Five Reasons Why You Should Go On the K2 Base Camp Trek

Situated in the Karakoram Range of Northern Pakistan, K2 is the second-highest mountain on Earth. Second only to Everest. Its striking form towers over the surrounding landscape, an astonishing 28,251 feet (8,611 metres) above sea level. For climbers, K2 features on almost every bucket list. For trekkers, it’s the base camp that beckons. But, from the historical wonders of Machu Picchu, to the variety of the High Atlas Mountains, there’s a whole world of destinations for trekkers to choose from. So, why should you choose the K2 Base Camp for your next trekking challenge?

Five Reasons to Choose the K2 Base Camp Trek

1. The experience

At Choose a Challenge, we’re not just about conquering climbs. Our treks are primarily about experiences. So, although the ultimate goal is reaching the K2 Base Camp, the focus is experiential. Of course, there’s a lot of walking involved – up to 12 hours a day. But there’s also chance to meet people from the Hunza Valley. Our guides will help you get to know the character and history of the place. There’s time to explore the local area. You will walk over glaciers. And spend time in the most incredible campsites in the world. Nothing else you ever do will quite compare.

2. It’s a genuine challenge

Whether or not a trek is a challenge obviously depends on your experience and ability. But if you’re a highly experienced trekker and are looking for a challenge that will really test your limits, then the K2 Base Camp is it. For starters, it’s high. Reaching an altitude of 16,400 feet (4,998m), this trek is physically demanding. And because you’ll be gaining up to 10,990 feet (3,350m) of altitude a day, there’s not much time to acclimatise. Then you’ve got long days and cold conditions. And strenuous ascents – ice axes and crampons (provided by us) will be required. But it’s worth every ounce of effort when you reach your destination.

3. The scenery

If you ever drew a picture of a mountain as a child, the chances are that it looked something like K2. It is a prototypical mountain scene. With its high, pointed, snowy peak, surrounded by the lesser peaks of the Karakoram Range, it’s unlike almost anywhere you’ve been before. Even if you’re a hardened trekker. ‘Magnificent’ is a word too often bandied. But with K2, it is rightly applied. And that’s before we take into account Gondogora La, the Urdukas glacier, and the Braldu River.

4. It’s a great way to see the stars

Light pollution around Pakistan is pretty much non-existent. This means that the night sky around K2 can be breath-taking. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer, or simply prepared to be wowed by the sheer beauty of the universe, the skies around K2 are hard to beat.

5. It’s the road less travelled

OK, so K2 isn’t some little-known backwater of a mountain. But it’s not Everest. And there’s a somewhat blinkered view that if you’re going to do a serious hike, then you should probably do the biggest and most famous there is. So, K2 sometimes gets overlooked. That being said, it’s also no stroll in the park, which rightly deters many less experienced trekkers. So, although K2 is by no means free from climbers and hikers, it’s a lot less busy than other destinations. Which can make it a lot more enjoyable… And a lot less frustrating when you’re trying to take the perfect wilderness photo!

The Choose a Challenge K2 Base Camp trek is not easy. It requires physical strength and endurance. But it is truly phenomenal. Showing you sights and giving you experiences that you will treasure forever. And that, more than anything else, is why you should consider it for your next great adventure.

Get in touch to find out more about the Choose a Challenge Base Camp Trek.