The mountain was first surveyed by a European in 1856. T.G. Montgomery, in the survey team headed by Henry Godwin-Austen, designated it "K2" (for "Karakoram 2").
K2 is considered a much tougher climb than Mount Everest. As of June 2000, 189 people have made it, compared to almost 1500 who have ascended Everest. 49 people have died, 13 of these in 1986. The first professional attempt to climb it was in 1902 but despite five serious and costly attempts, the summit was not reached until an Italian expedition reached the summit on July 29, 1954 . The expedition was led by Ardito Desio and Mario Puchoz, and the two climbers who actually reached the top were Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni.
Per Jerberyd provides a climbing history of K2 from the first attempt in 1902 until the Italian success in 1954.
See also: List of mountains, eight-thousanders
Books about K2
External link
How high is K2 really ? -- Measurements in 1996: 8614.27 ± 0.6m a.s.l