K2: The Story of the Savage Mountain – Jim Curran

Moving away from Everest ascents, deaths and other disasters to read about more of the same on the next highest mountain – Pakistan’s K2.

A good run through the British Empire’s discovery and mapping of the mountain and attempts to climb it up to 1995 (but narrowly missing Alison Hargreaves). Lots of focus on the psychology of a successful ascent (and descent) and team dynamics.

I’ve long wanted to revisit the Karakoram, and Concordia in particular with its massive glaciers and stunning views of these mighty peaks. Gilgit-Baltistan (more familiar to me as the Northern Areas of Pakistan) is a beautiful part of the world. Having read this book, I want to all the more.

Amazon link: K2: The Story of the Savage Mountain – Jim Curran
More reading: Stories From The ‘Savage Mountain’: Death On K2 (NPR)