K2 Summit Expedition

K2 Summit Expedition Overview

Introduction

The K2 Expedition is considered the ultimate mountaineering challenge. Standing at 8,611 m (28,251 ft), K2 is the second highest mountain in the world and the crown jewel of the Karakoram Range in Pakistan. Known as the “Savage Mountain”, it has earned a reputation for being one of the most difficult and dangerous peaks to climb. Unlike Everest, K2 offers no easy route, climbers face technical rock, ice, and mixed terrain, along with unpredictable weather and the infamous Bottleneck section. A successful K2 ascent requires top-level climbing skill, endurance, and determination.

Quick Facts

  • Region: Karakoram Range, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan
  • Height: 8,611 m (28,251 ft)
  • Duration: 45–60 Days (Islamabad → Islamabad)
  • Standard Route: Abruzzi Spur (most popular)
  • Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous & Technical
  • Best Season: June – August

Safety & Difficulty

  • K2 is the most dangerous 8000er with one of the highest fatality rates.
  • Only suitable for elite, professional climbers with prior 8000m experience.
  • Technical climbing + unpredictable weather make success rates low.
  • Requires full expedition logistics, Sherpa/porter support, and flexible planning.

FAQs about K2 Expedition

1. Why is K2 called the “Savage Mountain”?

Because of its extreme difficulty, technical challenges, and historically high fatality rate.

2. How long does the K2 expedition take?

Typically 45–60 days, including approach, acclimatization, and summit push.

3. What is the standard climbing route?

The Abruzzi Spur is the most used and relatively “standard” route.

4. Can beginners attempt K2?

No. K2 is only suitable for professional, high-altitude climbers with multiple 8000m expeditions.

Duration

45 to 60 Days

Difficulty

Extremely Strenuous & Technical

Price

Full Boat Service : $16000
Base Camp Service: $7000



 Book your spot today

The trip initial deposit is mandatory to book your place earlier, Cancellation policy can be reviewed and term approval is required.

Trip Dates

Destination Trip Date Extra Information
K2 Summit Expedition 2026-06-14 00:00

Trip Details

Duration: 45 to 60 Days

$ Price (per person) :
Full Boat Service : $16000
Base Camp Service: $7000

Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous & Technical

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Skardu
Flight (1 hr) or drive via Karakoram Highway (~2 days). Scenic Views: Indus River Gorge, Shigar Valley. Famous Mountain (flight view): Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).
540 m to 2,228 m
Skardu
Permit briefing, equipment check. Destinations: Shigar Fort, Upper Kachura Lake.
2,228 m
Skardu to Askole
Jeep ride to Askole, last permanent village. Destination: Shigar Valley, Braldu River. Nearby Peak: Bakhordas Peak (5,810 m).
3,050 m
Skardu to Askole
Continue jeep ride to Askole.
3,050 m
Askole to Jhola
Trek to Jhola.
3,150 m
Jhola to Paiju
Trek to Paiju. Visible: Paiju Peak (6,610 m).
3,400 m
Paiju
Rest at Paiju (green oasis).
3,400 m
Paiju to Khoburtse
Trek to Khoburtse. Visible: Trango Towers (6,286 m).
3,800 m
Khoburtse to Urdukas
Trek to Urdukas. Visible: Cathedral Towers (5,866 m).
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II
Trek to Goro II. Visible: Masherbrum (7,821 m).
4,300 m
Goro II to Concordia
Trek to Concordia, “Throne Room of the Gods”. Surrounded by: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak.
4,650 m
Concordia to K2 Base Camp
Trek to K2 Base Camp.
5,150 m
Base Camp
Rest, load carries, training at Base Camp.
5,150 m
Base Camp to Camp I
Acclimatization Rotation 1: Climb to Camp I and return.
6,100 m
Base Camp to Camp II
Acclimatization Rotation 2: Climb to Camp II and return.
6,700 m
Base Camp to Camp III
Acclimatization Rotation 3: Touch Camp III and return.
7,300 m
Base Camp to Camp I
Summit Push: Climb to Camp I.
6,100 m
Camp I to Camp II
Summit Push: Climb to Camp II. Famous Section: House’s Chimney (6,700 m) – vertical rock climb.
6,700 m
Camp II to Camp III
Summit Push: Climb to Camp III. Famous Section: Black Pyramid (7,200 m) – mixed rock & ice.
7,300 m
Camp III to Camp IV
Summit Push: Climb to Camp IV. Famous Section: The Shoulder (7,900 m).
7,900–8,000 m
Camp IV to Summit
Summit Day: Climb to Summit. Famous Section: The Bottleneck (8,200 m) – most dangerous section, under hanging seracs. Descend to Camp IV/III. Climbers often attempt the summit at night to reduce avalanche risk at the Bottleneck.
8,611 m
Camp IV/III to Base Camp
Descent to Base Camp.
5,150 m
Base Camp to Askole
Trek back to Askole via Concordia and Paiju.
3,050 m
Askole to Skardu
Jeep ride to Skardu.
2,228 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Flight or drive to Islamabad.
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Summit Strategy

3 acclimatization rotations + 4–5 stage summit push.

Beautiful Destinations

Skardu Valley, Shigar Valley, Baltoro Glacier, Concordia.

Nearby Giants

K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m), Masherbrum (7,821 m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m – distant view).

Unique Feature

Concordia, “Throne Room of the Gods” surrounded by 8,000ers.

Hedda Asmussen

What a lovely day out! We did two hours of paddling and Phil was an amazing guide. I hadn't done much paddle boarding before but it was easy to pick up with his instructions and we had a nice relaxing journey down the river. Would definitely recommend even for those that haven't tried it before! The location is also amazing, super quiet and beautiful scenery!

Hedda Asmussen

Ansa

Great adventure on River Arun with my paddle bestie and Phil. Phil's trips are very well planned and organised! He asks your interests. With us it was wildlife and paddling techniques. Phil was very knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife and I can't wait to continue practicing paddle strokes he showed us. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience and felt safe and confident on the water with Phil around. Especially as this was my longest paddle. The area is beautiful and it feels like you are on holiday and not just outside London. Looking forward to joining in on another Cave Active Adventure trip soon!

Ansa

JAMES Howe

I have been on two trips with Phil now. One to Scotland and one to the river Thames. Both were spectacularly special for me. Phil is a caring and considerate guide and will really look after you, he takes his job seriously and goes that extra mile to make the experience memorable.

JAMES Howe

Andy

My wife and I booked a 3 day Thames Tour with Cave Active. We arrived at The Barefoot Campsite, which would be the base for the 2 nights camping. Phil arrived, and we set up camp in a great little area with a fire pit. The first paddle was upstream a 4 mile round trip to The Maybush for dinner, I think this was a chance for Phil to assess the standard of paddling and for the guests to get to know each other. After a great dinner, we paddled back down and settled in for our first night under canvas, whilst Phil got the Kelly Kettle fired up for a brew. Day 2 started with bacon and egg baps and hot tea. We then made our way to the Trout at Buckland Marsh for our launch site. A pleasant 8.5 mile paddle through beautiful tranquil countryside. A great lunch stop at Shifford lock with sandwiches from The Trout. We then continued on back to the campsite via the Rose Revived. That night dinner was cooked by Phil with burgers provided by Linthwaite Farms, which were well worth the wait. The last day started with porridge, and we broke camp. The last paddle was a 9.6 mile paddle finishing in Woolvercote, taking in 4 locks and a great alfresco lunch once at Pinkhill Lock, again prepared by Phil. The whole trip was relaxed and enjoyable but also very informative. I think my paddle stroke definitely improved. Phil also has a lot of knowledge about the areas you paddle through. You can tell Phil doesn't do this for a job. He does it for the passion he has for paddling. He has taken on some big paddles, both solo and in groups, and all the knowledge he has, he is happy to pass on. Everything is planned meticulously, and from the start, client safety is the top priority. I would definitely recommend Cave Active and am seriously considering booking on with Phil for his longer 5 day Loch Shiel Trip. He is definitely a man who knows what he is talking about and someone who gets a genuine pleasure from passing on what he has learned.

Andy

Josie Cohen

Phil gave me and my partner an amazing lesson in wind supping at Pagham beach. He was a great teacher - super lovely and patient and clear with his instructions. He brought all the kit (including helmets and walkie talkies) which was all top notch. Plus he happily went over our allocated time without an issue. Overall, we had a great lesson and it has left us very excited to buy a wing and get wind supping ourselves. Would highly recommend Cave Active Adventures to anyone and everyone!

Josie Cohen

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