k2 is known as the "savage mountain" as it is very hard to climb. it is considered to be harder to climb than mount everest. k2 has the second-highest fatality rate among the eight-thousand-metre mountains. one person dies for every four who reach the top. as of 2011, only 300 people have climbed to the top of the mountain. at least 80 people have died trying to climb it. k2 has never been climbed during the winter.