The K2 Base Camp Trek is the one of the greatest multi-day treks in the world, unbeatable in terms of close-up mountain views and proximity to many of the world’s highest peaks. This trek allows you to experience an expedition without having to climb any peaks.
Below is a guide to all essential information about K2 Base Camp trek and its variations! so that you can get all the information you need before embarking on your adventure!
where is K2 Base Camp? And its Elevation
K2 Base Camp, at an altitude of 5,117 m or 16,785 ft, is the base camp for climbers of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. You can find K2 in the northwestern Karakoram Range in Pakistan.
Map
Names of K2
As is the case with many high peaks, there are different names for K2. In Chinese K2 is known as Qogir Feng, and locally they call the mountain Dapsang or Chogori.
Another English name for the mountain is Mount Godwin-Austen, after Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen a British topographer who surveyed the area around K2 in the late 19th Century. Of course, there are also nicknames for K2.
Besides nicknames like The Mountaineers’ Mountain or the King of Mountains, K2 is best known as the Savage Mountain. George Bell, who climbed the mountain in 1953 explained to reporters that the mountain is so savage that it tries to kill you.
The trek to K2 Base Camp Trek is not savage, but it is definitely wild. Unlike at Everest Base Camp, there is not much at K2 Base Camp.
As a matter of fact, outside the trekking and climbing season, there is absolutely nothing at the location of K2 Base Camp. Tents will have to be carried in and out when you want to go to the base of the Savage Mountain.
If you are looking for a long trekking adventure, one that is completely different from other treks in the Himalaya and the Karakoram Range, the K2 Base Camp Trek ticks all the boxes.
It is a trek that is more authentic than some other treks in the world. Because there are no permanent settlements along the trail, you really feel as if you are one of the first ones to ever hike here. It is so unspoiled.”
The K2 Base Camp trek is an expedition-style trek, which means everything you will need for the two weeks you are away from civilization must be carried with you and your team of porters. Once you leave the end-of-the-line village of Askole, there are no permanent human settlements.
All our gear, all our food and every single little thing that we need along the way, have to be carried and out.
Following are the distinct trekking season for the K2 Base Camp Trek:
Summer;
The months of June, July, August and September are the best to undertake the trek.
In July and August, it is likely you will get some rain while on trek when pulses of monsoon clouds push to the north.
Spring and Autumn: However, it is also to possible to the trek in May and October so it is possible to trek up to K2 Base Camp anytime during late spring to early late fall.
Trekking During Ramadhan;
although Pakistan is an Islamic country, it will be fine to do the trek during Ramadhan. Islamabad is hot and humid in July and August as this is the monsoon season. Temperatures range from 30 to 46 Celsius with high humidity. The temperatures in Skardu at 2,340m will be cooler and is dryer as in the rain shadow of high peaks inlcuding Nanga Parbat .
It is not recommended to trek in early-June to Gondogoro pass because the snow has not yet melted away. Thus, passes above 3,000 meters are closed until enough snow has melted away to enable hiking. Gondogoro La and many of the other passes will also close by the end of September due to the return of heavy snowfall as the seasons change.
June is one of the best month to do trek up to K2 base camp. The weather is stable, skies are likely to be clear, and there is snow at the higher elevations.
July is typically the best month to do this trek. The weather is stable, skies are more likely to be clear, and there is less snow at the higher elevations.
Also, there is little to no ice on the Gondogoro La descent, which removes the need to use crampons. The earliest you would want to attempt the trek would be towards the end of June. Any earlier than that and you risk ending up with poor weather/snowfall, limited views, and lots of snowpack above 4500 meters.
August is also a fine month to start the trek, though August is typically when most groups are on the trail.
September is one of the best month to do trek up to K2 base camp. The weather is cooler, skies are very clear, and there is chance of snow at the higher elevations.
Keep in mind that the first days of the trek in July and August are hot, dusty, and exposed to the fierce Karakoram sun. Out here though the fierce sun is much more ideal than a thick blanket of cloud obscuring all the best views and big peaks.
The weather you’ll experience on the trek depends on what time of year you choose to hike. K2 trek has a wide range of temperatures.
This depends on the altitude, weather and time of day. While the weather during the trekking season is generally quite good, hikers should always be prepared for anything as mountain conditions can be very unpredictable – especially in the higher reaches.
You can expect strong winds, rain and snow as you hike. But hopefully you’ll experience mostly clear skies. July and August are the most popular trekking months. This is when the skies are more likely to be clear and the weather more stable
Temperature
Temperatures on the mountain range from below freezing at night to quite warm during the day. So it is advisable that you pack multiple layers of clothing that you can easily put on and remove as the temperatures change.
At lower altitudes,
it can be so hot that people get heatstroke. Above 5000 meters it could snow on any given day. In the mountains between 1,000m and 3,500m the nights will be cool around 5 Celsius. During the day temperatures can rise on a sunny day to 40 Celsius. Bring lots of water, sunhat and sunscreen.
At higher altitudes
temperatures range from about 20 Celsius to -10 Celsius The higher you trek, the colder it gets. Temperatures also get significantly colder as you reach the glacier so make sure you pack the right clothes to keep you warm. .
Mentally, physically, and with your packing list – it is important to prepare as much as possible for the harsh environment of the Karakoram.
There are a few different routes that tour operators offer for the K2 Base Camp Trek,
although most follow the simplest route that starts and finishes at Askole (avoiding Gondogoro La). Hike back how you came, down the Baltoro Glacier to Askole (which takes 4-6 days)
This route is the most popular because it doesn’t require technical skills and offers some variability as you can decide to take a detour to the Trango Towers Base Camp or stay overnight at the Broad Peak Base Camp. K2 Gondogoro Pass Hushe valley
This route requires some technical skill when you cross the high mountain pass. The trail then descends the other side and follow the valley until you reach the village of Hushe.
The much more exciting and interesting option is to head up the valley to Ali Camp (4800 m), where you will prepare to cross the Gondogoro La (5600 m), hiking through the night to do so. Gondogoro La is a high-altitude mountain pass that proved to be the highlight of the trip.
From the top (if the weather is clear) the views are second to none. If you do want to tackle Gondogoro La, it is still recommended to start at Askole as it allows for better acclimatization.
After descending the La (on a fixed rope, clipped in with a harness), the trek follows the green valley below for several days before arriving at the beautiful village of Hushe. Groups make their way back to Skardu from here using 4×4 jeeps.
A far more interesting route turns the trek into a visit of base camps of all above 8000 m Karakoram peaks base camps – including K2, Broad Peak, Gashberbumr I & II and culminating in a high-altitude pass crossing of Gondogoro La at 5,585m.
K2 Trek Guide about Difficulty
With the right physical fitness and a just mindset, anyone can do this trek. The point when doing a trek like this one is to take it easy, to stick to the itinerary and to trek high and stay low, ensuring that your acclimatization is on point. If you can handle the altitudes of above 5,000m and can walk each day for 6-10 hours, you will be fine on this trek. The acclimatization is gradual as it takes seven days to reach base camp, so it eases you into it.
Having said that, nothing technical is involved to reach basecamp although a small section of fixed rope action on the Gondogoro Pass is the most difficult part of the trek for those taking the Gondogoro exit option.
As with any high altitude trek, there are some risks when hiking to the K2 Base Camp. The camp lies at about 5,100 meters so make sure you take enough time to acclimatize during your ascent to ensure you don’t suffer the effects of altitude sickness. When walking on the glacier and the icy terrain, take your time so that you don’t slip and sprain your ankle. There is also the danger of rockfalls when crossing Gondogoro La so wearing a helmet is highly recommended.
K2 base camp Trek Distance
K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek
Camp to Camp Distance, Duration and Elevation
| Day | From/to | Distance | Duration | Max Alt. |
| 1 | Jhola-Paiju | 21km | 6-8 hours | 3,383m |
| 2 | Paiju rest day | N/A | N/A | 3,383m |
| 3 | Paiju-Khobutse | 13km | 5-7 hours | 3,566m |
| 4 | Khobutse-Urdukas | 6km | 2-4 hours | 4,130m |
| 5 | Urdukas-Goro II | 11km | 5-7 hours | 4,250m |
| 6 | Goro II rest day | N/A | N/A | 4,250m |
| 7 | Goro II- Concordia | 12km | 4-6 hours | 4,600m |
| 8 | Concordia-K2bc-Concordia | 24km | 10-12 hours | 5,150m |
| 9 | Concordia-Ali | 13km | 5-7 hours | 5,000m |
| 10 | Ali rest day | N/A | N/A | 5,000m |
| 11 | Ali-Gondogoro- Khuispan | 12km | 15-17 hours | 5,560m |
| 12 | Khuispan-Saicho | 17km | 6-8 hours | 3,330m |
| 13 | Saicho-Hushe | 10km | 2-3 hours | 3,050m |
Duration of the Trek Base Camp Trek
Depending on which route you take – from the time you take the Jeep in Skardu, start trekking, and return back to Skardu is about 12-14 days, depending on your exact itinerary. It should also be noted that distances and times vary significantly, depending on the condition of the trails and river crossings.
Constantly changing Trail
The trails over the Baltoro Glacier are constantly changing as the ice shifts and crevasses open up. It’s also not unusual for rivers to swell to excessive levels or even wash away bridges during the summer months.
How many days to reach K2 Base camp
On average, it takes about five days to reach Concordia and six to reach K2 Base Camp. Throw in a few rest days, changes in the itinerary due to weather, and the return journey, and the trip can easily extend to 14 days.
The trek can be a bit shorter (by kilometers) if you are going with a group that also does Gondogoro La pass. From Ali Camp (the last camp before the pass) to GG LA and down to Kuisbang is the most challenging day and takes the average person around 10 hours to complete.
Now treks start from Jhula Camp, skipping a day trek from Askole to Jhula.
K2 Base Camp Treks Logistics
Guide: A guide is required on this trek and the guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and camping sites. The directions weren’t always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manage all of the logistics was great.
Accommodation:
In Cities: On most K2 Base Camp Treks, you will be traveling from Islamabad to Skardu first. Here you will typically stay in comfortable hotels.
On Trail:
During your trek, you will stay in campsites along the trails. The porters will take care of all the camping equipment. Comfortable members tent, mattresses, mess tent, kitchen tent, store tent, shower tent, toilet tent, table, chairs & kitchen utensils are coming along on your way to the K2 Base Camp.
On this legendary trek, you will spend most of your nights in a tent. There is hardly any infrastructure on the route to K2 Base Camp and that makes this trek an adventure for the intrepid trekker.
Each night you will camp at an incredibly scenic campsite with views of 7000m and 8000m peaks visible. On the K2 Base Camp Trek you won’t find any teahouses, lodge other comfortable places to stay.
Camping arrangements
During the trek to K2 and back trekking groups stop off at a series of seasonal camps, set apart at intervals with reasonable elevation gains. All accommodation along the K2 Base Camp Trek is in tents, which the porters carry, set up, and break down daily.
Campsites
Depending on the time of year, a group will have to share the campsite with two or three other groups. This means that including guests, guides, porters, cooks, and pack animals a campsite could host more than 150 people at any one time.
Camps environment
Camps take on a sort of festival atmosphere. People mingle about, sipping steaming cups of chai. Sometimes the porter teams join forces for a rowdy night of singing and dancing. If you don’t mind being around people in the middle of a remote mountain range, then you will love the camaraderie.
At the lower elevations, these fixed camps have individual toilet “cubicles”, and always have a source of running water. At the higher camps, the cooking teams forage for the clearest glacier water they can find.
Group Starts from both Islamabad and Skardu.
Folks flying in from overseas should arrive into the Islamabad Airport. From there you will join your group and either fly to Skardu or make the journey overland by road.
By Road
By road, it takes a 18-20 hours to reach Skardu traveling on Karakoram Highway via Besham or Naran Babusar top up to Juglot ( junction of three mountain ranges(Hindukush, Himalaya and Karakoram) of the world and then onward to Gilgit Skardu Raod to Skardu.
By Air,
The flight from Islamabad takes 45 minutes and offers panomramic views of Nanga Parbat and other major peaks of karakorma and Himalaya and Hindukash.
Skardu is the largest city in Baltistan. Here a visit to Deosai, Satpara lake, Shangrila lake, Kharpocho Fort and Buddha rock are well worth it. Skardu is the place where your guides and cooks will organize themselves before the trek. It is from here that they buy the food, organize the porters and jeeps, finalize the briefing/ permits, and purchase any last-minute good needed for the trek.
From Skardu to Trail head
From Skardu, groups take 4×4 jeeps to Jhola Askole to start the trek. Skardu to Askole by jeep takes between 7-9 hours with a lunch stop. Bring a dust mask/scarf/buff/bandana for the ride.
You do need travel insurance if you are planning on hiking the K2 Base Camp Trek. Make sure you get a plan that covers any medical emergencies, repatriation and emergency helicopter rescue. You should have a minimum coverage of $200,000 and ensure that the policy covers mountaineering and high altitude trekking up to 5,600 meters because helicopter rescue operations do not happen in Pakistan very often and thus, they are very expensive. it costs around 20 thousand USD to be evacuated from K2 Base Camp.
You should make sure the tour operator you book with has arrangements of the heli-deposit to Askari Aviation in Islamabad for the timely helicopter evacuation of trekkers.
How to Choose Travel Insurance for the K2 Base Camp Trek
We suggest to go with a plan that will cover you for damage to your personal effects and offers compensation for emergency helicopter rescues (just in case). Read the fine print and confirm that you are covered for adventure sports like trekking at altitude.
Some companies won’t cover you if an accident occurs over a certain altitude. Since the maximum altitude gained on the K2 trek is around 5,600 m, you’ll need to be covered up to that elevation.
We recommend World Nomads who specialise in covering digital nomads and backpackers.
Is It Safe to Travel to Pakistan?
Doing the K2 Base Camp Trek means that you will have to travel to Pakistan, Northern Areas which is called Gilgit Balitstan. You will travel to Baltistan region, which is considered one of the safest regions in the world, with almost zero crime rates. This region is safe for international travelers. Northern Pakistan was one of the most exciting adventure travel destinations in the world. The people you’ll meet here, in the true traditions of Islamic hospitality, are among the most hospitable and friendly you’re ever likely to meet.
Is the K2 Base Camp Trek Safe?
Reading about Savage Mountain, about a lack of infrastructure and about having to stay in a tent for over two weeks may not really ease your jitters when you are thinking of doing this trek. Our guides are among the best in technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude, and ability to provide useful and expert instructions.
They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all treks. In addition, the routes are ideally designed to give you enough time to acclimatize. While the intention is to stick to the described route, a certain degree of flexibility is built-in. In some cases, it may be necessary to change the route here and there. The mountains are full of surprises, and the weather in Pakistan Mountains is unpredictable. The guides continuously carry out risk assessments throughout the expedition. It is, therefore, best to plan a number of extra days in Pakistan for possible unforeseen circumstances.
Wifi – Internet Connection!
There is internet connection in Skardu and at few spots on the trail. From summer 2021 4g internet is available along the trail upto Concordia and few other sites along the K2 trail. The sim card and data costs about $10-20 and works intermittently, could be used for messaging and searching.
In order to pick up a signal though, you will need SCOM SIM card,(a local cellular company) which you can easily buy in Skardu – by purchasing from their office.
Electricity: At few campsites there are generators, for light, charge cameras, phones, headlamps, power banks, and even drone batteries. This seems to be standard practice among tour operators but you will need to check if it is available. It is also advisable take a small solar panel, to charge phone and power bank each day.
Cold Weather: • Long-sleeved shirts or sweater • Scarf • Warm gloves • Warm hat • Warm layers
Conservative Dress: • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders) • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials: • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable) • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety: • Face masks (required) • Hand sanitizer (required) • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) • Rubber gloves
High Altitude Trekking: • Down jacket (Recommended for winter season) • Hiking boots (Worn frequently prior to departure) • Pack liners to waterproof bags • Reusable water bottler – minimum 1 litre (Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best) • Sandals (For wearing around camp in the evenings) • Sleeping bag and liner, 4 season • Spare boot laces • Thermal base layer • Waterproof gloves • Whistle • Windproof rain gear • Wool socks
Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.
Please be aware that for this trip 3 passport sized photo’s are required for the permits needed. You will also need to have, • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Maps
Karakoram Trekking Map 1:175,000. Published by TerraQuest- the best map to buy for K2 Base Camp and Snow Lake treks.
K2 and Baltoro Glacier Satellite Image Map. 1:80,000. (Geosystems)- this is a superb satellite photography. Available at Stanfords, London.
Karakoram geographical sketch map Sheets 1 & 2. Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research, Zurich. Scale 1:250,000- shows the whole Karakoram range including Ladakh in India. A copy of this will be available to look at on trek.
The Karakoram Highway by Open Road Guides, England Scale: 1:1,000,000
Books
K2: Triumph and Tragedy by Jim Curran
The Endless Knot: K2, Mountain of Dreams and Destiny by Kurt Diemberger & Audrey Salkeld
Clouds from Both Sides An Autobiography by Julie Tullis
Regions of the Heart: The Triumph and Tragedy of Alison Hargreaves by David Rose and Ed Douglas
Above the clouds by Anatoli Boukreev
The Last Step: The American Ascent of K2 by Rick Ridgeway
Quest for Kim: In Search of Kipling’s Great Game by Peter Hopkirk
The gear you bring on the K2 Base Camp Trek will determine the kind of experience you will have.
Having the right gear is one of the bests ways to prepare yourself for a happy and successful trekking experience. Showing up unprepared is pretty much a one-way ticket to the ultimate suffer-fest.
You will suffer the consequences, and you will possibly put yourself and your group at risk by being underprepared.
During the day it was incredibly hot and then very cold at night so you need a good spread of warm weather gear and cold weather gear.
Wondering whether you should hike to K2 Base Camp or Everest Base Camp (EBC)? Here are some of the main differences between the two iconic treks to help you decide which one is right for you.
Popularity and Quietness
The Everest Base Camp Trek sees tens of thousands of trekkers every year. Its popularity means that the routes are very well maintained and difficult to miss. This trek is way less crowded than Everest Base Camp trek and most well-known routes in the Himalayas. On average, 1000 trekkers visit K2 Basecamp per year compared to 100,000 trekkers to Everest Base Camp. This also means that the K2 Base Camp Trek is much quieter and less crowded than the EBC trek.
So if you want a more remote and isolated adventure, then K2 Base Camp is the trek for you. You get pristine views of the 8000ers around you from the K2 Base Camp Trek and witness the incredible convergence of glacier and rock at Concordia.
Scenery The scenery along the EBC trek is also very different and varies from forests and rivers to icy rocks and alpine terrain. Meanwhile, the K2 Base Camp trek is quite dry and dusty before ascending into the rocky mountains icy glaciers.
Camping
One of the major differences are that you will be camping every night rather than in tea houses. Also, the terrain is along a rocky glacier making it much more difficult to cover distances rather than a path that leads you to Everest Base Camp.
Despite being similar in elevation, the two treks are completely different and you should choose the one you think you’ll get the most out of. Maybe you’ll even have the opportunity to do both one day!
Highlights K2 BASECAMP TREK
Before you get your boots on the ground in Pakistan, a significant amount of forethought and planning needs to be undertaken. Unlike trekking in Nepal or Patagonia, you cannot just show up and do the K2 trek on your own.
The K2 Base Camp trek is an expedition-style trek, which means everything you will need for the two weeks you are away from civilization must be carried with you and your team of porters. Once you leave the end-of-the-line village of Askole on day one of the trek, there are no permanent human settlements.
In addition to needing a licensed guide, you will also need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This permit allows you to travel into the National Park, which lies in a restricted military area, as the park borders China to the north and India to the east. Then there is the Pakistani visa to apply for, which actually needs to happen before the NOC is issued. Ready to give up yet? Don’t stress!
All of this sounds complicated, but in reality, it is a fairly straightforward process. At least the process should be straightforward if you choose a solid tour operator to go with. Which brings us to my next point…
Visa process
Yes, you will need to apply for to obtain a Pakistani visa before you embark on your K2 Base Camp adventure. Now online e-visa system makes the application process easier.
Trekking and mountaineering Visa for K2 base Camp trek
The Pakistani Government has introduced a new visa scheme for trekking and mountaineering in the Karakoram. Under the new scheme – all parties planning on going to K2 BC or entering central Karakoram National Park can now apply for the Trekking and Mountaineering Visa instead of the regular tourist visa. We can help you with all of the information you need to apply. This will make things easier when it comes to getting all of the final permitting done just before the trek since the visa is specifically for trekking and mountaineering activities.
If you’re JUST planning on coming to Pakistan to trek or summit a mountain, this is the best option. However, if you want to trek to K2 and also explore other parts of Pakistan independently, you can also get your permits arranged with a tour company while traveling on a tourist visa. This trekking and mountaineering visa takes almost 4-5 weeks time, from the time you submit your documents to the time you have a visa approval notice. Whereas for normal tourist visa timeis about 3 – 10 days.
Foreigners will need to obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI) before they can apply for a visa. You will be able to get the LOI from a licensed tour operator, along with, company registration documents and any other documents you may need.
Permit for K2 Base Camp Trek
Permits: You need a trekking permit to trek there. Once you get a trekking /mountaineering visa, your permit application is submitted by the tour operator. It isn’t possible to hike independently and you must book with a registered tour operator and go with a registered guide.
Final NOC from Skardu
You also need a Final No Objection Certificate (NOC) to go ahead from Skardu, tour operator should sort out for you.
Here they need your visa, passport, passport size pictures, permit and This NOC is obtained in Skardu at the tourism office and will allow entry into the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP). You need a permit to enter because the park lies in a restricted military area bordering China and India. To enter the National Park, you will need to fill out a visitor registration form and pay an entry fee of about $150 per person (you can check the fees here).
You cannot hike the K2 Base Camp Trek independently. All travellers must be accompanied by a licensed guide.
The K2 Base Camp trek is long and strenuous. You should have a good level of fitness and be in good health if you are planning to take on the challenge. There isn’t a proper trail on the Baltoro Glacier, which you’ll be trekking on for a couple of days, so it is quite slow going and difficult at times due to loose scree. If your trip includes crossing the Gondogoro La, you will need to know how to use crampons and an ice axe. It is recommended that you have done some winter hiking in snow and at high altitude before taking on this trek.
Below is a list of helpful tips to maximize your chance for an awesome few weeks in the mountains…
1. Go with a good local tour operator: The most crucial decision you will make regarding the K2 trek revolves around which company you go with. Because all international operators outsource to local operators and they charge twice or thrice price and you get the same service in half the price.
2. Arrive with a good state of fitness: The more fit you are, the more you will enjoy your time in the mountains. Period.
3. Bring a Grayl Geopress – These bottles are amazing. Nothing is worse than trying to trek with an upset belly obtained from drinking dirty water.
4. Use suncream and sun protection: Spend money on quality sunscreen, a good hat, and a nice top base layer. The sun is super intense, shade is non-existent, and you’ll need every bit of protection you can get. Bring a few tubes of lip balm also!
5. Wash your hands often: Sanitary norms sharply degrade in the mountains. Do your best to wash your hands regularly and/or use hand sanitizer after using the toilet and before eating.
6. Break-in your boots: Do not turn up with brand new boots. I am repeating myself here because it bears repeating.
7. Buy a good sleeping bag: There are certain pieces of gear that you simply can not be a cheap ass about. A sleeping bag is one of those things. Go for a 0 degree F bag.
8. Get to know the porters and guides: Part of the experience of the K2 trek is getting exposure to Balti culture. Take the time to chat with your team of hard-working porters, cooks, and guides. They always have amazing insights into what life is like in Baltistan and on the Baltoro Glacier.
9. Bring snacks: The availability of quality snack food in Skardu is very limited. Bring your favorite assortment of snacks from home and chow down during trail breaks. Nuts, jerky, energy gels, Cliff bars, dark chocolate, superfood powder, bliss balls… these are all solid snack foods.
10. Be Patient: Things do not always go as planned in Pakistan and sometimes delays can occur. This is true whether you are on the trail, road, or in the city. Bring a positive attitude and your patience A-game, and try not to take yourself or the situation too seriously.
Over the years, K2 has developed a reputation as one of the most difficult and dangerous 8,000-meter peaks to climb in the world. Of the five highest mountains in the world, K2 is the deadliest where approximately one person dies on the mountain for every four who reach the summit.
The 1954 Italian Karakoram expedition finally succeeded in ascending to the summit of K2 via the Abruzzi Spur on 31 July 1954. The expedition was led by Ardito Desio, and the two climbers who reached the summit were Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni.
The team included a Pakistani member, Colonel Muhammad Ata-Ullah, who had been a part of the 1953 American expedition. Also on the expedition were Walter Bonatti and Pakistani Hunza porter Amir Mehdi, who both proved vital to the expedition’s success in that they carried oxygen tanks to 8,100 meters (26,600 ft) for Lacedelli and Compagnoni. The ascent is controversial because Lacedelli and Compagnoni established their camp at a higher elevation than originally agreed with Mehdi and Bonatti.
Being too dark to ascend or descend, Mehdi and Bonatti were forced to overnight without shelter above 8,000 meters leaving the oxygen tanks behind as requested when they descended. Bonatti and Mehdi survived, but Mehdi was hospitalized for months and had to have his toes amputated because of frostbite. Sketchy Italians…
As of 2019, no expedition has ever made a successful winter ascent, despite numerous attempts. Whoever eventually manages a winter ascent on K2 will become immortalized forever in mountaineering lore, that is for certain.
Staying Safe on the K2 Base Camp Trek
Trekking in mountain environments is inherently dangerous. Certain factors like weather, rockfall, acts of God, etc. are beyond your control. The best thing to do though is to properly prepare for factors within your control.
Take your time when walking on sketchy stretches of the glacier. You do NOT want to roll your ankle out here. Purify your water! The water sources along the way are not guaranteed to be clean. Pack the right gear and keep yourself hydrated and warm. Be observant of your surroundings and do not take unnecessary risks.
Make sure that the company you go with has an emergency plan in place. Confirm the group has a satellite phone, radio, and other communication devices. Take solid travel insurance that will actually help you in a worst-case scenario situation.
You also need to bear in mind that the K2 base camp is well in the Altitude Sickness Zone. Altitude sickness is caused by thinner, less oxygenated air effecting blood circulation. It begins to kick in at around 2500 metres and symptoms include shortage of breath, dizziness, confusion, troubled sleep and in some cases death. To avoid AML, you must steadily acclimatise to altitude so plan your ascent itinerary accordingly. You can also take tablets that help your body adjust.
Read more about Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness here
Keep yourself safe and enjoy the hell out of this magical part of the world.
The trek to K2 Base Camp is not something you can just rock up and do. It takes time to prepare your gear, body, and crucially – the paperwork.
