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K2 (8,611 m) Expedition

Duration55 days
Max altitude8,611 m (summit of K2)
DifficultyExpedition
Best seasonMid June to mid August
Start and endIslamabad to Islamabad
PriceOn request
Trip overview

K2 (8,611 m) Expedition

K2 (8,611 m) is the second highest mountain on Earth and the hardest of the 8,000 m giants. Our 55 day expedition follows the Baltoro Glacier to K2 Base Camp and climbs the Abruzzi Spur with experienced high altitude staff, fixed ropes and full Base Camp support.

Best for: Experienced high altitude climbers who have climbed at least one other 8,000 m peak

Highlights

  • Climb the second highest mountain on Earth
  • Normal route on the Abruzzi Spur with four high camps
  • Eight day approach trek up the Baltoro Glacier past the Trango Towers
  • Full service Base Camp at 5,000 m on the Godwin Austen Glacier
  • Oxygen and high altitude porters available on request
K2 (8,611 m), also called Chhogori, is the second highest mountain in the world and the highest point in Pakistan. It stands on the border of Gilgit Baltistan and China at the head of the Baltoro Glacier. The peak was first surveyed by Thomas Montgomerie in 1856, who gave it the name K2, and it was first climbed on 31 July 1954 by Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni of the Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio. K2 is famous as the savage mountain because of its steep pyramid, bad weather and the technical climbing of the Black Pyramid and the Bottleneck. Our expedition starts with an eight day trek from Askole up the Baltoro Glacier to Base Camp at about 5,000 m. We climb the Abruzzi Spur with Camp 1 at about 6,050 m, Camp 2 at about 6,700 m, Camp 3 at about 7,200 m and Camp 4 at about 7,800 m. Discover Karakoram provides permits, liaison officer, porters, a full Base Camp with cooks, and on request high altitude porters and oxygen.
1Departure/Return LocationInternational Airport, Islamabad
2Mountain Range: KarakoramRegion: Baltoro, Gilgit Baltistan
3Elevation: 8,611 mBest Time: Mid June to mid August
4Duration: 55 DaysZone: Restricted
Services Include:
Expedition permit, royalty and all government fees
Ministry of Tourism briefing and debriefing in Islamabad
Liaison officer fees, kit allowance and insurance where required
Airport pick up and drop off in Islamabad
Hotel in Islamabad on bed and breakfast as per itinerary
Hotel in Skardu on full board as per itinerary
Domestic flights Islamabad to Skardu and back (road travel by private vehicle if flights are cancelled)
All jeep transport to and from the trek start
Porters to carry expedition loads to Base Camp and back
Experienced guide on the approach trek
Base Camp cook and kitchen team
All meals during the trek and at Base Camp
Base Camp tents: sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet and shower tents with tables, chairs and mattresses
Gas and fuel for cooking at Base Camp
Wages, food, equipment and insurance for all staff and porters
First aid kit at Base Camp
Garbage management and transport of waste back to Skardu
International flights to and from Islamabad
Pakistan visa fee
Travel, medical and helicopter rescue insurance (mandatory)
Lunch and dinner in Islamabad
Personal climbing gear and clothing
High altitude porters and high altitude food above Base Camp (available on request)
Supplementary oxygen (available on request)
Extra hotel nights or meals caused by early return, flight delays or road closures
Excess baggage on domestic flights
Drinks, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses
Summit bonus for climbing staff
Tips for guides, cooks and porters
Helicopter rescue costs
Anything not listed under included services

K2 (8,611 m) Expedition on Google Maps:

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Customer Feedback

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    Muhammad Ismail

    Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 at 9:04 am 3 years ago

    Trusted tour agency and qualified staff to enjoy yours trip. We recommend only discover karakoram.

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    Jony

    Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 2:06 pm 4 years ago

    Best and trusted tour operator, I highly recommend trekking, hiking, and much more with discoverkarakoram

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      admin

      Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at 02:06:08 PM 4 years ago

      Thanks jony

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FAQ

K2 (8,611 m) Expedition: frequently asked questions

How high is K2?

K2 is 8,611 m (28,251 ft), the second highest mountain on Earth and the highest in Pakistan.

Who made the first ascent of K2?

Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni of the Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio reached the summit on 31 July 1954.

How long is the K2 expedition?

Our K2 expedition is 55 days from Islamabad to Islamabad, with about 35 days at Base Camp and on the mountain.

Which route do we climb?

The Abruzzi Spur on the south east ridge is the normal route. In some seasons the Cesen route is used. We choose the route with the team based on conditions.

When is the K2 climbing season?

Mid June to mid August. Most summits happen in the second half of July.

How hard is K2?

K2 is one of the most difficult and dangerous 8,000 m peaks. You must have climbed at least one other 8,000 m peak and be strong on steep rock, ice and fixed ropes at high altitude.

Do I need supplementary oxygen?

Most climbers use oxygen above Camp 3. Oxygen and high altitude porters are available on request.

Where is K2 Base Camp?

At about 5,000 m on the Godwin Austen Glacier, reached after a 8 day trek from Askole up the Baltoro Glacier.

Do I need a permit to climb K2?

Yes. K2 needs an expedition permit and royalty from the Government of Pakistan. We handle the permit, briefing and liaison officer for you.

Is insurance required?

Yes. You need insurance that covers high altitude mountaineering, medical treatment and helicopter rescue.

How much does a K2 expedition cost?

Prices are on request and depend on group size, oxygen and high altitude porter support. Contact us for a quote.