The ascent of K2 in the dead of winter was a historic first. Yet, it came with 5 deaths, including 3 bodies yet to be found. It was a story entailed with rivalries between base camp teams, nations, among the media and on social networks. But it also encapsulated the long term rift between Westerners and those that have for a long time now been the makers of their past success: the Nepalis and Pakistanis. After accusations were made by the survivors, jealous of the Nepali climbers’ achievement, tensions came to breaking point when rumours circulated about the Nepalese cutting ropes after their ascent of K2. Rivalries between high altitude climbers are to be expected, but this particular affair undoubtedly went too far. Read on to find out more.
The outstanding achievement by a Nepali team to first climb K2 during winter was quickly overshadowed by a succession of