K2 and the Chinese Karakorum

K2 (28,251'), the second highest mountain on earth, is a magnificent pyramid of rock and ice flanked by giants including Broad Peak (25,414'), Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak; 26,444'), Gasherbrum II (26,358'), and a host of granite towers that are formidable summits in their own right. On this special WT Expedition with veteran Trip Leader Gary McCue, we approach K2 from the north by way of China’s great desert province of Xinjiang. Our 16-day trek is an incredibly spectacular journey following trails alongside the Yarkand and Shaksgam rivers, milky white with silt from the Karakoram’s mighty glaciers. As we make our way through dramatic mountain valleys, a caravan of shaggy, two-humped Bactrian camels carries our gear.  At K2 Base Camp at 12,900 feet, we leave our camels behind and backpack to the Italian K2 Advance Base Camp (15,350’) on the K2 Glacier, a strenuous 4-day hike round-trip. We have an Exploration Day here to hike up through ice seracs toward the sprawling glacial amphitheater at 17,075 feet below K2’s immense North Face. It’s a strenuous trip but well worth it—join us for a rare chance to explore one of the greatest mountain sanctuaries in the world

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Beijing, China / Kashgar

We fly to Beijing, then on to Kashgar via Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang Province. Kashgar was once a fabled oasis on the Great Silk Route. We explore  Kashgar’s photogenic Sunday marketplace, one of the largest in Central Asia.

Days 4-11
Yarkand / Trek to K2 Base Camp

We head up into the mountains to a Kyrgyz village at 11,500 feet. Meeting with our camel drivers, we hike along the Shaksgam River through a stunning desert canyon, cross Aghil Pass  (15,825'), and descend into the Shaksgam Canyon. Our route turns higher as we ascend a ridge crest to 14,495 feet, enjoying impressive views of K2’s northern face as we hike further to K2 Base Camp (12,900'), a sprawling oasis of stunted willow trees in a broad plain adjacent to the terminus of the K2 Glacier

12-17
K2 Advance Base Camp

The camels cannot cross the moraine and ice of the K2 Glacier, so for this section of our trek porters carry our camping gear and food and we carry our own personal clothing, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad in a backpack. We hike up steep scree to  K2 Advance Base Camp (15,350'), with an Exploration Day for hikes to the upper glacier and ice seracs.

18-25
K2 Base Camp / Kashgar / Beijing

We make the return hike back to K2 Base Camp and retrace our route  over Aghil Pass and back to the trailhead. Drive to Yeching, then Kashgar, and fly home via Beijing on Day 25.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated 7, Most Strenuous, according to our trip rating system. Most of the hiking is at altitudes between 12,000 and 15,825 feet en route to the K2 Base Camp, with rough trails winding through long stretches of river rock and soft sand along the rivers,. We hike on loose scree with no established trails when we ascend beside the glacier on moraine. On trek, the average hiking day will be 6-8 hours of trekking, with ascents and descents of up to 2,000 feet each day (cumulative 4,000 feet). There is one 15,800-foot pass to cross. Beyond the Italian Advance Base Camp, there is an optional ascent to 17,075 feet for spectacular views of K2.

On the four-day, three-night trek onto the K2 Glacier, you must be fit enough to carry a 20- to 30-pound pack at altitudes of 13,000 to 15,350 feet on the trek up to the Italian Advance Base Camp for two days and then for one day back to Sughet Jangal. The backpacking section will be very strenuous due to the altitude as well as the fact that we are crossing hills of loose glacial moraine. You should have previous backpacking experience. There is no climbing involved, but glacier walking involves hiking over jumbled, uneven layers of pebbles and rock debris and sometimes on areas covered with snow. Crampons and ice axes are not necessary but your boots should have excellent tread on them. Please Note: Everyone will be expected to double up in tents for the three nights we go up the glacier, and each trekker will need to carry all his or her personal clothing, sleeping bag, and a light sleeping pad for the three nights on the glacier.

Every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging—you should be in excellent physical condition. To prepare for this trek, we recommend that you go on an all-day strenuous hike every weekend for at least three months prior to the trek, carrying a full pack to condition yourself for the rigors of this trek. In addition, you should go on an overnight backpack trip at least once each month for the three months prior to the trek. This will familiarize you with your pack and help you learn what essential clothing to carry and what luxury items can be left behind to conserve weight.

There are occasional fast-moving streams to ford or hop over by wading or jumping from rock to rock, which requires some agility and good sense. For the wide river crossings, we will ride on the camels. During the day, we should have sunny skies and fairly pleasant temperatures. Nighttime temperatures will rarely drop below freezing, except during the three nights at high elevation when they may be as low as 20F. Rain is unlikely in this high desert region, but snow is a possibility while we're on the glacier.

ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION
Please also note that individuals vary widely in both their physical response to high altitude and the ability to acclimatize and, since physical fitness does not confer any protection or facilitate acclimatization, it is impossible to predict how you will adapt to the altitude. The greatest protection is avoiding rapid ascents and allowing time for acclimatization. Your body can adapt to altitude if given time. We feel this itinerary specifically provides that option, but you must individually pace yourself to go slowly and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Do not push too hard regardless of how physically fit you may be or feel.

Early symptoms of high altitude sickness include: headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, vomiting, dry cough, irregular breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of ankles and eyelids. It is not uncommon to experience some of these symptoms when you first arrive at high altitude and then to have them decrease in severity within a few days. It is important that you inform your Trip Leader immediately of any symptoms or discomfort, however minor, so that they can help you monitor the situation. Please be aware that remaining at high altitude in spite of alarm signals from your body may result in serious illness or even death.

Medical conditions that are aggravated or complicated by high altitude include heart diseases, lung diseases, pregnancy, anemia, and sickle cell disease. It is imperative that anyone with any of these conditions consult their physician in detail before attempting this trekking expedition.

Explanation of Trip Levels