K2 (Godwin-Austen)
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Overview
K2 (Godwin Austen), about 8,611 m, in the Karakoram is the highest peak in Indian territory as shown on India's official map. It lies in Gilgit-Baltistan, part of the Ladakh UT on that map, in the Trans-Himalaya.
It is the second-highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest.
It was surveyed during the Great Trigonometrical Survey and given the label K2, meaning the second peak of the Karakoram measured.
It was first climbed in 1954 by an Italian team, and it is known for its very high death rate among climbers.
The peak is on the border with China.
It is very steep.
It is in the Baltoro region.
It is called the Savage Mountain.
Geography and key facts
- Karakoram
- About 8,611 m
- Highest peak per India's official map
- Second-highest peak in the world
- First climbed 1954
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on the highest peaks.
Note for UPSC
Karakoram; the highest peak in India as per the Survey of India map (in Gilgit-Baltistan, Ladakh UT). Height: about 8,611 m (Wikidata).
Expect questions on the range a peak belongs to and on arranging peaks or ranges in order.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names K2 (Godwin-Austen) yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Peak
- State / UT
- Ladakh
- Height
- 8,611 m (about)
- Coordinates
- 35.881°N, 76.513°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Physiographic Divisions of India in Depth (map lesson)