Chogori (qiáo gē lǐ 乔戈里), in the Tajik language (tǎ jí kè yǔ 塔吉克语) and Italian as “tall and majestic mountains,” 8611 meters above sea level, which is the main peak of the Karakoram mountain range (kā lǎ kūn lún shān mò 喀喇昆仑山脉), is second only to the Himalayas on Earth elevation of the main peak of the Karakoram mountain range, located in China and Pakistan border.

Introduction

Chogori Peak (8,611 meters) is a transliteration of the Tajik language, meaning “high, great and magnificent.” Internationally, it is better known as K2, which is the only major mountain in the world that has surveyor’s notation as its common name (K stands for Karakoram, 2 means it was the second peak listed).

Chogori Peak stands on the Chinese-Pakistan border. It lies in the middle of the Karakoram Range. Its southern slopes are in Pakistan, and its northern face is part of Yecheng County (yè chéng xiàn 叶城县) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (xīn jiāng wéi wú ěr zì zhì qū 新疆维吾尔自治区). There are six ridges on Mount Chogori: the northwestern-southeastern ridge is the principal ridge line of the Karakoram range, also the dividing line between China and Pakistan. The five ridges are the northern ridge, the western ridge, the northwestern ridge and the southwestern ridge. Chogori is surrounded by dozens of high peaks. By its eastern side are Mount Buluo’at (bù luò ā tè fēng 布洛阿特峰)(8,051 meters), Mount Jiashulbrum 1 (jiā shū ěr bù lǔ mù shān 加舒尔布鲁木山)(8,080 meters) and Mount Jiashulbrum 2 (jiā shū ě r bù lǔ mù II fēng 加舒尔布鲁木II峰)(8,028 meters). More than 20 other peaks stand 7,000 meters high. There is an abundance of mountaineering resources.

It is more difficult to climb the Karakoram Range from the northern slope than from the southern slope. It is even more difficult to climb Chogori. First of all, the dangerous slope with an average gradient of 45 degree, as if shaped by knives and axes, are covered with steep cliffs and sliding chutes arising from avalanches. The vertical height difference is 4,700 meters. It is the biggest vertical height difference among the peaks 8,000 meters above sea level in the world. The steep slope makes it extremely difficult to find safe places for setting up high-altitude camps. Because of its special landform and geomorphology, ropes have to be fixed along the whole route from the advance camp to the summit. The gradient is between 80 degree and 85 degree in some places, and there is almost nowhere for team members to rest.

Of all the 8,000 meters plus peaks, Chogori has the third highest death rate. The dangerous landform and changeable weather have caused a death rate as 30% in attempts on the summit.

Since 1954, only 164 people have scaled the summit, and 49 others have been killed. This great peak is for expert climbers only. This is Chogori! In the eyes of the top-class mountaineers, it is the most beautiful peak; it is its matchless danger that seduces them.

This is what the great Chogori means to the world’s top-class mountaineers.

Best Time to Visit
From May to June or from July to September is the best time to mountaineering.
Between May and September, none of the lucky mountaineers have ever had one whole week of fine weather for decades, although this is the best season for climbing.
In winter temperature will get to -58F on top of mountain. The annual mean temperature in Kashgar (kā shí 喀什) is 53F, with the lowest temperature of -11.9F in January and the hottest 104.1F in July.

Admission Fee: Free

Nearby Attractions:
Id Kah Mosque (ài tí gǎ ěr qīng zhēn sì 艾提尕尔清真寺), Apak Hoja Tomb (xiāng fēi mù 香妃墓), Maztagata Mountain, The Kashgar Grand Bazaar (Dabazha)(kā shí dà bā zhā 喀什大巴扎), etc.

Food:
To Chogori need to bring their own food, preferably high-calorie high-energy foods.

Tips:
Much more cost! Much more danger and difficulty! Much more challenge!
Pay attention to the time! Beijing time here means that the sun doesn't rise until 09:00 and it is still light at midnight in the summer months.
Be sure to take sun block and take warmer clothes for the nights and always carry plenty of water even in the cooler months.
In winter the heavy snow had blocked the road, and what's more, the Urumqi Airport (wū lǔ mù qí jī chǎng 乌鲁木齐机场) was closed up because of heavy snow and fog. If you want to go to Urumqi (wū lǔ mù qí 乌鲁木齐) or leave there, you had better book a flight taking off in the afternoon, or you will probably be delayed for more than a day!
Please take sunbonnet, sunglass, and suntan oil in summer.
Be sure to respect local ethical customs and traditions.