K2 Summit Expedition: K2, often called "The Savage Mountain," stands as the world's second-highest peak, reaching an astounding elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level. Renowned for its formidable challenges and limited summits, K2 is a mountaineering icon, attracting adventurers from around the globe. This majestic peak offers a grueling yet rewarding experience for those who dare to conquer it, with its technical complexity and breathtaking beauty.

Location:

K2 is situated on the border of Pakistan and China, in the Karakoram Range, making it a remote and captivating destination for mountaineers.

History:

A series of remarkable attempts and notable achievements mark the history of K2 expeditions. Early 20th-century explorers laid the groundwork for future endeavors. One of the most significant moments in 1954 was when an Italian tour led by Ardito Desio saw climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni successfully reach K2's summit. These historical attempts and triumphs form the legacy of K2's challenging yet alluring mountaineering history.

K2 Expedition Highlights:

• Experience an amazing K2 adventure in the stunning Baltoro region of Pakistan.
• Start your adventure with a visit to Islamabad, the vibrant and purposeful capital city.
• Savour breathtaking views of K2 and Nanga Parbat during a scenic flight to Skardu.
• Immerse yourself in the rich history of the ancient Himalayan Kingdom of Baltistan.
• Discover the enchanting beauty of the Shigar Valley, a picturesque gem along your expedition.
• Trek to Concordia, traversing the majestic Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers.
• Challenge yourself to conquer the world's toughest mountain, a feat that defines the pinnacle of mountaineering achievement.

Expedition Routes:

Climbing K2 is a formidable challenge, and there are multiple routes that trekkers and climbers can choose from to reach the summit. Each path presents its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Here are some of the primary routes used for K2 expeditions:

1. Abruzzi Spur (Southeast Ridge)

• The Abruzzi Spur is the most commonly used and well-documented route to K2's summit.
• It offers a mix of ice fields, rock ribs, snow slopes, and technical rock climbing.
• Notable features on this route include "House's Chimney" and the "Black Pyramid."

2. Cesen Route (South-Southwest Spur)

• The Cesen Route, also known as the South-Southwest Spur, is known for its direct approach.
• It is a technically challenging route with steep sections and rugged terrain.

3. North Ridge

• The North Ridge offers a less-traveled but highly challenging route to the summit.
• It involves complex rock climbing, and it's often considered one of the most demanding routes.

4. West Ridge

• The West Ridge is known for its direct approach to the summit from the north side.
• It involves steep slopes, technical rock climbing, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.

These are just a few of the prominent routes trekkers and climbers can choose from when attempting to conquer K2. Each route presents its own unique set of challenges and awe-inspiring views, making the choice a critical decision for any K2 expedition.

Expedition Basecamps:

K2 has several base camps at different altitudes, each serving as a point of acclimatization and logistics support for trekkers and climbers. Here's an overview of the primary base camps on K2:

1. Askole (3,066 meters / 10,059 feet):

• Askole is the last village before the K2 trekking and climbing expeditions begin.
• Trekkers typically start their journey from Askole and proceed towards higher base camps.

2. Paiju (3,360 meters / 11,020 feet):

• Paiju serves as an intermediate base camp for acclimatizing to K2.
• Trekkers and climbers often stop here to rest and adapt to higher altitudes.

3. Urdukas (4,130 meters / 13,549 feet):

• Urdukas is another acclimatization point and offers stunning views of surrounding peaks.
• Trekkers and climbers take breaks here to acclimate to higher altitudes.

4. Concordia (4,700 meters / 15,419 feet):

• Concordia is a crucial base camp and a central point where several glaciers converge.
• It's a hub for trekkers and climbers to K2 and other surrounding peaks.

5. K2 Base Camp (4,900 meters / 16,076 feet):

• K2 Base Camp is the primary base camp for climbers attempting to summit K2.
• It is the starting point for K2 expeditions and a pivotal location for organizing logistics and supplies.

Challenging High:

Climbing K2 is the ultimate climber's high, with its scarcity of summits making it a coveted achievement. It's a challenging climb, often compared to Mount Everest, but known for its technical difficulty and limited ascents.

Tour detail:

D-1) ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD PAKISTAN:

Welcome to Pakistan. Most of the international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport and then transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the days are free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the K2 Expedition. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.

• ACCOMMODATION
• HOTEL
• MEALS
• Dinner

D-2) ISLAMABAD TO SKARDU FLIGHT (2,230m), 45 MINUTES:

If canceled, we will drive on KKH to Chilas, Isb to Chilas, 461km. 8-9 H-Drive After breakfast, you will be transferred to Islamabad Airport to take a spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu, the Capital of Baltistan. It’s a 45-minute flight that offers Spectacular Mountains views of the Himalayas & Karakoram mountain range; you can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8,126m); if the weather is clear, then we might be able to see K2 and Gondogoro Pass as well. Skardu is the getaway to the k2 expedition, K2 base camp trek, K2 and Gondogoro La trek, and many other famous peaks. Check in to the Hotel. The rest of the day will be spent visiting the local Bazars, historical forts, and scenic lakes or visiting the 8th-century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock, which shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who influenced the area before Islam.

• ACCOMMODATION
• HOTEL
• MEALS
• BLD

D-3) SIGHTSEEING & PREPARATION DAY, SKARDU:

In the morning, you can walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (built early 1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If you are into photography, this is a perfect location to take photos of Skaradu Town at sunrise or sunset. (we can arrange this for you). We will then walk to a small village called Organic Village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore. Perhaps you would like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the bazaar.

• ACCOMMODATION
• HOTEL
• MEALS
• BLD

D-4) DRIVE TO ASKOLI (3,000m) 7 HOURS DRIVE:

The following day, you will be driven in a Jeep along the mighty Indus, Shigar, and Braldu Rivers to Askoli via Shigar Valley. Askoli is the last civilization before you enter into the wilderness of the Karakoram mountains. You will spend your first night under the stars in Askoli village, high above the thundering Braldu River. Askole is a single street of wooden houses backed by irrigated fields of corn, potatoes, and groves of apricot trees.

• ACCOMMODATION
• HOTEL
• MEALS
• BLD

D-5) TREK TO KORFONG (3,100m), 4 HOURS WALK:

Today will be the first walking day of the k2 Expedition. After organizing all the equipment and supplies, your porters will head towards Korgong. From your campsite, you wend your way through the lanes and fields of Askoli, which will be the last settlement you will encounter on your trek to Concordia. Watching the local people of Askoli go about their daily business is a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the hardy Balti people. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier; you have your first taste of moraine walking; you cross the glacier snout and descend to the green spot beside the river at Korofon. You will be at the campsite by lunchtime; you can spend the afternoon relaxing by the river or do a short acclimatization walk if you wish. If the weather is clear, it can be a hot day, so keep your sun creams and lots of water with you.

• ACCOMMODATION
• HOTEL
• MEALS
• BLD

D-6) TREAK TO BARDUMAL (3,350m), 6 HOURS WALK:

From Korofong, you continue your journey by following the path up a side valley to make a detour to cross the fast-flowing river by a footbridge. You then walk for half an hour to reach the Jhola Camp. The views are impressive, with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s needles in the distance. From Jhola, you continue onto Bardumal campsite, which is not too far.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-7) TREAK TO PAIJU (3,380m), 6 HOURS WALK

Today, you will have an early start from Bardumla. The path runs for a while at the very edge of the river before climbing to higher ground and allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak. You have to negotiate a couple of streams today. Depending on the melting of the glaciers above, you may have to ford these (sports sandals or old trainers useful). Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this camp, you have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier and the granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups. If the weather is clear, you might see a glimpse of K2.

• ACCOMMODATION
• HOTEL
• MEALS
• BLD

D-8) TREAK TO KHOBURTSE (3,760m), 7 HOURS WALK:

Another early start of the K2 Expedition walking session. From your camp at Paiju, a walk of approximately one hour brings you to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. After viewing the outpouring of meltwater from the ice, we now climb onto the back of this great beast. At this point, the glacier's ice is completely covered by rubble and rocks, and although you are following a trail used by many expeditions, going here can be quite tough. The trail undulated as we climbed over the swells of the flowing glacier; it is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, or K2. Gradually, you work across the glacier to its south side, where we can use a path along the lateral moraine. Heading roughly east, we continue, sometimes on the moraine and sometimes down beside the glacier until you reach a side valley. At this point, it may be possible to continue directly by climbing onto the glacier. Or, if the glacier is not easily accessible, you will turn off into the valley for approximately half an hour to reach a point where we can cross the meltwater stream (sandals or old trainers required). Finally, getting the camping place at Khorburtse (3,760m), you have sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, the Trango Group, and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho. A great day of trekking toward the k2 base camp over difficult and mixed terrain.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-9) TREAK TO URDUKAS (4,130m), 4 HOURS WALK:

Today is a short day but quite hard work as you walk up the undulating moraine and gain height all the way. You continue east beside the Baltoro Glacier either along the lateral moraine or sometimes on the glacier itself, passing the ship-like prow of great Trango and the isolated pillar of the ‘Nameless Tower’ to our next camp at Urdukas. It has truly sensational views of the Trango Towers to the west and directly opposite, and almost a mile away across the valley, the vast rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang rise like ramparts above the glacier. This is a truly awesome place. We should reach here in time for a late lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free to camp, relax, and soak up our fabulous situation.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-10) ACCLIMATISING DAY AT URDUKAS (4,130m):

We have learned from many years of experience that taking a rest day at Urdukas has worked well; the advantages of spending an extra night here are very helpful. It helps acclimatize and has proved more effective than a rest day at Paiju.

This is the last campsite on the grassy slopes of the main Baltoro glacier; it also has facilities for washing and cleaning. There is a pleasant walk behind the campsite through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers. Climbing high & sleeping low is the best way to help acclimate.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-11) TREK TO GORO II (4,250m), 7 HOURS WALK:

Leaving Urdukas behind, you follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu Glacier, which flows from Masherbrum. There are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m), and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. We are quite high and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions to warm up for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier where ledges have been leveled out for the tents.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-12) TREAK TO CONCORDIA (4,600m), 5 HOURS WALK:

Today, you will Trek to Concordia; it will take us through what must arguably be the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world! Our approach to Concordia continues along the heaving swells of the Baltoro Glacier as we pass Mustagh Tower (7,284m). Ahead of us, Gasherbrum IV (7925m) acts like a beacon drawing us on, while at some points on today’s walk, you can also see Gasherbrum ll (8035m), which peeks out to the right of Gasherbrum lV. As you make your way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad Peak (8,051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left. K2 keeps itself hidden until we reach Concordia when its full height is suddenly revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4000 meters from the valley floor to the summit. This sight will never be forgotten. Concordia is a wide area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrum and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on the planet. Here, you can stand within 24 kilometers of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks! We camp at approximately 4500 meters on a moraine ridge surrounded by jagged peaks, including Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak, and K2.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-13) TREK TO BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP (5,000m), 4 HOURS WALK:

Today, you can Trek to K2 Base Camp or spend the night at Broad Peak Base Camp, then walk up to K2 Base Camp the next morning. The route passes through some jumbled ice fins and moraine ridges from Concordia before gaining the medial moraine of the Godwin Austen glacier. Broad Peak Base Camp is located on this moraine near the base of the climbing route on Broad Peak. One of the best views of K2 is from Broad Peak Base Camp. Enjoy the marvelous situation of Karakoram.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-14) TREK TO K2 BASE CAMP (5,150m) 6 HOURS WALK:

Today, you will start the amazing trek to K2 Base Camp early. For many people, visiting the actual k2 basecamp used by climbers on K2 will certainly be a highlight of the Expedition. You will camp here for the next few weeks, so take a long breath and admire the sensational view of K2 in one direction and, on the other side, Concordia framed by Mitre Peak and the bulk of Chogolisa, also known as Broad Peak.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

15-55) CLIMBING & ACCLIMATISING PERIOD:

Non non-guided K2 Expedition climbing session will start today. During the climbing period, our staff will be at the k2 base camp to help and assist you.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-56) TREK BACK TO KHOBURTSE (3,560m), 7 HOURS WALK:

After the climbing session of the Expedition, you will start descending on the Baltoro Glacier. It is amazing how different everything looks in descent, with our constant field of vision now filled with an entirely different view. The drop in altitude starts to become more noticeable as the granite walls and spires lining the glacier, which yesterday looked almost lower than us, now tower to lofty heights above. It is also a little warmer, with more oxygen in the air. Passing through the campsite of the Duke of Abruzzi at Urdukas we can marvel at the tenacity of those early pioneers who endured untold hardship simply to get to their base camps. After taking lunch on the Duke’s terrace, with sensational views across the glacier to Biale Peak, which remains hidden except from this vantage point, you continue trekking down this huge valley, sometimes on the glacier and sometimes along the moraine or the valley sides until we reach Horbose, our first off-glacier camp for some days. Now, you can make out the end of the glacier and the start of the valley of the Braldu. We can even see the patches of green on the lower slopes of Paiju Peak, which mark the location of the spring water camp.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-57) TREK BACK TO PAIJU (3,380m) 5 HOURS WALK:

Today, we will continue our trek on the Baltoro Glacier with spectacular views of the Trango Towers towards Paiju. As on our approach, we have to detour to the south to cross the Liligo Glacier. This glacier defies world trends in that it is steadily growing. Twenty years ago, its snout was half a mile up the valley. Now, it has collided with the main Baltoro Glacier, resulting in the churning forces making it impossible to cross without the detour.

Having made the detour and returned to the main Baltoro Glacier, we now cross to its north side, climbing over the huge swells of the glacier towards the ramparts of Uli Biaho. On the other side, we then work our way down to the valley, where we pick up the main trail and pass by the snout where the underground river, which flows through the length of the glacier, erupts out in a cascade to become the Braldu. The last hour of the day is an easy walk on a good path, although there is a final uphill pull to reach the campsite. On our first arrival here, we relished the prospect of a cooler climate ahead. Now, we will welcome its warmth! We will spend our night at the green oasis of Paiju.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-58) TREK BACK TO JHOLA (3,170m) 7 HOURS WALK:

Now we are off the glacier, and at a lower elevation, it is considerably warmer; we may make an early start to use the cool of the morning. Leaving Paiju we walk on a good trail down the valley. Once again, it is surprising how different the experience is compared to our ascent. The trail rises and falls as we cross several alluvial fans. We must cross some side streams today, mostly using makeshift bridges or stepping stones. Still, it may be necessary also to wade across, especially later in the day. The source of all these streams is meltwater, so they grow bigger as the day gets warmer. At one point, the trail passes close to the river beside the walls of the conglomerate, and it is possible to feel its tremendous power. We follow the main Braldu River downstream to its confluence with the Panma River, where we turn northeast to reach a camping place beside the toll bridge called Jhola.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-59) TREK BACK TO ASKOLI (3050m) 3-4 HOURS WALK:

Today will be the final walking session of the K2 Expedition and our return to civilization after two weeks in the wilderness. Soon, we will follow a pleasant trail that leads down to the little ablation area beside the Biafo Glacier known as Korofon, surrounded by sparse grasses and tamarisk bushes. Beyond Korofon, we first follow the glacial moraine of the Biafo and then walk beside the river that emerges from its snout until we reach a bridge that allows us to cross to its north side. The trail passes through a wide flat area known locally as the ‘King’s Polo Ground’ before climbing to pass through a convenient cleft in a ridge of rock, which threatens to bar further progress down the valley. Descending steeply down the other side of this ‘window,’ we have a pleasant stroll through a boulder-strewn landscape before climbing again up onto a shallow plateau. We cross several small side valleys and begin to see signs of habitation before reaching an irrigation channel that brings meltwater to the field of Askoli. We follow the channel for a while and can appreciate the tremendous skill of the local people who have harnessed the distant snows to grow their crops in a high-altitude desert. Eventually, we reach green fields and stone walls, which lead us into the village. Most porters are from Askoli and will be pleased to be home. To get to our campsite at the road head, we must first walk through the outlying fields and then descend from the little plateau on which the village is located.

Today we can celebrate our success of the Expedition with the porters and hand out their tips as a token of our appreciation for their hard work throughout the trek. Also, we often give them any spare kit that we no longer need which is also a way of saying thank You. Most of our porters are from this village, so later on at the campsite, we will say goodbye to our crew, who are now our friends, and we will perhaps have a final party here.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-60 ) DRIVE BACK TO SKARDU VIA SHIGAR VALLEY, 7 HOURS DRIVE:

Our vehicles will already be waiting for us in Askoli, so we start the return drive to Skardu early. Crossing the Braldu on a suspension bridge, we follow the remarkable road built through the Braldu Gorge. It is not uncommon for this road to be blocked by landslides, and we may have to change vehicles if the road is blocked. If so, we will retain some porters to transfer the bags while walking across landslide areas. Once we have climbed out of the gorge at the other end, the road improves as we travel down the fertile Shigar Valley to its confluence with the Indus. We have a faster, smoother journey on a paved road following the great Indus River into Skardu. Arriving in the town, we will check in to our hotel, and there will be time for a welcome shower and clean up before dinner. Tonight, we will enjoy the comfort of a real bed.

• ACCOMMODATION
• CAMPING
• MEALS
• BLD

D-61) FLY BACK TO ISLAMABAD

If the weather is clear, I will fly to Islamabad. Skardu Airport is a 40-minute from the hotel along a good road lined with poplar trees. Boarding our plane we have an exciting flight out of the valley, once again passing by Nanga Parbat before turning south for Islamabad. Arriving in the Pakistani capital after a period in the mountains is always a strange experience. It takes a little time to get used to the hustle and bustle, especially the traffic. Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to transfer us to the group hotel. Once, we have settled in, it will be time to take lunch (unless we have experienced unusual flight delays). After lunch, the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing or to relax at the hotel. Your Guide will advise you on the possibilities for sightseeing. Shopping for hand-made Iranian & Afghan rugs is a usually popular option. This evening, we reunite for a celebratory meal at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

In Case of Flight cancellation, we will drive down the Karakoram Highway. We will arrive in Chillas/Naran in the afternoon. Night stay in Chilas/Naran.

• ACCOMMODATION
• HOTEL
• MEALS
• BLD

D-62) CONTINGENCY DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS, ISLAMABAD:

We will arrive in Islamabad late afternoon if we drive down the Karakoram Highway. If we manage to f before, we will today sightseeing in Islamabad. In the evening, we will have a final group meal.

Skardu is a ‘weather dependent’ airport, which means the planes will only fly here if the visibility allows line of sight to the runway by the pilot on the approach. Fortunately, the weather is mostly clear in the Karakoram. Still, local weather conditions can bring clouds and rain from time to time. If we cannot fly, we will travel down to Islamabad by road along the spectacular Karakoram Highway. If we pass to Skardu, this will be a bonus as it is a fantastic travel experience in its own right. The drive down the Indus River to Islamabad takes two days, so this is an important contingency day to allow for this. If we have flown to Islamabad, this will be a further day for sightseeing in the capital, and your leader will advise the group on the options available for today.

• ACCOMMODATION
• HOTEL
• MEALS
• BLD

D-63) DEPARTURE DAY- FLY BACK HOME:

• After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for the flight back home. End of “K2 Expedition”.