About K2 Expeditions

While it is not the tallest mountain on Earth, K2 is one of the most challenging. On average, more than 20 percent of the people who attempt to reach the Himalayan peak die in the process. The result is the second-highest mortality rate in the world among its climbers. Unpredictable weather and extreme terrain are often to blame, although physical conditioning and a lack of oxygen have plagued other climbs.
The reward of a successful climb is nothing short of amazing. Straddling the Pakistan-China border, reaching the summit affords majestic views and a badge of honor for climbing 28,000-plus feet.

  1. History

    • K2 received its name from British explorers who charted the Karakoram peaks on the Great Himalayan Range. The five Karakoram mountains were each assigned numbers from K1-K5, based on their geographic position. While the other mountains would be renamed, K2 was not. It's relative remoteness is to blame. While the second-largest mountain on Earth, it is often hidden to onlookers. It is almost eclipsed by other peaks in front of it.

    Time Frame

    • Tour companies and K2 climbing experts build the expedition around a 60-day window, beginning with the day one arrival in Islamabad. The climb itself is slated for 35 to 40 days. Almost all tours begin on the Pakistani side of the mountain, due to the proximity to major cities. The first day is spent in Islamabad working with government officials on details for the climb. Pakistan charges trekking teams of seven more than $18,000 to climb K2. This includes a $12,000 permit fee for the team (additional hikers are $2,000 each), a $6,000 rescue deposit (refundable if the government does not have to come and rescue the team) and a $200 environmental fee. Due to increased political tension in this region of the world, each team is assigned a liaison from the Pakistani army. While this officer is provided for free, teams are expected to outfit and supply his climb.
      Peak climbing season for K2 is during the U.S. summer months of June to August. Permits need to be requested by November of the previous year and must be held with a $1,000 deposit.

    Considerations

    • Getting to K2 is not as easy as it sounds. All tours must start in Islamabad, in order to meet with government officials. Islamabad is about a 24-hour drive from the Karakoram region. It takes anywhere from 6 to 8 days to get from Askoli, the closest inhabited village, to base camp. Askoli is nothing more than a remote mountain village. It sits more than eight hours, by car, to the nearest telephone or hospital.

    Considerations

    • The primary consideration when planning a climb of K2 is financial. Conservative estimates place the cost at more than $50,000 per climber. This includes government fees, transportation to and from Askoli, supplies (climbing, food, camping and clothing) and the cost of porters, which accompany the trip. Porters are the K2 equivalent of a Mount Everest sherpa. They carry equipment up the mountain and act as a guide for the trip. While their services are relatively cheap (approximately $4 to $5 per day per person), the number of porters needed to haul equipment may rival the number of people on the climbing team.

    Warning

    • Pakistan is considered one of the world's most dangerous places to visit. Tension in the region comes from any number of angles --- its lawless border region with Afghanistan, constant bickering with India (its Southern neighbor) and a 10-year fight for independence by the Kashmiri people in the Northeast. Anti-Western sentiments are widespread throughout the nation. The U.S. State Department's embassy is located in Islamabad, making it the closest diplomatic option for Americans.
      Making matters difficult is that travel to and from K2 requires passage through Kashmir, which is why working with a tour company is recommended.