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K2 Base Camp Trek – Top Tips
We hope these top tips are useful as you prepare for your trek to K2 Base Camp. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to our team at any time.
1). Have the Right Physical Training
You need to be physically fit and strong for multi-day hiking in a low oxygen environment. You should have found the Everest Base Camp Trek and Kala Patthar straight forward if you are considering joining our K2 Base Camp Trek crossing the Gondogoro la Pass. This should not be your first trekking experience at high altitude. We only recommend that hikers and trekkers attempt this trek to K2. This is not a tourist trek! Learn more.
In addition to training for long hiking days you need to be training for the downhill. This is extremely important for the trek and crossing the Gondogoro la pass. Learn more.
2). You Need to Comfortable in the Wilderness
You need excellent Mental strength. Being adaptable, flexible, resilient and comfortable at altitude. You do need to be comfortable in an outdoor environment. Make sure you have being training and preparing correctly. There may be a scenario that requires you to cover more distances and do more while in this environment. Simply put, do not do the bare minimum as you prepare for a trip like this. Follow us on Instagram.
3). Make Sure you Have the Right Gear
Adventure know how, making sure you have the right clothing, gear and equipment for all eventualities. You will experience a wide range to weather conditions on a trek to K2 so you need to follow our itemized kit list. We send out our Kit List on signing up to one of our treks.
4). Be Ready for Camping
You need to be ready to over come challenges while camping, trekking and moving in a wilderness environment. You will experience good and bad days but important in a team and group environment to work as a team and stay positive during the trip.
5). Plan Well in Advance
It is really important to be planning your trip well in advance. All planning should be done 6+ months prior to departure to Pakistan. We have people planning a year or longer for a trek like this. We can not take any last minute bookings.
6). Have all the Correct Documents
Check all your documents. Your passport must be valid and correct, your visa needs to be in place and you need make sure insurance cover, evacuation cover and flights are all correct well before leaving for Pakistan.
7). Understand all aspects of the Trip
All information regarding the trip should be understood. Read all our information very carefully and prepare accordingly for what each day will bring.
8). Do you Have Your Visa
All ground arrangements, full trip, visa, hotels should be sorted well in advance. If you are booking additional nights hotel this will need to be booked and paid for in advance of your K2 Trek.
9). Make Sure you Trek With Professionals
Of course we will say this, but you should only go with a professional organization. Having back up logistics, years of managing trips, local government connections and back up support are needed to make sure your trek and trip is managed correctly.
10). This Trek is for Trekkers not Tourists
Make sure you have the specific training needed for this specific trek. This trip is for hikers and trekkers. Having months and years of long distance hiking, training and preparation is important for a trip like K2 Base Camp.
11). The Daily Distances on the Trail
Understand the daily trekking distances and elevation gains and losses each day. You need to know so you can make sure you are training in the correct way. We can help you understand the trail, trek and how you should be preparing for your trip.
12). Have Helicopter Evacuation Cover
Make sure you have adequate insurance cover and have Helicopter evacuation cover. This is really important for this trip as you will be long distances away from real medical support. You also need to think about insurance cover, in case on any medical issues. A lot of people consider having trip cancellation cover for Pakistan. The last thing to consider is trip interference cover.
13). Wilderness Medicine
Consider a wilderness medical course and learn more about wilderness medicine. Bring the right medical kit so you can treat minor issue. You also need to bring re-hydration sachets to keep hydrated. Take multivitamins to keep you healthy throughout this long wilderness trip.
14). Manage Your Hygiene
We will prepare clean and quality food throughout the trip. So, you need to manage your personal hygiene at all times. You should be taking multi-vitamins prior and while on the trek to make sure you have a strong immune system throughout this trip.
15). Efficient Camp Craft
Make sure your camp craft is efficient and practiced so there are no delays in leaving camp each day. You also want to be comfortable sleeping in a tent. Get out and test your air mattress, sleeping bag, clothing and gear so you know they work.