K2 Winter is the ultimate Challenge amongst the Mountaineers. It remains the only 8000m peak still unclimbed in winters. And every year experienced climbers try to take the crown home but it has proven impossible so far. This year a unique mix of groups have arrived in Pakistan to make the first winter ascent on K2.
This year more than 40 climbers inlcuding Nepali Sherpas and European Climbers have decided to try their luck and ascent K2 in winter. Among these are a few (John Snorri, Tomaz Rotar and Migma G ) who tried last year but had to cancel and return. This year John Snorri, Tomaz Rotar and Mingma G return but with different groups.
John Snorri Icelandic climber is joined by Muhammad Ali Sadpara, a Pakistani climber, and his son Sajid Sadpara.
John Snorri ©
John Snorri (Yellow), Muhammad Ali Sadpara (Red) and his son Sajid Sadpara (Black) at K2 Basecamp Dec 2020 ©John Snorri
While Mingma G group comprises of all Nepali Climbers.
Kili Pemba (Kilu), Mingma G, Dawa Tenjin ©Mingma Facebook
Tomaz Rotar has joined a commercial expedition led by Dawa Sherpa.
Tomaz-Rotar ©
It would be first for such a group (commercial expedition) to try their luck on K2 in winters. Many of the clients are European including one Polish athlete turned climber, Magdalena Gorzkowska (28 years old). She will be among the groups.
Magdalena Gorzkowska ©
Finally, Nirmal Purja (Nepalese-British) returns to Pakistan announcing his expedition to K2 Winter calling it ‘the Last Great Mountaineering Challenge’. Last year he set the record of climbing all 14 eight-thousander peaks of the world in less than seven months.
©Nirmal Purja aka Nims
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