Dozens to attempt first winter ascent of deadly K2 Around 55 climbers in rival expeditions are converging on Pakistan for a winter ascent of the notoriously deadly K2 K2, the world's second highest mountain in the Himalayas mountains range of Pakistan Credit: EPA Dozens of climbers are assembling in Pakistan for a perilous attempt at what has been called one of mountaineering's last great prizes – a winter ascent of the world's second highest peak. Around 55 climbers in rival teams are reported to be preparing to climb K2 and take on a mountain notorious for the numbers of climbers to have died on its slopes.