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Conquer the Savage Mountain
8611 m
Rise to the ultimate challenge: journey from Islamabad to K2’s base camp and beyond, trekking through the legendary Baltoro Glacier, acclimatising on steep ridges, and summiting the world’s second‑highest peak at 8,611 m.
Overview
In the opinion of the legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner, K2 is the most impressive but the most difficult peak in the world. It is perhaps for this reason that the locals call it Chogori, ‘the king of mountains’. K2 has variously been described as the “awesome”, “killer”, “savage” and “the mountain of mountaineers”. Its lower face is rocky up to 6,000 meters, beyond which it becomes a vertical ocean of snow.
K2 majestically stands on the Pakistan-China border ruling the mighty Karakoram. The traditional route to its base camp goes through Baltoro Glacier. The height of the peak is 8,611 meters/28,251 feet according to the survey done by Italian geologists in 2004.
The peak has been climbed by over three hundred & fifty climbers through different routes. The most common route is Abruzzi Ridge through which the first successful Italian expedition attempted the peak and two climbers; Mr. Lino Lacedelli and Mr. Achille Compagnoni made history by reaching the summit on August 31, 1954.
Expedition Facts
Expedition Name: K2
Expedition Code: ATP-XP-01
Expedition Zone: Restricted Zone
Approach route: Islamabad-Skardu-Askole-Concordia-K2 Base Camp
Expedition Grade: Extremely Hard
Duration: 53 days
Average Daily walk: 6-7 hours
Trekking days (in & out): 12
Days at base camp & above: 36
Hotel Nights: 06
Best Time: June to August
Visa Category: Mountaineering & Trekking
Visa Sub Category: Mountaineering
Permit Requirement: A mountaineering permit is required as the expedition falls in the restricted zone.
Gallery
Expedition locations on map
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Islamabad 🇵🇰
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where your ATP representative welcomes you. After transfer to a comfortable city hotel, you’ll spend the afternoon in relaxed orientation. That evening, join a briefing session with your expedition leader, review gear, and enjoy a welcome dinner. Altitude: ~540 m.
Day 2. Flight to Skardu (or road to Chilas) ✈️🚙
Fly over the snow caped Karakoram peaks to Skardu (~2,228 m), weather permitting. If flight isn’t possible, drive via Chilas in a scenic 7–8 hour journey. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Skardu. Afternoon prepping and gear checking.
Day 3. Rest & final preparations in Skardu 🛡️
Spend a free day in Skardu acclimatising. Explore the vibrant market, visit Shigar Valley or Fort if time allows, and complete equipment checks. Attend a final logistical briefing and orientation dinner with local guides.
Day 4. Jeep journey to Askole (3,050 m) 🚙
Drive 6–7 hours through rugged valleys to Askole, the last permanent village before the mountains. The road takes you alongside the Braldu River, through narrow defiles and picturesque terrain. Camp overnight in Askole, meeting your trekking crew.
Day 5. Trek to Jhola (~3,200 m) 👣
Begin trekking from Askole, crossing cultivated lands before entering the glacial wilderness. Cross a bridge near Korofong, join the Baltoro Glacier moraine, and set up your first campground in grassy Jhola. Approx. 6 hours of trekking with +530 m elevation gain.
Day 6. Trek Jhola to Paiju (3,450 m) 🏞️
Journey continues on a scenic balcony trail above glacier, weaving through riverbeds and moraine ridges. Views open up to Paiju, Cathedral, and Trango towers. Camp at Paiju after ~6 hours of trekking (+570 m).
Day 7. Trek Paiju to Khorbutse (3,800 m) 🥾
Descend onto the Baltoro Glacier, cross to its left bank, and arrive in Khorbutse by midday. At camp, gaze upon the legendary Trango Towers and Nameless Tower. Trek ~7 hours with +660 m elevation gain.
Day 8. Trek to Urdukas (4,000 m) 🌄
Continue along the Baltoro Glacier toward Urdukas. Cathedral and Lobsang Massifs flank the route. This shorter day (~4 hours; +270 m) aids acclimatisation. Evenings often bring spontaneous local musical performances by the crew.
Day 9. Trek to Goro II (4,280 m) ⛺
Rejoin the glacier and ascend mid‑valley toward Goro II. Majestic views of Masherbrum’s north face (7,821 m) and Muztagh Tower (7,273 m). Camp amid the stunning “shining wall” of Gasherbrum IV. Trek ~6 hours (+350 m).
Day 10. Trek to Concordia (4,550 m) 🏔️
End the Baltoro Valley trek at Concordia, where Godwin-Austen meets Baltoro Glacier. You’ll be surrounded by peaks like K2, Broad Peak, Chogolisa—all visible in a 360° panorama. Trek ~5 hours (+270 m).
Day 11. Trek to K2 Base Camp (4,900 m) 🎯
Final approach to K2 Base Camp via Godwin‑Austen Glacier. Pass below the west face of Broad Peak, staking camp at ~4,900 m. This is home base for acclimatisation and final preparations for climbing. Trek ~6 hours (+350 m).
Days 12–46. Climbing & acclimatisation rotations 🧗♂️
Spend several weeks rotating between Base Camp and higher altitude camps. Standard camps: ABC (~5,200 m), Camp 1 (6,100 m), Camp 2 (6,700 m), Camp 3 (7,200 m), Camp 4 (~7,950 m). Undertake acclimatisation climbs, load ferrying, rest days, and ultimately a summit push during a favorable weather window. Expect mixed terrain, use of fixed ropes, House’s Chimney, Black Pyramid, shoulder, and the Bottleneck section near the summit.
Day 47. Descent to Goro II (4,280 m) 🏞️
After the summit (or decision to descend), descend glacier back to Goro II. Reflect on your achievement while trekking downhill; team camaraderie is high in celebration.
Day 48. Trek Goro II to Paiju (3,450 m) 🌅
Retrace your path along the glacier valley to Paiju. Less technical terrain makes for easier trekking (~5–6 hours downhill). Camp and relax.
Day 49. Trek Paiju to Jhola (3,200 m) 🌾
Continue the descent through Baltoro’s moraine landscapes to Jhola. Use this day to unwind muscles and enjoy the changing flora.
Day 50. Trek Jhola to Askole (3,050 m) 🧳
Final trekking day brings you from Jhola back to Askole. Camp there, celebrate with your crew, and prepare for vehicle departure next morning.
Day 51. Jeep transfer to Skardu (2,228 m) 🚐
Ride along river valleys through Askole and Shigar to Skardu. Enjoy culture in villages and Himalayan views. Transfer to hotel for hot shower and rest.
Day 52. Fly to Islamabad (contingency day included) ✈️
Return to Islamabad by weather‑dependent flight or drive via Chilas. This extra day helps buffer any delays. Overnight in city hotel.
Day 53. Departure from Islamabad 🎉
Transfer to Islamabad airport for your international flight. Leave with unforgettable memories of the Savage Mountain, lifelong friendships, and extraordinary achievement.
Note
The option of taking a flight to Skardu after arrival in Islamabad on day 1 is possible depending upon the arrival time of international flight.
If the flight operates for Skardu on day 2, drive to Askole on day-4 is possible to gain an extra day for climbing/acclimatisation
Fixed Departures for K2 Expedition 2025
K2 Expedition 2025
First day of trip: 15-JUN-2025
End of trip: 14-AUG-2025
Group size: 8-12 climbers
Hotel nights: 07
Camping nights: 53 nights
K2 + Broad Peak Double Expedition 2025
First day of trip: 15-JUN-2025
End of trip: 14-AUG-2025
Group size: 8-12 climbers
Hotel nights: 07
Camping nights: 53 nights
Climbing Difficulty (Broad Peak): Hard
Climbing Difficulty (K2): Extremely HardExpedition Type: Unguided expedition
Services up to the base camp are included in the plan, but high altitude services including rope, high altitude porter, high altitude tents and oxygen can also be provided.
Fixed departures are pre-scheduled trips with set itinerary dates. They provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to journey alongside other travellers, sharing a memorable adventure.
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