K2 Expedition - Pakistan

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K2 Expedition - Pakistan

Dates: 21 June to 4 August 2024 & 2025 45 to 52 days in Pakistan. Extra days may be added if necessary.


Full Service Cost: $40,450, £32,550, €37,350 (fixed in USD)


NEW FOR 2024: We now offer Broad Peak and K2 peak combination for $48,500, £38,950, €44,850


  • K2 is the second highest mountain in the world, thought by many to be the ultimate climb.
  • Organizer and Leader Dan Mazur put the first surviving Briton on the summit of K2 and the first Americans on the summit of K2.
  • Leader David O'Brien has led 5 expeditions to the summit of Everest.
  • The climb includes full logistics, oxygen and top class Nepalese Sherpas who have summited K2 before.
  • Our most recent expedition successfully and safely summited K2. The expedition was led by Dan Mazur. Our 6 Nepali Sherpas and 3 members did an amazing job!

Please click here KarakoramNews.com for more information about our expedition.

K2 Expedition and Karakoram Climbing

K2 is the ultimate climber’s high! At 8,611 m (28,251 ft.), K2 is the world’s second highest mountain and perhaps the most coveted summit amongst climbers.It is located on the border of Pakistan and China and has been summited ten times less than Mount Everest. Be part of the select few to stand on the world’s second highest peak.


Expert leader, Dan Mazur, has led multiple K2 and over a dozen Everest expeditions successfully to the summit. He put the first surviving Briton and first American on the summit. The expedition includes travel within the Karakorum, food, accommodations, staff, personal climbing Sherpas, oxygen, and group equipment.


Video by Tunc.


K2 Summit Seen as Never Before video by Sandro Gromen - Hayes


 

K2 Expedition Cost

Our “full-service” expedition includes:

  • British, American, and European leader/coordinator
  • 5 bottle set of oxygen, mask, hoses, and regulator (More oxygen available on request)
  • Personal climbing Sherpa
  • All internal / domestic transport
  • 50 Kg (110 lbs) personal baggage
  • Three meals per day
  • Permit fees and liaison officers
  • Group, emergency equipment, satellite phone
  • Personal tents in basecamp (no sharing)
  • Double occupancy tents above base camp
  • Full base camp with dinning tent, showers, bathroom, and solar charge
  • Two nights stay in Islamabad hotel on arrival and two nights prior to departure in a double room. Private rooms are available for a small additional fee.

What is not included?

  • International flights to Islamabad and back home
  • Mountain climbing rescue and travel insurance
  • Personal climbing/trekking equipment and clothing
  • Pakistan visa
  • Gratuities for staff

Our basic service expedition includes:

  • British, American, or European leader/coordinator
  • All internal / domestic flights (weather dependent), buses, jeeps, and porters
  • 50 Kg personal baggage transport to base camp
  • Three meals each day while traveling to/from base camp and while in basecamp
  • Permit fees and liaison officers
  • Group emergency equipment and satellite phone
  • Two nights stay in Islamabad hotel on arrival and two nights prior to departure in a double room. Private rooms are available for a small additional fee.
K2 Expedition Itinerary
  • Day 1 - Arrive Islamabad. Meet our staff at airport. They will bring you to the hotel.
  • Day 2 - Guided sightseeing and shopping in Islamabad (508 metres / 1,667 ft.).
  • Day 3 - Fly to Skardu, transfer to Skardu hotel.
  • Day 4 - Skardu sightseeing. Hotel. (2,230 metres / 7,316 feet)
  • Day 5 - Skardu - Briefing at Department of Tourism. Final preparations. Hotel.
  • Day 6 - Drive by Jeep to Askole, a lovely little farming village. Camp. (3,039 metres / 9,970 feet).
  • Day 7 - Trek to Jhola. (3,170 metres / 10,400 feet). We enter Karakoram National Park and trek past a slope filled with garnets and cross a lovely bridge.
  • Day 8 - Trek to Paiyu. (3,666 metres / 12,028 feet). Trek to this famous forest in the Baltoro Valley.
  • Day 9 - Rest Day in Paiyu. On this day, porters will bake all of their bread for the upcoming trek.
  • Day 10 - Trek to Khuburtse. (3,800 metres / 12,467 feet). a fabulous campsite near a lake on the edge of the Baltoro Glacier.
  • Day 11 - Trek to Urdukas. (3,950 metres / 12,959 feet). Camp amongst grass and lovely giant boulders, with amazing views of the Great Trango Towers.
  • Day 12 - Goro II. (4,300 metres / 14,108 feet). Camp on the flat stones on the surface of the Baltoro Glacier with lovely views of the mightiest peaks all around, like Masherbrum, Cathedral, etcetera.
  • Day 13 - Concordia. (4,550 metres / 14,928 feet). Concordia must be the most famous campsite in all the Karkakoram. Incredible views of K2, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum 4, and many more.
    Day 14 - Trek to K2 Basecamp (5,117metres/16,788 feet)
    • Day 15- 42 - Climb K2
    • C1 is at 6,050m (19,849 ft.)
    • C2 is at 6,700 m (21,981 ft.)
    • C3 is at 7,200 m (23,622 ft.) is the most technical section, with 400 metres of steep climbing up the "Black Pyramid"
    • C4 is at 7,600 m (24,934 ft.)
  • K2 Summit - 8611m (28,251 ft.)
  • Day 43 - Descend to base camp. Pack up and prepare for departure.
  • Day 44 - Follow the Upper Baltoro Glacier to Ali Camp (4,800 metres/15,748 ft.)
  • Day 45 - Cross the Gondogoro La (5,585 metres / 18,323 ft.). Descend to Huisprung (4,600 metres / 15,088 ft.). Camp near a lovely lake.
  • Day 46 - Trek down the Gondogoro Valley to Saitcho (3,350 metres / 10,991 ft.)
  • Day 47 - Last day of trekking to Hushe Village (3,050 metres / 10,0007ft.). Drive beside the Hushe River and follow the Shyock and Indus rivers to Skardu (2,230 metres / 7,316 ft.).
  • Day 48 - De-briefing at Tourism Department. Showers, laundry, shopping. Hotel
  • Day 49 - Islamabad / Chilas. Hotel
  • Day 50 - Final paperwork, shopping, farewell dinner in Islamabad. Hotel
  • Day 51 - Fly Home.
  • Day 52 - Extra logistical day. Extra days may be added if necessary.
K2 Expedition Leadership and Staff
Leadership: Dan Mazur is a relaxed, friendly, well organised, and highly skilled professional with over 20 years of experience leading people to the summits of Everest, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Manaslu, and Shishapangma.

Sherpas: We employ some of Nepal, Tibet, and the Karakorum’s best local mountaineers and Sherpas to assist team members in realizing their summit goals. Our friendly and loyal high altitude climbing staff has supported teams to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalaya.
K2 Expedition Personal and Team Equipment

Climbing:

  • Climbing harness
  • 5 meters (16 ft.) of 6mm accessory cord
  • Figure 8 abseil/belay device (tube style devices, i.e. ATC will not work on fixed lines)
  • Full size ascender (i.e. PetzlAscention)
  • 2 locking carabiners, 1 large and 1 small
  • 4 non-locking carabiners
  • Ice axe with leash
  • Steel crampons with anti-balling plates
  • Trekking poles
  • Abseiling/Rappelling Gloves

Upper Body:

  • 2 cotton t-shirts
  • 2 synthetic t-shirts
  • 2 long sleeve synthetic shirts
  • Light-weight soft shell jacket
  • Medium weight insulatingjacket (fleece, down, or synthetic)
  • Hard shell jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Heavy down coat
     
    • For 6,000m peaks a very warm down coat with hood or an 8,000m coat with hood
    • For 7,000m peaks an 8,000m coat with hood
    • For 8,000m peaks an 8,000m down coat with hood or an 8,000m suit can be used instead

Hands:

  • Lightweight poly-liner gloves
  • Mid-weight soft shell gloves – water/wind resistant
  • Heavy- weight waterproof gloves – Gore-tex shell with removable liner
  • Expedition weight mittens -Gore-tex over mitt matched polar fleece mitt liner

Head:

  • Helmet
  • Warm hat that covers your ears
  • Balaclava
  • Face mask
  • Baseball hat or brimmed sun hat
  • Glacier sunglasses with side shields
  • Ski goggles with light and dark lenses
  • Glasses with clear lenses to protect your eyes while climbing to the summit on windy nights. (cost less than 10 dollars in Kathmandu)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
  • Buff/neck gaiter
  • Bandana or head scarf (optional)

Lower Body:

  • Synthetic underwear
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking pants
  • 2 pair lightweight thermal bottoms
  • Medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms
  • Polar fleece or soft shell pants
  • Waterproof/breathable pants with full side zips (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Heavy insulating pants
     
    • For 6,000m peaks: Down or synthetic pants will full zips
    • For 7,000m peaks: 8,000m down pants
    • For 8,000m peaks: 8,000m down pants or a 8,000m suit can be used instead

Feet:

  • Boots
     
    • For 6,000m peaks: Plastic or composite double boots (Koflach, La SportivaSpantik, etc) Modern waterproof, single boots designed for 4-5,000m peaks may be suitable if they can be worn with 2 pairs of socks and vapor barrier lines and/or they are equipped with overboots
    • For 7,000m: Plastic or composite double boots (Koflach, La SportivaSpantik, etc)
    • For 8,000m peaks: 8,000m boots - One-Sport Millet Everest boots or equivalent
       
  • Sturdy leather walking boots
  • Trainers, running shoes and/or sandals
  • Down booties (optional)
  • 3 pair med-heavy poly or wool socks
  • 2 pair poly or wool liner socks (optional)
  • Vapor barrier liner socks (optional)
  • 2 pair lightweight trekking socks
  • Cotton socks for in town

Sleeping:

  • Down sleeping bag
     
    • For 6,000m peaks: -18C or 0F
    • For 7,000m peaks:-23C or -10F (If you sleep cold consider -29C or -20F)
    • For 8,000m peaks: -29C or -20F (If you sleep cold consider -40C or -40F)
       
  • An additional down sleeping bag for basecamp for the following climbs: Everest, Lhotse, AmaDablam, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrum I and II, Spantik, K2/Broad Peak Everest training climb. For Mastagata a second sleeping bag is optional, but highly recommended.
     
    • Down base camp sleeping bag should be rated to -10C or 15F (If you sleep cold consider -18C or 0F)
       
  • 2 closed cell foam kari-mats (sleeping pads) for use in basecamp and high altitude (these can be purchased inexpensively in Kathmandu)
  • High quality inflatable sleeping pad designed for cold weather (Thermarest)
  • Patch kit for inflatable pad

Rucksack and Travel Bags:

  • Medium rucksack/backpack (50-70 litres / 3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used as carry-on bag)
  • Waterproof rucksack cover (optional)
  • 2 large (120+ L / 7500+ cubic inch) duffle kit bags for clothing and equipment
  • Small luggage locks for duffel kit bags

Personal Hygiene:

  • Female or male hygiene supplies
  • 2 tubes lip sun cream
  • Large tube skin sun cream (min factor 30)
  • Anti-mosquito cream
  • Toothpaste/brush
  • Hand sanitizer gel (small-medium bottle)
  • Bar of soap small towel
  • Hand wipes
  • Face Mask
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Disposable gloves
  • Disinfectant wipes

Medical:

  • Small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin, first-aid tape, plasters (band-aids), personal medications, etc.
  • Blister repair kit
  • 10 anti-diarrhea pills
  • 20 anti-headache pills
  • 10 cough and/or cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox, Acetylzolamide
  • 10 Stomach antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, etc.
  • 5 Azithromycin tables
  • Steri pen or bottle of water purification tablets
  • Cough sweets/lozenges (Halls/Stepils)
  • Earplugs
  • Extra prescription glasses/contact lenses and supplies

Personal Food:

  • Snack food/daily energy food
     
    • Everest training Nepal/Tibet, AmaDablam, Baruntse: 2-4kg (4.5-9lbs)
    • Spantik, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Mustagata, Manasu: 2-5kg (4.5-11lbs)
    • Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrum I/II, K2/Everest training, Everest, Lhotse: 3-6kg (6.5-13lbs)
       
  • Dehydrated meals (freeze-dried dinners) for summit attempt
     
    • Everest training Nepal/Tibet, AmaDablam: 2 meals
    • Spantik, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Mustagata, Manasu, Baruntse: 3 meals
    • Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrum I/II, K2/Everest training, Everest, Lhotse: 5 meals
Practical:
  • Small roll of repair tape
  • Sewing repair kit
  • Cigarette lighter
  • Small box matches
  • Compass or GPS
  • Battery powered alarm clock/watch
  • Camera with extra cards and extra batteries
  • Nylon stuff sacks for food and gear storage
  • 2 water bottles (1 litre) wide-mouth Nalgene
  • Pee bottle (1litre or larger)
  • Plastic cup and spoon
  • Small folding knife
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
  • Passport, 2 extra passport photos, flight ticket, flight itinerary
  • Separate photocopies of passport and relevant visa pages, proof of insurance
  • Dollars, pounds, or euros cash
  • Bank/ATM/Cash and credit cards
  • Bathing suit/swim suit (you never know)
  • Paperback books, playing cards, ipod/mp3 player, musical instruments, extra batteries, etc.
  • Travel clothes for basecamp and in town
  • Umbrella (optional)
  • Small solar panels for personal electronics (optional)

Oxygen:

A 5 bottle set of oxygen is included in the cost of our full service Everest, K2, and Lhotse expeditions. It may be purchased for Broad Peak, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, and Manaslu.

Group Equipment:

We provide group gear, equipment, and supplies including: rope, ice, rock, and snow anchor protection, tents; stoves, fuel, walkie-talkie radios, bamboo marker wands, etcetera. A personal tent will be provided for each member at base camp. On the upper mountain, team members will share tents. In base camp, a shower, toilet, solar charger, and a dining tent will be provided.

K2 Expedition Experience and Training
Prior winter snow walking, climbing, camping, and experience at altitude is recommended. The trip includes climbing training. We will teach you everything you need to know on glaciers near basecamp. Team members should be fit and in good health. Please see our questions section for fitness training advice.
K2 Expedition Application Forms

Please fill out an application and return it to us with your refundable ten-percent deposit to hold your place on the team.

In addition to your application, we will need the following at least two months before the trip begins:  

  • Completed Payment
  • Oxygen order (if any)
  • Sherpa order (if any)
  • Trip Registration form
  • 1 Passport sized photo
  • A scan of your passport identification pages
  • Complete flight itinerary
  • Proof of travel, accident, and repatriation insurance. We strongly recommend Global Rescue, with at least $50,000 worth of helicopter rescue insurance.
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is recommended

Please contact us with any questions you may have.

Here is what Jake says: I've done three trips to K2 (2009, 2016 and 2018), each with different logistics providers and each in a different style. My final (and successful) trip in 2018 with Summit Climb was the best by far. Our Exped leader (Dan Mazur) is a Titan of the mountaineering world - hugely experienced, patient and generous. Our team of Sherpas were first rate (which I haven't always found to be the case with other teams). We had a mixed team, some for K2, some for Broad Peak and some trekkers, and that provided a great atmosphere during the trek in, and at basecamp. We were very well looked after by the local logistics provider throughout, and this proved the positive relationship between Summit Climb and their local providers. I wouldn't hesitate to use Summit Climb again - I love the relaxed (yet client and safety focused) atmosphere. Delighted to share my experience more fully with any one thinking of using Summit Climb for an expedition and/or considering K2/Broad Peak.

Here is what Troy says: "Thanks for everything! I appreciate everything you did to make this a safe and successful expedition."

Here is what Bruce says: "I thought the expedition worked well and it was another good group of people you put together. I look forward to climbing together again and seeing you next time."

Here is what Garth had to say: "Good that we are all back safe and sound, well done to you! I had a fantastic time out in there, what an incredible experience. Jon, the Prentice Brothers and myself left there saying that we would return"
Here is what Alan from California says: "I had a very good experience on this unforgettable expedition. The trip was well organized and I liked the leader. He was full of energy and humour."
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