Airfare

Some trips originate in Nepal, so you would fly into Kathmandu (see What It Costs to Climb Mt. Everest) but most trips start when you get off the plane in Islamabad, Pakistan. It will take around 24 hours to fly from the U.S. to Islamabad.

• $2,460 to $5,225 – Round trip from New York City (LGA) to Islamabad (ISB)
• $2,365 to $7,985 – Round trip from Chicago (ORD) to Islamabad (ISB)
• $2,445 to $7,240 – Round trip from Los Angeles (LAX) to Islamabad (ISB)

No Guides On K2, Just Team Leaders

There are no Everest-type “guided trips” on K2 – it is far too difficult and dangerous for anyone but the most skilled and qualified climbers. Also, unlike Everest and other 8,000-meter peaks, few people have gotten to the summit of K2. Consequently, for K2, there are “team leaders” who handle the logistics of the climb. They assemble the team, make executive and administrative decisions, arrange for permits, personnel, flights, hotels, base camp gear, etc. Once at base camp, they are often the final word when it comes to climbing decisions and strategy.

Ascending the peak must be a team effort, with each member of the team in top condition and able to handle any and all situations that may arise. Team members go with the understanding that only the climbers in the best shape, and with the highest probability of summiting will try for the top. More important, climbers don’t have a “responsible parent” to look after their needs or make sure of their safety. Climbers must be experienced enough to handle these responsibilities themselves.

• $11,500 to $17,000 – ascend K2 as member of a team, under the guidance of a team leader
• $15,000 to $20,000 – ascend Broad Peak and K2 combined, under the guidance of a team leader Teams often use Broad Peak (8047m) as a training climb to help them acclimatize to the altitude before attempting K2

Climbers may be expected to bring and set up their own tents, and once on the mountain, may have to cook their own meals, carry a lot of team gear, and fix ropes.

The following are some of the things the above fees must cover:

• Government royalty fees
• Helicopter rescue deposit
• Pakistani Army Liason Officer
• 200-300 Pakistani porters
• Pakistani high altitude porters (HAPs)
• Cooks
• Tips and Gratuities