Destination:	Pakistan
Maximum Altitude:	8,611 meters
Best Season:	Spring & Autumn
Trip Grade:	Extreme Hard
Group Size:	1 – 15 people
Duration:	52 Days

 

K2, also known as Chogori, Qogir, Ketu, Kechu, and Mt. Godwin-Austen, stands as the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters above sea level. This awe-inspiring peak is renowned for its extreme challenges, earning the title “Savage Mountain” due to the immense difficulty of reaching its summit. The fatality rate among climbers ranks second highest among all peaks exceeding 8,000 meters.

 

Located on the border between Pakistan and China, K2 has been conquered far fewer times than Mount Everest. Climbers primarily ascend from the Pakistan side, where multiple routes exist. Statistics reveal that 78 percent of successful summit attempts occur via the South-Side route. The remaining climbers navigate the North, East, or West Ridge, the Southwest Pillar known as the Magic Line, the South Face referred to as the Polish Line, or the Northwest Face and Ridge. The Abruzzi Spur, also called the Normal Climbing Route, follows the North Ridge. No recorded ascent has been made on the East Face, as the difficulty level remains insurmountable according to Pakistan government records.

 

For decades, winter expeditions proved impossible. This changed in January 2021 when a team of ten Nepalese climbers successfully reached the summit, marking the first winter ascent. Prior to this historic achievement, K2 was the final unclimbed eight-thousander during the winter season.

 

K2; Geographical and Historical Significance

K2 lies in the Karakoram Range, partly within China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and within the Pakistani-administered Gilgit–Baltistan region. The main summit is positioned between Baltistan and northern Pakistan. Unlike other famous peaks, this mountain does not offer an easy climb. Considered one of the most formidable challenges in mountaineering, it was long believed to be unconquerable. The number of successful ascents remained remarkably low for years.

 

The trek to K2’s base camp is significantly more demanding than the Everest Base Camp trek on the southern side. The journey extends over twice the distance, primarily across glaciers and loose rock. Unlike Everest, no villages or lodges exist along the route, making self-sufficiency crucial. Expeditions must transport camp equipment daily, relying on porters to move towards the base camp.

 

The Abruzzi Ridge in Pakistan stands among the Himalayan classic routes. The British first surveyed K2 in 1856, yet no attempts were made to climb it until 1902. The first serious expedition occurred in 1909, led by the Duke of the Abruzzi, a notable mountaineer. Success eventually came on July 31, 1954, when an Italian team, led by A. Desio, placed Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni on the summit.

 

The Climb: Extreme Risks and Requirements

Climbing K2 demands exceptional experience and preparation. The ascent presents constant objective hazards, which shift throughout the season. Only mountaineers with previous 8,000-meter peak climbing experience qualify for an attempt.

 

K2’s precise coordinates place it at 35°52′57″N, 76°30′48″E. The Advanced Base Camp (ABC) is positioned at 5,305 meters or 17,400 feet. Most expeditions establish four additional camps:
– Camp I at 6,060 meters or 19,881 feet
– Camp II at 6,700 meters or 21,981 feet
– Camp III at 7,250 meters or 23,786 feet
– Camp IV at 7,700 meters or 25,262 feet

 

Space remains extremely limited, particularly at Camp I and Camp II, which accommodate a maximum of seven to eight tents. Arriving late in the climbing season increases the likelihood of sharing tents with fellow climbers. Unlike Everest or Cho Oyu, K2 remains far less crowded.

 

Mountaineers consider this the most difficult mountain to climb. Success requires extensive preparation, proper equipment, and unmatched expertise. Those unprepared for the challenge face severe consequences, as K2 offers no mercy to the inexperienced.

Why K2 Stands Out

K2 remains a top destination for trekkers, hikers, explorers, and mountaineers due to the unparalleled challenge it presents. Few climbing expeditions and trekkers attempt the mountain each year, increasing its appeal for those seeking a unique and less-traveled adventure. Recognized as one of the most breathtaking and formidable mountains in the world, K2 rises 8,611 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest peak on Earth.

 

Weather plays a significant role in the difficulty of climbing K2. Conditions in the region shift unpredictably, making it nearly impossible to anticipate favorable climbing windows. Isolation, extreme weather, fierce winds, towering height, and the technical demands of the ascent contribute to its allure. The persistent danger of avalanches and rockfalls further intensifies the risks associated with climbing this monumental peak.

 

Both K2 and Everest experience severe cold, high winds, and frequent storms. However, K2’s climate is far more unpredictable and unforgiving. Rapid weather changes occur without warning, leaving climbers exposed to sudden storms. The summit window is significantly shorter compared to Everest, with only a few days in late July or early August available for summit attempts. On Everest, climbers have greater flexibility, with summit windows in May and October.

K2; The Ultimate Test for Mountaineers

Professional climbers are drawn to K2 by the sheer difficulty of scaling its steep, treacherous slopes. Avalanches and rockfalls remain a constant hazard on both K2 and Everest. However, the frequency and intensity of such events on K2 surpass those on Everest. The mountain’s unstable terrain collapses easily under its own weight or due to sudden temperature shifts and strong winds.

 

The Bottleneck section is one of the most perilous parts of the climb. Positioned beneath a massive ice serac, this section poses a serious threat, as the ice can break off at any moment. In 2008, an ice avalanche in this area tragically claimed the lives of 11 climbers. While Everest also experiences avalanches and rockfalls, they tend to occur at lower altitudes or along less congested routes, reducing their overall impact.

 

Climbing K2 remains a test even for the most experienced and technically skilled mountaineers. The mountain’s triangular shape presents a relentless, near-vertical climb with no easy passages. Steep, slick rock surfaces demand complete concentration. The terrain is among the most technical and unforgiving in the world.

 

The Challenging Trek to K2

Reaching K2’s base camp is an arduous journey, more than twice the distance of the Everest Base Camp trek on the southern side. Unlike Everest, where well-established trails exist, K2’s approach consists mainly of glaciers and loose rock. Trekking groups and climbing expeditions must navigate the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers before reaching the base camp. Walking on glaciers proves significantly harder than trekking on snow or rock, as the surface is composed of shifting ice, rock, and debris. This instability increases the risk of injury, such as twisted or broken ankles. By comparison, the trail to Everest Base Camp follows a dirt path, making it considerably less strenuous.

 

K2 is globally recognized as one of the most technical and physically demanding climbs. Summiting this peak is considered a defining achievement in the world of mountaineering. Unlike the Everest trek, no villages or lodges exist along the route. Climbers must transport all necessary gear with the help of porters, moving their entire camp setup each day.

 

As the world’s second-highest peak, K2 remains one of the most sought-after and prestigious 8,000-meter summits. Over time, the route to the top has developed a rich history and cultural significance, attracting elite climbers from around the globe. The mountain has earned various nicknames, including “Killer” and “Savage.” Legendary climber Reinhold Messner famously referred to it as the “Mountaineer’s Mountain.”

 

Extreme Conditions and Low Success Rates On K2

The terrain on K2 consists of rocky surfaces up to 6,000 meters. Beyond this point, the mountain becomes a vast expanse of snow, creating additional challenges. The climb remains notoriously steep, with constantly shifting conditions. Rockfalls and avalanches frequently threaten climbers along the Abruzzi Ridge. The ice cliff overhanging the Bottleneck and Traverse sections sheds ice unpredictably, creating life-threatening hazards, as seen in the 2008 tragedy.

 

Success on K2 depends heavily on favorable conditions and the ability to move efficiently. Statistically, there is only a 60 percent chance that climbers will successfully summit the mountain on any given attempt. Fewer than 400 climbers have reached the top of K2, whereas Everest has seen more than 7,500 successful summits. This stark difference underscores the formidable reputation of K2 as one of the toughest mountains to climb in the world.

 

K2 With Destination Holiday

Destination Holiday Trek employs many porters to ferry our expedition loads to base camp. The trek to K2 base camp is more than twice the distance as the trek to Everest base camp (south side) and is considerably more arduous being mostly on glacier and loose rock. There are no villages or lodges as on the Everest trek, so we must transport our entire camp kit by porters each day as we move our caravan towards base camp.

 

Each porter on hire requires an additional porter to carry food and personal items, so we have a small army making our way up and down the Baltoro glacier. It is very important to differentiate ourselves from other operators in that we have a very nice base camp, with large common tents with heating for dining and communications, and comfortable personal tents for each member. Being here for almost 2 months, it is important for our team to have a comfortable camp, as well as to have access to the internet via a satellite modem (this cost is not free to all members). We will provide modern VHF radios for communications on the mountain, and each member is issued their own radio. We’ll also make satellite phones available to members.

 

Above base camp (16,300’) we have 5 camps: advanced Base camp (17,400’), camp 1 (19,900), camp 2 (21,980’), camp 3 (23,800), and camp 4 (25,300’). Unlike many teams who share tents in various camps, we have our own dedicated tents in each camp that are preset to reserve our space at the beginning of the season. One should note that at camp1 and camp 2 there is only space for 6-8 tents maximum, so if you arrive late in the season you must share a tent with another team that already has their camp established if you wish to use that camp. Much of the route leading up to camp 4 is on steep snow or ice slopes; however, there is also significant rock. Portions of the route such as House’s Chimney and the black pyramid involve sustained periods of vertical rock climbing, so one should be well versed using crampons on steep rock at high altitude.

 

Destination Holiday trek has special exports who can explain with details about the K2 expedition. Our plan is to climb partway up the route reaching Camp 3 to acclimatize before making our summit rotation. For details regarding our acclimatization and Oxygen strategy please contact our office.

 

On summit day we begin the gradual ascent of “the shoulder” on hard snow and ice leading up to the bottleneck, a rock and snow climb under the looming ridge. Next is the “traverse” which is mostly front pointing, and then the upper snow slopes leading to K2’s summit, where we are often breaking trail through knee-deep snow. The view from the top is just unbelievable…!

 

Individual seeking to summit the K2 Expedition in Pakistan need the help of an experienced and professional Travel Agency. We are the only agency who has plenty of experienced when it comes to K2 expedition. We have an experienced Expedition guides special for K2, and who has lead clients from all over the world, and form neighboring countries as well.

 

Destination Holiday Treks and Expedition provide full board and support services to the K2 expedition with a 1:1 ration of climbers and Sherpa guides. Everything you need at base camps is provided. We have the expertise and experience in high altitude mountaineering and take your safety very seriously. We do not take unnecessary risks. Our guides are all experience high-altitude climbers and due to this we have a high success rate on reaching the summit.

 

Travel Documents Needed

• Valid Passport
• Credit Cards
• Pp Size Photo (4 Pieces)
• Insurance Paper And Contact Address.
• Family Members / Company’s Contact Address

Included

• Arrival &Departure: Airport transfers-Airport/Hotel/Airport
• Hotel in Islamabad: 3 nights in Islamabad four star Hotel on bed & breakfast Basis-Double Room
• Member transportation: Islamabad –Skardu by air Skardu to Askoly by jeep Askoly to Skardu by jeep Skardu to-Islamabad (by air)&and Staff transportation Islamabad to Askoly to Skardu by Jeep Skardu to Islamabad By bus
• Transportation: Necessary all equipment Transportation for all Member and Staffs From Islamabad –to Skardu by bus Skardu to Askoly (by jeep) –Base camp(by Porters)- base camp to Askoly (by porters) Askoly to Skardu (by jeep) Skardu to Islamabad by bus.
• Permit: K2 expedition permit National park fees.
• Garbage Management: Stool Shipment Transfer Garbage Deposit fees
• Lodging & Fooding: Food 3 meals a day in Trekking & Base camp for member Staff
• Cargo Clearance: International Air cargo clearance of Member Personal Luggage & Payment of Government taxes
• Liaison Officer:1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary, accommodation.
• All our base camp staffs, porters, Climbing Sherpas, insurance, and their daily wages, and their equipment allowance.
• Base Camp Staff: Base camp Cook kitchen Helper
• Porter: Porters per member up to Base camp Porters return from Base camp
• Staff Salary and allowance: All staffs porters daily wages, equipment, food & clothing
• Insurance: All Staffs Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance
• Member Luggage:60 Kg per member for personal baggage
• Base Tent: VE25 North face or Kaila’s tents for a base camp for per member
• Base Camp equipment: Base camp foam mattresses, dining, Kitchen, Toilet & Store tents, hot shower, Tables & chairs & Cooking gears
• Heater: Heater for base camp in each Dining and another necessary camp
• Light: 1 Solar panel for battery charge and light at base camp for use
• Dinner: one Farewell Dinner in tourist standard restaurant in Islamabad with Staff
• Oxygen: (O2)-Poisk cylinder: 02 oxygen bottle for each member.
• Mask & Regulator: 1 Set of top Out/Summit as require mask for each member and high altitude Sherpa guide
• Permit: Satellite Phone /walkie talkie will provide in a sharing basis
• High Altitude Climbing Sherpa: 01 Climbing Sherpa guide per member and Climbing carry Bonus
• High camp service: Necessary cooking gas, cooking pot for a member, high altitude Sherpa guide, high altitude tent, high food and fixing gear(C1) (C2) (C3) (C4)and summit and all Member’s personal Sherpa should be involved for Rope Fixing

Excluded

• Lunch & Dinner: Lunch & dinner in Islamabad Hotel stay and more the 4 nights in Islamabad Hotel
• Insurance: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation
• Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, Laundry, any Alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, and shopping
• Pakistan’s Visa: Pakistan Visa should take into your home country or should take and pay visa fees as per the rules and regulations of the Pakistan Government.
• Rescue Evacuation: Emergency rescue evacuation cost, if needed and all other personal nature expenses
• Summit Bonus: Summit bonus for personal climbing Sherpa guide US$ 1000.00
• About base camp: All Other services except permit, transportation, hotel accommodation and meal at the Advance base camp, the client has to arrange all service above the base camp their own.

Itinerary

Itinerary to K2 Expedition (Pakistan) as follows:

01

Day 1 : Arrival in Islamabad & transfer to the hotel.

02

Day 2 : Rest day in Islamabad (585m)

03

Day 3 : Fly from Islamabad to Skardu (2,228m)

04

Day 4 : Rest Day in Skardu for Expedition briefing and preparation.

05

Day 5 : Drive from Skardu to Askole (2,600m)

06

Day 6 : Trek from Askole to Jhola (3,185m)

07

Day 7 : Trek from Jhola to Paiyu (3,383m)

08

Day 8 : Exploration and Acclimatzation day at Paiyu.

09

Day 9 : Trek from Paiyu to Urdukas (4,130m)

010

Day 10 : Trek from Urdukas to Goro II (4,250m)

011

Day 11 : Trek from Goro II to Broad Peak Base camp (4,572m)

012

Day 12 : Reek from Broad Peak Basecamp to K 2 Basecamp (5,150m)

013

Day 13 – 43 : Climbing Period (Basecamp – Summit (8,611m)

014

Day 44 : Cleaning Up Base camp & Preparation for descending back.

015

Day 45 : Trek from Basecamp to Goro II.

016

Day 46 : Trek from Goro II to Khuburtze.

017

Day 47 : Trek from Khuburtze to Mundung.

018

Day 48 : Trek from Mundung to Askole.

019

Day 49 : Drive from Askole to Skardu.

020

Day 50 : Fly from Skardu to Islamabad & transfer to the hotel.

021

Day 51 : Leisure day in Islamabad.

022

Day 52 : Transfer to the International Airport for final departure

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