30 Khuburtze – Urdukas - 4200m asl Our next stop was Urdukas camp, reached by walking along the
lateral moraine. Our walking pace had by then slowed considerably,
and the daily distances became significantly shorter. Nevertheless,
the views remained spectacular and close to camp were reminders of
climbers and porters who had died on K2.
Soon after arriving at camp, it started raining and the rest of the day
was spent sleeping and nibbling on nuts and dried fruit swallowed
down by numerous cups of tea. At the camp were two climbers from
Greenland who attempted to summit K2 but returned due to rockfalls
and avalanches. Soon, the temperature plummeted and it became too
cold outside, and all retreated to their tents.
Urdukas – Goro - 4500m asl
We emerged to a lovely clear morning, which became a wonderful
walk along the Baltoro glacier. The terrain remained rocky and
slippery in places. Mark, Alex and I negotiated our way over the
glacier, taking great care. One could see Gasherbrum 4 in the
distance while trying to avoid the scary crevasses. By then, all were
starting to feel the altitude, and we became entirely out of breath
walking uphill. The day’s walk was a slipping and sliding affair until
finishing the walk at Coro 2 camp, slap bang in the middle of the
glacier.
Coro 2 was a spectacular campsite surrounded by all the high peaks -
a marvellous sight. Supper was early as the weather became
downright icy as soon as the sun set. The food was delicious and
consisted of soup, rice and at least two other dishes, not to mention
dessert.