K2 Base Camp Trek

26/07/2021

10/02/2021

UPDATES: We have been getting a lot of questions on the lines of “What could have happened on K2”? Here is how we see it. These scenarios are all based on my conversations with a K2 summitter who thinks an accident might have occurred at bottle-neck (8,250m) - video attached.

- WHAT HAPPENED ON K2? (Possibilities)

1. All 3 climbers summited
2. One or more climbers summited
3. No climber summited

- WHAT WENT WRONG? (POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS)

1. One or more of the climbers injured.
2. One or more of the climbers fell & feared dead (crevasses/avalanche/high winds)
3. All climbers injured/feared dead

- WHY DID NO ONE RETURN?

If one or more were injured initially, the remaining climber(s):

1. may be involved in a 2nd accident on return (feared injured/dead)

2. may be “delayed” to return back after taking time giving help to the injured before leaving the injured to himself after realising its too late and risky in the death zone (above 8,000m).

The possible delay in all scenarios above might have caused:

1. Absense of light - due to the delay (head-torch could have lost power since it was also used the previous night)

2. A fatal fall near bottle-neck (possibly free-climb at bottle neck)

3. Exhaustion leading to sleep and freezing

4. Snow-blindness

5. Low oxygen at death zone after an extended time span. Loss of vital functions, or physical weakening leading to accidents. If the brain doesn't get enough oxygen, it can start to swell (HAPE). This swelling can trigger nausea, vomiting, and difficulty thinking and reasoning. This also increases risk of heart attack and stroke and judgment quickly becomes impaired.

6. A loss of blood circulation to climbers' fingers and toes can cause frostbite, and in severe cases - if the skin and underlying tissues die - gangrene. Severe frostbites can cause the inability to walk.

The above scenarios are for those people who have been sending us questions relating to what happened or what could have happened. We may or may never find the exact cause but these should answer your questions. These scenarios do not aim to cause harm anyone’s feelings.

Video by Dave Watson.

09/02/2021

UPDATES: As part of the rescue efforts, Pakistan Airforce wanted to fly C-130 (equipped with high power cameras) today for reconnaissance however due to unknown reasons (most probably weather/visibility at 8,000m), it was not possible. According to unconfirmed reports, they plan on flying once the weather allows.

• Due to the continuous bad weather (forecast) further seven days more, SST’s expedition is off and they all are returning from basecamp toward Skardu.

•Imtiaz and Akbar headed to high camp yesterday, cook, LO, kitchen boys of another group (operator of John and Ali's expedition) are still at basecamp supplying the supports.

•Due to the bad weather, no helicopter search flight for today, when the weather permits the authorities will send more HAP for ground SAR.

It's been more than 100 hours, no news of the mountaineers Juan, Muhammad Ali, and John Snorri missing on K2 since last Friday.

• This expedition has affected us badly. We have been in stress and anxiety like most of you. If you do not want any further updates, please let us know. Otherwise we’ll keep you posted.

For more updates, find us on instagram www.instagram.com/k2basecamptrek

08/02/2021

Tenzing is a narrartive film based on the true story of Tenzing Norgay, the man who first reached the summit of Everest, the highest mountain in the world, along with Sir Edmund Hillary. Jennifer Peedom (Sherpa), who has spent years on Everest herself, will direct from a script by Lion’s Luke Davies based on Tenzing: Hero of Everest by Ed Douglas. Peedom and Davies are producing alongside HGP. David Michôd (The King) and Norbu Tenzing Norgay will executive produce.

08/02/2021

Noel Hanna and other climbers decided to stay in Camp 3 (7,350m) when John, Ali, Sajid & Juan left for summit push that night (around 10/11pm). This video was made by Noel the next morning when the climbers decided to descend down to base camp instead of pushing for the summit. During this time, Ali Sadpara & team should have been climbing up somewhere between Camp 4 (8,000m) and bottle-neck (8,211m). John’s GPS device was last active at 7:15 am showing them climbing at 7,823 meters on the morning this video was recorded by Noel.

08/02/2021

UPDATES by Dawa from K2 base camp (includes 8 pictures):

• Today we were able to make search flights all over 7000m by 2 Army helicopters with the help of the Army Aviation 5 squadron. Pilots, Lakpa Dendi, and I went through the areas that we were aware of, to locate missing climbers Ali, John Snorri, and Juan Pablo Mohr in K2. We had less visibility and the upper mountain is covered in clouds. For the last three days, pilots made a great job, out of their limits but we can't find any clues there. The team is waiting for another permissible weather and search possibility.

•Grateful and thankful to 🇵🇰 the Pakistani Army, , MFA Iceland, Simone Moro, Vanessa O'Brien and all ground admin team for your support. 🙏

08/02/2021

UPDATES From Elia Film maker, Saikaly on Search and Rescue Mission.
(Elia's mission was to Capture Ali,John and Sajid's Journey as they prepare to summit K2 in Winters)

'Where there is a hope there could be life'

Search and rescue attempts for our team members John Snori,Ali sadpara and Climber Jaun Pablo have been ongoing for last 48 hours.

The Incredibly talented Pakistan Military Pilots have been encircling K2 high above basecamp searching for our friends.

Yesterday, I embarked on one of the SAR mission with pilots who identified few potential leads that synced up with the yellow and red down Suits that Johan and Ali were wearing.

From great distance it proved to be a solid lead but unfortunately with telephoto lens, close flyby and extended views later on laptop shows that these leads unfortunately turned out to be similarly colored Tent,Sleeping bag and Mat.

Its been a whirlwind of emotions at Basecamp, anticipating a miracle, praying somehow John,Ali and Pablo are still Alive.

07/02/2021

Sajid Sadpara mentioned bottleneck several times in his interview today. For those who don’t know, these pictures show climbers crossing bottleneck (8,200m) in summers.

K2 Bottle neck The most dangerous part of K2 for climbers.

The Bottleneck is a narrow couloir, which is overhung by seracs from the ice field east of the summit. The couloir is located only 400 m (1,300 ft) below the summit, and climbers have to traverse about 100 m (330 ft) exposed to the seracs to pass it. Due to the height of 8,200 m (26,900 ft), and the steepness of 50 to 60 degrees, this stretch is the most dangerous part of the route.

According to AdventureStats, 13 out of the last 14 fatalities on K2 have occurred at or near the Bottleneck.

Despite all the dangers, the Bottleneck is still technically the easiest and the fastest route to the summit. Most climbers choose to use it to minimize time required to spend above 8,000 m (26,000 ft) (the "death zone"). The standard route, the Abruzzi Spur (SE), as well as the Cesen route (SSE Ridge, which joins SE Ridge), and the American variety on the NE Ridge (traverse across E Face to SE Ridge), all attain the summit via the Bottleneck.

The climbers approaching the Bottleneck start from a shoulder, on almost level ground just below 8000 m, where typically the highest camp is located. The bottom end of the couloir drops to the south face of the mountain, and it gradually steepens to 60 degrees just below the ice field. It is not possible to climb up the icefield, which rises straight up tens of metres, but one has to traverse leftwards at the bottom of the icefield 100 m (330 ft) until it is possible to pass the icefield.

07/02/2021

Sajid Sadpara (Ali Sadpara’s son) briefed the press after arriving in Skardu from K2 base camp in one of the rescue helicopters.

Key Points (translated by us):

- if an operation is carried out for search of the bodies then its fine but if you are looking to find them alive, the chances of that are almost none now. At the 8,000m, the chances of survival in winters is none.
- The last I saw them was at bottleneck around 11 am. I am sure they sumitted. I think that some incident happened on the way back maybe around bottleneck which is a very technical part on the mountain.
- I was climbing without oxygen and at 8200 m, I felt weak and my health was deteriorating. My father asked me to use an emergency oxygen cylinder. While I was fixing the oxygen mask regulator, it broke and leaked and I had to come down to camp 3. So I left bottle neck at 11am and reached Camp 3 at around 5pm. I contacted base camp on the walkie-talkie and explained what had happened and my location. my father and others above me had no walkie-talkie. Later I planned to boil water for everyone and kept the lights in my tent open so my father and others could spot me from the summit. I stayed up all night and in the morning made contact with base camp and told them they have not returned yet. base camp told me that I must come down because weather conditions and forecast doesn’t look good. They told me that in case of a potential rescue , others can climb up.
- There was wind on the night when they were supposed to return and I think that something happened on the way back.
- I thank the army, government institutions for their cooperation. They organised rescue operations when it was possible.
- I thank the whole climbing community especially iceland’s climbing community for their role in help us.
- I thank John and Juan’s families for their constant support during this time.
- I also thank the whole nation for their prayers and cooperation.
- Follow us on instagram www.instagram.com/k2basecamptrek for latest.

07/02/2021

Antonios Sykaris’s Emotional Message: My dear friends, thank you for all you wishes in all means. I would not have achieved what I did without you. Just arrived in base camp. My very good friends and camp cooks offered me hot tea. Thank you very much.

The Greek climber Antonios Sykaris has reached base camp yesterday (after Sajid) with damaged feet after a delay and is being treated at base camp.

07/02/2021

UPDATE: Today, 2 Army helicopters (along with Ali’s son Sajid and Dawa) made a search flight (with an aerial reconnaissance) for an hour up to its maximum limit: 7800m again to locate missing climbers Ali, John Snorri, and Juan Pablo Mohr in K2. The search team went through the Abruzzi and other routes, we had less weather visibility above C 4, unfortunately, no trace at all. 😔

The wind above 6,400m is still 40KM.

06/02/2021

Latest Confirmed Details:

- John, Ali and Juan are still missing even after 40 hours from last known location (K2 bottle neck - 8,200m - next picture) where Ali’s son Sajid saw them last before returning to Camp 3 (7,350m) yesterday due to the problem with his oxygen regulator. He spent the night alone at Camp 3 expecting his father Ali, John & Juan to arrive who did not. He started descending this morning.

- GOOD NEWS FIRST: Sajid was welcomed by Nepali climbers (Temba Bhote and Phurbu Kusang) at Camp 1 (6,000m) around 2pmwith food and hot water after he made made a solo descent from Camp 3 (7,350m). He continued and made a safe descent to base camp (5,100m).
- Greek climber Antonios Sykaris has also reached base camp with damaged feet after a delay and is being treated at base camp.

- BAD NEWS: Today, Ali’s outfitter coordinated with the helicopter charter company (Askari Aviation) and requested two helicopters (Eucareli - 3 seater- 6,000m altitude limit) and flew two Pakistani Climbers, for a search and rescue mission. The pilot had been instructed to take the flight up as maximum as possible, it was very low temperature (-45) and 35+ KM wind above 6,500m. The helicopters reached K2 and flew around the mountain. Due to worsening weather, they dropped the two climbers (Imtiaz & Akbar from Sadpara village, Skardu) at K2 base camp making a total four. Two other rescuers (Fazal & Jalal) were already present at K2 base camp. Fazal (from Shimshal Valley) is the only person to have summited K2 thrice.

- WHATS NEXT?
- The rescuers will wait for good weather before trying one more time to climb the mountain (ground search and rescue) and look for the missing climbers. However they may not go above 7,350m as this can put the rescuer’s life at risk.
- Please only follow and share credible news sources. Don’t believe everything you read! Pakistani main stream tv/media was spreading fake news based on fake tips by a few local journalists (based in Skardu & Gilgit) and a fake twitter account. This was circulated by all private media channels for ratings and it did not take time to hit the social media.

- LASTLY, lets not lose hope even though we are aware that every second that passes the odds are less, and think of their families before doing or saying anything.

Lets all be positive and hope for the best 🤞🙏Find updates first on our instagram page www.instagram.com/k2basecamptrek

06/02/2021

READ FULL HERE: John, Ali and Juan Missing
∙ It has already been more than 32 hours above 7,800m (the death zone) and there is no news of John Snorri🇮🇸, Ali Sadpara 🇵🇰, and Juan Pablo Mohr 🇨🇱

∙ Asghar had coordinated with the army, they sent two helicopters along with 2 Pakistani Climbers, for Search and Rescue mission. The pilot has been instructed to take the flight up as maximum as possible, it’s very low temperature (-40h) and 35+ KM wind above 6500m.

∙ Yesterday noon, Ali’s son (Sajid) reported from C III that they were together till Bottle Neck around 10 AM PKT, all were fine and in a good shape and heading toward the summit, due to the problem with his oxygen regulator Sajid had to return to C III from Bottle Neck.

Sajid waited for Ali, John, and Juan Pablo for more than 20 hours with the belief, they will make it to the summit and descend back to C III, convinced him to descend down - he already left C III, he has been up too high for too long, he will be more exhausted, and not able to help them if they return.

Dawa has told 2 of the Sherpas (Temba Bhote and Phurbu Kusang) of his team to stay stand-by at C I to prepare food and hot water for Sajid and also incase Sajid needs help on the way back.

At the basecamp, Dawa is waiting for the helicopters and has prepared oxygen bottles, high foods, masks, and regulators for 2 Pakistani climbers (HAP).

Lets all hope they get back safely.

05/02/2021

BAD NEWS: Pakistan Army Aviation evacuated the dead body of Mr. Atanas Georgiev Skatov, a Bulgarian mountaineer from K2 to Skardu today.

Mr. Atanas Georgiev Skatov was part of an international winter expedition attempting to summit K2 in winter.

His wife Sheny was also at the base camp who had come to support him during the climb.

According to Dawa, he fell from the rope near Japanese C3. Atanas was climbing with his Sherpa and went a few metres ahead so the Sherpa could see it properly. While changing his safety from one rope to the other, seems some errors occurred and he fell down.

His body got recovered by army helicopter around 5500m 3pm the same. Sona, Pechhumbe and Dawa went to the spot and retrieved the body.

Atanas had climbed 10 x 8000m peak. He was a very appreciated member by all other members of the expedition. Deep condolences for his family and friends.

We lost great mountain friend today. Rest in Peace!

😢 🙏

04/02/2021

SUMMIT PUSH
GPS locations of all groups right now. Climbers seem to be divided into 4 groups! Lets hope for the best.

04/02/2021

What happens if I fall sick, can’t keep up or there is an emergency?

There are always possibilities for injuries or health conditions on the trek. Possible scenarios include twisted ankles, sprains, diarrhea, altitude sickness etc.
For emergencies, a satellite phone is allotted to all our tour guides by our office. After giving first aid, our guides are instructed to call head office. After consultation with head office, our guide takes a decision to either:
1. Wait for recovery (utilizing the contingency or rest day in our itinerary).
2. Arrange a descend to a lower elevation with crew member(s) for the affected guest in case of altitude sickness - possibly resuming the trek once symptoms diminish.
3. Organize an exit-and-return for the affected guest on foot or horse/mule with a staff member (can be assistant guide or another crew member)
4. Organize a helicopter rescue mission – you must have full insurance coverage to avail the airlift.
TIP: If you feel shortness of breath, a slight headache or dizziness, tell your porter/guide and rest immediately. Lie down, drink water. If you are still feeling unwell you may consider going down a few hundred metres in consultation with the guide. Do not pretend you are okay, and do not go down alone. A descent of a few hundred meters overnight may be enough to make you fully able to start trekking again tomorrow.

Book now to avail early bird discounts before February 15th.

18/01/2021

ANOTHER BAD NEWS FROM KARAKORAMS
DIES - RIP

WHAT HAPPENED?

Alex Goldfarb and his climbing partner Zoltán Szlankó arrived at Broad Peak BC on Jan 8th. They already had plans to climb Pastore Peak (labeled in the map) for acclimatization before heading up Broad Peak.

After almost a week at Broad Peak BC, assessing their route, both set out on climbing Pastore Peak. During the climb, Alex's climbing partner Zoltan (climbing instructor/rescuer) suggested to return to BC and did so, while Alex decided to continue. In his last communication with BC, Alex informed of his expected arrival on the evening of Saturday, 16th January.

HE DID NOT COME BACK! On Sunday morning a search team looked for him. On Monday (i.e. today), the search continued..
A helicopter search was organized to look for Alex Goldfarb and his body was spotted near the high camps of Pastore Peak.

The green circles on the map show the base camps of Broad peak, Pastore peak, and K2. Besides Zoltan himself, John Snorri who is on nearby K2 was helping with the search on the ground along with the guide & Liason officer.

RIP Alex Goldfarb!

21/12/2020

Update 1/4: The 2nd Sherpa team of Seven Summit Treks (SST) made it to Islamabad today. The following team members of Seven Summit Treks also arrived in Islamabad today:

1. Mr. Bernhard Adam Adolf Lippert
2. Mr. Peter Madeleine A Moerman
3. Mr. Oswald Szymon Rodrigo Pereira
4. Mr. Tomaz Rotar (part of last year’s expedition led by Mingma G)
5. Miss. Magdalena Katarzyna Gorzkowska
6. Mr. Alexandru Costin Gavan

Read remaining 3 updates on the link

https://www.pakistantravelblog.com/k2-winter-expedition/

K2 Winter Expedition 2020-21 begins! We cover the progress of all climbing teams from Pakistan. K2 is the only 8,000er mountain with zero winter ascents.

20/12/2020

27/11/2020

WHAT'S INCLUDED in K2 BASE CAMP TREK (2021)

+ Implementation of Covid SOPs/Guidelines & Complimentary Safety Pack (sanitizer, 1 mask & glove per day)

+ All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)

+ All camping site fees and bridge fees
All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)

+ All trekking meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals

+ Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek

+ Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek

+Licensed professional guide (government requirement)

+Invitation letter and all supporting documents

+ Government trekking paperwork (for foreign travelers)
+ Trekking permit fees (for foreign travelers)
+ Waste management fees (government requirement)
+ Support staff (cook, assistant(s), etc)
+ Porter for personal luggage (14kgs)
+ First aid medicine kit (basic)
+ Satellite phone for emergencies
+ Trekking map and trip achievement certificate

27/11/2020

REVISED PRICES for 2021

Why Register Now?

1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season.

2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. Due to our revised Covid-19 guidelines, we have restricted our group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

3. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.

4. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.

5. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 3 years.

6. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:

+ 1st October: USD 190
+ 1st November: USD 290
+ 1st January: USD 350
+ 1st March: USD 450
+ 1st May: USD 490

28/08/2019

😱😱😱 The real rolling stone! A flying kiss of death at the base camp of a 7,000m peak (Spantik) in Pakistan in 2018.

Who doesn’t believe in luck? Tag them!
Any mountaineers here who have a similar close call? Please share your story!

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02/04/2019

Aerial shot of world’s 2nd tallest mountain, K2 and Godwin Austen glacier 🇵🇰 taken from an airbus.


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by Bernhard
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31/03/2019

Views during ascent of Link Sar (7,041m) in the Karakoram range 👍🏻🇵🇰

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29/03/2019

On the summit of Link Sar (7,041m) in the Karakoram range 👍🏻🇵🇰 K6 (7,282m) can be seen the background.


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29/03/2019

Drafey Khar (6,444m) in the Karakoram range 👍🏻🇵🇰


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28/03/2019

A suspension bridge in Batura Muztagh (a subrange of the Karakoram range). The bridge is more than 100meters long connecting the village Of Hussani with Zorabad in the Hunza valley of Pakistan.

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25/03/2019

Mr. Tunç Findik at Broad Peak base camp. View of K2 in the background. Tunc is a true friend of Pakistan and an admirer of the Karakorams.


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25/03/2019

Laila Peak, Karakoram 🇵🇰

Laila Peak is a mountain in Hushe Valley near Gondogoro Glacier in the Karakoram range. Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, it has an elevation of 6,096 metres.

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24/03/2019

Trango Tower (6,286m)🇵🇰 or Cerro Torre (3,128m) 🇦🇷 ??

Lets see if you are a real mountaineering enthusiast.

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21/03/2019

Karakoram: Sunrise at Attabad lake in Hunza valley of Pakistan 🇵🇰
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