Here we are offering something really special: a guided expedition to Broad Peak, so that we can tackle the legendary K2, optimally acclimatized, on an already equipped route with prepared high camps, with the help of oxygen and Nepalese Sherpas. And if that feels like too much, just leave it at the Broad Peak.
The Furtenbach Adventures K2 and Broad Peak expeditions is truly a unique opportunity. A treat for connoisseurs and experts alike. From a purely statistical point of view, the Broad Peak is one of the objectively safest eight-thousanders which also has a very high success rate. The route is direct, relatively short and the few difficult passages are secured with fixed ropes. Because of this, and because of its lower altitude, the Broad Peak is the first eight-thousander for many high-altitude mountaineers. The Karakoram is often described as climatically harsher and colder than the Himalayan mountains. This, however, arises from a rather subjective sensation as opposed to scientifically validated values. First you hike for one week via the Baltoro glacier over boulders, ice and moraines to the mountain. Not through forests and meadows as is often the case in the Himalayas. It’s all barren and thus acts inhospitable. But in reality it is not colder. There are even days when you can sit on the Broad Peak summit in ski touring pants and a light windbreaker.
Itinerary
Days 1 - 11: Arrival, Skardu and spectacular hike to Broad Peak Base Camp
DAY 1: Arrival in Islamabad and meet-up at the Hotel Envoy Continental in Islamabad
DAY 2: Beautiful mountain flight to Skardu. Overnight stay at hotel in Skardu.
DAY 3: We spend the day in the small but lively town of Skardu at 2300m. The carriers are organized, the luggage loaded, and you can run some last errands or go on a hike
DAY 4: Day trip by jeep through wild, stunning scenery and canyons to Askole at 3050m. For those who have never been here before, this will probably be the most exciting and thrilling ride of their lives! Overnight stay in tents in the small village of Askole.
DAY 5-11: An impressive walk through what we consider the most spectacular mountain valley in the world. We spend each night in a tent.
Days 12-33: Ascent of Broad Peak
DAYS 12-33: We will take at least three weeks for the ascent Broad Peak, however we want to stay flexible due to weather and snow conditions as well as the members‘ needs and requirements. We will set up 2-3 high camps. The first, which we could skip later on, will be situated on a small plateau following the first firn flank at 5700m which will be secured with fixed ropes. The next camp will be at ca. 6300m and the last one at 7100m.
Day 34: Ascent to K2 Base Camp
The K2 aspirants undertake a comfortable 3 hour hike over the Godwin Austen glacier to our K2 base camp at 5100m. The others make their way back to Skardu via the shorter route over the Gondogoro pass or stop at a smaller base camp with reduced service for another summit attempt, in case the first one was not successful. The way back to Islamabad is organized for two groups (K2 and Broad Peak only), an individually planned return is available at extra cost. The way back to Skardu usually takes around 4 days. Arrival to Islamabad would then be on the 39th day, the flight home on the 40th day, unless you decide to undertake a second summit attempt. We want all members to have as many opportunities as possible for their summit success. For more flexibility, we recommend to book a flexible flight fare for your flight back to Europe.
Day 35 - 56: Ascent of the summit of K2
First, we rest and recharge our batteries, organize material and then wait for suitable weather for a direct ascent attempt via the Abbruzzi spur with 4 high camps.
In Camp 4, we see two things very prominently: the intoxicating panorama on one side and the dangerous serac with the infamous “Bottleneck” on the other side. This is the most dangerous part of the route. The bottleneck will be the key passage for the summit day and as such it will be secured accordingly with fixed ropes. At the latest from here on in, we will use oxygen which can help us master this dangerous passage faster and safer in both the ascent and the descent. Approximately 100m after the bottleneck the terrain becomes a bit more subdued, and a few more meters of a simple snow slope lead us to the summit. Weather permitting, we may have time for a second summit attempt.
Day 57 - 63: Disassembly, return to Islamabad, flight home
DAYS 57–61: Dismantling the base camp and return to Skardu via the Gondogoro pass. Overnight stay in tents and in the hotel in Skardu.
DAY 62: Return flight to Islamabad. We will be so exhausted that we will simply sleep through the flight. Overnight stay at a hotel in Islamabad.
DAY 63: Islamabad or return flight
Inclusion
- All organisation for the double expedition
- IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
- 2 nights in an upscale hotel in a very safe quarter of Islamabad in a single room
- All transfers including transport to/from Skardu by plane or private shuttle (depending on weather) and to/from Askole in all-terrain vehicles
- Full board for the duration of the whole trip (half board in Islamabad)
- Drinks during joint meals (alcoholic beverages excluded)
- Double rooms on stop-overs during our trip to the mountain
- Porters to the base camp and back (40kg per baggage piece per member)
- 1 tent per participant at the base camp
- 1 tent per two participants during the approach and for the high camp
- A mat for the approach and the base camp
- High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
- All the fixing material for the route
- Use of the fixed ropes along the route
- Transport of waste back from the base camp
- 1 Nepalese Climbing Sherpa per participant
- Oxygen package with a rental mask, regulator and bottles per members for K2
- Insurance and equipment for all staff
- Emergency oxygen
- Pharmaceutical travel kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulsoxymeter
- Kitchen crew
- A comfortable, heated common tent, shower tent, power generator 2 hours per day etc. at the base camp
- Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
- Solar charging
- ... read more on our website
Exclusions
- International flight to Islamabad (we’ll gladly make you an offer)
- Excess baggage on the flight to/from Skardu in case a flight is possible (20kg + 7kg hand luggage is included, but the costs for excess baggage are manageable and not comparable with European standards)
- Personal insurance
- Visa for Pakistan
- Personal medication
- Alcoholic beverages
- Summit bonus for personal summit sherpas
- Tips
- Personal mountain and climbing equipment
- Sleeping bags for the base camp and high camp
- Fees for satellite phones, emails
Reviews
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Expedition Information
$84,197
Q2
Broad Peak ,
K2
Mountaineering
Fitness Level
5
Technical Level
5
Ratio
1:4
Continent:
AsiaCountry:
PakistanLocation:
Broad PeakElevation:
8,051 m / 26,414 ftGPS:
35.8112 N°, 76.568 E°