The second-highest mountain in the world, K2 has a fearsome reputation. Thanks to the weather conditions around the mountain, K2 is one of the most difficult and dangerous to climb. And there have been far fewer people to have reached the summit. But the K2 Base Camp can be a different proposition. So, for hikers in search of an epic adventure, it presents an irresistible challenge. But before you take on any trekking challenge, the wise person asks some sensible questions.

So, these are our top five most commonly asked questions about the K2 trekking challenge.

Five Questions About the K2 Base Camp Trek

Is the K2 Base Camp trek hard?

At Choose a Challenge, we always work to make our excursions as accessible as possible. To as wide a range of people as possible. But there’s no denying that K2 can be a difficult trek. The Base Camp is at an elevation of 3,450m. In places, the ascent can be steep and strenuous – the use of crampons and an ice pick (which we will provide) will be required. Gondogoro La – which must be crossed to reach the camp – can be impassable in inclement weather. And even in good weather, loose scree can cause difficulties. So, while we do what we can to make the trek as comfortable as possible, it remains demanding. And it is certainly not for everyone. But it is well worth the effort.

How long is the K2 Base Camp Trek?

Trekking time can vary, according to the weather conditions at the time of travel. But our itinerary to K2 is based around a 13 day trek. With 10 additional days of travel and exploration. In total, you will trek around 130km.

What sort of weather will there be on the K2 Base Camp trek?

We usually conduct our treks in early July. This is generally believed to be one of the best times to go because the weather is at its best. However, although the weather is *usually* pretty stable at this time of year, K2 is an unpredictable beast, so we advise our hikers to be prepared.

You’ll encounter a wide range of temperatures. At the start of the trek, you may experience highs of as much as 30°C. While the actual Base Camp is usually snow-covered. And nighttime temperatures are unlikely to rise above 0°C in higher areas. You may also encounter rain, snow, and high winds… But hopefully not all in the same afternoon!

Is the K2 Base Camp Trek dangerous?

No trek is entirely risk-free. Especially when you’re trekking at altitude. We design our challenges to allow as much time as possible for acclimatisation, enabling our hikers to get used to altitude changes. But some people can still find the effects deeply unpleasant. You also need to be aware of the potential for slips, trips, and falls, and associated sprains and strains. We always carry first aid supplies with us. And the Mountain Rescue Support Team work in the area from June until early September. But the best way to stay safe on the K2 Base Camp trek is to prepare. Have a health check. Train fully before you depart. And blisters aside, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Why should I bother with K2 when I can trek to the Everest Base Camp?

If you think of hiking bucket lists, the Everest Base Camp is often the ultimate goal. But while we love Everest, and it does bring an amazing sense of achievement, K2 is not second fiddle. For a start, the experience is totally different. It’s a less popular route, so it’s quieter, which can make it more enjoyable. Physically, the K2 Base Camp is a greater challenge than Everest’s, which gives you greater bragging rights. And when you get up there, the views are just spectacular.

Trekking to the K2 Base Camp is not for the faint hearted. It is hard work. It is exhausting. And it can be pretty damn uncomfortable. But, if you decide that K2 is the challenge for you, we can guarantee that you will never experience anything else quite like it.

Find out more about trekking to the K2 Base Camp with Choose a Challenge.