Masherbrum, also known as K1, is one of the tallest and most challenging peaks in the Karakoram range, standing at 7,821 meters. Its Northeast Face has remained unclimbed despite numerous attempts by elite alpinists. David Lama, Hansjörg Auer, and Peter Ortner made several efforts between 2013 and 2016 to scale this perilous face. They were met with extreme conditions, including avalanches, unstable snow, and rockfalls. Lama compared the face to a combination of the Eiger and Cerro Torre, two notoriously difficult climbs, highlighting the immense danger of the attempt. Their best effort reached 400 meters of climbing, but unstable snow forced them to retreat (Red Bull, Planet Mountain)

The route has been described as an "impossible" objective, not only because of its technical demands but also the constant threat from seracs, icefalls, and avalanches. Steve House, an experienced climber attempted a similar route in 2003, cautioned that the approach to the northeast face itself presents severe hazards ​(Alpinist).

Given the historical difficulty and danger posed by the Northeast Face, many consider it one of the last great challenges in mountaineering.