Broad Peak

Broad Peak (originally named K3) at 8,047m/26,400' is the twelfth highest mountain on Earth. Broad Peak is part of the Gasherbrum massif, located in the Karakoram region on the Pakistan-China border. Broad Peak is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from K2. Broad Peak was originally named K3 right after the naming of K2 but on closer inspection by a later party, it was discovered that the summit was over 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) long, thus "Broad Peak". Broad Peak is known locally as Faichan Kangri. The literal translation of "Broad Peak" to Phalchan Kangri is not accepted among the Baltis.

Broad Peak was first climbed on June 9, 1957 by Hermann Buhl, Marcus Schmuck, Fritz Wintersteller and Kurt Diemberger of an Austrian expedition led by Schmuck. A first attempt by the team was made on May 29 but they were forced back down due to a storm. The first ascent was also accomplished without the aid of supplemental oxygen. Hermann Buhl fell to his death when he and Diemberger attempted to climb nearby Chogolisa peak.

Time Line

• 1954 First attempt by Dr. Karl Herligkoffer of Germany on the SW side that failed due to a storm and extreme cold.
• 1957 First ascent

See also: List of mountains, Eight-thousander, List of climbers, mountaineering

External Links

• Some History of Broad Peak on EverestNews.com
• Broad Peak on Peakware