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Broad Peak

Summiting one of the safest 8000-ers? … et voilá!

The Furtenbach Adventures Broad Peak expedition is truly a unique opportunity. From a purely statistical point of view, the Broad Peak is one of the objectively safest eight-thousanders which also has a very high success rate. The route is direct, relatively short and the few difficult passages are secured with fixed ropes.

Because of this, and because of its lower altitude, the Broad Peak is the first eight-thousander for many high-altitude mountaineers. The Karakoram is often described as climatically harsher and colder than the Himalayan mountains. This, however, arises from a rather subjective sensation as opposed to scientifically validated values. First you hike for one week via the Baltoro glacier over boulders, ice and moraines to the mountain.

Not through forests and meadows as is often the case in the Himalayas. It’s all barren and thus acts inhospitable. But in reality it is not colder. There are even days when you can sit on the Broad Peak summit in ski touring pants and a light windbreaker.

Also see our Broad Peak Flash™ Expedition (Broad Peak in only 4 weeks)

Adventure Factor brave
Experience / Emotion lifechanging
Fitness / Struggle challenging
Risk the height and the bottleneck
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • One of the safest 8000-ers
  • High sucess rate
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • High camp equipment

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Because of the complex logistics of this expedition, changes to the planned schedule may occur during the journey. The exact schedule depends on weather, snow conditions, the progress of route securing work and the schedules of other groups in order to avoid potential traffic jams. In addition to the services provided by us such as oxygen supply, Sherpa support, base camp, secured routes, high camp etc. also a great deal of luck, good weather, good physical condition, skill and mental strength on behalf of the members are required for a successful ascent.

The expedition can be extended if required by circumstances and if the members so desire and are willing to bear the additional costs incurred. We are travelling in a very remote and politically sensitive area where governmental or environmental restrictions on our freedom of movement may be imposed at any time.

The following schedule is planned:

Day 1 - 11: Arrival, hike through perhaps the most spectacular mountain valley in the world and ascent to base camp.

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad and meet-up at the Hotel Envoy Continental in Islamabad
Free day for the members while the expedition leader takes care of the last administrative formalities the authorities.

Days 2: Beautiful mountain flight to Skardu. Overnight stay at hotel in Skardu.

Day 3: We spend the day in the small but lively town of Skardu at 2300m. The carriers are organized, the luggage loaded, and you can run some last errands or go on a hike.

Day 4: Day trip by jeep through wild, stunning scenery and canyons to Askole at 3050m. For those who have never been here before, this will probably be the most exciting and thrilling ride of their lives! Overnight stay in tents in the small village of Askole.

Days 5-11: An impressive walk through what we consider the most spectacular mountain valley in the world. We spend each night in a tent. On the first day it is relatively flat with a very dry and barren landscape on the way to Jhula at 3100m. On the second day we reach the last small settlement of Paiju at an altitude of about 3500m. If required, we will lay in a day of rest there, which the carriers need in order to prepare for the Baltoro glacier. On the fourth day we will already be on the legendary Baltoro glacier. We reach our camp at Urdukas next to the glacier at about 4150m. And just across from the Trango towers! An incredibly impressive view! On the fifth day we pass the beautiful Muztagh Tower on the way to our next camp Goro II at around 4200m. Because of the spectacular views, the walks are very entertaining here.

 You have to force yourself to keep your eyes on the ground. On the sixth day we reach the famous Concordia confluence at about 4600m where so many scientists, explorers and mountaineering legends have set up camp over the years. All have left their unmistakable traces. We see here two of the most beautiful mountains on this planet, Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV. Also Broad Peak, K2 and Hermann Buhl’s fateful mountain – the Chogolisa. All are prominent in this stunning 360 degree panorama. On the last day we reach our base camp on Broad Peak at a pleasant altitude of 4900m on a lateral moraine of the Godwin-Austen Glacier.

Day 12 - Day 37: Ascent of Broad Peak

Days 12-37: We will take at least three weeks for the ascent, however we want to stay flexible due to weather and snow conditions as well as the members‘ needs and requirements. We will set up 2-3 high camps. The first, which we could skip later on, will be situated on a small plateau following the first firn flank at 5700m which will be secured with fixed ropes. The next camp will be at ca. 6300m and the last one at 7100m.

 The summit tour first takes us to the 7800m high saddle between the northern peak and the pre-summit, then via the wide ridge with a few easy climbs (second level of difficulty – here we will use a fixed rope) to the pre-summit. From here we easily (walking terrain) continue over a wide, gently sloping ridge that is by far not as long as often described, towards the main summit. This ridge is often blown off, facilitating easy advancement. If conditions are good, and members are in a healthy and normal state, we can accomplish this in about half an hour there and 20 minutes back.

Day 38 - Day 42: Return journey to Islamabad

Days 38-40: Dismantling the base camp and return to Skardu via the Gondogoro pass. Overnight stay in tents and in the hotel in Skardu.

Days 41: Return flight to Islamabad. We will be so exhausted that we will simply sleep through the flight. Overnight stay at a hotel in Islamabad.

Day 42: Islamabad or return flight

check_circle_outline  What the price includes:

  • All organisation for the double expedition
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 2 nights in an upscale hotel in a very safe quarter of Islamabad in a single room
  • All transfers including transport to/from Skardu by plane or private shuttle (depending on weather) and to/from Askole in all-terrain vehicles
  • Full board for the duration of the whole trip (half board in Islamabad)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Double rooms on stop-overs during our trip to the mountain
  • Porters to the base camp and back (40kg per baggage piece per member)
  • 1 tent per member at the base camp
  • 1 tent per two members during the approach and for the high camp
  • A mat for the approach and the base camp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • All the fixing material for the route
  • Use of the fixed ropes along the route
  • Transport of waste back from the base camp
  • 1 Nepalese Climbing Sherpa per member
  • Insurance and equipment for all staff
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Pharmaceutical travel kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulsoxymeter
  • Kitchen crew
  • A comfortable, heated common tent, shower tent, power generator 2 hours per day etc. at the base camp
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Radio transmitter for each member
  • All fees & permits
  • Government deposit for helicopter rescue (actual costs must be paid by members or their insurance / Global Rescue membership)
  • Environmental fee
  • weather reports
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

help_outline Optional:

  • Oxygen Pack (2 bottles and rent mask & regulator): € 4.400

highlight_off  What the price does not include:

  • International flight to Islamabad (we’ll gladly make you an offer)
  • Excess baggage on the flight to/from Skardu in case a flight is possible
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa for Pakistan
  • Personal medication
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Summit bonus for personal summit sherpas
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bags for the base camp and high camp
  • Fees for satellite phones, emails

info  General

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization, and recommend our eight thousander expedition members the possibility of pre-acclimatization in a high altitude tent at home (see also FAQ).

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

language   Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Pakistan:

When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. Each member must apply for the mountaineering visa early enough via the following website: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk.

All required documents will be sent and announced by Furtenbach Adventures well in advance. Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

https   Insurance possibilities

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

work  Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailed program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 to -25 degrees Celsius for the high camp. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined   Difficulty / Technique

The ascent always lies in the members personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Members must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that members adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each member must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.

For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the detailed program, the following is required of members: independent getting on and off the fixed ropes on cliffs, snow, ice and firn snow slopes, as well as the independent use of crampons and ice axes in mixed terrain. On climbing passages, as well as very dangerous and exposed places, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity   Physical fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless an optional personal Sherpa is booked. The porters are available for the group and set up the high camp and insure the route. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each member undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

landscape  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in our eight-thousander expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run  Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH (https://www.furtenbachadventures.com/en/service/gtc/, item II. 7.).

For expeditions to 7000 and 8000 meter peaks the following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel: until 3 months prior to departure 50%, within 3 months prior departure 100%.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.

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