Gasherbrum II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gasherbrum IIگاشر برم -2 |
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K4 | |
![]() Gasherbrum II from Base Camp
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 8,035 m (26,362 ft) Ranked 13th |
Prominence | 1,524 m (5,000 ft) |
Listing | Eight-thousander Ultra |
Geography | |
Location | Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan |
Parent range | Karakoram |
Climbing | |
First ascent | July 7, 1956 by Fritz Moravec, Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart |
Easiest route | Snow/ice climb |
Gasherbrum II is a giant mountain located in the Karakoram mountain range. It stands tall at 8,035 metres (26,362 ft) and is found on the border between China and Pakistan. This amazing peak is also known as K4. It is the 13th highest mountain in the entire world, making it a very special place.
The first people to successfully reach the very top of Gasherbrum II were three brave climbers: Fritz Moravec, Josef Larch, and Hans Willenpart. They made history on July 7, 1956.
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About Gasherbrum II
Gasherbrum II is one of the world's 14 mountains that are taller than 8,000 meters (about 26,247 feet). These are called eight-thousanders. Climbing such high mountains is extremely difficult and dangerous. It requires a lot of skill, training, and courage.
The name "Gasherbrum" means "Shining Wall" in the local Balti language. This name fits well because the mountain's icy slopes often sparkle in the sunlight.
Where is Gasherbrum II?
Gasherbrum II is part of the Karakoram mountain range. This range is located in Asia, stretching across parts of Pakistan, China, and India. The Karakoram is known for having some of the world's highest peaks, including K2, which is the second highest mountain.
Gasherbrum II sits right on the border between the Gilgit–Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Xinjiang region of China. Its exact location is marked by its coordinates: 35°45′30″N 76°39′12″E.
The First Climbers
The first successful climb of Gasherbrum II happened in 1956. An Austrian team led by Fritz Moravec made the historic ascent. The three climbers who reached the summit were Fritz Moravec himself, along with Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart.
They followed a route that involved climbing over snow and ice. This was a huge achievement at the time, showing great determination and teamwork.
Climbing Gasherbrum II
Climbing Gasherbrum II is a serious challenge. The easiest way to climb it is usually described as a "snow/ice climb." This means climbers have to use special equipment like ice axes, crampons (spikes on boots), and ropes. They navigate steep slopes covered in snow and ice.
Climbers often set up several camps at different heights on the mountain. This helps them get used to the thin air and rest before trying to reach the very top. The weather on these high mountains can change very quickly, making the climb even harder.
Why is it called K4?
Gasherbrum II is also known as K4. The "K" stands for Karakoram, the mountain range it belongs to. In the mid-1800s, early explorers and surveyors gave numbers to the peaks they found in the Karakoram.
For example, K2 is the second peak identified in the Karakoram. Gasherbrum II was the fourth peak to be numbered in this survey, which is why it got the name K4. This numbering system helped map out the many high mountains in the region.
See also
In Spanish: Gasherbrum II para niños