Where is K2 Mountain Located? Mount Godwin-Austen Location, Map and Country
Sristi Adhikari
The K2 mountain is one of the most fascinating and challenging peaks on Earth. Known as the Savage Mountain, it is famous for its extreme weather, high fatality rate, steep, technical climbing routes, and breathtaking beauty. While many travelers are familiar with Mount Everest, fewer know exactly where is K2 located or why it is regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous mountains.
The location of Mount K2 also known as Mountaineer’s mountain is in the mighty Karakoram range on the Pakistan-China border and it stands as one of the second highest mountains in the world after Everest. Unlike Everest, K2 mountain remains relatively untouched due to its remote location, slopes, and technical climbing difficulty.
Locally it is also known as Chogori mountain which stands tall like a serrated crown and is a testament to the ultimate physical peak and human endurance. The second highest mountain in the world is elevated at an altitude of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) from sea level.
If you are curious about K2 mountain location, geography, history, and climbing routes, then continue reading our blog in detail.
Where is K2?
When talking about K2 mountain, one of the most searched questions is “Where is K2?”
The location of K2 mountain is in the Karakoram Range and sits on the border between the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Xinjiang region of China. K2 peak, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen is dominated by glaciers, towering granite peaks, and remote valleys that remain largely untouched by modern development.
The K2 mountain location is deep within the Karakoram range which is one of the most rugged mountain systems in Asia. Located on the border of Pakistan and China, it is known as Mount Chogori to local people. K2 Himalayan Peak is primarily inside of Pakistan while only a small portion of it lies in the China side.
The location of K2 mountain is in the Baltistan region of Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan whereas it lies in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang, China.
Height of Mount Godwin Austen: Exact K2 Height
The height of mount K2 also known as Mount Godwin Austen has a height of 8,611 meters from sea level. The height of K2 in feet is 28,251. The second highest mountain in the world is only 238 meters shorter than Everest which has a height of 8848.86 meters.
This height of Mount Godwin Austen or K2 was measured in the mid-20th century. In 2014, K2 height was once again measured using advanced satellite navigation technology by Italian and Pakistani climbers.
They reported the new height of the mountain as 8609.02 meters (28,244.8 feet)which is the exact height of K2. Still, most climbers comply on the mid-century height instead of exact height measurement.
- Traditional Height: 8,611 meters ( 28,251 feet) measured in mid-20th century.
- Exact Height: 8609.02 meters (28,244.8 feet) measured in 2014.
Details of Mount K2 Height with Its Feature
| Feature | Height in Meters | Height in Feet |
|---|---|---|
| K2 Summit Height | 8,611 m | 28,251 feet |
| The Bottleneck | ≈ 8,200 m | ≈ 26,900 ft |
| Camp IV (High Camp) | ≈ 7,900 to 8,000 m | ≈ 25,920 to 26,247 ft |
| Camp III | ≈ 7,300 to 7,350 m | ≈ 23,950 to 24,115 ft |
| Camp II | ≈ 6,700 m | ≈ 21,980 ft |
| Camp I | ≈ 6,050 to 6,100 m | ≈ 19,850 to 20,013 ft |
| Advanced Base Camp (ABC) | ≈ 5,300 to 5,350 m | ≈ 17,388 to 17,552 ft |
| K2 South Base Camp | ≈ 5,150 m | ≈ 16,896 ft |
| Godwin Austen Glacier Base Camp | ≈ 5,150 m | ≈ 16,896 ft |
| K2 Mountain Concordia | ≈ 4,691 m | ≈ 15,390 ft |
| Askole Village | ≈ 3,040 m | ≈ 9,974 ft |
Physical Features of K2 Mountain
K2 mountain is not only popular as the second highest mountain in the world but its steep pyramid-shaped summit and dramatic ridge make it recognizable mountain silhouettes in the world. The physical features of savage mountain, K2 are:
- Shape: Symmetrical pyramid structure, contributes to technical climbing challenges.
- It is surrounded by massive glaciers like Godwin Austen Glacier, Baltoro Glaciers, Savoia Glaciers, etc.
- Harsh weather conditions like heavy snowfall, avalanche, temperature below -40 degrees celsius makes it earn the legendary nickname, K2 as a Savage mountain.
- Rocky terrain, steep ice faces, narrow ridges, dangerous seracs makes climbing more challenging.
K2: Second Highest Mountain in the World Location
K2 peak is the second highest mountain in the world and its location is in the Karakoram range which extends across Pakistan, India, and China. Being a part of Karkoram mountain range, K2 peak is surrounded by more than 60 peaks which rises above 7,000 meters.
Visiting the K2 mountain location is considered as once in a lifetime opportunities because of:
- Remote setting
- Limited trekking infrastructure,
- Dangerous climbing conditions, etc.
Planning to Visit Mount K2 in 2026?
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Geographical Location of K2 Peak
Geographically, K2 peak is situated inside the Baltistan region of northern Pakistan and Western border of China. The K2 mountain location is nearby popular landmarks and glaciers like:
- Baltoro Glacier
- Concordia
- Broad Peak
- Gasherbrum I
- Gasherbrum II
- Godwin Austen Glacier.
K2 Mountain Exact Location: Latitude and Longitude
The exact coordinates of K2 mountain location of world map is:
- Latitude: 35°52′57″ N
- Longitude: 76°30′48″ E
- Border: Pakistan and China
- Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan
- China: Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Why K2 is called as Mount Godwin Austen?
K2 is also called Mount Godwin Austen because it is named after a British surveyor and geographer, Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen who conducted research on the Karakoram region. Even though he was not the one who discovered the mount K2, his contribution on mapping the surrounding Karakoram region specially in the Godwin Austen glacier made many people refer to the peak as Mount Godwin Austen.
As of now, Mount Godwin Austen is referred to as a historical and honorary alternative to Mount K2.
Other name of Mount K2
| Country | Official Name | Local Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | K2 | Chogori | The name K2 is use officially while Chogori is named in some local communities. |
| China (Xinjiang) | Qogir Feng (乔戈里峰) | Qogir / Chhogori | In Local Uyghur/Balti tradition it is called as “Great Mountain” . |
| Baltistan (Local Balti People) | K2 | Chhogori / Chogori | Traditionally termed as “Great Mountain” or “King of Mountains.” |
| International | K2 | — | Used in maps, climbing expeditions, and geography. |
| Historical (British Survey) | Mount Godwin-Austen | — | Named after British surveyor ,Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen. |
History of K2 Himalayan Peak
K2 is technically not a Himalayan peak but its history is filled with exploration, scientific surveys, and remarkable mountaineering expeditions.
Discovery
The majestic giant’s existence was familiar to local Baltistan communities before the arrival of the European survey team. In 1856, Thomas Montgomerie, a British surveyor discovered the mountain and named it K2 while doing surveys for the Great Trigonometrical of India.
First Successful Attempt
An Italian expedition team of Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli confirmed their first successful ascent of K2 mountain on July 31, 1954. They got their victory via the Abruzzi Spur.
Other Notable Attempt
- In 1902, the British team returned from an elevation of 6,525 meters from Mount K2 due to poor weather conditions and illness.
- The Duke of Abruzzi attempted their climb to K2 mountain via Southeast ridge in 1909. They could not reach the summit but identified the Abruzzi Spur, which is now used as a standard climbing route to the mountain.
- In 1978, Jim Whittaker’s team became the first successful team from America to reach the Summit.
- On January 16, 2021, a Nepalese mountaineer, Nirmal Nims Purja with 9 other climbers accomplished their victory on K2 mountain. They became the first-ever winter ascent team in K2.
Major Climbing Routes on K2 Mountain
Climbing K2 mountain is technically challenging and only with advanced mountaineering skills, experience with ice and rock climbing, and the ability to handle rapidly changing weather can successfully reach to the summit. Some of the major climbing routes on K2 Mountain is listed below:
- Abruzzi Spur (Southeast Ridge of Mt. K2)
- Česen Route (South-Southeast Spur)
- North Ridge
- Magic Line
- Northeast Ridge
- West Ridge
- Southwest Pillar
- South Face
- West Face
Most of the expeditions team approach the mountain through Pakistan because the Chinese side is extremely difficult to access. Without careful planning and preparation, one cannot get victory to the summit which is why K2 earns the nickname of “Savage Mountain”.
How to Reach K2 or Mount Godwin Austen
As K2 mountain is located in between Pakistan and China border, most of the expeditors chooses Pakistan because the Chinese side is extremely difficult to access. Climbing K2 is not a easy task, it takes several months of planning and preparation for successful ascent. Here is a itinerary for Mount K2:
- Step 1: Arrive in Pakistan
- Step 2: Fly from Islamabad to Skardu
- Step 3: Drive to Askole
- Step 4: Trek Along the Baltoro Glacier
- Step 5: Reach Concordia and K2 Base Camp.
Mount K2 Vs Everest: Which One is Better for 2026?
Mount Everest and Mount K2 is the world’s first and second highest mountain respectively. Choosing Mount K2 vs Everest depends on what kind of adventure you are in search of. If you are experienced mountaineers in search of remote, technically demanding, challenging adventure, then choose Mount K2 in 2026.
However, if you want to experience high mountain but do not want to commit a highly technical expedition, Mount Everest is waiting for you in 2026.
Final Verdict on K2 Peak, Second Highest Mountain in the World
K2 mountain is not only a second highest mountain peak in the world but is a testament of human ambition, resilience, and raw beauty of Earth. K2 also known as Mount Godwin Austen is located in between Pakistan and China is standing tall in the rugged Karakoram range.
Its remote K2 mountain location, dramatic landscapes, and legendary climbing history have earned it worldwide recognition as the K2 “Savage Mountain.” It’s harsh weather condition, steep edges, avalanche prone areas, serac collapse, and sudden severe storms demands both mental and physical preparation and months ahead of preparation and training.
If you are planning to climb mountain which is untouched by mass tourism, Mount K2 is waiting for you. Make sure you Contact Awesome Holidays Nepal so that we can guide you and handle all the logistic on your behalf and you can enjoy the untamed beauty of the Karakoram range in 2026.
FAQs
Expand AllWhere is K2 mountain located?
K2 mountain is located on the border between the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Xinjiang region of China.
In which country is K2 located?
K2 is located on the international border of Pakistan and China.
Is K2 in India or Pakistan?
K2 is in Karakoram Range of Pakistan.
Is K2 in the Himalayas?
No. K2 is part of the Karakoram Range and is not Himalaya.
Why is K2 called Mount Godwin Austen?
K2 is called Mount Godwin Austen because it was named in order to honor British surveyor Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen, who explored the region.
How tall is K2 in feet and meters?
K2 stands at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level.
Is K2 in Pakistan or China?
K2 lies directly on the border of Pakistan and China.
What are the coordinates of K2?
The coordinates of K2 is :
- Latitude: 35°52′57″ N
- Longitude: 76°30′48″ E.
What mountain range is K2 in?
K2 is in Karakoram mountain range.
Is K2 harder to climb than Everest?
Yes. K2 is considered more difficult and technically demanding to climb than Mount Everest.
Who first climbed K2?
Italian expeditors, Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli did the succeful first ascent on K2 on 31 July 1954.
What is the local name of K2?
The local names for K2 include Qogir (Chhogori), meaning “Great Mountain.”
What is the death rate on K2?
K2 had a fatality rate of around 20–25%.
Is K2 taller than Mount Everest?
No. K2 is smaller than Mount Everest.
What does K2 stand for?
The “K” in K2 stands for Karakoram, while the number 2 refers it was the second peak surveyed in that mountain range.
Where is K2 base camp located?
K2 Base Camp is located on the Godwin-Austen Glacier in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is elevated at an altitude of 5,150 meters (16,896 feet).
Which glacier is at the base of K2?
Godwin-Austen Glacier is at the base of K2.
How dangerous is K2?
Steep terrain, unpredictable weather, avalanches, and high-altitude climbing risks make K2 very dangerous.
How long does it take to climb K2?
It takes 2 to 8 weeks to climb mount K2.
How many people have died on K2?
More than 90 climbers have lost their lives on K2 since mountaineering attempts began in early 1900s.
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