K2, the world's second-highest mountain, has always attracted adventurous climbers. But trying to climb this massive peak during the freezing winter months makes the adventure even more challenging. Winter expeditions on K2 are arduous and dangerous due to the harsh weather, extreme cold, and high altitude.

Mountain:

K2, often called the "Savage Mountain," stands proudly in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. Its reputation as one of the most dangerous and unforgiving peaks on the planet is well-deserved. With its extreme altitude, severe weather, high winds, and technical challenges, K2 presents a formidable adversary for any mountaineer. In winter, the mountain's already fearsome character is magnified.

Expedition History:

For years, mountaineers dreamed of achieving a winter ascent of K2, yet this elusive goal remained unattained for decades. The first successful winter ascent of K2 was realized on January 16, 2021, by a Nepali team, marking a historic moment in mountaineering.

Mountaineers:

K2 winter expeditions demand the expertise of highly skilled and experienced mountaineers. Climbers who have successfully summited numerous 8,000-meter peaks are the most likely candidates for these extreme endeavors. A successful winter ascent of K2 is considered one of the most significant achievements in mountaineering. Achieving this feat requires a unique combination of skills, determination, and often a bit of luck.

Routes:

The climbing routes for K2 winter expeditions are often the same as those used in the summer months, typically the Cesen Route or the Abruzzi Spur. However, the added challenges of deep snow, freezing temperatures, and avalanches make the ascent an entirely different proposition.

Tour detail:

Fixed departure December 15 each year.

Day 1 and 2: ARRIVAL RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD

• Arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel/guest house in Islamabad.
• Visit the Alpine Club of Pakistan to complete the necessary formalities.

Day 3: RAWALPINDI/SKARDU

• Drive by road or organize a flight to Skardu (one-way flight included).
• Overnight in Chilas if unable to fly.

Day 4: SKARDU

• Emergency day in case the flight does not operate on day 3.
• Transfer members by road from Chilas to Skardu (22-24 hours).

Day 5: SKARDU

• A day at leisure while staff makes final arrangements for the expedition.

Day 6: SKARDU TO ASKOLE

• Embark on jeeps for a full-day ride to Askole at 3050m.

Day 7: ASKOLE TO KOROPHONE

• Leave the last inhabited village and rely on porters for the journey.

Day 8: KOROPHONE TO JHULA

• Trek to the Dumurdo River and cross at Jhula.

Day 9: JHULA TO PAIJU

• Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green Oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6611 M).

Day 10: PAIJU - Rest Day

• Rest and acclimatization day at Piaju. Overnight in tents, with all meals served by camp staff.

Day 11: PAIJU TO URDUKAS

• Begin the trek after an early breakfast. Traverse the junction of Paiju - Baltoro Glaciers through crevasses and lunch below Liligo, the traditional camp under the muddy cliffs with fine views of rock spires. Cross the Khuburse torrent early in the morning and ramble over two glacier moraines to reach the grassy slopes of Urdukas.

Day 12: URDUKAS TO GORO

• A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier to Goro.

Day 13: GORO TO CONCORDIA

• After an early breakfast, resume a long walk on the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia.

Day 14: CONCORDIA REST DAY

• The final day of the trek to the K2 base. A 4-6 hour trek will bring you to the base camp of K2.

Day 15-80: CLIMBING

• Sixty-six days of non-guided climbing.

Day 81: TREKKING BACK via Gondogoro Pass TO ALI CAMP or vice versa

• After an early breakfast, leave the Gasherbrum base camp for Ali Camp.

Day 82: ALI CAMP - CROSS GONDOGORO PASS - KHUSPANG

• A very early start, as early as 2 or 3 a.m., to cross the Gondogoro La to reach Khuspang.

Day 83: KHUSPANG TO SHAICHO

• After a few minutes of easy walking, you will come onto the glacier. You pick your way across moving boulders and ice, finally crossing the glacier to the campsite to reach Dalsangpa. Continue your trek along the path that goes downhill to the summer settlement called Shaicho.

Day 85: SHAICHO TO HUSHEY

• After breakfast, walk along the Hushey River on an easy path. Upon arrival, camp near the fields in Hushey village.

Day 86: HUSHEY TO SKARDU

• AM: Embark on jeeps for a full-day ride on a winding jeep trail to Skardu. Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel. All meals included.

Day 87: SKARDU - RAWALPINDI

• Early in the morning, fly to Islamabad. If unable to fly, the same day drive to Gilgit. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 88: RAWALPINDI

• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi—evening sightseeing. If unable to fly on day 62, this day will be used to move from Gilgit to Islamabad by road.

Day 89: RAWALPINDI

• De-briefing at the Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad. Evening free.

Day 90: FLY BACK HOME

• Transfer to the airport for your onward flight abroad.