K2 / Broad Peak

The lowest by a small footage of the Karakoram 8000ers is Gasherbrum II (8035m). Climbers have described it as an impressive but achievable peak, much like Cho Oyu in this respect but with a walk to its BC that is said to be the best trek in the world. Its climb provides a perfect mountaineering experience. G2 stands in the majestic neighborhood of K2 in a close line-up of world’s highest peaks in the titanic amphitheater of Concordia that has no parallel in the world.

The snow-face of the South-West Ridge presents considerable difficulties on ice and snow mixed faces and ridges once you are above the plateau after negotiating the heavily crevassed Gasherbrum Glacier. It is a steep way up at some sections. From above the snowy Banana Ridge you continue climbing on a series of ridges and reach a platform where camp 2 is generally set up. From here you climb a couple of ice pitches and then up the face going steeper before you reach the shoulder, the site of C3 at 7490m. After three pitches from there it is a diagonal way across the face from where a traverse leads to the base of the summit pyramid on the East Ridge. The climb from there is straight on a wide-open expanse with glorious surroundings but a few steep sections before you reach the narrow summit ridge.