K6 (mountain)

K6, also known as Baltistan Peak, is a major mountain in the Karakoram range of Pakistan. It is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, near the Hushe Valley. Despite being relatively lower than its more famous neighbors like K2, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II, K6 is known for its steep faces and challenging climbing conditions.

K6 has two distinct summits: K6 Main (7,282 meters or 23,891 feet) and K6 West (7,040 meters or 23,097 feet). K6 Main was first climbed in 1970 by an Austrian expedition led by Eduard Koblmueller. The route followed the southeast ridge. K6 West saw its first ascent much later, in 2013, by a Czech expedition consisting of Marek Holeček and Zdeněk Hák via a difficult route up the northwest face.

The mountain is primarily composed of granite and gneiss. Its remoteness and the difficulty of access contribute to the relatively low number of attempts compared to other major peaks in the Karakoram. The harsh weather conditions in the region, characterized by strong winds and heavy snowfall, further add to the challenge.

Climbing K6 requires considerable mountaineering experience and technical skills. The mountain presents various objective hazards including avalanches, rockfalls, and crevasses. Due to these factors, K6 remains a challenging and sought-after objective for experienced alpinists.