Chogori Peak
Chogori Peak in Yecheng County, Kashgar (Kashi) Region OF Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: Distant Mystic Land Chogori Peak (8,611 meters) is a transliteration of the Tajik language, meaning ''high, great and magnificent.'' Internationally, it is better known as K2, which is the only major mountain in the world that has surveyor's notation as its common name (K stands for Karakoram, 2 means it was the second peak listed).
Chogori Peak stands on the Chinese-Pakistan border. It lies in the middle of the Karakoram Range. Its southern slopes are in Pakistan, and its northern face is part of Yecheng County in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. There are six ridges on Mount Chogori: the northwestern-southeastern ridge is the principal ridge line of the Karakoram range, also the dividing line between China and Pakistan. The five ridges are the northern ridge, the western ridge, the northwestern ridge and the southwestern ridge. Chogori is surrounded by dozens of high peaks. By its eastern side are Mount Buluo'at (8,051 meters), Mount Jiashulbrum 1 (8,080 meters) and Mount Jiashulbrum 2 (8,028 meters). More than 20 other peaks stand 7,000 meters high. There is an abundance of mountaineering resources.
It is more difficult to climb the Karakoram Range from the northern slope than from the southern slope. It is even more difficult to climb Chogori. First of all, the dangerous slope with an average gradient of 45 degree, as if shaped by knives and axes, are covered with steep cliffs and sliding chutes arising from avalanches. The vertical height difference is 4,700 meters. It is the biggest vertical height difference among the peaks 8,000 meters above sea level in the world. The steep slope makes it extremely difficult to find safe places for setting up high-altitude camps. Because of its special landform and geomorphology, ropes have to be fixed along the whole route from the advance camp to the summit. The gradient is between 80 degree and 85 degree in some places, and there is almost nowhere for team members to rest.
Of all the 8,000 meters plus peaks, Chogori has the third highest death rate. The dangerous landform and changeable weather have caused a death rate as 30% in attempts on the summit. Since 1954, only 164 people have scaled the summit, and 49 others have been killed. This great peak is for expert climbers only. This is Chogori! In the eyes of the top-class mountaineers, it is the most beautiful peak; it is its matchless danger that seduces them. This is what the great Chogori means to the world's top-class mountaineers.
Best time to go
Between May and September, none of the lucky mountaineers have ever had one whole week of fine weather for decades, although this is the best season for climbing.
In winter temperature will get to -58F on top of mountain. The annual mean temperature in Kashgar is 53F, with the lowest temperature of -11.9F in January and the hottest 104.1F in July.
Ticket
No ticket but cost more.
Around Landscape
Id Kah Mosque, Apak Hoja Tomb, Maztagata Mountain, The Kashgar Grand Bazaar (Dabazha) etc.
Local Snacks and Specialties
Tapestry, Carpet, Silk of Aidelai, Clay Pottery, Color hats, Riding boot, Printing and dyeing, and Knives of Yingjisha, etc.
Travel Tips
Much more cost! Much more danger and difficulty! Much more challenge!
Pay attention to the time! Beijing time here means that the sun doesn't rise until 09:00 and it is still light at midnight in the summer months.
Be sure to take sun block and take warmer clothes for the nights and always carry plenty of water even in the cooler months.
In winter the heavy snow had blocked the road, and what's more, the Urumqi Airport was closed up because of heavy snow and fog. If you want to go to Urumqi or leave there, you had better book a flight taking off in the afternoon, or you will probably be delayed for more than a day!
Please take sunbonnet, sunglass, and suntan oil in summer.
Be sure to respect local ethical customs and traditions.
