Iranian Danaei heads toward ‘Savage Mountain’
Iranian mountaineer Amir Danaei left for Pakistan this week to embark on a three-month journey toward the K2 Summit in the Karakoram range.
Danaei, 23, wrote his name into history books when he became the youngest-ever Iranian to conquer Mount Everest – the highest altitude on the face of the earth – in May last year.
“The sweetest moment through my entire life was when I took the one last step toward the Everest peak,” said the Iranian, who will be looking to repeat the feat as the country’s youngest mountaineer to have ever peaked K2.
At 8,611 meters, K2 is the second highest peak in the world, known to be one of the most dangerous and difficult treks due to avalanches, steepness and unpredictable weather.
Nicknamed the ‘Savage Mountain’, K2 boasts the second highest fatality rate – following Annapurna in Nepal – with 23 deaths per 100 successful summits.
“I will be joined by a group of the world’s best mountaineers in the journey, including high-profile Briton Nirmal Purja,” Danaei said of his newest ascent.
“Given its unique conditions, K2 is a dream, yet challenging, destination for all mountaineers, which makes the trek an equivalent of a world gold medal in the sport,” added the Iranian.