Nanga Parbat is one of the highest mountains in the world. It is situated in Pakistan and is very brutal regarding its climatic conditions and difficulty in climbing.
K2 in the Karakoram range has been deemed the most dangerous peak to climb in the whole world to this day. However, this is quite wrong. Because if you think of it, Nanga Parbat has gotten its name, killer mountain, for a reason.
There have been hundreds of failures in climbing the peak of Nanga Parbat, as this mountain is as cruel as it has been given the name. The climatic conditions of the mountain are not as pleasant for travelers. The peak has also been the cause of deaths of many. Hence, there is a lot for a person to keep in mind before deciding to climb the peak.
In this article, we have written everything you need to know about Nanga Parbat and why it is called the killer mountain.
Why is Nanga Parbat called the killer mountain?
Nanga Parbat is called the killer mountain because it has been proven to be fatal for the lives of many mountaineers who have been at their peak. Nanga Parbat is the third-most dangerous 8,000-meter peak in the world after Mt. K2 and Mt. Everest.
The death rate of this mountain is 22.3% which is high compared to the death rates of many other 8000-ers. There have been recorded 64 deaths in the mountain due to its harshness. Likewise, about 287 attempts to climb the mountain has proved to be a failure for these mountaineers.
Climbing Nanga Parbat is no rocket science, but it is very close to it. Mountaineers experienced with climbing other 8000-ers are suggested to climb the mountain. As for those who want to climb to the peak for the thrill, the mountain can be as cruel as one could think. Moreover, death is very probable on this mountain.
The south ‘Rupal Face’ is known as the highest mountain face in the world. It rises 4,600m (about 15,090 ft) above sea level. Similarly, the North ‘Rakhiot Flank’ can be ranked among the ten greatest elevation gains, with a very small distance in the world, rising 7,000m (about 23,000 ft) above sea level.
Nanga Parbat Most Intimidating rock walls in the world
Nanga Parbat is one such peak with the most intimidating and threatening rock walls in the world. Travelers all around the world have always been intimidated by the rock walls. The appearance justifies why this mountain has been termed a “killer mountain.”
The Rupal’s face has to intimidate the whole world. So much so that, Nanga Parbat might even beat the dangerous-looking K2 when it comes to its absurd yet magnificent rock walls.
There aren’t many such rock walls in any other mountains in the world.
Nanga Parbat fatality
Nanga Parbat has also been labeled “the man-eater” because of its fatality rate. Both located in Pakistan, Nanga Parbat is just as dangerous, with the claims for K2 being the most dangerous. One really cannot underestimate the destructive nature of this mountain. This peak, without a doubt, will push a mountaineer beyond his physical limits.
Nanga Parbat, according to Summiteers
The mountain has been given names and defined differently yet in the same light by many mountaineers worldwide. Nanga Parbat stands for “naked mountains.” There had been 31 deaths, and several failed to climb this mountain before legendary Austrian alpinist Hermann Buhl traveled solo on top of the mountain without any artificial air and support in 1953. This marked the first summit of Nanga Parbat.
Likewise, a summiteer who attempted to climb Nanga Parbat in 2014 said, “Nanga is like an island surrounded by the way lower peaks and is exposed to high winds and the weather in general. Due to that, it has very short good weather windows. Also, it is just one of the mountains with the biggest elevation gain between the base camp and the summit. More than Everest or K2, for example! There have been for sure two reasons why nobody was successful till now.”
He added, “Nanga Parbat is long and difficult under normal summer conditions. Now imagine putting short days, very high winds, and low temperatures on top [and] you can roughly imagine what we are talking about.”
Nanga Parbat Base Camp
Nanga Parbat may be one of the most dangerous peaks, but the base camp is accessible and open to all. Anyone who wants to travel to the Parbat and enjoy the beauty of the place can visit the base camp, even if they are inexperienced. There is no bar for anyone who wants to go to the base camp.
The base camp is located a few hours away from Fairy Meadows. Fairy Meadows will show you the true beauty of the green Pakistani lawns. One cannot help but get mesmerized when brought forth such a beautiful scene.
Mountaineer David Gotter says, “Nanga is like an island surrounded by the way lower peaks and is really exposed to high winds and the weather in general. Due to that, it has very short good weather windows. Also, it is just one of the mountains with the biggest elevation gain between base camp and summit.”
I finally have some wifi so I can finally post the summit reel from Nanga Parbat!
Stay tuned for the story from the climb that I will post tomorrow #KristinHarila #NangaParbat #Pakistan #Explore #Summit pic.twitter.com/OWDKjNYqBY— Kristin Harila (@kristin_harila) June 28, 2023
The ferocity of Nanga Parbat
Many experienced mountaineers have been to Nanga Parbat. And they have often been fearsome of what awaits them on the peak. This mountain is known for its ferocious avalanches, glaciers, and storms. These weather conditions and natural phenomena are inescapable.
Likewise, David Gotter has also said that, unlike many mountains that are easier to climb during the summertime, Nanga Parbat is not as easy to climb. Furthermore, this mountain can be ruthless even during the summer due to its nature. Nanga Parbat gets its name, killer mountain, for being deadly.
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