Ten Nepalis who achieved a feat that mountaineers had felt to be impossible--the winter ascent of K2, the world’s second highest peak and the most difficult and dangerous eight thousander--received a grand welcome in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The 8,611 metres (28,251 feet) K2, or Chhogori, the world's second-tallest peak straddles Pakistan and China and was climbed on January 16.

From the airport, the team headed towards Tinkune, Naya Baneshwor, Maitighar, Bhadrakali, Sundhara, Kantipath and were felicitated at a function at the Nepal Tourism Board at Bhrikutimandap. They were accompanied by a motorcycle rally.

Situated in the northernmost latitude of all 8,000-metre peaks, K2—in the Karakoram range—is more prone to severe winters. When the final ascent began in the wee hours of January 16 temperature plummeted to minus-50 Celsius and climbers recounted feeling frozen as they pushed for the summit.

Several of the climbers’ fingers were frostbitten.

Earlier, the climbing team had to remain inside their tents for seven days because of high winds and clouds besides low temperatures. They also faced a multi-day storm, which affected their plans. At Camp 2 situated at 6,760m (22,178 ft), the team was battered by heavy winds. The tents were ripped apart.

However, overcoming all those difficulties they made history.

The welcome ceremony and felicitation programme was organised with the participation of the Department of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Mountaineering Association and other tourism organisations.

Here are some images taken by Post photographer Elite Joshi.