Why is K2 called K2? | Exploring the origin of K2 mountain's name

Why is K2 called K2?

Mount K2, located in the Karakoram Range, is the second-highest mountain in the world, only surpassed by Mount Everest. But have you ever wondered how this mighty peak obtained its name? The origin of the name K2 is said to be shrouded in mystery and speculation. In this article, we will dive deep into the history and explore the different theories surrounding the name of this iconic mountain.

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One theory suggests that the name K2 was given due to its position in the Karakoram Range. The Karakoram Range is home to many mountains, and each peak is identified with a number. K2, being the second-highest mountain in the range, earned its name as it was the second peak to be surveyed and recorded. However, this theory is often debated as it does not explain the origin of the letter “K” in the name.

Another prevailing theory speculates that the name K2 may have been derived from the word “Karakoram,” with the number “2” added to distinguish it from other peaks in the range. This theory suggests that the “K” stands for “Karakoram,” and the “2” represents its position as the second-highest peak. While this theory provides a logical explanation, it is yet to be confirmed.

Regardless of its origin, K2 has captivated the imagination of mountaineers and adventurers alike. Its sheer beauty, treacherous terrain, and challenging climbs have made it a legendary destination for those seeking the ultimate mountain experience.

Whether there’s a definitive answer or not, the name K2 has become synonymous with greatness, adventure, and the pursuit of the impossible in the world of mountaineering. It has etched its place in history and will continue to stand as a testament to human perseverance and the desire to conquer the highest peaks.

Why is K2 called K2?

K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, is the second highest mountain in the world, after Mount Everest. The name “K2” is derived from the notation used by the Great Trigonometric Survey of British India. During the 19th century, the surveyors named the peaks of the Karakoram mountain range with a “K” followed by a number. As a result, when they reached the Karakoram, K2 became the name for the second peak they measured.

The specific choice of “K2” as the name for the second highest peak was likely influenced by the intended order of measurement. Mount Everest, later measured to be the highest peak, was referred to as “K1” before its actual height was determined. Therefore, when K2 was measured and found to be higher than what was believed to be the tallest mountain at the time, there was no need to rename it.

Although K2 is the common name for the mountain, it is also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, named after Henry Godwin-Austen, an English geologist and surveyor who explored the area in the late 19th century. Additionally, the mountain is called Chhogori in the local Balti language, which means “King of Mountains”.

Name	Height (meters)	Height (feet)
K2	8,611	28,251
Mount Everest	8,849	29,032

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The Origin of K2 Mountain’s Name

K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Mount Chogori, is the second highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest. The name “K2” might sound peculiar, as it is not as straightforward as other mountain names. The origin of the name K2 dates back to the early 19th century, when the British surveyors were mapping the regions of the Karakoram mountain range.

At that time, the Great Trigonometric Survey of India was working on mapping the vast territory of British India. The surveyors were using a unique system to number the peaks they encountered during their expeditions. Each peak was assigned a number corresponding to its order of mapping, and the letter “K” was used to denote peaks in the Karakoram range.

When it came to cataloging the second highest peak in the Karakoram range, the surveyors followed their standard procedure and assigned it the number “2”. Therefore, the peak became known as K2, signifying the second highest peak in the Karakoram range and the order in which it was mapped.

While some argue that the name K2 lacks the poetry and cultural significance often associated with mountain names, it has become internationally recognized and widely used by climbers and mountaineers. The name K2 now serves as a symbol for the majestic beauty and formidable challenges posed by this imposing peak.

Mountain Name	Elevation
K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen)	8,611 meters
Mount Everest	8,848 meters

Exploring the History behind K2’s Naming

The history behind K2’s name is intriguing and steeped in mountaineering lore. K2 is the second tallest mountain in the world after Mount Everest, and it is located in the Karakoram Range on the China-Pakistan border.

The name “K2” is actually a derived name given by the British surveyors who first documented the mountain. In the early 19th century, British surveyors were conducting surveys and mapping the region, and they assigned a numerical system to the mountains they surveyed in the Karakoram Range. They used the letter “K” to represent the Karakoram and assigned numbers to the mountains based on their order of discovery.

When they came across the giant mountain that would later become known as K2, they realized that it did not have a local name like many of the other mountains they had surveyed. The British team decided to label it as K2, with the “K” representing Karakoram and the “2” indicating that it was the second peak they had surveyed in the Karakoram Range.

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However, it is worth noting that the local people in the region never used the name K2 for the mountain. They had their own names for it, such as Chogori or Qogir, meaning “king of mountains” in the local Balti language.

Throughout history, K2 has remained an iconic name in mountaineering, and it has become synonymous with extreme challenges and danger. Scaling K2 is considered one of the toughest feats in mountaineering due to its treacherous weather conditions, technical difficulty, and deadly reputation. Numerous expeditions have attempted to conquer K2, but it continues to command respect and awe from climbers around the world.

Despite its official name being K2, many climbers and mountaineers still refer to it using its local names as a sign of respect for the indigenous cultures of the region. This recognition serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance surrounding the mountain.

FAQ:

Why is K2 called K2?

K2 is called so because it is the second highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest. The “K” stands for Karakoram, which is the mountain range where K2 is located, and the “2” indicates that it is the second highest peak in that range.

What does the name K2 signify?

The name K2 signifies the physical location of the mountain. The “K” in K2 stands for Karakoram, which is the mountain range where the peak is located. The “2” indicates that it is the second highest peak in the Karakoram range.

Why is K2 called the Savage Mountain?

K2 is called the Savage Mountain due to its treacherous and challenging climbing conditions. The mountain is known for its unpredictable weather, steep slopes, and technical climbing routes, which make it one of the most difficult mountains to conquer. The name “Savage” reflects the dangerous nature of the mountain and the risks involved in attempting to climb it.

Is there any historical significance or story behind the name K2?

The name K2 doesn’t have a specific historical significance or story behind it. It was assigned to the mountain based on its geographical location and ranking as the second highest peak in the Karakoram range. However, the mountain has gained a reputation for its challenging and dangerous climbing conditions over the years, which has contributed to its nickname “Savage Mountain.”