K2 Expedition
Altitude
8,611m
Duration
50-55 Days
Best Season
February - August
Overview
The K2 Expedition is the ultimate mountaineering challenge. Located in the Karakoram Range on the China-Pakistan border, K2 demands exceptional climbing skills, physical fitness, and mental fortitude. Our expedition provides comprehensive support including experienced high-altitude guides, premium equipment, and thorough acclimatization schedules to maximize your summit success.
Highlights
Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan. Upon your arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest and prepare for the expedition ahead. Altitude: 512m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Flight to Skardu or Drive to Chilas
We transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight to Skardu. In the event of a flight cancellation due to weather, we will begin the journey by road, driving along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. Altitude: 1,265m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Skardu Sightseeing or Arrival from Chilas
For those who flew, today is dedicated to local sightseeing in Skardu. If traveling by road, we complete the second leg of the journey from Chilas to Skardu, following the Indus River. Altitude: 2,228m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Expedition Briefing and Final Preparations
We attend the mandatory expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism in Skardu. The remainder of the day is spent on final gear checks and coordinating with the expedition staff. Accommodation: Hotel.
Drive from Skardu to Askole
We depart Skardu by jeep for the rugged drive to Askole, the last inhabited village before we enter the high wilderness of the Karakoram. Altitude: 3,050m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Askole to Jhola
The trekking phase begins. We leave Askole and follow the Braldu River toward Jhola, navigating the rocky terrain and crossing the snout of the Biafo Glacier. Altitude: 3,200m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Jhola to Paiju
We continue our trek toward the green oasis of Paiju. This section offers the first glimpses of the massive granite spires of the Cathedral and Trango groups. Altitude: 3,400m. Accommodation: Camping.
Rest and Acclimatization at Paiju
A vital day for rest and altitude adjustment at Paiju. Our crew will organize porter loads and prepare for the transition onto the Baltoro Glacier. Altitude: 3,400m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Paiju to Urdukas
We ascend onto the Baltoro Glacier, trekking across the lateral moraine to reach Urdukas. This campsite provides a stunning vantage point over the Trango Towers. Altitude: 4,000m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Urdukas to Goro II
Today’s trek takes us deeper onto the glacier toward Goro II. We are now surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, including Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower. Altitude: 4,300m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Goro II to Concordia
We trek to Concordia, the famous junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers. This site offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the mountain giants, including K2. Altitude: 4,600m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Concordia to K2 Base Camp
The final approach trek takes us to the foot of the world’s second-highest peak. We establish our base camp on the Godwin-Austen Glacier beneath the Abruzzi Spur. Altitude: 5,100m. Accommodation: Camping.
K2 Climbing Period (38 Days)
Thirty-eight days are dedicated to the technical ascent of K2. This window allows for acclimatization cycles, route fixing, establishing high camps, and the final summit push. Accommodation: Camping.
Descent from K2 Base Camp to Goro II
Following the conclusion of the climbing period, we dismantle our high camps and begin our descent, trekking back through Concordia to Goro II. Altitude: 4,300m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Goro II to Khobursay
We continue our return journey down the Baltoro Glacier, trekking past Urdukas to our campsite at Khobursay. Altitude: 3,800m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Khobursay to Bardumal
As we descend further, we move off the glacier and trek toward the campsite at Bardumal, following the river valley. Altitude: 3,300m. Accommodation: Camping.
Return Trek to Askole
The final trekking day takes us back to the village of Askole, where we conclude the walking portion of our expedition. Altitude: 3,050m. Accommodation: Camping.
Drive from Askole to Skardu
We rejoin our vehicles for the jeep drive back to Skardu. This evening marks a welcome return to the comforts of a hotel and a celebratory meal. Altitude: 2,228m. Accommodation: Hotel.
De-briefing and Farewell Dinner
A final day in Skardu for an official debriefing with the authorities and a farewell dinner with the local staff and expedition team. Accommodation: Hotel.
Return Flight to Islamabad or Drive to Chilas
We transfer for the return flight to Islamabad. In the event of a cancellation, we will begin the two-day drive back to the capital via Chilas. Altitude: 1,265m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Islamabad Sightseeing or Completion of Road Journey
A day for sightseeing in Islamabad or, for those traveling by road, completing the final leg of the journey from Chilas to the capital. Altitude: 512m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Final Departure
We provide a transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your international flight back home. End of services.
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