K2 Expedition – Pakistan

General overview

Snapshot

• K2 is the second highest mountain in the world, thought by many to be the ultimate climb.
• Organizer and Leader Dan Mazur put the first surviving Briton on the summit of K2 and the first Americans on the summit of K2.
• Leader David O’Brien has led 5 expeditions to the summit of Everest.
• The climb includes full logistics, oxygen and top class Nepalese Sherpas who have summited K2 before.
• Our most recent expedition successfully and safely summited K2. The expedition was led by Dan Mazur. Our 6 Nepali Sherpas and 3 members did an amazing job!

Overview

K2 is the ultimate climber’s high! At 8,611 m (28,251 ft.), K2 is the world’s second highest mountain and perhaps the most coveted summit amongst climbers.It is located on the border of Pakistan and China and has been summited ten times less than Mount Everest. Be part of the select few to stand on the world’s second highest peak.

Expert leader, Dan Mazur, has led multiple K2 and over a dozen Everest expeditions successfully to the summit. He put the first surviving Briton and first American on the summit. The expedition includes travel within the Karakorum, food, accommodations, staff, personal climbing Sherpas, oxygen, and group equipment.

Itinerary

• Day 1 – Arrive Islamabad. Meet our staff at airport. They will bring you to the hotel.
• Day 2 – Guided sightseeing and shopping in Islamabad (508 metres / 1,667 ft.).
• Day 3 – Fly to Skardu, transfer to Skardu hotel.
• Day 4 – Skardu sightseeing. Hotel. (2,230 metres / 7,316 feet)
• Day 5 – Skardu – Briefing at Department of Tourism. Final preparations. Hotel.
• Day 6 – Drive by Jeep to Askole, a lovely little farming village. Camp. (3,039 metres / 9,970 feet).
• Day 7 – Trek to Jhola. (3,170 metres / 10,400 feet). We enter Karakoram National Park and trek past a slope filled with garnets and cross a lovely bridge.
• Day 8 – Trek to Paiyu. (3,666 metres / 12,028 feet). Trek to this famous forest in the Baltoro Valley.
• Day 9 – Rest Day in Paiyu. On this day, porters will bake all of their bread for the upcoming trek.
• Day 10 – Trek to Khuburtse. (3,800 metres / 12,467 feet). a fabulous campsite near a lake on the edge of the Baltoro Glacier.
• Day 11 – Trek to Urdukas. (3,950 metres / 12,959 feet). Camp amongst grass and lovely giant boulders, with amazing views of the Great Trango Towers.
• Day 12 – Goro II. (4,300 metres / 14,108 feet). Camp on the flat stones on the surface of the Baltoro Glacier with lovely views of the mightiest peaks all around, like Masherbrum, Cathedral, etcetera.
• Day 13 – Concordia. (4,550 metres / 14,928 feet). Concordia must be the most famous campsite in all the Karkakoram. Incredible views of K2, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum 4, and many more.
• Day 14 – Trek to K2 Basecamp (5,117metres/16,788 feet)
• Day 15- 42 – Climb K2
  • C1 is at 6,050m (19,849 ft.)
  • C2 is at 6,700 m (21,981 ft.)
  • C3 is at 7,200 m (23,622 ft.) is the most technical section, with 400 metres of steep climbing up the “Black Pyramid”
  • C4 is at 7,600 m (24,934 ft.)
• K2 Summit – 8611m (28,251 ft.)
• Day 43 – Descend to base camp. Pack up and prepare for departure.
• Day 44 – Follow the Upper Baltoro Glacier to Ali Camp (4,800 metres/15,748 ft.)
• Day 45 – Cross the Gondogoro La (5,585 metres / 18,323 ft.). Descend to Huisprung (4,600 metres / 15,088 ft.). Camp near a lovely lake.
• Day 46 – Trek down the Gondogoro Valley to Saitcho (3,350 metres / 10,991 ft.)
• Day 47 – Last day of trekking to Hushe Village (3,050 metres / 10,0007ft.). Drive beside the Hushe River and follow the Shyock and Indus rivers to Skardu (2,230 metres / 7,316 ft.).
• Day 48 – De-briefing at Tourism Department. Showers, laundry, shopping. Hotel
• Day 49 – Islamabad / Chilas. Hotel
• Day 50 – Final paperwork, shopping, farewell dinner in Islamabad. Hotel
• Day 51 – Fly Home.
• Day 52 – Extra logistical day. Extra days may be added if necessary.

Good to know

Leadership

Leadership: Dan Mazur is a relaxed, friendly, well-organised, and highly skilled professional with over 20 years of experience leading people to the summits of Everest, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Manaslu, and Shishapangma.

Sherpas: We employ some of Nepal, Tibet, and the Karakorum’s best local mountaineers and Sherpas to assist team members in realizing their summit goals. Our friendly and loyal high-altitude climbing staff has supported teams to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalayas.

Experience and training

Before winter snow, walking, climbing, camping, and experience at altitude is recommended. The trip includes climbing training. We will teach you everything you need to know on glaciers near basecamp. Team members should be fit and in good health. Please see our questions section for fitness training advice.