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K2 Sunrise seen from Broad Peak | © SummitClimb (c) Felix Berg

K2 Climb

 

SummitClimb K2 – Your Experts for the Prestigious 2nd Highest Peak in the World:

✪ Highest standards, personalized participation, strong teams
✪ The Karakoram experts led by Felix Berg
✪ The steepest 8,000-meter peak in the world

Climbing K2 is a dream for many experienced mountaineers seeking an extraordinary challenge. The technical difficulties are significant, but they are often secured with fixed ropes. We provide a solid framework for your ascent. Contact us for more information and let’s tackle the challenge together!

Facts

Country
Pakistan
Altitude
8611 m
Difficulty
Trip dates
22.06.2025 - 02.08.2025
Booking status
from €19,500.00
request
View of K2 from Pastore Peak, Karakoram Expedition 2022 | © SummitClimb (c) Felix Berg

Overview

Our expedition to K2 leads through the Baltoro, Pakistan, to the classical routes along the Abruzzi spur. This almost perfect pyramid stands high above the Karakoram and can be deemed the mountain of mountains for mountaineers. It is steeper than Everest or any of the other 8000m peaks, hence the ascent requires experience in rope work at high altitude. We put together strong teams of individuals, guided by the best leaders, and supported by amazing staff, and offer professional mountaineers and groups to join our services. So please inquire to join our next K2 expedition team.

See Map

K2 Climb - Expedition

To summit K2, we need a good plan and the flexibility to adjust to the conditions we experience on the mountain. We plan to climb along the Abruzzi ridge, which is considered the standard route. Our well-trained staff is ahead of us on the mountain and to prepare base camp and fix some of the climbing route. For professional high-altitude climbers, we can organize alternative routes from the same K2-Pakistan base camp.

Trip Itinerary K2 (42 Days)

Planned Itinerary

The expedition begins with your arrival in Pakistan, followed by a transfer to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. From there, we embark on a trek through the breathtaking landscapes of the Baltoro Glacier. By the end of this segment, we will reach the K2 Base Camp (approx. 5,150m / 16,896ft), the staging area for the climb. This phase is not only about reaching the base camp but also about setting the foundation for the challenges ahead.

  • Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad (late at night, early next morning)
  • Day 2: Gear check and training at Margalla hills, group welcome dinner.
  • Day 3: Fly from Islamabad to Skardu, dribe to the hotel with garden overlooking the Indus River. Relax and acclimatize to Pakistan, at 2,280 m / 7,580 ft
  • Day 4: Final day to organize equipment and prepare our expedition.
  • Day 5: Drive to Askole in jeeps 2,900m / 9,520 ft
  • Day 6: Trek to Jhola, at 3025 m / 9,925 ft
  • Day 7: Trek to Paiju, at 3370 m /11,057 ft
  • Day 8: Trek to Urdukas, at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
  • Day 9: Trek to Concordia, at 4,600m /15,180 ft
  • Day 10: Trek and arrive K2 base camp 5,150m / 16,900 ft

This crucial second phase focuses on acclimatization and preparing for the summit attempt. The objective is to establish a solid base at the higher camps and familiarize yourself with the terrain.

Ideal Schedule:

  • Day 12 - Rest Day:
    We organize our gear, engage in short hikes and climbs for acclimatization, and prepare for the first rotation to the higher camps. If the weather is favorable and you're feeling well, we will set the stage for the upcoming rotation.

  • Day 13-18 - First Rotation:
    We will make at least one rotation to Camps 1, 2, and 3, with a possible touch of Camp 4 (very useful for those without oxygen). This will include an overnight stay at approximately 7,350m (24,100ft), with a possible reach up to 8,000m (26,247ft). Rest stops will be incorporated along the way, possibly even at the nearby Broad Peak (for combined ascents, please inquire). This rotation is critical for acclimatization and familiarization with the route.

  • Day 19-20 - Rest Days:
    Following the rotation, we plan for 2-3 days of rest at Base Camp to allow your body to recover and adjust.

Additional Considerations:

  • Weather and Conditions:
    Our team of helpers is already working on setting up the camps higher on the mountain, but their progress is dependent on weather and conditions. We are planning for two rotations to ensure that personal equipment is deposited in the higher camps and that you are familiar with the ascent, making the summit attempt easier. The first and second rotations can be combined, though this may require additional gear and rest days at the higher camps.

  • Reserve Days:
    Additional reserve days are usually necessary to adapt to weather and mountain conditions during this phase, and these are factored into the overall plan for the K2 ascent.

Depending on weather forecasts, conditions, and fitness levels, we plan for a 5-7 day summit push. Here’s a typical 5-day plan for the K2 ascent:

Day 21 - Camp II:

  • Ascent from Base Camp to Camp I (6,000m / 19,685ft):
    We will begin with the ascent through the lower camps, making our way to Camp II.
  • Overnight at Camp II (6,700m / 22,000ft).

Day 22 - Camp III:

  • Ascent through the Black Pyramid to Camp III (7,350m / 24,100ft):
    We’ll pass the Black Pyramid and continue the ascent to Camp III.
  • Overnight at Camp III (7,350m / 24,100ft).

Day 23 - Camp IV:

  • Climb to Camp IV (nearly 8,000m / 26,247ft):
    The next camp is located on the shoulder of K2. After a long rest, we will continue in the night towards the summit.
  • Overnight at Camp IV (8,000m / 26,247ft).

Day 24 - Summit Day (8,611m / 28,251ft):

  • Full day for the summit push and descent:
    We will aim for the summit of K2, with a long day of technical climbing. After reaching the summit, we’ll descend to either Camp III or Camp II to rest.
  • Overnight at Camp II or III (6,700m / 22,000ft to 7,350m / 24,100ft).

Day 25 - Descent to Base Camp (5,150m / 16,896ft):

  • Early descent back to Base Camp:
    We’ll continue our descent to Base Camp, aiming to return safely.

Day 26 - Day 35 • Important Reserve Days:

  • We have 10 reserve days built into the schedule to accommodate weather changes or other unpredictable factors. These days are especially important in the second phase of the climb.
  • Second Summit Push: If needed, a second summit attempt is possible after a few rest days, though this will require sufficient personal reserves and energy.

Summit Season and Timing:

  • We plan the summit push for the end of July, historically the best window for optimal weather conditions on K2.
 
 
 

After the summit push and the descent to Base Camp, the return journey begins. This phase focuses on safely leaving the mountain and returning home after the challenging ascent.

  • Day 36: Pack up and trek to Concordia, overnight at Coro II or Camp Ali.
  • Day 37: Trek to Paiju or Gondogoro La, overnight at Saicho.
  • Day 38: Trek to Askole or Hushe.
  • Day 39: Jeep ride from Askole to Skardu.
  • Day 40: Flight from Skardu to Islamabad.
  • Day 41: Rest in Islamabad, evening flight back home.
  • Day 42: Flight / Arrival at home.

Prepare

The K2 ascent requires thorough preparation, and you should meet all necessary requirements. We only accept experienced high-altitude mountaineers as participants in our team and look forward to getting to know you during the application and preparation process.

K2 - Teilnahme

Für die K2 Besteigung erforderlichen Fähigkeiten und Erfahrungen richten sich nach dem Umfang der Unterstützung, die Du in Anspruch nehmen möchtest (Basis oder Fullservice, Sauerstoff, persönlicher Führer).

Anmeldung & Prozess

Nach Anmeldung bekommst Du ein Briefing und Rechnung. Im weiteren Prozess bekommst Du ca. 2 Monate vor Abreise ein Einladungsschreiben und musst das Permit-Formular ausfüllen, um das entsprechende Visum zu beantragen.

Training

Idealerweise erhalten wir Deine Anmeldung mind. 6 Monate vor Expeditionsbeginn. Beim Event im Winter zur Vorbereitung können wir Leistungsstand und individuelles Training erörtern.

Participation requirements

 

You are an independent alpinist and high-altitude mountaineer who meets the technical and physical requirements. High-altitude experience from multiple expeditions, above-average physical endurance, and technical expertise are necessary to climb K2.

Skills climbing
Mountaineering skills
Stamina / Endurance
  • Technical skills

    Independent ascents of alpine routes, at least D+ on the French Alpine Scale / S+ on the SAC Scale, terrain up to 55° in ice/snow, and moderate scrambling (up to US grade 5.4 difficulty) with mountaineering boots are required. You should be proficient in these skills.

    Some steeper sections, such as the House Chimney (6600m, US 5.6-5.7) or the icy passage at the Bottleneck (8200m, varying up to 80°), will be climbed with protection. Competence in using fixed ropes for both ascent and descent is essential (prior technical expeditions, such as Ama Dablam, are suitable for preparation).

  • Physical demands

     

    You should have the endurance for up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of elevation gain in the high 8,000-meter (at 26,000+ feet) zone. For the summit push, we anticipate 12 to 18 hours of climbing.

    The ascent involves multi-day mountaineering and carrying your personal gear to the camps. Physical resilience and a willingness to forgo comfort are essential.

  • Support Level

     

    We are happy to plan a participation level tailored to your needs:

    • An ascent without O2 support significantly increases the physical demands, and technical skills may be impacted, so they must be even more proficient.
    • A personal porter (HAP) and a 1:1 guide can help improve your chances and provide additional backup safety.

Testimonials

 

In the Karakoram, you can rely on our team of experienced and enthusiastic climbers, guides, and expedition leaders. Felix Berg climbed Broad Peak in 2014, Gasherbrum II via the West Face in 2018, and summited Mount Everest twice. He will personally coordinate our next K2 expedition. Some of our expedition leaders have already summited K2, along with Sherpas and Pakistani high-altitude porters, who we can count on during the expedition. However, it’s important to note: K2 is not a mountain one chooses to climb every year.

K2 glows in sunrise, view from Broad Peak | © SummitClimb (c) Felix Berg

Costs & Services

K2 costs and services vary on the demand you have for your expedition. The basic service is only available for professional climbers and very experienced groups while our full-service membership is a guided expedition that can be joined by strong individual mountaineers (and groups of course too). You are happy to discuss the package that gives you the best chances to realize your K2 climb in the way you desire. Please send us your application with documents about previous mountain tours and expeditions to participate in our K2 expedition.

Basic Package

  • Permit: Expedition Royalty and permit of Pakistan Government to climb K2.
  • Liaison Officer: 1 Liaison officer with all his costs
  • Garbage Management: Garbage Deposit fees.
  • Insurance: Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all employees by SummitClimb and our subcontractors in Pakistan
  • Arrival & Departure: Airport – Hotel transfers Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  • Hotel Accommodation In Islamabad: 2 nights hotel at 3*hotel in Islamabad (B&B, Twin sharing)
  • Welcome Dinner: Islamabad with expedition team and some of our staff
  • Team transportation for our members:
    - Domestic Flight for all members for Islamabad to Skardu and Skardu to Islamabad, alternative drive by the Karakoram Highway
    - Drive by Jeep Skardu to Askole and on returning Askole to Skardu
    - Trekking with guide and porters/mules for luagage from Askole to base camp (50kg allowance) and back (40kg allowance)
  • Hotel Accommodation In Skardu: max. 4 nights hotel at 3*hotel (B&B, Twin sharing) in Skardu or along the route (if necessary)
  • Baltoro Trek - Accommodation: Food 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) at campsites during the trek along all necessary equipment (comfortable tent, twin sharing) and well-trained staff
  • Base Camp - Services:
    - Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & Kitchen Helpers
    - All staff salary & allowance: All Pakistani staffs & porters daily wages, salary, equipment, foods & clothing.
    - Food 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee)
    - Base Camp manager
  • Base Camp Tent: Each member will have an individual tent in Base Camp, foam mattresses and pillow.
  • Base Camp Group Tents: 1 Dinning Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, min. 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 Staffs Tent, 1 Tent for Pakistani base camp staffs, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
  • Heater: Heater for base camp in each Dining and other necessary camp.
  • Solar/Generator/Light: 1 Solar panel or Generator for battery charge and light at base camp for use.
  • Medical kit: Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, emergency oxygen - for group and staffs
  • Communication: UVF-radio to contact Base Camp for each party of 2 basic climbers.
Selected Trip: 
22.06.2025 - 02.08.2025
€19,500.00
Booking status
request

Full Service Package

Additional to all services of the basic package in the full-service membership included are:

  • Experienced Expedition leader: Very experienced 8000m-SummitClimb-Leader (min. 6 members, max. per each 12 full-service-members)
  • High Altitude Porters (HAP): At 1:2-ratio per member for setup of high camp setup and summit push (not a 1:1 guide-ratio, available as upgrade)
  • Group climbing equipment: high altitude tents (sharing), necessary cooking gas, cooking-set per tent, high food for member, high camp shovels, fixing gears, fixed static lines (min. 3km) and dynamic ropes
  • Communication: Satellite Phone for emergency communication carrying by guide, UVF-radio for staff/members, tracking device for guide.
Selected Trip: 
22.06.2025 - 02.08.2025
€39,850.00
Booking status
request
Not included
  • International flight
  • Personal expenses (snacks, etc.)
  • Personal travel insurance, rescue and evacuation insurance
  • Personal expedition gear
  • Visa for Pakistan
  • Tipping
Suggested upgrades
The following options can be added to your booking:

Book now

Feel free to call us:
+49 30 774 90 34
Or send us an e-mail:
info@summitclimb.de

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