillary Step, which is now partially collapsed following the 2015 earthquake. The most hazardous part of the K2 climb, the bottleneck couloir (8200 m), is prone to avalanches and collapses.

Crevasses, frostbite, fatigue, avalanches, and traffic congestion close to the summit are the primary hazards associated with Everest. Because K2 has steeper slopes than Everest and virtually no easy parts, success requires almost ideal weather and top-tier mountaineering skills.

Death Rate and Fatality Statistics

Mount Everest

Mount Everest was successfully climbed for the first time on May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal. However, many people have died attempting to reach the summit both before and after this one.

Additionally, statistics indicate that between 1% and 2% of climbers who attempt the Everest never return. Although more than 6,000 successful summits have been documented since 1953, more than 320 fatalities have been reported.

Avalanches and tragedies such as 2014 and 2015, high altitude sickness, fatigue, frostbite, and traffic congestion in the death zone are among the reasons why climbers die.

Notable Deaths:

• Rob Hall & Doug Hansen (1996)

Rob Hall and Doug Hansen died during the infamous Everest storm, which was dramatised in the film Into Thin Air.

• Green Boots (1996)

The body with green boots, which marked a famous landmark on the North Route, is widely believed to be that of Tsewang Paljor, an Indian climber who died in the 1996 Everest disaster.

• Sleeping Beauty (2006)

The body of female climber Francys Arsentiev, known as Sleeping Beauty of Everest, was found on a ridge in a foetal position. She became a sombre destination for hikers, and her serene sleeping position earned her the nickname.

You can read our article about the tragic tale of the "Sleeping Beauty of Mount Everest" to gain a deeper understanding of it.

Mount K2

K2, the world's most dangerous mountain, wasn't successfully ascended until July 31, 1954, when Italians Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli did so. With its steep slopes, challenging terrain, and erratic storms that don't give a damn about anyone, this mountain is still known as the "Savage Mountain."

According to reports, only about 800 climbers have made it to the top of K2, and nearly 96 climbers have died in the process. Additionally, K2 has a much higher death rate than Everest, which is about 25%; prior to the 2000s, there was one death for every four summits.

Due to numerous fatal accidents caused by falling seracs, the 8200-meter bottleneck continues to be the deadliest section of the K2.

Notable Deaths:

• 1986 Black Summer

Thirteen climbers lost their lives in a series of fatal accidents on K2 in August 1986, making it one of the most tragic times in mountaineering history.
A combination of avalanches, extreme weather, and climbers' fatigue led to the deaths, underscoring the mountain's grave risks. 

• 2008 Disaster

In K2's Bottleneck section, a huge icefall collapsed on August 1, 2008, killing 11 climbers from different international expeditions. One of the deadliest single-day accidents in K2 history occurred when the collapse destroyed rope lines, trapping climbers and preventing them from safely descending.

Cost and Logistics of Expeditions: Everest vs K2

The cost of a Mount Everest and K2 expedition is determined by a number of factors, including route, company, facilities, services, and season. We will break down the costs of an expedition to the two highest mountains in the world in the table below:

Basic expenses such as permits, knowledgeable guides and porters, oxygen, base camp logistics, and necessary equipment are covered by the expedition cost; however, luxury treks include additional amenities like VIP services, first-rate support, etc.

Trekking Approach: Everest Base Camp vs K2 Base Camp

Everest Base Camp Trek

The average duration of the EBC trek is 12–14 days round-trip, though this can vary depending on individual schedules and preferences. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp is a high-altitude adventure that can cause altitude sickness and is moderately difficult.

Beginning with your flight to Kathmandu, you will travel to Lukla, then trek through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche before arriving at Base Camp.

During the trek, lodging and food are provided in simple tea houses with minimal amenities, and the food is primarily authentic and traditional but also includes American cuisine. The cost of trekking to the Everest Base Camp can range from $1000 to over $3000, depending on the service level, guide, and porter.

Additionally, we offer professionally designed EBC travel packages if you want to hike to the Base Camp of Everest. These packages vary based on your preferences, affordability, number of days, and number of people.

K2 Base Camp Trek

The trek to K2's base camp typically takes the same amount of time as the trek to EBC, but the difficulty is significantly different. This trek is difficult because it involves trekking over glaciers with crevasses, remote terrain, and few options for rescue.

The journey starts with a flight to Islamabad, followed by Skardu, and then a drive and hike to the K2 base camp along the Baltoro glacier. Additionally, there are no teahouses available due to the location's remoteness; camping is the only option.

Depending on the number of days, service level, company, and size of the group, the estimated cost of the trek to K2 base camp ranges from $1700 to $3000.

In Conclusion

K2 and Everest represent two quite distinct challenges. Due to decades of well-established routes, teahouse trekking, and commercial expeditions, Everest is the most accessible peak on Earth. Even getting to its base camp is a life goal for many people, a journey that blends cultural immersion with scenic beauty.

K2 is known as the "Savage Mountain," despite being somewhat shorter. It is the deadliest of the 8,000ers due to its remote approach, technical walls, and severe weather. Every step is a test of skill and resiliency, unlike Everest, which provides an easy route.

Whether you want to travel to Everest Base Camp or discover other Himalayan routes, Mount Glory Treks provides the support and care you need to make it happen. Your journey can be memorable and safe thanks to our experience, which will also help you get closer to the spirit of the mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: Which mountain is harder to climb, Everest or K2?
Steep routes, erratic weather, and a higher death rate make K2 more difficult, but Everest is easier to reach with assistance from guides.

2: Why is K2 called the “Savage Mountain”?
K2 is called the “Savage Mountain” because of its history of fatal climbing and tremendous technical difficulty.

3: Which mountain is higher, Everest or K2?
Everest is the tallest mountain in the world at 8,849 metres, and K2 is the second tallest at 8,611 metres.

4: What is the death rate on K2?
In the past, between 20 and 25 per cent of climbers who have attempted K2 have died.

5: What is the death rate on Everest?
Everest has a much lower death rate than K2, ranging from 1% to 3%.

6: When was the first summit of Mount Everest achieved?
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay accomplished this in 1953.

7: When was K2 first summited?
Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni made the first ascent of K2 in 1954.

8: Which expedition is more expensive, Everest or K2?
Everest expeditions range in price from $35,000 to $70,000 or more, while K2 costs between $20,000 and $45,000.

9: Which trek is more popular, Everest Base Camp or K2 Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp is much more popular and accessible, whereas K2 Base Camp is remote and rugged.

10: Is K2 harder to access than Everest?
Yes, the trek to K2 Base Camp from Pakistan's remote Baltoro Glacier takes 10-14 days.

11: How long does it take to climb Everest?
Typically, 6-9 weeks, including acclimatisation.

12: How long does it take to climb K2?
Approximately 6-8 weeks, with fewer fixed ropes and greater risks.

13: Which mountain has more commercial support?
Everest has extensive guiding, Sherpa teams, and infrastructure, while K2 has limited support.

14: Which mountain has more notable deaths?
While K2 witnessed the 2008 Disaster and the 1986 Black Summer, Everest boasts "Green Boots" and "Sleeping Beauty."

15: What is the highest death zone risk on Everest?
8,000m and higher, particularly the South Col and Hillary Step.

16: What is the deadliest section of K2?
The bottleneck is the deadliest section, which is situated beneath unstable seracs at 8,200m.