K2 is one of the tallest mountains in the world. This peak is one of the most dangerous ones in the world. However, almost every year, there is an attempt by mountaineers from across the world who try to climb K2. While there have been only a few hundred people who have succeeded in climbing the peak, many others have attempted, gone half through, and failed to summit K2. There are many reasons one must keep several important guidelines in mind before traveling to the second-highest mountain in the world.
Many people have been curious about how long it takes to climb K2. To answer this question, we have written this article. Stay tuned to learn more.
How long does it take to climb K2?
Mountaineers have to climb up the rocky trail passing through the Baltoro glacier. One will also have to pass the Gondogoro La pass 5,585m. Climbers have a hard time going up the mountain, considering that the mountain is very steep. This makes it take longer for summiteers to climb the mountain than other mountains. The most asked question of all the potential K2 climbers is, “How long does it take to climb K2?”. As an answer to this, it has been estimated that it is likely for the summit expedition to take 14 days in total to reach the top of K2.
Hours Necessary to climb K2
Mountaineers usually spend around 10 to 15 hours of long walking to reach the summit. If you slow down your pace, it will take you longer than 7 to 9 days to ascend the mountain and around and, in some cases, a little more than only 14 days to finish your expedition to K2. Therefore, it is suggested that only climbers with sound health go to the mountain for long walks during the expedition.
Similarly, 6 to 8 hours per day of 14 days of walking at the altitude will not exceed more than 6,500 meters.
Besides this, when the weather conditions worsen, climbers will require to take a break from their climbing routine and get around a safer site. This will, for sure, lengthen the whole journey. Hence, it cannot be said with surety that mountaineers will spend only a total of 14 days, with 10 to 15 hours of walking every day, in K2. This is due to the unpredictability of the ruthless mountain.
Things to consider while climbing K2
There are a few things to consider during the 14 days long walk up to the summit. You have to carry ropes, proper equipment that won’t leave you in a troubled situation after going halfway up, oxygen cylinders, camp materials, etc. Most of all, though, one needs to be in sound health condition before they attempt to climb K2, as a bad health condition is likely to affect a mountaineer’s journey negatively.
The 8611 m of the mountain is no rocket science for mountaineers. However, it is not an easy job either. The routes can be confusing and challenging climate conditions, and the ruthlessness of the Karakoram range awaits the mountaineers in every step that they take.
Route of K2
Mountaineers have also been curious about what the route of K2 is like. The trekking to K2 starts at Askole village.
Summiteers will get to see the absolutely stunning view of the Karakoram range after having crossed Askole village. After a whole day of trekking, you will camp at Bakhor Das, otherwise known as Mango Peak.
The stunning granite spires of Trango Towers and Cathedral emerge the following day, guarding the trail for three days. When you are going up the peak for your summit of K2, you have to know about the Baltoro glacier and the Gondogoro La Pass as you will be heading over the former and crossing the latter. You will get a view of Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower after you go through the Baltoro glacier. At the end of the Baltoro glacier range, you will come through the Gasherbrum range.
After having crossed the range, summiteers are likely to spend the night with the serene and beautiful view of K2. The Pakistani mountain range with yellow flags and the fierce beauty of the mountain is known to take trekkers aback every single time. This is finally when the feels of the mountain seep in for the travelers.
Then, mountaineers will be heading to the Hushe Valley. This helps them get the best possible view of the Karakoram mountain range. Overall, you are likely to spend 14 days and 24 days at most(in case of uncertainties) of the expedition in K2.
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How tough is the expedition to K2?
If you are paying a higher amount for your expedition, then it will take you around 24 days to complete the expedition, given the fact that you will receive comforting service while getting back and before ascending the peak. It is not very tough for you to expedite K2 if you are getting health care; there are many agencies and companies that provide travelers with healthcare and doctor. Likewise, you are likely to find resting stays with the aid of these companies in order to provide you with the comfort and rest you will need besides the basic fooding and lodging service in the base camp.
As K2 is located in a very rural place in Pakistan, it may come as a challenge to find the best possible service at a low price. However, if you are ready to go beforehand, then you will get the advantage of finding the best possible company to guide you and serve you throughout your visit to K2.
As the climb to K2 takes long, summiteers who are experienced and have climbed above 8000 meters of altitude will find it easier to complete the expedition in an estimated 2 weeks in comparison to beginners who may need Sherpas and additional porters in order to ascend the peak. All in all, one has to be wise while choosing the best time they are traveling and finding the best possible equipment to carry along.
