Karakoram: Climbing Through the Kashmir Conflict

Karakoram is world-class alpinist Steve Swenson's personal story of climbing K2 and other peaks in the Karakoram Range that straddles the borders of China, India, and Pakistana story told against the backdrop of extreme altitude and conflict between these nations for control of Kashmir.

Love of climbing mountains has lead Swenson to the summits of some of the highest and most dangerous peaks in the world. But over the years, he developed a deep respect for the rugged landscapes and local people found the remote Karakoram Range in South Asia. Readers join him on the trail for numerous attempts on these 8000-meter peaks, getting an intimate look at everything from expedition dynamics among his various climbing partners to the logistics of trip planning. Especially rewarding is the fond relationship that develops between Swenson and Rasool, one of the Balti porters that he becomes close to.

Karakoram is the story of high-altitude adventures within the context of a complex region; it's the story of caring about a place, its people, and its future.