Where Is K2 Located? The Pakistan-China Border

K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen / Chhogori) — the world's **second-highest peak (8,611 m / 28,251 ft)** — lies in the **Karakoram Range**, a subrange of the greater Himalaya.

Geopolitical Location:

• The **summit** sits on the border between **Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan** (Kashmir region) and **China-administered Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang**.
• The **standard climbing routes** (Abruzzi Spur, North Ridge) are accessed from the **Pakistani side** (via Skardu → Askole → Concordia → Base Camp).
• The **northern/eastern slopes** drain into Chinese territory.

Dispute Context: The broader Kashmir region is claimed by **India, Pakistan, and China**. India claims the entire former princely state including K2, but has no physical control. The **Line of Control (LoC)** separates Indian and Pakistani areas; the **Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL)** near Siachen is distinct from the K2 area.

K2 is **not** in India (unlike Kangchenjunga, the 3rd highest, on the India-Nepal border).