BROAD PEAK (Pakistan) World's 12th Highest Mountain

Broad Peak is the 12th highest mountain of the world. It is 4th highest peak of Pakistan. It is at the elevation of 8,051 meters (26,414 ft). It has Prominence 1,701 m (5,581 ft).

Broad peak is located in the Karakoram Range in Northeastern Pakistan. The mountain is located along the western Baltoro glacier between K2 and Gasherbrum IV.  It is located about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from K2. It is part of the Gasherbrum massif on the border of Pakistan and China.

Broad peak is included in the list of eight-thousanders.The eight-thousanders are the 14 independent mountains on Earth that are more than 8,000 metres (26,247 ft) high above sea level. They are all located in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges in Asia.

It is called Broad Peak because of its breadth at the top.The summit ridge of the peak is over 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) long, therefore British explorer W.M. Conway thought Broad Peak was a suitable name. 

The local name of Broad peak is Faichan Kangri which means 'Broad Peak' in Balti language. Broad Peak also known as K3. 

The Broad Peak has three seperate summits.  These  peaks in the Broad range are called Broad Peak, middle and central. The main summit is 8,047 meters, central summit is 8,016 meters, and north summit is 7,550 meters.

The first ascent of Broad Peak was made by Austrian Expedition led by "Marcus Schmuck" along with "Hermann Buhal", Kurt Diemberger and "Fritz Winter Resteller" in June 9, 1957.

There are two routes to the Broad peak from Skardu .First is  via Askole and second is via Gondogoro Pass. To climb first route is more better. Gondogoro Pass is a mighty 5600m, so most trekkers use this route for the way back.The main route to the summit, via the west ridge, is moderately strenuous, but like other mountains in the Karakoram range, weather is often the determining factor. 

Broad peak is one of the safer 8000m peaks, but the risk of avalanches should never be disregarded. Best season to climb Broad peak is from June to September.