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K2 Base Camp Trek

Explore one of the world’s most spectacular mountain valleys as part of a K2 expedition – if that is not a once in a lifetime experience…

K2. Baltoro Glacier. Concordia confluence.

Great names for a great opportunity. The probably unique chance to hike the famous and historical sites of the Karakoram yourself and to marvel at their beauty with your own eyes. The stage of early explorers and mountaineering legends, whose reviews for the Karakoram are consistently positive: “For mountain majesty and sheer sublimity, this mountain scenery is hardly to be excelled.”. ( F. Younghusband, 1887).

Therefore, curtain up: Accompanying the 8000m aspirants, who head for their adventure, a one-week trek to the K2 base camp lies ahead of us. Into a world of total isolation and surrounded by the barren and harsh scenery, we pass some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in our world: the Trango Towers, the Muztagh Tower, Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV, as well as the Chogolisa – they all line our path to the legendary K2, the second highest mountain in the world. And there’s our destination, the base camp at the foot of the mighty K2 on approx. 5,100m, where we may spend several days. Time to witness the preparations for the Broad Peak and K2 climbs with all the tension, anticipation and nervousness in the air.

That’s before it’s back to civilization, where we emerge from another world. A world full of adventure, simplicity and spectacular views – the impressions of which will linger with us for a long time.

Adventure Factor be part of a real adventure
Experience / Emotion unforgettable
Fitness / Struggle enjoyable
Risk feel free to tell your partner
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • Trek to the Karakoram with its famous Concordia confluence
  • Trek surrounded by some the highest and most beautiful mountains in our world
  • Experience a real adventure up close as a member of the Broad Peak & K2 Expedition
  • Continuous guidance from/to Islamabad

Trip dates:

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

Because of the complex logistics of this trekking, changes to the planned schedule may occur during the journey. The exact schedule depends on weather and other local conditions.

The trek can be extended if required by circumstances and if the participants 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 - 12: 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 participants while the expedition leader takes care of the last administrative formalities the authorities.

Days 2-3: Either two days bus trip to Skardu with overnight stay in Chilas or the conditions allow a flight to Skardu. But the bus ride has its charm and leads us through the varied landscape of Pakistan to the Indus Valley, where we will take the legendary Karakorum Highway. On the second day shortly after Chilas we see in good weather the Nanga Parbat with the Rhakiot flank mastered by Hermann Buhl from the road. The drive on the second day is a bit shorter. Overnight stay in a hotel in Skardu.

Day 4: 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 5: 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 6-12: 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 K2 base camp at the Godwin-Austen Glacier.

Day 13 - Day 17: K2 base camp

Days 13-17: Five full days to explore the base camp of K2, observe the logistics and preparations, talk to K2 aspirants and admire the beautiful surrounding landscape and special happening you’re able to be part of.

Day 18 - Day 24: Return journey to Islamabad

Days 18-21: Pack the bags at base camp and return to Skardu via the Gondogoro pass. Overnight stay in tents and in the hotel in Skardu.

Days 22-23: Return journey to Islamabad. If possible by flight, otherwise again the two-day bus ride. Overnight stay at a hotel in Islamabad.

Day 24: Islamabad or return flight

check_circle_outline  What the price includes:

  • All organisation for the trekking
  • 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)
  • Drinks during joint meals (alcoholic beverages excluded)
  • Double rooms on stop-overs during our trip to the mountain
  • Porters to the base camp and back (20kg per baggage piece per member)
  • 1 tent per two participants during the approach
  • 1 tent per participant at the base camp
  • A mat for the approach and the base camp
  • Transport of waste back from the base camp
  • Insurance and equipment for all staff
  • 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
  • All fees & permits
  • Government deposit for helicopter rescue (actual costs must be paid by members or their insurance / Global Rescue membership)
  • Environmental fee
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

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
  • Lunch at Islamabad
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips
  • Personal trekking  equipment
  • Sleeping bag for the base camp

info  General

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

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 participant must apply for the mountaineering visa early enough via the following website: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/bei.

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 participants 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

You need to bring your own personal equipment such as appropriate clothing, trekking shoes and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 degrees Celsius. 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 trek always lies in the participants personal responsibility, while led by the guide and expedition leader. Participants must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice). 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 participants adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each participant must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.

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 600 meters per day should not be a problem for you. 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 participant 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.

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 participants 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.