K2: The Savage Mountain

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Further Reading:
www.nytimes.com/2021/01/19/sp....
www.britannica.com/place/Kara...
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www.climbing.com/places/k2-wo...
www.alanarnette.com/blog/2022...
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archive.org/details/magicklif...
www.google.co.za/books/editio...
Conefrey, M. (2016). Ghosts of K2: The Race for the Summit of the World's Most Deadly Mountain. United Kingdom: Oneworld Publications. (Chapters 1 - 2 were used to create the section - More Futile Attempts)// (Chapters 10 - 11 were used to create the section 1954 Italian Expedition)
archive.org/details/karakoram...
archive.org/details/k21939tra...
www.muchbetteradventures.com/...
books.google.co.za/books?id=C...
archive.org/details/fallengia...
www.smh.com.au/national/contr...
archive.org/details/k2storyof...
web.archive.org/web/200902172...
www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...
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[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

You're the Best Karl

[@StephenLynx8492]

"Summiting Mount Everest earns you bragging rights. Summiting K2 earns you RESPECT." - Mountaineer's saying

[@Mathguy363]

Skiing down K2 was probably the most nerve wracking thing I’ve ever watched

[@Skorpychan]

I agree; if the SHERPA gets altitude sickness and decides to quit, you have no hope. Sherpas grow up in the shadow of the mountains. The Nepalese people are BORN adapted to high altitudes. That's why the Gurkas are so notoriously fierce; not only are the best candidates picked out from a stupidly hard environment, but they've been vaccinated, fed, and they're high on the dense low-altitude air basically all the time.

[@raquellofstedt9713]

They have a leg up on the altitude, but the altitude sickness is a tricky bastard. It can hit people at fairly low atltitudes when they have been born and bred att higher altitudes. I had been speniding fairly long times at high altitudes since early childhood, but one hike, I realized I was not doing well and had to slow far down. It was a mild case of altitude sickness, after nearly a lifetime spending long stretches at mostly higher elevations. Now I´m not a Sherpa, but after that I learned that yep, even they and the Andes folks can get caught out.

[@michaelb1761]

Sherpa aren't just acclimated to higher altitudes; their blood is different than the rest of us, specifically the red blood cells. This allows them to operate on less oxygen. Acclimated people have an increase in red blood cells, but the cells still function the same.

[@Skorpychan]

​@@michaelb1761 Like I said; they're born adapted to it. Just looking at them would tell you that, with the short limbs and solid torso. They work like crazy at sea level, though. Once you teach them some english and figure out when they're all going to take time off.

[@GarethT902]

The Gurkhas arnt Mountain people. There lowlanders more acclimatised to tropical conditions. They absolutely hate the cold. That said there fierce little bast*rds and excellent soldiers.

[@summeronio9751]

I was JUST NOW watching a doc about the 2008 disaster on K2 that took 11 people. The mountain takes what it wants

[@PoorlyHandled]

The death zone is in reference to an altitude that once you're above the air is so thin your lungs can no longer work properly and begin to fill with fluid

[@lauriepenner350]

Yeah, it's not called the Death Zone because you might die. It's called that because your body is literally dying every minute you spend there. (Why do people do this sport, again...?)

[@lauriepenner350]

Where's Simon???!? ...He's working on other projects knowing that his old channels are in very good hands. Nice job, Karl!

[@zaco-km3su]

These never were his channels. He quit and focused on his own channels. Created some new channels that are his.

[@beeftec5862]

@@zaco-km3su Guy is doing a great effort trying to copy his style, but the autocue work needs a bit more time

[@juliadagnall5816]

For anyone interested in the history of mountaineering and the efforts to summit various 8,000 meter peaks I’d recommend ‘The World Beneath Their Feet’ by Scott Ellsworth. The book focuses primarily on the 1930s when teams from Great Britain, Nazi Germany, and the United States were all vying to be the first to plant their flag on the top of the world with expeditions that ranged from well prepared and professional to straight up insane (like the guy who planned to crash his plane halfway up a mountain and then solo climb the rest of the way). Today when almost any idiot can climb Everest if they can hire enough help and bring enough bottled O2 it’s easy to forget the determination and incremental gains it took to map the routes up in the first place.

[@LudiCrust.]

When I was younger when I spent 2 summers hiking around India Nepal & Pakistan and went on a 4 week trek that went by K2. I don’t know if it’s down to reputation or what but it was the most foreboding looking mountain out of all of them that I saw. I think a lot of the people that try climbing it & other 8k meter peaks have a death wish. If you spend any amount of time around those mountains you can’t help but see hundreds of different ways you can EASILY die climbing them. In the 3 days I was at & near K2 I saw at least a dozen avalanches. Another thing people don’t consider is you feel like crap bc of the altitude & it takes a LONG time to even get there so by the time you get there you are in rough shape - malnourished, fatigued, dehydrated, cuts & bruises , muscle aches/strains + you’re either going to have diarrhea or constipation from taking a lot of anti diarrhea meds. Even though you are there for several weeks to climb it it’s not like you physically recover after a few days like you would at sea level bc you’re so high up and you’ll have a bad headache regardless of how much you eat & drink bc your body is stressed. If you aren’t in exceptional shape you have zero chance of being able to climb it. I walk or run at least 5 miles a day, am in very good physical shape, & I’m nowhere near fit enough to climb any of those mountains & wasn’t fit enough back then even though I was a college athlete. I do think trekking to those mountains is worth it though because they are staggeringly beautiful & it feels like a major accomplishment. I can’t imagine how good it feels to climb K2 but no matter how good it is it’s not worth it.

[@scottessery100]

Please call it the big ass mountain from now on

[@justmenotyou3151]

Get better. Let me clarify. Get to feeling better.

[@alexanderradkee376]

I took that way out of context, I thought you meant he sucked and needs to improve.

[@jeffreystewart6786]

I also took it the wrong way😂😂

[@RiverNihil]

@@jeffreystewart6786 what was the right way?

[@Talisguy]

_Git gud._ Show that virus who's boss!

[@waspsandwich6548]

​@RiverNihil He's sick and the original commenter was asking for him to recover and no longer be sick

[@Fuchswinter]

Re: Corpses on the mountain. On mount Everest there's a stretch called rainbow valley due to the many corpses in their colorful geat being littered around. One of the most famous waypoint corpses is Green Boots, who rested at about 8500m at the first of three "steps" towards the summit. His identity hasn't been confirmed but it's speculated to be the Indian climber Tsewang Paljor. He was moved to a less visible spot sround 2014.

[@Bubbaist]

Every dead body on Mt. K2 was once a highly motivated person, so maybe calm down.

[@andreamunoz6088]

Sometimes, being bad at something can save lives

[@NeidalRuekk]

I think I will stick with the relative safety of chasing total solar eclipses

[@reclawyxhush]

Man: "A savage mountain that tries to kill you". K2: "Suicidal masochists that seek the thrill of dying".

[@patriciadean1649]

Stop with the “interim “your it and it’s good

[@coconutsmarties]

You reckon they're living in hope that The Simon returns?

[@RetinaBurner]

Don't worry, if you fall off a mountain like K2, you'll die from multiple impacts with the mountain side long before you hit the water, and the shark will have a free meal with no struggle, and the spider will keep spinning its web.

[@merkaba555]

Great job on this one! You really cracked me up. Keep up the strong work.

[@brieanastraiton3665]

Get well soon buddy! I'm sick too. Saw a Dr yesterday who explained this is the first flu season back in 100% full swing since covid. Mostly ppl didn't get the boosters this year that many bundled with the flu vaccine. The common cold, flu A and B, strep and a few of the others had a couple years off. In those couple years the common strains became stronger apparently. Now we're all sick with common stuff but it's stronger than our defenses we have built up. He said it will probably be a few more years before things can get back to "normal". And he recommended getting all the annual vaccines the next few years so we can get the immunity built back up.

[@stephaniesjwc6294]

Great job Karl. I loved the story today. Thank you for your dedication to your job and I hope you get better soon.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

As I have a pathological fear of heights, this is a total big NOPE for me, but I can admire those who do it.

[@matiastoatv]

This was a great video, very interesting facts and personal insights. All the more impressive that you were hurting and with a terrible headache Karl. I know I dont want to do anything with a headache! Pleading in cases like these to reschedule a video or get an interim-interim host, we all deserve sick days 🙏

[@zachakers4385]

Love that Nisha and Brad are still here too. Long live Fact Fiend royalty

[@maxhowe8657]

I love clicking on these videos & hearing the Fact Fiend crew.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:50 - Chapter 1 - Mountain of many names 3:20 - Chapter 2 - The mountain , location & climbing 5:25 - Chapter 3 - The dangers of K2 7:30 - Mid roll ads 9:45 - Chapter 4 - Early attempts to conquer the dangerous mountain 12:20 - Chapter 5 - More futile attempts 15:35 - Chapter 6 - 1954 italian expedition 20:40 - Chapter 7 - Disasters across the decades 28:40 - Chapter 8 - K2 Today 29:45 - Conclusion PS: 0:35 - More british than usual ?

[@chantristrammell6088]

Sorry you were sick for this one. I've read an article about K2 a few years ago. Never would I ever wanna climb a mountain, most definitely not one as dangerous as this one.

[@DFSJR1203]

What the hell kind of plague is going around. Karl, I too have been sick over 2 weeks now. I hope we both get better soon. Even though you are sick you always do a good job. Again I hope you get well soon.

[@ToriNightengale]

I just got home from a walk in clinic, some kind of throat infection

[@resileaf9501]

Mind you, Karl might not have been sick for two weeks straight, just recorded several videos while he was sick so they're just getting released over time.

[@rochellethompson766]

Theres actually a stronger type of the common cold going around; some people are sick for weeks, some for months. I was lucky, I only had it for 3 weeks. It was awful though, I lost my voice several times. I'm glad I'm also teaching my toddler sign language! Edit: Also, get well soon!

[@resileaf9501]

Sherpas are just made different. Edit: Honestly, you're built different too, Karl. Climbing a mountain *by accident.* XD It's true what they say, you can do anything if you don't realize what you're doing.

[@BruceBoyde]

Awesome topic! I have zero interest in climbing any mountains ever, but I have a fascination with mountaineering. Everest almost feels like a tourist trap for rich people now; you pay enough and a sherpa hauls your ass up. K2, Annapurna, and Nanga Parbat are feared and only the suitably skilled (and brave/insane) climb them.

[@sbcee2220]

Really good episode, great content and delivery, in spite of the illness!

[@nathanpitek3177]

Main reason they need so many porters is cuz of how remote it is. Like 80 miles from anything resembling a town

[@TM-yn4iu]

Wow, exploration, challenges, accomplishments..."I" ...with my porters and sherpas...it's so common in all arenas. Great presentation, wish you well. BTW, ive done survival challenges, alone. But everyday other's are doing this not by choice, but war..wish them well, they dwarf these egos.

[@LemurDreamer87]

A bit of a shame that you didn't find an opportunity to mention the 1953 American expedition, specifically the moment where Pete Schoening kept almost the entire expedition from falling to their deaths when attempting to rescue one of them who was in dire trouble. One inexperienced climber, with one ice axe, held up himself and six other people, in an act so legendary it's just known as "The Belay".

[@donaldwert7137]

Karl, you are a trooper. Thank you for powering through this.

[@yotamaster09]

Thank you, I have watched countless videos of K2 and never really looked up why it has that name. Always love learning something

[@chrislittle2366]

I hope you feel better Karl love your content

[@zachakers4385]

Karl. You are THE SHIT. Please stick around. Love fact fiend. Love you as the host of this and top tens.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your content 😊

[@laurachapple6795]

I was not prepared for Alister Crowley to be in this story.

[@cilldublin07]

when i was growing up K2 was the local nightclub and it was up the top of a hill. Nice downhill walk/stumble home at 3am

[@LordMcKrakenVonLittleBits]

That's awesome you mentioned Nightmare Creatures. That game was so good. They seriously need to reboot that.

[@ellermg]

I met a famous (at least, in Italy) climber when I was young, Marco Camandona, who climbed the K2 at the time and I think he also did the Everest, that was so cool

[@darthtac]

You were looking for a pub on top of a mountain and there wasn't a pub up their. That is a great place for a pub. Get better soon Karl try hot lemonade and lemsip followed by a shot of whisky.

[@Intel-6969K]

Thankyou Karl for delivering this video.

[@margarethorrall8621]

Everest is over 1.300km away from K2. No way could you see it from there!

[@johnmcaree7298]

Another excellent video. My only quibble is that there's about 140 mountains in Britain higher than 1000 feet. 4 in Wales, the rest in Scotland.

[@ripvanallosaur113]

Sir Hillary is who you were thinking of. The Hillary Step is right below Everest's summit. Sherpas call it Tenzing's back. You might enjoy Touching My Father's Soul by Tenzing's son.

[@pioneercynthia1]

The Hillary Step is gone now! During the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the rock face that supported the step shifted and dislodged some pretty significant chunks, which then dislodged the entire boulder. It wasn't noticed until 2017 since Nepal had suspended permits until the earthquake damage was verified.

[@hopeanderson4789]

Someone pls tell me what the white and red and greenish thing on the shelf is

[@Provocateur3]

There is a great movie about K2 called Going High. It's hollywood, but still pretty good.

[@michaelsylvester7227]

We used to have a go at Simon for his pronunciation..... are we going to have a go at Mr. Smallwood for his....name?

[@sunstonespice]

I’m on my way from the doctor with a bizarre not-flu that left me in bed for a whole day so yeah. It’s just that lovely time of year.

[@oskarsmom7552]

The people I’m most impressed with are the Sherpas. They don’t get anywhere near the recognition they deserve. The pay they receive is pitiful by our standards and there are some that have summited numerous times and there’s no fanfare or talk of accomplishment. Some, but not nearly enough, they seem to be an afterthought when it comes to the thank you’s.

[@matiastoatv]

"on my way to the pub I accidentally climbed a mountain" is the most british story I ever heard

[@jonathanpeters6990]

That only works if you sitting in a coushy office job or retail job 9:39 , try working outdoors in rural country or construction and ya they need washed weekly

[@jason0870]

Bro, your pale. Get well soon. Cool video too.

[@CouLands]

He’s British. That’s just how they look

[@LucienSabre]

Bodies recovering operations are not just dangerous but expensive too - it’s been (approximately) calculated that the costs for recovering just the bodies located in certain areas of Mount Everest might come close or even equal those of a full expedition.

[@Demostravius]

Tenzing had not 'already climbed up it before', he had been on the mountain before. Getting to the top, and being on it are not the same thing. Way to shit on the lives and effort of all those pushing to complete feats humanity had never achieved before. You don't even know the names of the people involved, but you're confident they are wrong!

[@sarahmoorcroft8826]

I love a good pub, but I’m with you! No pub is worth climbing a mountain when I can crack a beer in my lounge room!

[@mason7067]

Love how Mr. Smallwood funds his own name funny.

[@multiyapples]

Rest in peace to those that passed away. Be safe when climbing mountains yall.

[@krmrivera83]

Get well soon and I bleieve ou! Everytime I go on vacation I end up climbing or hiking in sandals becasue that's who I am, I don't know why

[@olga138]

Feel better, Karl. I never would have guessed that you are sick.

[@dobbersanchez1185]

Britian, the sick man of youtube

[@bigrudd9346]

This is an extremely easy mountain to not die on. It's called stay tf off it. Zero reason whatsoever, and noone can convince me otherwise, to attempt to climb mountains. Unless you are some sort of scientist doing this for the benefit of everyone. It endangers yourself,others around you, those who may have to rescue that person, and the potential lives you leave behind. It's a selfish "accomplishment."

[@est-zo6vj]

I would also think that if I had no soul

[@liloulux2739]

I agree

[@seanheany444]

Ok I’m definitely biased here as a rock climbing instructor and mountain climber here, but it’s not a selfish accomplishment, all the people who are there know and except the risks that come along with it. My biggest mountain I’ve had the pleasure of summiting was Denali, and dear god that was the hardest and coldest month of my life but the feeling of the teamwork and accomplishment was something I doubt I will ever be able replicate. Not to mention the absolutely unreal views from the top. The pictures I took don’t come close to

[@bigrudd9346]

@@seanheany444 I'll respect the fact that you made it back safely. I respect the physical endurance it takes. I just don't agree with the reasoning. But hey, to he/she their own. I'm not doing it because of the risks, mostly to others, and who I'd potentially leave behind. I'm not a worry or thought to anyone because I'm not in one (a mountain)! I'll take my chances walking my streets of Chicago thanks ...

[@bigrudd9346]

On second thought, yeah I might mountain climb lol

[@raquellofstedt9713]

The Sierra Nevadas have places where there are, well stone piles, under which there are bodies. It´s just too remote or dangerous to try to get them back down. and now that glaciers are melting, even airplanes lost during WWII are reappearing. It´s kind of grim.

[@jsimsgt96]

This guy is way better than the today I found out guy

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

K2, first time I've heard of this mountain is in the 2000 film Vertical Limit.

[@Mikkelltheimmortal]

K2 has a beautiful granite with blue spots. I recommend a Google of it

[@jakoblevantinus9113]

The death rate on 8000 m peaks may be heightened by nomenclature: Calling Crowley's attempt a "failure," or a "futile attempt," simply because his team did not summit puts pressure on those who follow to either 'summit or fail' - like an Olympic athlete who is satisfied only with gold. Rather, call Crowley-Eckenstein and similar outcomes what they are, namely, smashing successes (getting to 6000 m without any fatalities). Measure success beyond the dimensional summit-or-no and future expeditions will feel less pressure to press on under mounting negative odds. Fewer deaths means more opportunities to try again next year.

[@rhawkas2637]

18:09 I didn't know Nicholas Cage tried to climb K2. XD

[@madnimrod2489]

A fascinating documentary. Love stuff like this. Also love the FFVIII book in the back. XDDDD

[@williamjacob885]

IMHO, there are some places that humans were never meant to go, such as Everest, K2, and Challenger Deep.

[@Lager1978]

Someone needs to write one of these for the Eiger now.

[@bigbird0993]

Been watching this vid on and off when I came back 29:34 was funny I was eating and almost spat my food out😅😅😂

[@davidroberts9037]

You did great 🎉. Get well soon

[@user-ek8gs4ij4r]

Nope. I might fall off, and it's cold.

[@mrbigfish6951]

Smallwood good day to you sir

[@Aaron-from-BroTrio]

I honestly never thought about the descent either. I wonder if some of the lower landmark bodies died on the way down?

[@pioneercynthia1]

Entirely possible. Almost all climbers die on the way down. There's such a brief window of time a climber can spend in the death zone, and many ways to exceed that time. Weather can change in a heartbeat, and climber error is not infrequent. Watching your last bottle of supplemental oxygen bounce into a crevasse is maybe the worst feeling in the world.

[@ghost_of_nyc6497]

Smallwood talking about a big rock

[@zaco-km3su]

I knew that K2 had a certain legend to it. I knew it was far more dangerous than Everest/Chomolungma. I knew about the statistics. The cover up about the first successful ascent was quite intriguing. That attitude though was not respectable. Bonatti should have been on that mountain peak. The Polish expedition was quite interesting too. The Sherpas are incredible. I really wonder if the Sherpas didn't climb Everest to the top before the Europeans did. Wash your jeans. If the CEO tells you to do something that might not sound safe, don't do it. A CEO is full of bs. Don't wash them after every use unless they are clearly dirty but wash them after wearing them a few times.

[@TwoBs]

From what I always gathered with all the documentaries I’ve watched on them and the mountain is that the Sherpas (and subsequently everyone in their community) didn’t climb it prior as it was feared and respected. Hence why they do these elaborate blessing ceremonies prior to climbing, asking for a safe passage and return on Everest in exchange to give the deity their offerings laid out at the base. “For many, the ceremonies are one of the most meaningful climbing experiences in Nepal and Tibet or anywhere with Sherpas. Before one climbs a peak, there are multiple blessings, prayers, and Pujas, especially Chomolungma, aka Sagarmatha (Everest). A puja is commonly called a Puja at Base Camp, but there are others along the way. All ceremonies pray to the mountain Gods for permission to climb, forgiveness for damaging the mountain, and safety for all those climbing.” The mountain is extremely sacred. There’s even been several climbers that will make it to the summit, but will not directly stand on the top as they feel it is disrespectful because it would be like “standing on top of the deity’s head”. Most of the Sherpas, especially those that are very religious, probably would not even climb the mountain in the first place due to these beliefs. However, since Everest is their biggest money maker for their country, they desperately rely on the tourism from it and seek forgiveness for going to the summit. I’ve no doubt they explored a lot before anyone attempted to summit and obviously know that mountain better than anyone else, but directly to the top before anyone else? It’s really hard to say as their beliefs are heavily embedded into their culture and way of life. It’s a very sacred place, and I don’t know if they would compromise that unless seeing if someone from the outside went first.

[@partyontheobjective]

Get well soon, Karl!

[@gretchenmyers1279]

does anyone else see a big similarity between Charles Houston (at 13:24), and Bruce Willis?

[@hayleyruth710]

K2 will never become as tourist-laden and relatively safe as Everest. Everest doesn't experience nearly as many ice falls or avalanches as K2. Everest also doesn't have as many frequent topographical changes. Bodies stay on Everest because they're hard to take down. Bodies are usually left on K2 because no one can find them after a few hours. The mountain is known to "chew climbers and spit them out." Bodies on Everest remain whole, but people've found feet, legs, and hands of missing K2 climbers. K2 and Everest are completely different. K2 will never be able to be tamed.

[@Xainfinen]

Dapsang and Chogori are great names.

[@tylerwood8710]

You told your "Accidental Mountain Climbing" story and didn't talk about the descent, which you just got done saying is the most dangerous part!

[@dennislower4742]

Brilliant host, even if unwell

[@Xainfinen]

0:38 That's what I thought, you look Britishier than usual.

[@keryeeastin4022]

What's up Karl! No I'm not going to make fun of your small wood... 😅 it's really none of my business

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you much.

[@Mandy_5446]

You get aerated about the same things as I do and I don't know why either. Maybe a regional thing for northern England.

[@pissedoffnation]

Oh shit its the factfiend guy

[@SeymourButs-gz9ij]

I wasn't sure at first but I think you're right. He doesn't seem as chipper as he usually is though

[@skateruwu]

Smallwood! Haha!

[@jonathanstewart8106]

Godwin-Austin, small error I know but an error nonetheless

[@tropakillviking666]

Most talk about climbing K2 but wait until you try SMOKING K2!! 😮

[@The-D33J]

Tallest is a bit of a misnomer, while Everest & K2 are the highest elevations on earth, there are multiple others that are taller from base to peak

[@bigmikeisaman]

It's in the Karakoram, not Himalayas.

[@zarasbazaar]

Everest may have become touristy, but people still die there every year. Even if K2 becomes popular, it will still be just as dangerous. You can't change the shape of the mountain or how much further north it is than Everest.

[@thedolt9215]

FYI, you don’t conquer a mountain… It lets you go…

[@rogerloess2379]

Karl!!!

[@captainzeppos]

They haven't conquered the mountain. They have visited and most likely littered its peak.

[@user-qt7nq5xl1m]

Dude, are you spending time with the Rona? Or should I say, the Rona is spending time with you. Sounds like you got some covid. We call it the Rona... She's like the relative that never leaves and circles around from house to house

[@tozmts]

entertaining, but a few glaring mis-steps... Godwin-Austen, not Goodwin Austin, Mehdi was with Walter Bonatti and the bottled oxygen, etc.