K2 GGL trekking: Concordia - Ali Camp

The final stage before the Gondogoro La takes me to an altitude of five thousand meters and mainly involves a gentle ascent over an ice glacier. Before reaching this point, similar to the climb to K2 Base Camp, a small iceberg must be ascended. This time, the climb is not as steep or high, but the twenty meters upward still pose a minor trial with my worn-out shoe soles. It takes a few minutes of effort, but the ascent is relatively quick. Then, there's a short stretch along a scree field, but for the rest of the morning, the terrain is solely a glacier.

Guide Imtyaz hits the turbo button, and there's not even a break today. This results in a 4-hour and 15-minute walk, while for others, it may take one or even two hours longer. However, it also means I have less and less time to take photos. In the initial days, I had ample time for photography, but that has gradually diminished, reaching a point where there's no break, as is the case on this trek. This elicits mixed feelings, but I don't let it get to me. While Imtyaz speeds ahead, I occasionally stop to take some photos, and on this sunny day, there are some beautiful shots.

The trek is relatively easy, especially at the beginning. The ascent happens steadily, and the gradient never exceeds ten percent. Occasionally, there's a stream to cross, but compared to the watercourses towards K2 Base Camp, this is minor. Only during the climb to Ali Camp do I encounter rocks again, as this campsite is nestled against a mountainside. Now it's a matter of having a meal and taking some rest because the most challenging day of the trek begins at eleven o'clock in the evening.