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.

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, selecting the way a critical decision for any K2 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 acclimatization 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 is 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:

Day 1 & 2: Arrival in Rawalpindi/Islamabad

• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi.
• Drive to Islamabad's Ministry of Tourism for necessary formalities and climbing permits.

Day 3: Rawalpindi/Skardu

• Fly to Skardu. If the flight is not possible, drive to Skardu via Chilas.

Day 4: Skardu

• Emergency day for flight operations. Use it to transfer members by road from Chilas to Skardu if necessary.

Day 5: Skardu

• 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, the last inhabited place on the way to the Great Glaciers.
• Overnight in tents. (Distance: 96 Km, Drive: 7-8 hrs, Altitude: 3050 M)

Day 7: Askole to Korophone

• Leave the last inhabited village and rely on porters for the journey.
• Overnight in tents. (Walk: 3-4 hrs, Grade: Easy, Altitude: 3100 M)

Day 8: Korophone to Jhula

• Trek to the Dumurdo River and cross at Jhula.
• Camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas. (Walk: 3-4 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 3150 M)

Day 9: Jhula to Paiju

• Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green Oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak 6611 M.
• Overnight in tents. (Walk: 5-6 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3480 M)

Day 10: Paiju - Rest Day

• Rest and acclimatization day at Paiju.

Day 11: Paiju to Urdukas

• Begin trek after an early breakfast, traverse the junction of Paiju-Baltoro Glaciers.
• Lunch below Liligo, Overnight in tents. (Walk: 6-7 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4130 M)

Day 12: Urdukas to Goro

• A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier with magnificent views.
• Overnight in tents. (Walk: 6-7 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4500 M)

Day 13: Goro to Concordia

• Resume a long walk on the Baltoro Glacier to reach Concordia, a junction of glaciers.
• Overnight in tents. (Walk: 5-6 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4720 M)

Day 14: Concordia - Rest Day

• Final day of trek to K2 base. A 4-hour hike will bring you to the base of K2.
• Overnight in tents. (Walk: 4 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4650 M)

Day 15 - Day 51: Climbing (Non-guided climb)

Day 52: Trekking back to Ali Camp

• Leave the K2 base camp and cross Concordia and several side glaciers to reach the right path.
• Reach Vigne glacier and overnight in tents.

Day 53: Ali Camp to Cross Gondogoro Pass to Khuspang

• An early start to cross the Gondogoro La and reach Khuspang.
• Overnight in tents. (Walk: 10-11 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 5700 M)

Day 54: Khuspang to Shaicho

• Continue your walk to Shaicho, a shepherd's settlement with a hotel and equipment shop.
• Camp among the forest and giant bushes. (Walk: 7-8 hrs, Grade: Moderate)

Day 55: Shaicho to Hushey

• An easy walk along the Hushey River to Hushey village. Evening free.
• Overnight in tents.

Day 56: Hushey to Skardu

• Embark on jeeps for a full-day ride to Skardu.

Day 57: Skardu to Rawalpindi

• Fly to Rawalpindi or drive to Gilgit if unable to fly.

Day 58: Rawalpindi

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

Day 59: Rawalpindi

• Sightseeing in Rawalpindi.

Day 60: Fly Back Home

• Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.