K2

K2, also known as Mount K2, is the second-highest mountain on Earth, rising 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level. It sits on the border between Pakistan and China in the Karakoram range. The name originated from the Great Trigonometrical Survey of British India, which labeled it as K2—the second peak in the Karakoram surveyed. K2 is renowned for its remote location, severe weather, and technical climbing challenges that test even experienced alpinists.

Ascents and routes: The first confirmed ascent occurred on July 31, 1954, by an Italian expedition led by Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli, via the Abruzzi Spur on the southeast ridge. Since then, K2 has gained a reputation as one of the most difficult mountains to climb, with frequent storms, avalanches, and extreme cold. It is climbed far less often than Everest and has one of the highest fatality rates among the world’s eight-thousanders, with many summits halted by dangerous conditions.

K2 as a drug reference: K2 is also a name used for certain synthetic cannabinoids marketed as designer drugs, often labeled as incense or herbal blends. These substances are illegal in many jurisdictions and can be unpredictable in potency. Use can cause severe health problems, including anxiety, agitation, tachycardia, vomiting, seizures, and in some cases life-threatening conditions. Potency and chemical composition vary between batches, contributing to significant health risks and hospitalizations.

In summary, K2 denotes both a major alpine peak and a class of illegal synthetic drugs, with distinct contexts in mountaineering and public health.