K2 Winter Summit Expedition

K2 Winter Summit Expedition Overview

Introduction

The K2 Winter Summit Expedition is the hardest and most prestigious climb in the world. Rising to 8,611 m (28,251 ft), K2 is the second-highest mountain on Earth and is located in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. Nicknamed the “Savage Mountain”, K2 has a fearsome reputation even in summer. In winter, conditions become almost impossible: –60°C temperatures, hurricane-force winds, avalanches, and near-zero weather windows. For decades, K2 remained the last 8,000 m peak unclimbed in winter, until a Nepali team achieved the historic first winter ascent in January 2021.

Quick Facts

  • Region: Baltoro Glacier, Karakoram, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan
  • Height: 8,611 m (28,251 ft)
  • Duration: 55–70 Days (Islamabad → Islamabad)
  • Standard Route: Abruzzi Spur (most attempted in winter)
  • Difficulty: Extreme (technical, exposed, deadly cold)
  • Best Season: Winter (December–February)
  • First Winter Ascent: January 16, 2021, Nepali team led by Nirmal Purja & Mingma G.

Safety & Difficulty

  • K2 is nicknamed the Savage Mountain because of its deadly difficulty.
  • Winter adds extreme cold, avalanches, hurricane winds, and zero rescue options.
  • Fatality rates on K2 remain among the highest of all 8,000 m peaks.
  • Attempted only by the world’s strongest climbers.

FAQs about K2 Winter Summit Expedition

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

Because of its extreme technical difficulty and high fatality rate.

2. How long does the winter expedition take?

Around 55–70 days including approach, acclimatization, and summit push.

3. Who made the first winter ascent of K2?

A Nepali team on January 16, 2021, led by Nirmal Purja & Mingma G.

4. Is K2 harder than Everest?

Yes, technically far more demanding, steeper, and with more dangerous weather.

Duration

55 to 70 Days

Difficulty

Extreme

Price

Full Boat Service : $25000
Base Camp Service: $9000



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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
No trip dates available.

Trip Details

Duration: 55 to 70 Days

$ Price (per person) :
Full Boat Service : $25000
Base Camp Service: $9000

Difficulty: Extreme

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Skardu
Flight (1 hr) or 2-day drive via Karakoram Highway. Scenic views: Indus River gorge, Astore Valley, Skardu.
540 m to 2,228 m
Skardu
Permits, expedition briefing, gear check.
2,228 m
Skardu to Askole
Jeep ride through Shigar & Braldu Valleys.
3,050 m
Skardu to Askole
Continue jeep ride to Askole.
3,050 m
Askole to Paiju
Trek via Baltoro Glacier to Paiju.
3,400 m
Paiju to Urdukas
Trek to Urdukas.
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II
Trek to Goro II.
4,300 m
Goro II to Concordia
Trek to Concordia, “Throne Room of the Gods” with K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrums, Masherbrum.
4,650 m
Concordia to K2 Base Camp
Trek to K2 Base Camp.
5,150 m
K2 Base Camp
Rest and acclimatization.
5,150 m
K2 Base Camp
Rest and acclimatization.
5,150 m
K2 Base Camp
Rest and acclimatization.
5,150 m
Base Camp to Camp I
Acclimatization Rotation 1: Climb to Camp I and descend.
6,000 m
Base Camp to Camp II
Acclimatization Rotation 2: Climb to Camp II and descend.
6,700 m
Base Camp to Camp III
Acclimatization Rotation 3: Climb to Camp III and descend.
7,300 m
Base Camp to Camp IV
Acclimatization Rotation (Optional): Touch Camp IV if weather allows.
7,800 m
Base Camp to Camp I
Summit Push: Climb to Camp I.
6,000 m
Camp I to Camp II
Summit Push: Climb to Camp II.
6,700 m
Camp II to Camp III
Summit Push: Climb to Camp III.
7,300 m
Camp III to Camp IV
Summit Push: Climb to Camp IV (Shoulder).
7,800 m
Camp IV to Summit
Summit Day: 15–20 hrs in extreme cold with 30–60 km/h winds. Key Obstacles: Black Pyramid, Bottleneck (8,200 m), and the infamous serac overhang. Descend to Camp II/III.
8,611 m
Camp II/III to Base Camp
Descent to Base Camp.
5,150 m
Base Camp to Askole
Trek back to Askole.
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 Process

3–4 acclimatization rotations + 4-stage summit push.

Nearby Giants

Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), Masherbrum (7,821 m), Trango Towers (6,286 m).

Unique Feature

The Bottleneck (8,200 m), one of the most dangerous climbing sections in the world.

Historic Achievement

First winter ascent in 2021 by Nepali climbers.

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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