K2 GGL trekking: Ali Camp - Khuispang via Gondogoro La

Exactly on the most challenging day of the K2 and Gondogoro La Trek, my stomach issues resurface, causing incredible stomach cramps and diarrhea. This results in taking thirteen hours to cover eleven kilometers, an hour more than anticipated. This day is inherently tough, but due to these digestive problems, it becomes an extra demanding day for me.

At eleven o'clock in the evening, I have the 'privilege' to lead the way on my beloved terrain—rock fields. Because it's pitch dark, navigating through, over, and sometimes almost through rocks requires extra effort. The ascent is deceptively steep, making this section more difficult and strenuous than initially thought. I dare say it might be the physically most exhausting part of the day, and we've barely begun! I think I've never been more relieved during the entire trek than when I heard that this section was behind us.

Two hours later, on the frozen snow, the journey continues towards Gondogoro La, with gradients of fifty percent and sometimes more! However, there are fixed ropes to hold onto, making this ascent tiring but less demanding than the previous rocky terrain. Around half past four in the morning, I find myself at an altitude of 5600 meters, the highest point of this trek. Gondogoro La is the only place in the world where you can see four eight-thousanders in one view: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. In my mind, this was the most spectacular moment of the entire trek, but the truth is that in the dim light, the nearby peaks aren't as spectacular. What is spectacular, however, is the panorama over the Hushe Valley, located a thousand meters below.

At five o'clock in the morning, I begin the descent with the fixed ropes, and this time, it's a five-hundred-meter drop with gradients of fifty percent and more. This is by far the most dangerous part of the trek, and due to a combination of lack of climbing experience and clumsiness, this section takes a whopping 2.5 hours for me. Maneuvering my carabiner from one rope to another is always a struggle. Imtyaz becomes visibly nervous because time is of the essence.

With the rising sun, ice can melt, causing stones and rocks to come down on this part of the trek, and you certainly don't want to be underneath. When I finally complete this section around half past eight, I see Imtyaz heaving a sigh of relief. The worst danger is behind us. Due to the physical exertion and ongoing stomach problems, my energy is waning, and, of course, now there's another long stretch of rocky terrain to walk over. Others take two hours, but it takes me twice as long. The stomach issues worsen, and a smiling sun raises the temperature, not conducive to my pace. However, in the distance, I spot Khuispang, and around twelve o'clock, I arrive at the campsite. Finally!