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K2 and Broad Peak Flash™

K2 8.611m und Broad Peak 8.051m in Pakistan. A delicacy for experts – finally available in Flash™ style!

Time is our most valuable asset. We are fundamentally changing expedition mountaineering on high mountains. For you.

Acclimatization for this expedition is already done at home. While a traditional Broad Peak & K2 expedition takes more than two months, our Flash™ Expedition saves time and additionally increases safety and chances of success (6 weeks only).

Statistically speaking, Broad Peak is one of the safest eightthousanders, with a high success rate. The route is direct, relatively short, and the few more difficult sections are secured with fixed ropes. Broad Peak is therefore the first eightthousander for many high-altitude mountaineers. You’ll trek along the Baltoro Glacier for a week over scree, ice and moraines towards the mountain. The landscape is barren, inhospitable and spectacular.

Following Broad Peak, the second part of our expedition is next: K2.  To do this, we will set off on a short hike to the K2 base camp, which is almost within sight. Work is already underway on the mountain and while the group recovers and waits for suitable weather, the high camp and the route are being prepared. Thanks to our acclimatization on Broad Peak, we have spared ourselves multiple ascents and descents on the objectively more dangerous and technically more challenging K2. As soon as the weather is good, we will embark on a direct summit attempt via the beautiful normal route on the South-East Ridge (Abruzzensporn). Sherpas and porters will accompany us and each member will have oxygen available. If we succeed, it amounts to the crowning glory of every mountaineer’s life

We will fly in our experienced Sherpas from Nepal to support our Pakistani high altitude porters and secure the route. This is an additional safety factor.

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

Highlights:

  • Shortened duration of the expedition (6 weeks only)
  • Experienced Nepalese Sherpas as support
  • Certified Western guide
  • Climbing Sherpa and oxygen
  • Cesen oder Abbruzzi Route depending on the conditions
  • Limited number of members for more safety and higher chances of success
  • The K2 and Broad Peak Flash™ expedition is exclusively available at Furtenbach Adventures. Shortest expedition in the industry.

Trip dates:

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

Registration for the K2 & Broad Peak Flash™ expedition is subject to a personal consultation.

Preparation:

In order to enable an expedition in such a short time frame, appropriate preparation is vital. The preparation starts with an individual consultation talk, where goals and training topics are defined. Every member must have comprehensive mountain experience in high altitudes. Fitness and mental resilience must be trained intensively during the months prior to the expedition. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of careful acclimatization. This will take place at the members home via hypoxic tents: every member will receive an individual training schedule and will be acclimatized in 6 weeks prior to the expedition.  As a result, most of the risky and exhausting acclimatization ascents can be skipped and the total duration of the expedition can be limited to 5 weeks. If you have any questions, read our FAQs or contact us directly.

The exact schedule on the expedition depends on regulatory requirements, the weather and snow conditions. In addition, keep in mind that we are in a very remote and politically sensitive area where our freedom of movement may be limited at any time due to governmental or environmental restrictions.

In addition to the basic framework which we provide, for example Sherpa support, base camp, route, high camp etc., a successful ascent also requires a great deal of luck, good weather, good physical condition and mental strength of the members. We allow maximum flexibility. The expedition can be extended if required by the circumstances, if the members wish to do so and are ready to bear the additional costs incurred.

The following schedule is planned:

Day 1 - 7: Arrival in Islamabad and onwards journey to basecamp

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad, meeting point at the hotel in Islamabad.  Members have a day at leisure while the expedition leader handles last administrative things with the authorities.

Day 2: Either two days bus trip to Skardu with overnight stay in Chilas or a flight to Skardu, if the conditions allow it. The bus ride has it’s charm, leading through the varied landscapes of Pakistan to the Indus valley, where we take the legendary Karakorum Highway. On the second day shortly after Chilas views of Nanga Parbat with the Rhakiot flank mastered by Hermann Buhl. Overnight stay in a hotel in Skardu.

Day 3: We spend the day in the small but lively town of Skardu at 2.300m. The porters are organised, the luggage is loaded, final errands are run or a hike is undertaken.

Day 4-7: Shortest possible way from Skardu to the basecamp via Gondogoro pass. This usually takes around 4 days.

Day 8 - 21: Broad Peak 8.051m summit attempt

Day 8-21: We will have about two weeks for the ascent of Broad Peak, 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 5.700m which will be secured with fixed ropes. The next camp will be at ca. 6.300m and the last one at 7.100m.

 The summit tour first takes us to the 7.800m 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 22- 36: K2 8.611m summit attempt

Day 22: The K2 aspirants undertake a comfortable 3 hours hike over the Godwin Austen glacier to our K2 base camp at 5.100m.

Day 23-36: First, we rest and recharge our batteries, organize material and then wait for suitable weather for a direct ascent attempt via the South-East Ridge (Abruzzensporn) with 4 high camps. We will reach camp 1 at 6.000m with relatively low difficult via a 40 degree steep firn flank. From there it continues through snow gullies and mixed terrain to the first key point, the approximately 25m high House Chimney which will be secured with fixed ropes. Shortly thereafter we reach camp 2 at 6.600m. The way to camp 3 is strongly dependent on the conditions. It’s a mix of snow slopes, rocky passages and mixed terrain with individual steep stretches until our south spur coincides with the east ridge (Black Pyramid). From here we follow the easier eastern ridge to camp 3 at 7.350m. The route from camp 3 to camp 4 at about 7.900m on the shoulder is a technically easy snow ridge.
In camp 4, we see two things very prominently: The intoxicating panorama on one side and the dangerous serac with the infamous “Bottleneck” on the other side. This is the most dangerous part of the route. The bottleneck will be the key passage for the summit day and as such it will be secured accordingly with fixed ropes. At the latest from here on in, we will use oxygen which can help us master this dangerous passage faster and safer in both the ascent and the descent. Approximately 100m after the bottleneck the terrain becomes a bit more subdued, and a few more meters of a simple snow slope lead us to the summit.
Weather permitting, we may have time for a second summit attempt. We recommend to book a flexible return flight, so that we can extend the expedition for a few days if necessary or travel home earlier if we successfully complete the expedition ahead of schedule.

Day 37 - 42: Return journey to Islamabad

Day 37-40: The group makes their way back to Skardu via the shorter route over the Gondogoro pass or stay at a smaller base camp with reduced service for another summit attempt, in case the first one was not successful. The way back to Islamabad is organized for the group, an individually planned return is available at extra cost. Overnight in tent and hotel in Skardu.

Day 41: Skardu – Islamabad. Return to Islamabad. If possible with flight otherwise again the two-day bus ride. Overnight stay in a hotel in Islamabad.

Day 42: Individual return journey.

check_circle Included services:

  • All organization of the expedition
  • High altitude generator and tent for 7 weeks prior to the expedition
  • Certified Western guide
  • 2 nights hotel of high category in single room in very safe quarter of Islamabad
  • All transfers (private bus or flight to Skardu – depending on the weather, jeeps to Askole)
  • Full board during the whole trip (in Islamabad half board)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Twin room for stop-overs on way to basecamp
  • Baggage transport to basecamp and back (40 kg personal luggage/member)
  • 1 tent for two members each for approach and high camp
  • 1 tent per member in the basecamp
  • Mat for approach and base camp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • All fixing material for the route
  • 1 Nepalese Climbing Sherpa per member
  • Rental oxygen package with a mask, regulator and bottles (Summit Oxygen)
  • Insurance and equipment for staff
  • Medical emergency oxygen
  • First aid kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulse oximeter
  • Kitchen crew
  • Comfortable, heated group tent, shower tent etc. at basecamp
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Radio transmitter for base camps and high camp
  • All fees & permits
  • Liaison officer
  • State helicopter rescue deposit (the actual cost of the rescue must be covered by insurance or Global Rescue Membership. See here.)
  • Environmental deposit
  • Weather report
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  Not included services:

  • International flight to/from Islamabad
  • Excess baggage on the flight to/from Skardu in case a flight is possible (20kg + 7kg hand luggage is included, but the costs for excess baggage are manageable and not comparable with European standards)
  • Lunch in Islamabad
  • Personal insurances
  • Visa for Pakistan
  • Personal medications
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Summit bonus for the Sherpas
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bag for base camp and high camp
  • Mat for high camps
  • Fees for satellite phone, emails, internet
  • All services not specifically mentioned in “Included services”

Why Flash™?

One of the main reasons for a failed climb of a high summit is the long acclimatization time at the mountain. The repeated ascents and descents, the threat of catching an infection at the base camp, where many people must live in a very crowded space, robs many climbers the energy even before the actual climb has started.

To raise the chances of success, we begin with the acclimatization process via hypoxic tents at the members’ home, 6 weeks prior to our actual departure to Nepal. Those tents are going to be set up by our experts and under their supervision, the expedition members body will slowly be acclimatized to a height that is equivalent to around 7000m. Furtenbach Adventures is using hypoxic tents since almost two decades and we have a long experience with these means of acclimatization for high altitude mountaineering.

In 2016, our team was the first successful Everest expedition, where all members where pre-acclimatized with hypoxic tents. This decreased the time we had to acclimatize at the mountain significantly, before we could start our ascent to the summit. After reaching the summit, we were also the only team that was able to descend in one go to Camp 2. This higher performance capacity contributes largely to the safety aspect, thanks to proper pre-acclimatization.

These special preparations, combined with small groups, best oxygen-support, the latest equipment, an experienced team (some of our Sherpas have climbed Mount Everest up to 20 times) and our vast organizational experiences allow the total expedition duration to be shortened significantly. So far, we are the only operator at Broad Peak and K2 that can offer such a short period without increasing any risks.

Since decades, the fundamental techniques, equipment, high-altitude medicine and weather forecasts have been developed over time. The climbing tactics however have remained the same as they were in the 1970s. We are about to change that by providing a modern climbing alternative which meets the current state of the art and respects the general principles of safety.

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.

https  Insurance

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.

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.

work   Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailled 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 down sleeping bag. 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 member’s 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 vertical meters per day should not be a problem for you. Mental training is also advised for this very challenging expedition. 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

Unless otherwise agreed, a deposit of 20% of the tour price is to be paid when receiving your invoice, but earliest eleven months before the end of the tour date. The balance must be paid 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding payments 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.

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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