Nepali mountaineers climbed the world’s second-highest mountain range K2. The team set a new world record by becoming the first to ascent the summit. The team has 10 Nepali climbers. The summit was reached at 17:00 local time (12:00 GMT) as per Mountaineer Nims dai Purja, a member of the group. There were other dozen climbers this winter who have been on the 8,611m (28,251ft) mountain hoping to achieve the same feat. In the course one Spanish climber after suffering a fall this weekend while descending.
Where is K2 located?
K2 is part of the Karakoram Range and located straddling the Pakistan-China border. K2 is only 200m shorter than Mt. Everest. This mountain is most challenging to climb during winter, so it is also referred to as ‘the savage mountain’. It’s said so since US mountaineer George Bell on his attempt in 1953: “It is a savage mountain that tries to kill you.” The mountain’s most treacherous section is the notorious “bottleneck” where eleven climbers were killed in an avalanche in 2008.
Totaling 60 people, the Nepali climbers were initially spread across three of four competing teams – in all. subsequently 10 Nepalese formed into a single group to seize this historic achievement Mr. Purja said, “We are proud to have been a part of history for humankind and to show that collaboration, teamwork and a positive mental attitude can push limits to what we feel might be possible,”.
Back in 1987-1988 there as the first attempt on the mountain where just a handful of winter expeditions have been attempted. None has reached higher than 7,650 meters up till now. Sherpas are known to be the backbone of the Himalayas. They have been assisting climbers from around the world to climb the Himalayas. “It is wonderful that today on K2 10 Nepalese have made history and shown our bravery and strength,” added Mr. Rita, who has climbed Everest a record 24 times.