K2 – The Mountain of Mountains
K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, stands as the world’s second-highest peak after Mount Everest. Towering at an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), this magnificent mountain dominates the Karakoram Range, which lies on the border between Pakistan and China. Known for its breathtaking beauty and formidable challenge, K2 remains one of the most difficult and dangerous peaks to climb, earning a reputation that commands both respect and admiration among mountaineers worldwide.
Location of K2
K2 is located in the Karakoram Range, a rugged extension of the greater Himalayan mountain system in northern Pakistan. The Karakoram stretches across Pakistan, India, and China, with K2 sitting right on the border — its northern face belonging to China and the southern face to Pakistan.
The nearest major city is Skardu, a hub for trekkers and climbers and the starting point for expeditions into the Karakoram. The Pakistani side of K2 is home to its base camp, where climbers begin their ascent into one of the most isolated and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. The surrounding region offers dramatic views of snow-capped peaks, massive glaciers, and untouched wilderness that make it a dream destination for adventurers and photographers alike.
Journey to Askole, Shigar
The expedition to K2 begins long before the climb itself. Travelers usually start in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, from where they take a flight or long drive to Skardu — the true gateway to the Karakoram Range. From Skardu, the journey continues by jeep to the remote village of Askole in the Shigar Valley, which marks the last inhabited settlement before the wilderness leading toward K2.
Askole is a small, picturesque village surrounded by mountains and glaciers. From here, climbers and porters begin their journey on foot, trekking through rocky trails and icy rivers that reveal the untamed beauty of Baltistan.
Trek to K2 Base Camp
The trek from Askole to K2 Base Camp takes around 7 to 10 days, depending on weather and terrain conditions. The trail winds through some of the most striking and raw landscapes on the planet, offering views of mighty peaks and vast glaciers such as Baltoro and Godwin-Austen. Along the way, trekkers pass iconic points like Concordia, where several of the Karakoram’s highest peaks — including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum — stand together in a breathtaking panorama.
This route is physically demanding and requires endurance and acclimatization to high altitudes. Trekkers face steep ascents, river crossings, and exposure to cold winds, but each step rewards them with views that feel almost otherworldly.
The Mountain of Mountains
The term “Mountain of Mountains” was famously coined by Italian climber Reinhold Messner, who titled his book about K2 with the same name. The phrase perfectly captures the spirit of K2 — a mountain that embodies both grandeur and peril.
At the base camp, climbers spend weeks acclimatizing and preparing for the difficult ascent ahead. The climb to the summit is considered one of the most technical and dangerous in the world. With a fatality rate hovering around 25%, K2 demands exceptional skill, experience, and resilience. Climbers face steep rock and ice sections, unpredictable weather, and a notorious stretch called “The Bottleneck”, where avalanches and icefalls pose constant threats.
Despite its dangers, K2 continues to captivate the world’s most determined climbers. To stand on its summit is to achieve one of mountaineering’s greatest honors — a feat that represents courage, endurance, and the unyielding human spirit.
For travelers who dream of witnessing this legendary peak up close, Skardu offers a gateway to unforgettable adventures in the Karakoram.