Nepali mountaineering team sets new record, first to scale Mount K2 in winter

January 17, Kathmandu: A team of 10 Nepali mountaineers has successfully climbed Mount K2 in China-Pakistan border, becoming the first climbers to scale the 8,611 meter  peak in the winter season.

The mountaineers making the first-ever winter ascent are Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, Nirmal Purja, Mingma David Sherpa, Gelje Sherpa, Sona Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Pem Chhiri Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, Kili Pemba Sherpa and Dawa Tenjing Sherpa.

They scaled the world’s second-highest mountain at around 5 pm Pakistan time on Saturday.

Before Saturday’s successful expedition, Mt. K2 was the only over 8,000-metre peak to have never been climbed in the winter season.

The 10 climbers were from three different expeditions but they decided to reach the summit together to claim the success for Nepal.

Mount K2 is considered as one of the most difficult peaks to climb, with extremely low temperatures and winds making the ascent in winter more difficult.