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K2

A delicacy for experts … K2, 8.611m, Pakistan

From Islamabad we fly on to Skardu, then we continue to Aksole, where our trekking time can begin. We have different, moderate to strenuous trekking stages until we arrive at the K2 base camp. Here the work on the mountain starts immediately and while the group recovers and waits for a suitable weather window, the high camps and the route are further prepared. As soon as the weather is fine, we will start a direct summit attempt via the beautiful normal route on the southeast ridge (Abbruzzensporn). Sherpas and high altitude porters will accompany us and oxygen will be available for each member. If we are successful, the absolute culmination of every mountaineer’s life awaits us!

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

Info for K2

For the K2 you have to be a very experienced mountaineer with eight thousand meter experience. The Abbruzzensporn at K2 is the most difficult normal route on an eight-thousander. We recommend oxygen for the summit day at the latest (this is included in the price). This means that the statistically most accident-prone passage under the Hängeserac after the shoulder and the bottleneck can be climbed much faster and safer both on the ascent and the descent. The fixed ropes in the summit area are only laid during the ascent to the summit. If you want to ascend without oxygen, you can do so, as long as you can prove that you have the appropriate experience and skills.

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

Highlights:

  • The mountain of all mountains
  • Sherpas and oxygen
  • Cesen oder Abbruzzi Route depending on the conditions
  • Certified Western guide
  • High camp equipment

The K2 can also be booked as a double expedition in combination with the Broad Peak.

Trip dates:

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

Due to the complex logistics of this expedition, there may be changes to the planned itinerary during the trip. The exact itinerary depends on the weather, snow conditions, the progress of the insurcance work on the route and the timetable of other groups in order to avoid potential traffic jams as far as possible.

For a successful ascent, in addition to the basic conditions created by us such as oxygen suppply, Sherpa support, base camp, route, high camp, etc, a large portion of luck, good weather, condition, ability and mental strength of the members are required.

The expedition may be extended if circumstances so require, the team members so wish and bear the additional costs incurred. We are moving in a very remote, politically highly sensitive area where official or environmental restrictions on our freedom of movement must be expected at all times.

The following schedule is planned:

Day 1 - 11: Arrival in Islamabad and spectacular hike to K2 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: Drive with Jeeps through a wild, impressive landscape and wild gorges to Askole at 3.050m. For those of you who have never been here before, this will probably be the most exciting trip of your life! Overnight stay in tents in the small village of Askole.

Day 5-11: An impressive hike through what we believe to be the most spectacular mountain valley in the world, the Braldu valley. Overnight stay in a tent. On the first day we follow a relatively flat path through a very dry and barren landscape up to Jhula at 3.100m. On the second day we reach the last small green oasis settlement Paiju at about 3.500m altitude. There we will possibly have a rest day, which the porters need to prepare for the further way on the Baltoro. On the fourth day we are already moving on the legendary Baltoro-Glacier. We reach our camp Urdukas on about 4.150m next to the glacier. And right across from the Trango Towers! An incredibly impressive view! The fifth day leads us past the beautiful Muztagh Tower to our next camp, Goro II at 4.200m. Because of the spectacular views, the hikes here are very entertaining and you’ll have to force yourself to look at the path. On the sixth day, we reach the famous Concordia Plateau at around 4.600 metres, where so many researchers, explorers and legendary mountaineers have set up camp. From here, we can see two of the most beautifully shaped mountains on the planet: Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV. Broad Peak, K2 and Hermann Buhl’s ‘mountain of destiny’, Chogolisa, also feature prominently in this stunning 360-degree panorama. On the last day we reach the K2 base camp in the Godwin-Austen Glacier.

Day 12 - 45: Summit ascent K2 8.611m

Day 12 – 45: We take about 5 weeks for the ascent. First we refuel, organize material and then wait for a suitable weather window for a direct ascent attempt over the Abbruzzensporn with 4 high camps. Camp 1 at about 6.000m we reach relatively easy over a 40 gad steep firn flank. From there we go through snow gullies and combined terrain to the first key point, the approx. 25m high house chimney insured with fixed ropes. Shortly afterwards we reach camp 2 at 6.600m. The further way to camp 3 depends strongly on the conditions. Snow flanks, rock passages and combined terrain with individual steep turns change until our southeast spur meets the east ridge (Black Pyramid). From here easier along the east ridge to camp 3 at 7.350m. The way from camp 3 to camp 4 at 7.900m on the shoulder is a technically easy snow ridge and ridge.

 In camp 4 you see two things very prominent: The intoxicating panorama on one side and the dangerous Hängeserac with the infamous “Bottleneck” on the other side. This is the most dangerous part of the route. The bottleneck is the key point for the next summit day and is secured with fixed ropes. About 100m after the bottleneck, the terrain covers itself and the last meters lead over a simple snow slope to the summit.

 Should the weather allow it, we still have time for a second summit attempt.

Day 46 - 51: Return journey to Islamabad

Day 46-49: Dismantling of the base camp and return to Skardu via the Gondogoro Pass. Overnight in tent and hotel in Skardu.

Day 50: Skardu – Islamabad. Return to Islamabad. If possible with flight otherwise again the two-day bus ride. Overnight stay in a hotel in Islamabad.

Day 51: Individual return journey.

check_circle Included services:

  • All organization of 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 (we are happy to make you an offer)
  • 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”

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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