INTRODUCTION
The name K-2 with the height of 8,611 m was given in 1852 by British surveyor T.G. Montgomerie with “K” designating the Karakoram Range and “2” since it was the 2nd peak listed. During his survey, Montgomery, standing on Mt. Haramukh 125 miles to the south, noted two prominent peaks to the north, calling them K1 and K2. While he kept native names, he found that K2 did not have a known name. The local name of K-2 is called Chhogo Ri, which is in Balti language means the king of mountains.
This name is little known outside of Pakistan. Later the peak was named Mount Godwin-Austen for an early explorer, but it was never recognized. K2 has variously been described as the “awesome,” “Killer,” and “savage” mountain. This is because of its massiveness in size and the numerous unsuccessful attempts made on it by various expeditions, including many American expeditions, who have made quite a few unsuccessful attempts. In Reinhold Messner’s view, K-2 is the most impressive but the most challenging peak in the world. Perhaps, for this reason, the locals call it Chhogo Ri, ‘the king of mountains.’
Located on the border of Pakistan and China, K2 is the jewel of the Karakoram Range. The tallest mountain in the Karakoram and the second tallest globally, K2 is just a few hundred meters shorter than Mount Everest.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
K2’s unusual name originated with a 19th-century surveying project led by George Everest—the Great Trigonometrical Survey—that mapped and measured many of the highest peaks. Surveyors cataloged the flowers by number, giving each the prefix K for the Karakoram followed by the number peak. K2 was the second mountain they came across. The surveyors called K1, another peak in the area, was later changed to Masherbrum, the name used by local people. In K2, there was no widely used local name, so the alphanumeric name stuck.
K2’s modern nickname is “Savage Mountain” because of the extreme risks it poses to climbers—frequent avalanches and harsh weather. The Italian Duke of Abruzzi led an expedition up the southeast face in 1909 but gave up at about 6,250 meters (20,505 feet), believing it was not possible to climb K2. After many other failures, another Italian team eventually succeeded, following a southeastern ridge on the southwestern face in 1954.
K2 is one of only 14 mountains on Earth higher than 8,000m (26,247ft) tall and is the only one who has never before been climbed in the winter. Known as the Savage Mountain for the climb’s difficulty, only 300 climbers have reached the summit, while 77 have died in the attempt.
Name of Peak
K-2 (Chogho Ri)
Elevation 8611-M (28,251 ft.)
Ranked 2nd: 1st in Pakistan
Location Karakoram-Baltoro Skardu
Best Period June 10 – August 10
Base Camp height 5000-M
Latitude 35°- 53 N
Durations 60 Days
First Ascent July 31, 1954
ITINERARY
Day 01
Arrival Islamabad
Arrival at the airport and then transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel in Islamabad.
Day 02
Islamabad To Skardu (By Air)
Early morning flight to Skardu (flights are subject to weather); if unable to fly, we will depart for Skardu by road with an overnight stay at Chilas. Overnight stay in the hotel at Skardu.
Day 03
Chilas To Skardu
In case of flight has operated, we will go for a sightseeing tour of Skardu, and in case of no flight, the day will be used for overland travel from Chilas to Skardu (total drive is 22 – 24 hrs from Islamabad to Skardu). Overnight stay in the hotel at Skardu.
Day 04
Rest Day At Skardu
Sightseen in Skardu final packing for the Expedition.
Day 05
Skardu To Askole
After Breakfast, we will embark jeeps for a full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Askole – The last inhabitance on our way to the Great Glaciers. (Tent)
Day 06
Askole To Jhula
Trek to the Dumurdo river cross at Jhula (Jhula means wire Rope-Bridge supported by a wooden basket); now, a day wooden bridge has been built to cross it. (Tent)
Day 07
Jhula To Paiju
We will resume trek along the BralduRiver to a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak 6611 M. (Tent)
Day 08
Rest Day At Paiju
Rest & acclimatization day at Paiju.(Tent)
Day 09
Paiju To Urdukas
Begin trek after an early breakfast. (Tent)
Day 10
Urdukas To Goro II
A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier. (Tent)
Day 11
Goro II To Concordia
After an early breakfast, we will resume a long walk on the Baltoro Glacier to a point called Concordia – a huge junction of Baltoro, Abruzzi & Godwin Austin Glaciers at 4000 meters. (Tent)
Day 12
Concordia To K2 Base Camp
After Breakfast then trek to K-2 Base camp (Tent)
Day 13 – 42
Climbing Activities
Climbing activities (Tent)
Day 43
K2 Base Camp To Ali Camp
After an early breakfast, we will leave the K2 base camp for Ali Camp. (Tent)
Day 44
Ali Camp – Cross Gondogoro Pass – Khuspang
A very early start as early as 2 or 3 a.m. to cross the Gondogoro la to reach Khuspang.(Tent)
Day 45
Khuspang To Shaicho
After a couple of minutes of easy walk, we will come onto the glacier. We will pick our way across moving boulders and ice, and finally, crossing the glacier up to the camping site; we will reach Shaicho. Walk 06 – 07 hrs, Grade: Easy, Altitude: 3800 m. (Tent)
Day 46
Shaicho To Hushe
After Breakfast, we will continue walking along the Hushe River on an easy path. Upon arrival in Hushe, we will camp near the fields in Hushe village. (Tent)
Day 47
Hushe To Skardu
After Breakfast, we will embark jeeps for a full day ride on Skardu’s winding jeep road. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Overnight stay in the hotel at Skardu.
Day 48
Skardu To Chilas
Early morning drive for Chilas. On arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in. Overnight stay in the hotel at Chilas.
Day 49
Chilas To Islamabad
After Breakfast, we will depart for Islamabad via babusar pass. On arrival, transfer to hotel, overnight stay in hotel at Islamabad.
Day 50
Islamabad
We will proceed for debriefing at Alpine Club in Islamabad. Afternoon, we will go for a city tour of Islamabad. Overnight stay in the hotel in Islamabad.
Day 51
Islamabad To Flight Out
Transfer to the airport for flight back home.
Services Included:
- Liaison with Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad for climbing permit process, providing the appointed Liaison officer’s measurements for his prescribed kit.
- Process of import/export permit from the ministry of tourism.
- Clearance of cargo before arrival of the team and its storage.
- Assistance upon arrival/departure.
- Official Briefing/Debriefing.
- Hotel accommodation in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas.
- All meals during trek and at B.C. as per itinerary.
- Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food etc. to the B.C. and 50 kg per person on return from B.C.
- Road transfers between airport/hotel and within the city as per itinerary.
- Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen, and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees.
- Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear.
- Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook, and assistant(s).
- Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue).
- Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes, and parking fees, etc.
- Mail handling/forwarding to B.C./overseas except for postage charges.
- Reconfirmation of air tickets.
- Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s), and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team).
Services not Included:
- International & domestic airfare, airport tax, excess baggage charges.
- High altitude porters/any crew above B.C.
Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not use, it is now US$15000/-
- High altitude tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp, including high altitude food and oxygen.
- Medications, ground evacuations, and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
- Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills, and items of personal nature.
- Insurance liability of member (s) and other under force majeure conditions.
- Climbing Permit, Pollution and Environmental fee, or any other payment required to be paid to Pakistan’s Government.
- Clearing agent charges.
Members any climbing gears
- Member personal insurance
- High altitude tent
- High altitude food
- High altitude porter
- Any other service not mentioned in the above list
Tour Reviews
We, Alex and our group of friends, embarked on the K2 Expedition with Visit in Pakistan, and we had an absolutely amazing experience. The K2 Expedition proved to be the adventure of a lifetime, surpassing all our expectations. The team at Visit in Pakistan meticulously planned and executed every aspect of the expedition, ensuring our safety and comfort throughout. The trek to the base camp of K2 challenged us physically and mentally, but the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers made it all worthwhile. The knowledgeable guides provided us with valuable insights into the history of the region and mountaineering techniques, enriching our journey. The accommodations and facilities arranged by Visit in Pakistan were top-notch, offering us a comfortable retreat after each day’s expedition. We highly recommend the K2 Expedition to all adventure enthusiasts seeking a remarkable and unforgettable experience, supported by the expertise and hospitality of Visit in Pakistan.
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