Base camp serviceExperienced Balti and Hunza crewCustom dates and team sizes

K2 Expedition

The second highest mountain on Earth, by the Abruzzi Spur

55 days

Duration

8,611 m

Max altitude

$13500

From USD

2 to 10

Group size

Explore departures View full itinerary

THE JOURNEY

The journey

K2 Expedition overview

K2 is 8,611 metres high and is widely considered the hardest of the 8,000 metre peaks. It is steep on every side, exposed to sudden storms and technical from the first camp to the last. An Italian expedition made the first ascent on 31 July 1954, and the mountain was not climbed in winter until January 2021.

This expedition is for climbers who already have 8,000 metre experience. This is a base camp service: we handle permits, transport, the trek in and a fully staffed base camp, and your team climbs independently above it. High altitude porters, a climbing guide, fixed rope and oxygen can be added.

The climbing route

The Abruzzi Spur on the southeast ridge is the standard route.

Advanced Base Camp, about 5,300 m: at the foot of the spur
Camp 1, about 6,050 m: steep snow and rock on fixed rope
Camp 2, about 6,700 m: above House’s Chimney, exposed to wind
Camp 3, about 7,300 m: above the Black Pyramid, the most sustained rock climbing on the route
Camp 4, about 7,600 to 7,900 m: on the Shoulder
Summit day: up the Bottleneck couloir beneath the serac at about 8,200 metres, across the traverse and up the final snow slopes

Who is it for?

Climbers who have summited at least one 8,000 metre peak, with strong technical ability on rock, ice and fixed ropes.

Season and permits

Mid June to mid August, with most summits in late July. A mountaineering visa, a climbing permit and a liaison officer are required. At the time of writing the summer royalty for K2 is 3,500 US dollars per foreign climber.

Trip highlights

✦The summit of K2, 8,611 metres

✦The Abruzzi Spur, with House's Chimney, the Black Pyramid and the Bottleneck

✦Base camp at about 5,150 metres on the Godwin-Austen Glacier

✦Option to acclimatise on Broad Peak

✦A base camp crew that knows the mountain

Trip specifications

Duration

55 days

Max altitude

8,611 m

Difficulty

Mountaineering

Best season

June to August

Start

Islamabad

Finish

Islamabad

Group size

2 to 10

Difficulty level

EasyModerateChallengingHardExtreme

IN PICTURES

Trip photo gallery

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Islamabad

Airport pick up and transfer to the hotel. Team meeting and equipment check.

Day 2Fly to Skardu

A one hour flight to Skardu at 2,230 metres. If flights are cancelled we travel by road over two days.

Days 3 to 4Skardu: briefing and preparation

Official briefing, permit formalities, final shopping and packing of loads with the base camp crew.

Day 5Drive to Askole

Six to seven hours by jeep through the Shigar Valley and the Braldu gorge to Askole at 3,000 metres.

Days 6 to 7Trek to Paiju

Two stages along the Braldu River by way of Jhola to the trees of Paiju at 3,400 metres, with the first view of the Baltoro Glacier.

Day 8Rest day at Paiju

A day to acclimatise while the porters prepare food for the glacier.

Days 9 to 11Trek to Concordia

Three days on the Baltoro Glacier, camping at Urdukas and Goro II, to Concordia at 4,600 metres.

Day 12Trek to K2 Base Camp

Up the Godwin-Austen Glacier past Broad Peak Base Camp to K2 Base Camp at about 5,150 metres.

Days 13 to 48Climbing period

Five weeks for acclimatisation rotations, stocking camps and waiting for a summit window.

Days 49 to 52Trek out to Askole or Hushe

Return down the Baltoro to Askole, or cross Gondogoro La to Hushe if conditions and the team allow.

Day 53Drive to Skardu

Jeeps back to Skardu for hot showers and a celebration dinner.

Day 54Fly to Islamabad

Flight to Islamabad, weather permitting, and official debriefing.

Day 55Departure

Transfer to the airport. Spare days are useful here in case of flight delays.

THE DESTINATION

Map & location

Destination overview. The final route is confirmed with your trip itinerary.

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Travel dates

Departures & pricing

Private and small group departures, June to August

Customised trip

Tell us your dates

On Request

Plan with us

What's covered

What's included

Included

Airport transfers in Islamabad

Hotels in Islamabad and in the mountains on a twin sharing basis, with breakfast

Domestic flights where shown, subject to weather, and all road transport and jeeps

Mountaineering permit paperwork and the peak royalty, where one applies

Liaison officer costs, shared across the team, where an officer is assigned

National park, waste management and camping fees

Guide to base camp, cook and kitchen crew

Porters for expedition and personal baggage to and from base camp

Base camp with individual sleeping tent, dining tent, kitchen, toilet and shower tents

All meals on the trek and at base camp

Invitation letter and paperwork for your mountaineering visa

Not included

International flights and the Pakistan visa fee

Insurance covering mountaineering, search and helicopter rescue, which is mandatory

Refundable helicopter rescue deposit

Personal climbing clothing and equipment

Tents, food, fuel and stoves above base camp

High altitude porters, climbing guide, fixed rope and oxygen, all available as extras

Lunch and dinner in cities

Tips and summit bonuses for staff

Extra costs caused by weather, flight cancellations, road closures or leaving the expedition early

Prepare for the journey

Packing list

Clothing

Down suit or expedition down jacket and trousers

Base layers, fleece, softshell and waterproof shell

Expedition mitts, liner gloves, balaclava and goggles

Footwear

Double or triple layer high altitude boots and trekking boots

Climbing

Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, ascender, descender and slings

Sleeping

Sleeping bag rated to minus 30 degrees Celsius and two mats

Equipment

Head torches, sunglasses, water bottles and a large duffel

Health

Personal first aid kit, sunscreen and altitude medication

Documents

Passport, visa, insurance certificate and passport photos

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to climb K2?

Our base camp service starts from the price shown. Full service with high altitude porters and oxygen costs more, and we quote for it on request.

How long does a K2 expedition take?

About 55 days from Islamabad, and sometimes longer when waiting for weather.

What experience do I need for K2?

A previous 8,000 metre summit and solid technical climbing skills.

Do climbers use oxygen on K2?

Most do above Camp 3. Oxygen is arranged as an extra.

When is the best time to climb K2?

Late July usually offers the best summit windows.

Planning your trip

Before you book

Share your preferred dates, group size, travel experience and any accessibility or dietary requirements. Ask our team for a written itinerary and a clear breakdown of included services, optional activities and additional costs before confirming.

Arrival and onward travel

Check the start and finish locations shown in the trip specifications. Confirm airport transfers, meeting times and any domestic flights with our team before booking independent travel. Allow flexibility for weather and transport changes.

Accommodation and meals

Ask for the accommodation plan for each night, room or tent arrangements and meal inclusions for your chosen departure. Tell us about food allergies and dietary needs in advance so we can confirm what is possible along the route.

Preparation and equipment

Review the itinerary, difficulty and maximum altitude before choosing this journey. Request the trip-specific packing list and confirm any rental equipment, sizes and availability before arrival. Discuss any health concerns with a qualified clinician before travel.

Travel documents and insurance

Check current entry requirements for your nationality and confirm whether your route needs additional permits. Review insurance coverage for your planned activities, maximum altitude, medical care and evacuation. Ask our team which documents are needed for this itinerary.

Changes and private arrangements

Weather, road conditions and local circumstances can affect the programme. Ask about alternative routes, spare days and how additional costs are handled. Contact us to discuss a private departure or changes to the published itinerary.