Expedition K2 8611m - Grade A
Grading:
A - Extreme Expedition
K2, known to the local Baltis as "Chogori", which means "the king of mountains", lies in the Karakoram Range, on the border between China and Pakistan. Standing almost as tall as Mt. Everest, K2 is the world's second tallest mountain. It was first climbed by A. Compagnoni & L. Lacedelli in 1954. According to some of the world's most accomplished mountaineers, this awesome peak is the most beautiful and perhaps the most difficult eight-thousander.
"The king of mountains" was first climbed in 1954 by the Italians. Nowadays, about half a dozen routes exist on K2 along with a few variations.
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Although an expedition to K2 can never be an easy one, the joys of conquest on this mountain could probably be the most fulfilling experience of them all. Reinhold Messner had this to say after his K2 experience, "After K2, I felt strongly - far more than after my earlier eight-thousanders - what it meant to stand on the summit."
Like most other treks to the Karakoram, the K2 trek kicks off at Skardu town passing through the Shigar valley, Tongal, on to the Baltoro glacier and finally the Goodwin Austin glacier.
Expedition Nanga Parbat 8125m - Grade A
Grading:
A - Extreme Expedition
Nanga Parbat translated would mean "Naked mountain". It is the awe-inspiring pillar that makes up the extreme western corner of the Great Himalayas. It was first climbed by H. Buhl in 1953. Of its three Faces; Raikot Face, Diamir Face and Rupal face; the latter is the most impressive on account of the sheer size of this rock and ice wall. On the other hand, the North Face slopes down to an amazing 7000m to Indus has leading to the formation or its own highly unpredictable micro-climate. Though technically the climb does not pose too many a problem the wanton weather conditions could delay matters.
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Nanga Parbat was first climbed in 1953 in the course of the Gernman-Austrain Willy Merkl Memorial Expedition. The massif now has eight different routes and is relatively well explored.
Expedition Hidden Peak 8068m - Grade A
Grading:
A - Extreme Expedition
To the local inhabitants the name translates into "Shinning Wall". Among the six Gasherbrum peaks in the Karakoram Range Gadherbrum I is the highest. The American were the first to reach its summit in the autumn of 1958. It was first climbed by A. Kaufman & P. Schoening in 1958. Although the French had made an attempt as early as 1936.
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The Hidden Peak was also the first eight thousander to be climbed in Alpine style. These days there are more than six different routes on Gasherbrun I with as many variations providing the able mountaineer with opportunities galore. The trek to the Base Camp starts at Skardu town through Shigar valley across the Baltoro glacier.
Expedition Broad Peak 8047m - Grade A
Grading:
A - Extreme Expedition
In 1892 a British reconnaissance bestowed the name Broad Peak to what was hitherto known as Falchen Kangri. The peak has two summits, the broad topped middle summit and the main summit. It was first climbed by H. Buhl, K. Diemberger, M. Schmuck & F. Wintersteller in 1957. The Austrians were the first ascensionists on Broad peak in 1957, the route they followed on the west face is a steep broad ridge connecting the base camp to a saddle between the central and higher south summit. Our route approach to the base camp is from the Skardu town, which is connected to Islamabad both by air and land. The last village on the trek to the Baltoro glacier is Askole. The base camp is about six or seven days away.
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The full potential of Broad Peak is finally being realized but there still remain logical routes for fresh ascents.
Expedition Gasherbrum II 8035m - Grade A
Grading:
A - Extreme Expedition
Gasherbrum II lies at the head of the Baltoro Glacier amongst the concentration of high mountains in the world. It was first climbed by S. Larche, F. Moravec & H. Willenpart in 1956. This shining mountain is generally considered the easiest of the eight-thousanders. The Austrians were the first to make its summit back in 1956. All the exiting five routes to the peak begin in the Gasherbrum Valley.
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The Base Camp lies at the junction between the stunning South Gesherbrum and Abruzzi glaciers. The mountain itself is pyramid-shaped and as beautiful as they come.
Our approach to the base camp is via Skardu town and a weeks trek on the Baltoro glacier.
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