K2 The Ultimate Adventure (8611m)
per person
K2 THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE (8611m): The Karakoram in the Turkish language means “Black Rubble”. In 1856 A.D. Capt. Montgomerie surveyed a number of peaks in the Baltoro area of the Karakoram from a distance of about 200km. He explored a cluster of high peaks and named them K1, K2, K3 and soon with the prefix “K” for the Karakoram. In 1861 A.D. the area was further surveyed by Col. Godwin Austin and recommended K2 as the highest and measured it to be 8619m only three meters more than its official height (1988) of 8616m. Its local name is Chogori, which means the “Great Mountain”.
Thus, K2, the second-highest mountain in the world stands majestically above the combination with the sweeping Godwin Austin Glacier offering an ice highway towards its surface. It was first climbed by Italians. The route to K2 goes through the Baltoro region of Baltistan. There are several high peaks, which are persisted, in the world’s largest temperate zone glacier. Only the highest or more prominent ones have been named or climbed. A wonderful nineteen of these peaks stand over 7600m while four of them are 8000meters.
Towering north from Concordia, the joining of five glaciers named in 1892 by Martin Conway after the place de la Concorde in Paris. Some of the world’s longest glaciers after polar region Abruzzi, Godwin Austin, Biarchidi, Virginia, West Gashbrum and Broad glaciers meet here at Concordia.
The worst year was 1986 when five expeditions were on K2 in early August, 16 climbers reached the summit, but 13 died. The memorials of those climbers are about 20 minutes north of K2 base camp, on the rock face above the junction of the Savoia and Godwin Austin Glaciers. The first memorial was placed in 1953 of the famous American climber Art Gilkey. The process of success and defeat is still on.
For more information on K2 The Ultimate Adventure (8611m) and the Expeditions that we run there, contact us via:
WhatsApp: +92 347 4598096 | +92 345 4354348
Email: info@rockvalleytours.com
DETAILS OF SERVICES INCLUDE:
1. Accommodation: In good standard hotels on a full board/half twin basis in cities. During camping in international quality dome tents on twin sharing basis, with full board services.
2. Transportation: Air Conditioned transport in Islamabad and up to Skardu. 4×4 soft-top jeeps till trek head for members and equipment.
3. Meals: All meals in cities and during trekking and at the base camp.
4. Equipment: All camping & kitchen equipment will be provided during trekking and at the base camp.
5. Custom clearance: In Islamabad, we shall take care of the customs clearance procedure of equipment and we will store the equipment in our store till the arrival of the climbing team. The clearance fee is not included.
6. Briefing & De-briefing: We will assist you in briefing & de-briefing with the ministry of tourism and coordinate the matters with Government appointed Liaison officer.
7. Portage: All portage for the base camp food and camping equipment & for your personal gear (for high altitude equipment & high altitude food) weighing 100-Kg per person up to the base camp is included.
8. Supporting Staff: Qualified mountain guide, cook, cook helper will stay at the base camp with the group throughout the expedition to make sure the smooth conduct of the expedition.
Guarantee, for Helicopter rescue and pollution fee. (Fee not included)
Insurance, of porters, staff, Liaison officer.
Tips & portage & entrance fee at sites, hotels and at the airport.
9. Camping Services: Apart from complete kitchenette, we shall provide a Mess tent with folding tables & chairs, Toilet tent and two Pax dome tents for base camp.
Assistance, with foreigner’s registration office.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- The royalty of the mountain & climbers insurance.
- Any additional service not mentioned in the itinerary or above chart of services.
- Any additional camping item as generators, satellite phone/fax or such accessories.
- Payments and kits of Liaison officer & High altitude porters.
- High altitude food, equipment, and porters.
- Charges of the customs clearance process.
- Government pollution fee.
- Any domestic or international Air Fare.
- Any delays or cancellations due to natural hazards like bad weather or landslides beyond the control of the land operators.
- Helicopter charges in case of use for any purpose.
- Doctors and medicines.
- Any services and equipment above base camp.
Islamabad
Arrival Islamabad. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
Islamabad
Welcome reception at Alpine Club of Pakistan. Overnight at hotel.
Skardu / Chilas
Fly to Skardu PK-451 (09:30 – 10:30). (Flight is subject to weather).
Upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.
In case of cancellation of flight (12-14 hrs) drive by coach to Chilas (480 km) on Karakoram Highway.
Overnight at hotel.
Chilas / Skardu
Day free at Skardu. If your are driving, complete road journey (07–08 hrs) to Skardu (275 km).
En-route has good view of Nanga Parbat (8125m) at the confluence of Indus River and the rapids and fall of Indus River.
Overnight at hotel.
Skardu
Final preparation day at Skardu.
Overnight at hotel.
Askole (3000m)
By jeeps drive to Askole (8-9 hrs).
The last village of about 50 houses.
The villagers grow their own cereals, vegetable and fruit and own large herds of sheep's, goats, yaks and dzos.
Overnight in tents.
Jhola (3200m)
Start 2-3 hours, walk across wasteland and traverse Biafo Glacier, a to tiny Ocean of moving boulders and crevasses 2 km wide.
Cross the glacier and after a lunch break continue to Jhola (4-5 hrs).
Cross-Dumardo River Bridge and camp at rather dusty campsite encompassed by a few bushes with a side stream.
Overnight in tent.
Paiyu (3600m)
Start on a moderately easy trail for 3-4 hrs.
Crossing Bardumal campsites along a 2-km stretch of sandy River beach.
After a lunch break continue towards Paiyu for another 2-3 hrs. trail climbs to a Vantage Point providing view of the Snout of Baltoro.
And in the far distance a marvelous panorama of Cathedral Towers and triangle of K2 to the left for the first time.
Paiyu is a herded campsite.
Overnight in tent.
Paiyu (3600m)
Traditional rest day at Paiyu.
Overnight at tent.
Khuburtze (4000m)
Start for a 5-8 hrs. slight climb up Baltoro Glacier on the southern edge.
After about two hours the path divides at the snout of Baltoro glacier where the left side goes to the BC of Tango Tower and the Sarpo Lgo pass.
Continue to the side right climbing up on to the glacier that stretches up the valley 62 km long and 2 km wide.
Follow the southern edge to Liliwa and onward to Khuburtze lovely walks for about 90 minutes to the campsite and with clear water.
Overnight at campsite.
Urdukas (4200m)
4-5 hours lovely walk mostly along the crest of lateral moraine with stunning views of Paiyu Peak, Chorichi, Uli Biaho, Tango Towers and so on.
Urdukas is a viewable campsite.
However, like Paiyu this site is over used and polluted.
Overnight at campsite.
Goro II (4500m)
6-8 hours walk on the glacier.
The first hour walk is across difficult side Crevasses, however the way is smoother and easy in the center.
Continue for 2-3 hours to Goro-I opposite of Yermanendo Glacier falling down from the Mashebrum pass.
For the next 3-4 hrs continue east up the Baltoro glacier.
Following telephone wire from army HQ Goro to Gasherbrum IV.
Goro-II campsite is pitched on the rough stones and ice in the hub of the glacier with water from the glacier melt.
Overnight at tent.
Concordia (4700m) / K2 Base Camp (5100m)
6-8 hours slightly easy walk, with spectacular views and titanic mountain panorama, including Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak and the mighty K-2.
Camp at Concordia named by Martin Conway after the place De La Concordia in Paris.
Lunch at Concordia.
You will be meeting some crevasses near Godwin Austin glacier.
Overnight at tent.
Concordia (4700m) / K2 Base Camp (5100m)
45 days for acclimatization and climbing.
Vigne Glacier or Ali Camp (4800m)
5-6 hours continue walk on Vigne Glacier, proving gorgeous views of Chogolisa, and Mitre Peak, A rare mountain panorama and camp just below pass.
Overnight at campsite.
Gondogoro La (5680m) / Khuspang (4680m)
4-5 hours. Start very early in the morning for the uneasy and steep ascend to Gondogora_La (high pass), and another 3-4 hrs descend to the high camp (Khuspang) on the other side.
Also BC for Gondogoro Peak. Continue trek to Dalzampa: (4300m) another 4-5 hours easy descends glacier Moraine to exotic campsite of Dalzampa "field of flower".
A climb to the lateral Moraine provides fantastic views of glacier and jagged spires.
Overnight in tent.
Shaieshcho (3600m) Hushe: (3300m)
4-5 hours walk on the lateral moraine through wild roses, gooseberry cedar and Tamarisk bushes.
The Charksa valley joins the Gondogoro at Shaieshcho and the route leads towards the base camp of K6 and K7.
Another 4-5 hours the last day of the trek follow the east bank of Hushe River on an easy path through the field and camp outside the village.
Skardu (2340m)
By jeep drive to Skardu via Khaplu.
The second largest kingdom in the old Baltistan safe guarding the trade route to Ladakh along Shyok River.
Overnight at hotel.
Islamabad / Chilas
a) Fly to Islamabad PK-452 (11:20 – 12:20). (Subject to weather). Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
b) In case of flight cancellation drive to Chilas. Overnight at hotel.
Islamabad
a) Leisure day at Islamabad
b) In case of driving, complete road journey from Chilas to Islamabad.
Overnight at hotel.
Islamabad
Farewell meeting at Alpine Club of Pakistan.
Overnight at hotel.
Departure
Fly out Transfer to airport for your return flight home.
SERVICES INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
Liaison with ministry of tourism in Islamabad for permit process and measurement of Liaison officer.
Process of import/export permit from ministry of tourism.
Clearance of cargo before arrival of the team and its storage.
Assistance upon arrival/departure.
Welcome reception (briefing)/farewell meeting (debriefing) at Alpine Club of Pakistan.
Hotel accommodation at tourist class hotels at Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas, and Skardu with all meals.
All meals during trek and 45 days at B.C
Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food etc. to the B.C and 50 kg per person on return from BC.
Road transfers between airport/hotel and within the city as per itinerary.
Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees.
Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear.
Wages and basic kit of guide, Sardar, cook, and assistant(s).
Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue).
Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes, and parking fees, etc.
Letter of guarantee on behalf of team/client for environmental bond for USD 1200.
Mail handling/forwarding to BC/overseas except postage charges.
Reconfirmation of air tickets.
The above quotation is based on present porter rates and is valid for 2019.
All expenses of Gov. Liaison officer
Invitation letter for apply Visa
Cost Excludes
International airfare, airport tax, excess baggage charges.
Surface transfers in case of flight cancellations to the kick-off point.
High altitude porters/any crew above BC.
Tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp including high altitude food and oxygen.
The hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s), and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team).
Medications ground evacuations and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills, and items of personal nature.
Traveling Insurance liability of member(s) and others under force majeure conditions.
Clearing agent charges.
Any other service not mentioned in this condition sheet.
Porters and staff tips
Re- Fund
If the cancellation is made 30Days + prior to departure full payment will be refunded and a nominal communication service charge will be deducted.
RVT reserves the right to deduct:
25% cancellation charge from paid package price if the cancellation is made in less than 22 day of arrival date.
40% in case of cancellation in less than 14 days.
In case of cancellation prior to arrival, all charges in respect of confirmed bookings that entail no-show charges by hotels/transport/airline will have to be paid by the clients.
Anyone deciding to abandon the trip after arrival or leave during the trip for whatever reason(s) whether the client's own or external (of the nature of force majeure) will not be eligible for a refund. This also applies in case the entire group completes/abandons the trip and decides to return earlier than the agreed time schedule.
The nominal communication service charge will also be deducted from the refund.
OFFICIAL FORMALITIES:
Submission of application for climbing permit and coordination with the ministry of
Tourism in order to update climbers with the progress. Arrangements of the first meeting with Guide and Ministry Briefing/de-briefing in the Ministry of tourism. Processing application for satellite permit (if required) Documentation for import and export of mountaineering cargo
Luggage and Cargo:
Before your arrival and departure, RVT takes care of your luggage.
Clearance of Cargo before arrival, Clearance of your Cargo after your departure to your home. Storage of your unwanted belongings in Islamabad or Skardu, which you do not need during your adventure,
Miscellaneous:
Satellite Thuraya phone, Walkie talkie Radios,
Reconfirmation of international flight tickets
The arrangement of high-altitude porters (if required). Rock Valley Tours has the best high-altitude porters in Pakistan.
The arrangement of high-altitude tents (VE 25 North Face Tents) on payment.
A farewell dinner will be hosted from RVT in one of the best restaurants or hotels in Rawalpindi/Islamabad with your staff who will be coming back with you from the base camp or your adventure.
Taxes Fees & Tipping:
The following fees and taxes are included in our quotation, for members, RVT crew and Camping fees, Bridge crossing Fees (Porter, porter Sardar, and RVT staff Tip is not included in the cost)
Note:
If any member splits from the expedition for his/her own reason, that member will bear all transportation costs on the way back to Rawalpindi.
In case of damage to the base camp tent or any Equipment, the trek member will be charged the original value of the Equipment.
Payment Procedure:
* 50 % Advance on date block & confirmation of services, minimum 02 months before the commencement of trek nonrefundable.
* 50 % balance payable before one month of trek Start
(IMPORTANT)
Foreigner clients must share their passport copy, 02 passport size Photograph full detail for trek permission requirement.
If any member leaves the trek at any stage, the organization will not be liable to refund the payment.
Using drugs or intoxication of any kind is strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught using any kind of substance on buses or during the trip will be expelled from the trip on the spot. That person will not be eligible for any kind of refund.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip without prior notice for any reasons deemed appropriate by them.
In such a case the registered participants will receive a full refund.
On an adventure trip of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond the control of organizers can result in a change of itinerary.
It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the Leader of the group and Guide will decide what the best alternative is, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group
Smoking in transport is strictly prohibited.
Participants must hold a valid Computerized CNIC/Passport Card.
Time management/punctuality is strictly recommended.
Participants are advised to use Non-Slippery Shoes/Boot/Joggers/DMS. Participants must NOT wear Heel/Dress Shoes.
On steep ascends in mountainous areas, air-conditioned buses will be operational on an on-off basis to keep the vehicles from overheating.
The RVT will not be responsible for any injury/damage/loss.
GEAR AND CLOTHING LIST for Trekking
Personal gear & Clothing.
While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry-on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 Kg.) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as a carry-on to keep items that you will use while on the trek, bus, or jeep.
Luggage
Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites, and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended.
Day Pack:
Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket, and other items you may like to use while on the trek.
Extra carry-on:
For storing city clothes in Skardu, Hunza, Chitral,
Money Belt:
A small fanny pack, money belt, or around-the-neck passport bag is suggested for keeping safe your passport, travel documents, and money.
Packing list for your Duffel:
Sleeping Bag:
As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass, Shimshal Pass, at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degrees F or -18 degrees C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth.
Trekking Boots:
The single most important item on this list. Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A Vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or through the snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes.
Camp Shoes:
Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls.
Crampons:
You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having a better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. (Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar, and Wartum Peak
Thermal socks:
The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions, cotton socks are best. For those who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended.
Liner Socks:
A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above.
Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover. Stays warm even when wet.
Polyester Fleece Pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above.
Rain Gear:
A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as a windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants.
Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea.
Ski Hat:
Covers your ears properly, use one with a cotton liner. The woolen cap is also good.
Mittens or Gloves:
Woolen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions when the temperature drops quickly.
Brimmed Sun Hat:
Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as the sun is low and hits your eyes.
Bathing Suit:
Men can take baths by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys.
Toiletries:
Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chapstick /lip balm, skin lotion, and laundry soap.
CLOTHING
With your knowledge of Pakistani culture, you are well aware of precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable, and easy to wash and dry. In good weather, you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for the evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon as the sun goes down.
Men could wear shorts once they are through populated areas, which means from the third day of the trek. Women are advised to use cotton shalwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals.
Check List
Headgear
Parka
Wool shirt & trousers
Sweater
Cotton shirt & pants
Gloves & Mittens
Rain/wind suit
Cotton & Wool undergarments
Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic)
Boots (Trek & Camp)
Belt!
Down Jacket
Shalwar Kameez (Cotton)
Spare laces for boots
Miscellaneous Items
Sunglasses
Towel
Washcloth
Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep.
Water bottle, with a durable screw top.
Sunscreen
Headlamp with flashlight + extra batteries and bulb
Insect repellent
Swiss Army knife, or a similar one
Nylon cord for a clothesline
Personal Medical Kit
Pocket size sewing kit
Lighter or matches for general use
Wrist Watch
Optional Items
We provide closed-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort.
Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing your used clothes.
Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues.
An interesting
Notebook and pen for a journal.
Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars.
Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies, and extra lenses.
Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee)
Water purification tablets
Buy Outdoor Gears Online:
You can get all the gears from Shimshal Adventure Shop
Shop 180-E Street # 11, Rifle Range Rd, New Iqbal Park, Lahore, Punjab 54750
0307 0043805
https://g.page/ShimshalAdventureShop?share