Experience required. At least one 7000 m summit is a prerequisite.
Broad Peak, also known as the “Breithorn” of the Karakoram, owes its name to its enormous summit, a dome almost one kilometre wide and virtually without any gradient. At 8051 m it is the twelfth-highest mountain in the world and an ambitious undertaking for experienced high-altitude mountaineers.
CHF 17'920.00
Welcome to an extraordinary adventure in the heart of the Karakoram range, where the majestic Broad Peak rises – a colossal giant that, at 8051 m, ranks among the fourteen highest mountains in the world. This imposing summit, enthroned on the border between Pakistan and China, has attracted courageous mountaineers from all over the world for decades. Since its first ascent on 9 June 1957 by an Austrian team, Broad Peak has written numerous stories of triumph and challenge. The first ascensionists of Broad Peak were Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Kurt Diemberger and Hermann Buhl. These four Austrian mountaineers were the first people to reach the summit of Broad Peak on 9 June 1957. It was a remarkable achievement, above all because they climbed the mountain in alpine style, that is without high-altitude porters and without supplementary oxygen. Hermann Buhl was already a mountaineering legend at that time, as he had been the first person to climb Nanga Parbat in 1953. Tragically he lost his life shortly after the ascent of Broad Peak, while attempting to climb the neighbouring Chogolisa. From the groundbreaking first winter ascent in March 2013 to Ueli Steck’s breathtaking record ascent in only 20 hours in 2015 – this mountain has redefined the limits of the possible again and again.
Our expedition takes you in the footsteps of these pioneers through a landscape of overwhelming beauty. The way to base camp leads across the Baltoro Glacier, past the famous Trango Towers, to Concordia, where a breathtaking panorama of the highest summits in the world opens up.
But our journey offers more than just the challenge of the summit. After the ascent another highlight awaits you: our way back leads over the picturesque Gondogoro La pass, which turns this expedition into an unforgettable round trip.
Although Broad Peak is regarded as one of the «easier» eight-thousanders, it is by no means to be underestimated. With around 425 successful ascents and 21 fatalities as of 2019, it reminds us that this is a serious undertaking. Experience with us this unique expedition to one of the most impressive summits and most remote mountain ranges on earth, Broad Peak – the «broad summit», whose kilometre-long, almost gradient-free summit plateau gave it its name.
Experience required. At least one 7000 m summit is a prerequisite.
Endurance for full-day ascents at extreme altitude. Here too, at least one further summit of at least 7000 m is a prerequisite.
Outbound journey from Zurich or Milan by plane. We are happy to organise an alternative journey if you wish.
Once we arrive in Islamabad we get the last supplies, explore the city and experience how the locals go about their everyday life. A further flight takes us to Skardu, at 2228 m altitude.
Our itinerary includes a rest day with an acclimatisation walk in Skardu, before we undertake a nine-hour drive to Jhula Camp, from where we begin our multi-day trekking route, which takes us via Paiju Camp (with a rest day and a view of the Trango Towers) and the impressive Baltoro Glacier to Gore II Camp at 4255 m. Along the way we spend the night at Urdokas Camp and walk between five and eight hours a day, steadily gaining altitude and experiencing the breathtaking landscape of the Karakoram range.
Our expedition reaches its climax with the ascent to Broad Peak base camp at 4691 m, from where a breathtaking view of K2 and of our goal, Broad Peak, opens up. Over the following 28 days we devote ourselves to the demanding ascent of the 8051 m summit. The route takes us via three high camps: camp 1 (5850 m), camp 2 (6200 m) and camp 3 (7000 m), with the way running through steep flanks, firn ridges and technically demanding passages. Summit day itself is the highlight, with a key section of UIAA grade III. After a successful ascent our descent begins, followed by a spectacular return over the Gondogoro La pass (5650 m). This route takes us via Ali Camp (4945 m) and Chuspang Camp (4673 m) to Saicho Camp (3330 m) and once again offers breathtaking views of the summits of the Karakoram. The expedition ends with a walk to Hushe (3160 m) and the return to Skardu (2228 m), from where we fly back to Islamabad (507 m). A flexible schedule allows for possible weather-related delays and offers a free day in the Pakistani capital at the end, should an alternative return journey via Chilas not be necessary.
Return journey and buffer days. Return flight to Skardu and Islamabad as well as a farewell dinner to celebrate the ascent. See you soon, on another expedition trip!
You will receive all information in an expedition dossier once you get in touch
You will receive all information in an expedition dossier once you get in touch
Before and after the expedition, overnight stays in hotels in Islamabad and Skardu.
The route includes campsites along the trek
On Broad Peak itself several high camps await us, which are considerably more alpine than base camp.
You will receive all information in an expedition dossier once you get in touch
The optimal period for an ascent of Broad Peak, the twelfth-highest mountain in the world at 8051 m, is in the summer months from June to August. This period offers the most favourable weather conditions for a successful and safe expedition. The monsoon in particular has a great influence on Broad Peak on whether an ascent succeeds or the expedition fails.
Broad Peak, at 8051 m the twelfth-highest mountain in the world, is regarded among mountaineers as one of the “easier” eight-thousanders. Nevertheless its ascent represents a considerable challenge that requires comprehensive preparation, technical skills and mental strength. The technical difficulty of Broad Peak is often rated as moderate, with passages up to grade III on the UIAA scale. The standard route leads over steep snow flanks, ice fields and rocky sections. Particularly demanding is the key section shortly below the summit, which requires climbing ability and concentration at extreme altitude. The greatest challenge on Broad Peak is without doubt the altitude itself, which can only be managed with suitable acclimatisation.
Climbing Broad Peak takes between 35 and 45 days.
