K2 Expedition · 8,611m Summit the Savage Mountain.

Touch down in Pakistan. Most international flights arrive in Islamabad early in the morning. Our team will meet you in the arrival hall for a private transfer to the hotel to help you recover from jet lag. Once the full team has gathered, we hold a mandatory expedition briefing to discuss logistics, permit formalities, and the climb ahead.

Overnight: 3/4 Star Hotel | Activity: Gear check, briefing, and optional city tour if time permits.

We aim for the scenic 45-minute flight to Skardu (2,230m). This flight is weather-dependent but offers world-class views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram giants. If the weather holds, we land in Skardu, the logistics hub of Baltistan. If flights are grounded, we embark on the adventurous drive via the Karakoram Highway to Chilas.

• • Key Sight: Nanga Parbat (9th-highest mountain) is visible from the right side of the aircraft.
• • Contingency: Drive to Chilas (461km / 8-9 hours) if the flight is cancelled.

A crucial buffer day for finalizing climbing permits with the tourism department. While we handle the paperwork, you are free to explore Skardu’s rich history. Hike up to the 17th-century Kharpocho Fort for panoramic views of the Indus River, or visit the “Organic Village” to see traditional Balti farming.

• • Acclimatization: Gentle walking around town (2,230m).
• • Logistics: Final kit check and packing loads for the porters.

We load into 4×4 jeeps for a rugged 7-hour drive through the Shigar Valley. The road narrows as we enter the Braldu Gorge, eventually leading to Askole (3,000m). This is the “end of the road” and the last permanent settlement you will see for two months.

• • Elevation: 3,000m
• • Drive Time: ~7 Hours
• • Highlight: The transition from paved roads to the raw Karakoram wilderness.

The expedition officially starts on foot. We trek out of Askole, leaving the green fields behind for the arid Braldu valley. We cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier and break for lunch at the green oasis of Korofong. The day ends crossing a suspension bridge over the Dumurdo River to reach Jula Camp.

• • Elevation: 3,100m
• • Trek Time: 5 Hours
• • Terrain: Dusty trails, river crossings, and dry heat.

We follow the Braldu River upstream. The trail undulates, requiring good footwork. As we approach Paiju (3,380m), the valley widens, revealing the first views of the catastrophic Baltoro Glacier. Paiju is a traditional rest stop with trees and fresh water—the last “green” campsite before hitting the ice.

• • Elevation: 3,380m
• • Trek Time: 6 Hours
• • Key View: First glimpse of the Great Trango Tower and Cathedral peaks.

A tough but rewarding day. We climb onto the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The terrain shifts to loose rock and glacial moraine. We traverse the glacier to its south side and hike to Khoburtse (3,760m). The views here are iconic: the vertical walls of the Trango Towers and Uli Biaho dominate the skyline.

• • Elevation: 3,760m
• • Trek Time: 7 Hours
• • Terrain: Glacial moraine (rock on ice).

A shorter day gaining altitude along the lateral moraine. We arrive at Urdukas (4,130m) by lunch. This is a spectacular campsite perched on grassy slopes above the glacier. It offers direct views of the Cathedral Group and Trango Towers across the valley.

• • Elevation: 4,130m
• • Trek Time: 4 Hours
• • Significance: The last campsite with soil/grass; everything after this is ice and rock.

Rest is critical here. We spend the day at Urdukas to allow our bodies to adjust to the 4,000m+ altitude. It’s a perfect day for photography, organizing gear, and washing clothes before the push to the high camps.

We descend back onto the Baltoro Glacier and head east. The landscape turns icy and dramatic as we pass Masherbrum (7,800m) and Muztagh Tower. We camp right on the glacier ice at Goro II (4,250m). Nights become significantly colder from here on.

• • Elevation: 4,250m
• • Trek Time: 7 Hours
• • Conditions: Camping on ice (sleeping pads essential).

Today, we reach one of the most famous locations in mountaineering history: Concordia. This is the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers. As you arrive, K2 (8,611m) suddenly reveals itself, rising nearly 4 vertical kilometres from the valley floor. You are surrounded by 8,000m giants: Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, and K2.

• • Elevation: 4,600m
• • Trek Time: 5 Hours
• • Highlight: Unobstructed views of K2 and the “Gasherbrum Group.”

We move further up the Godwin Austen Glacier. We pass Broad Peak Base Camp (5,000m). Depending on the team’s pace, we may camp here or push through. This area serves as the staging ground for both Broad Peak and K2 climbers.

• • Elevation: 5,000m
• • Trek Time: 4 Hours

The final leg. We trek to the foot of the Savage Mountain. En route, we pause at the Gilkey Memorial, a poignant site honouring climbers who have lost their lives on K2. We arrive at K2 Base Camp (5,150m), your home for the next six weeks.

• • Elevation: 5,150m
• • Trek Time: 6 Hours
• • Objective: Establish Base Camp operations.

After the expedition wraps up and the mountain is cleaned of our debris, we begin the return trek down the glacier to Goro II. The oxygen-rich air feels incredible as we drop in altitude.

• • Overnight: Goro II Camp

We continue down the Baltoro Glacier, carefully navigating the moraine before reaching Khorbtuse for the night.

• • Overnight: Khorbtuse Camp

Leaving the higher glacier behind, we continue along the return trail to Mon Camp, where we spend the night.

• • Overnight: Mon Camp

We follow the valley trail to Korphon for our final night in camp, marking the expedition’s safe return with our porters and support staff.

• • Overnight: Korphon Camp

We leave Korphon and travel back to Skardu. Arriving in Skardu means hot showers, soft beds, and fresh food at the hotel.

• • Drive Time: 7 Hours

We aim for the morning flight back to the capital. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for carpet shopping or relaxing.

• • Contingency: If the flight is cancelled, we will begin the road journey via the KKH.

Used as a buffer for flight cancellations. If we flew yesterday, today is a dedicated sightseeing day in Islamabad (Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint), followed by a farewell dinner.

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport. End of the K2 Expedition. Safe travels!