Pakistan / 14 Peak Expedition

Pakistan is home to some of the most intense and rugged mountain terrain on the planet. There are 14 mountains on the planet that claim the title of an 8000 meter mountain. Pakistan, is home to 5 of them. We partnered with 14 Peak Expedition to ventured into the Gilgit-Baltistan region of eastern Pakistan, documenting a group of climbers as they made their way to basecamp for Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, K2, and Broad Peak. No one winds up here by accident. Each person here has a unique reason for venturing to the most isolated mountains on the planet. Our journey started in Islamabad as we waited for backcountry and climbing permits to be approved.

After acquiring permits, we made the 15 hour journey to Chilas and Skardu - a few towns in the eastern region of Pakistan where we would use as our starting point to travel to basecamp. We spent a few days prepping for our expedition into the mountains.

Our trek consisted of long days and nights that were too short. We began trekking each day around 5 am and concluded for the day around 2pm. Each day gave way to higher elevations, colder temperatures and further isolation. each day the climbers and Porters gathered and sang songs to the mountain as the sun went down. We came across small farming villages in the lower elevations where we were greeted by the kind hospitality of the farmers and their families. The culture of Pakistan is rich in humility, hospitality, and selflessness. This was evident in each village we encountered during our trek.

Basecampo of Nanga Parbat is one of the very few that are located at an elevation conducive for a green environment. The camp was covered in the summer flower Miosotis, which is translated as “Never forget me.” The name if this flower is quite convenient as it covers a landscape that is rather unforgettable. Each climber prepare3d for the main ascent to to=he top of Nanga Parbat which rests at 8,126 meters.

Our trek to the area go Broad Peak, K2, and Gasherbrum 1 & 2 was marked with a 7 day trek as we covered over 100km of ground. The camp sat above 4500 meters of elevation resting on a glacier allowing a beautiful view of Gasherbrum 2.