K-2 Expedition
The world’s second-highest mountain, and for many climbers the greatest prize in mountaineering, at the head of the Baltoro glacier.
The savage mountain
K-2 was first climbed in 1954 by an Italian expedition, and it remains harder and more dangerous than Everest: steeper, colder, further from help and exposed to sudden Karakoram storms. Most teams climb the Abruzzi Spur on the south-east ridge, through the House’s Chimney, the Black Pyramid and the Bottleneck below the summit snowfield.
An attempt needs previous 8,000 m experience, strong technical skills on rock and ice, and patience. The approach alone is a week on the Baltoro glacier, and most of the expedition is spent waiting for a weather window.
Levels of service
Base camp service
We handle everything up to base camp and back: permits and the liaison officer, the briefing at the Ministry of Tourism, flights, hotels, transport, porters, the base camp cook and kitchen, tents and fuel.
Your team climbs independently above base camp.
Full support
Everything in base camp service, plus experienced high-altitude porters, fixed ropes, stocked high camps and oxygen on the 8,000 m peaks.
We match the team to the route and to your experience.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Days 1 – 4
Islamabad & Skardu
Briefing at the Ministry of Tourism, the flight to Skardu and final packing.
- Days 5 – 13
The Baltoro approach
Jeep to Askole, then trek via Paiju, Urdukas and Concordia to K-2 Base Camp, acclimatizing on the way.
- Days 14 – 52
Climbing period
Rotations to the higher camps, rope fixing and a summit push when the weather allows.
- Days 53 – 60
Return
Walk out down the Baltoro to Askole, drive to Skardu and fly to Islamabad for debriefing.
Safety on the mountain
Every expedition carries a satellite phone and a full medical kit. Helicopter rescue is arranged in advance, with the bond lodged before you leave Islamabad. Weather forecasts are relayed to base camp throughout the climb.
We have supported expeditions in the Karakoram and Himalaya since the 1980s, from the German Trango Tower expedition to Reinhold Messner on Nanga Parbat in 2000.
Let’s build your package together
Tell us about your event or holiday and we will design a program that fits your needs, interests and budget.