The mesmerising K2 peak is situated on the Pak-China border in the mighty Karakoram range, which is one of the biggest mountain ranges in the world. It is a cone shaped peak rising like a pyramid to a terrifying height of 28,251feet (8,611m). It is surrounded by a cluster of equally high peaks such as Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II and Broad Peak all of which are also above 8,000m.

The traditional route to K2’s base camp goes from Gilgit Baltistan’s picturesque valley of Skardu, which is linked to Islamabad by road and also by air. Two PIA flights leave for Skardu every day, subject to the weather, while dozens of private and government vehicles take the passengers to Skardu via Abbottabad on the majestic Karakoram Highway, the eighth wonder of the world. In the summers, the much shorter route from Kaghan Valley passing though the Babudar Pass is also open. From Skardu the route goes via Shigar and Askole up to Concordia over the Baltoro glacier, which is the world’s largest glacier outside the polar region. Most of the road till Ashkoli is broken and dangerous; only expert drivers can take you to the Asholi village, which also boasts of a museum. Jeeps can be hired from Skardu valley or Shigar valley to reach Ashkoli which is a seven-hour drive away. From there on, the entire route can be covered by foot. It takes almost four days to reach K2 base camp no 1 commonly known as Concordia. Climbers, after staying one or two nights there, go to various other camps to reach the point of climbing.