K2, 8,611 m, the second-highest mountain on Earth. We run the permits, porters, base camp and Baltoro approach for experienced climbers attempting the Abruzzi Spur.
A booking deposit applies. See our booking terms & cancellation policy.
K2 rises to 8,611 metres in the Karakoram. This expedition is for experienced mountaineers who need dependable Pakistan-based logistics for the Baltoro approach, K2 Base Camp and the normal Abruzzi Spur on the Pakistan side of the mountain.
The programme starts in Islamabad, moves through Skardu and Askole and follows the classic Baltoro route through Paiju, Urdukas, Goro II and Concordia. From K2 Base Camp the climbing plan is shaped by weather, route condition, team strength and the decisions of the expedition leader.
Experienced high-altitude climbers with expedition living, glacier travel, fixed-line movement and good self-care at altitude behind them, and the discipline to make conservative decisions under pressure. Turning around is a normal part of climbing K2.
31 July 1954 — First ascent. Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli reached the summit by the Abruzzi Spur, as part of the Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio.
16 January 2021 — First winter ascent. Ten Nepali climbers summited together, completing the first winter ascent of K2, the last 8,000-metre peak to be climbed in winter.
Airport welcome, hotel transfer and a first briefing on the route, weather and logistics. The rest of the day is for recovery after the journey.
540 mWe go through permits, insurance, personal climbing gear, cargo weights and the plan for getting to Skardu.
540 mMountain flight over the Karakoram foothills, weather permitting. If flights are cancelled we follow the road alternative.
2,228 mFinal food, fuel, porter loads, communications and equipment checks before the road ends.
2,228 m4x4 drive through the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the last village before the Baltoro.
3,000 mThe trek starts along the Braldu River as porters and camp routines settle in.
3,200 mOn to Paiju, the green camp at the edge of the Baltoro, with the first big views of the granite towers.
3,400 mA planned rest day to adjust to the altitude and let the crew reorganise loads for the glacier.
3,400 mOnto the Baltoro Glacier itself, over moraine and ice.
3,800 mA walk below the Trango Towers and Cathedral peaks to Urdukas, one of the best camps on the route.
4,050 mRest, hydrate and take a short walk while we watch everyone's health before going higher.
4,050 mDeeper into the Baltoro, with the views opening onto the upper glacier basin.
4,250 mConcordia, where the great glaciers meet, with K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums standing around it.
4,650 mFollow the Godwin-Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp and start building the expedition home.
5,150 mSleeping tents, kitchen, dining and communications go up, along with storage and waste systems.
5,150 mReview fixed-line systems, crampon technique, radio procedure, altitude symptoms and personal equipment.
5,150 mLook over the lower mountain as conditions allow and agree the first rotation with the team.
5,150 mCarry loads and sleep progressively higher when it is safe, then return to base camp. Camp positions follow the route and conditions.
High campsRecover, repair gear, review health and wait for the next safe window.
5,150 mAim for the higher camps on the Abruzzi Spur, possibly including time near Camp 3 or the Shoulder if conditions and acclimatisation allow.
High campsRest, pack summit gear, confirm the oxygen strategy if used, and watch the forecast for a multi-day summit attempt.
5,150 mThe summit window is a flexible block. A push normally means moving through the established high camps, attempting the top in a narrow weather window and descending safely.
8,611 mSpare days protect the schedule against weather, health, route work or a delayed descent. They are part of the safety plan.
Base campThe camp is cleared, rubbish prepared for removal and porter loads checked before the walk down the Godwin-Austen and Baltoro.
5,150 mRetrace the glacier route at an easy pace after the long climbing period.
4,650 mA long descent over moraine through the familiar camps. The final camp depends on group condition and the glacier.
3,800 mThe trail leaves the big glacier and returns to the Braldu valley approach camps.
3,200 mDepending on the road and bridges, finish the last walking stage and transfer by jeep toward Skardu.
2,228 mFly to Islamabad when the weather permits, or use the road plan. This last day also works as a buffer for transport delays.
540 mSummer, when the Baltoro approach is open and teams have the best chance of usable weather windows at altitude.
The Abruzzi Spur on the Pakistan side, approached through Skardu, Askole, the Baltoro Glacier, Concordia and K2 Base Camp.
It is strongly recommended. At minimum you need serious high-altitude expedition experience, strong fixed-line skills and excellent self-care at altitude.
No. K2 depends on weather, avalanche and rockfall risk, team health and the leader's judgement. A safe descent always comes first.
The fair price depends on group size, dates, porter allowance, oxygen choice and the level of high-altitude support. We prefer to understand your team first and then send a clear written proposal.
Yes. We handle the mountaineering permit, peak royalty, environment fees, liaison officer coordination and the official briefing and debriefing. We need your passport copies, visa details and insurance documents well before arrival.
Everything required for a fully compliant, safe trek in Baltistan — some of it handled by us, some to prepare before you fly.
6 months valid Passport, Pakistan E-Visa, CNIC/ID copies.
Great Adventure manages restricted area & climbing permits, plus liaison officer arrangements (requires passport submission 8 weeks prior for expeditions).
Must explicitly cover Emergency Helicopter Evacuation and high-altitude trekking.
Altitude sickness (AMS) preparedness, fitness levels, and personal first-aid kits.