even though the summit of everest is higher, k2 is a much more difficult and dangerous climb. this is in part due to its worse weather. it is believed by many to be the world's most difficult and dangerous climb. this is what lead to the nickname "the savage mountain". only about 300 people have made it to the top. this is much less than the 5,600 who have made it to the top of everest. at least 80 (as of september 2010) people have died attempting the climb.