Words and photos by Epic Expeditions founder, Chris Lininger.
There is no time of year over here at Epic other than the Karakoram Summer.
Perhaps it is the blood, sweat, tears, and awe we have spent exploring these valleys or the years forming meaningful relationships in Pakistan with local communities. Or the way the mountains gleam and beam down at you after the storm clouds have cleared over peaks so tall you can’t see the true summits. Or the way a patch of wild flowers hits your eye after a week of seeing nothing but rocks and ice.
Or… taken as the sum of its parts together – this remote part of the world just gets into your bones and delivers a feeling so powerful and lasting that we keep coming back for more.
The summer season of 2025 has been no different. This is not a holiday, an escape, or a weekend getaway to see some pretty hills.
The trip to the base of K2 is an odyssey – a journey – and a chance to discover what you are capable of through the connection of disconnection (from the internet, distractions, and “normal” life).
So, what happens when you put a group of strangers from 7 different countries together on a remote glacier with endless amounts of pasta, coffee, rocks, and Pineapple Tang?
Well, only the predictable result; we all had the time of our lives experiencing the magic of the Karakoram and shared more memorable experiences in this short window of time that many long-term friends don’t get to share in a lifetime.
There is a quote that I keep coming back to when I observe how others experience this trip: there are months or years where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen. Yet again, this could not be more true for our group.
We had every type of season this year – with baking, hot sun to start, followed by days of cloud, rain, snow, and everything in between. This is the mountains; raw, wild, and varied – and part of the big draw that I feel towards them.
On July 14, 2025 our entire team crossed Gondogoro La (5650 m), standing on top together just after 5 am. This was a tough day – physically and mentally – and every member of our team gave their biggest effort – and not only made me proud as the leader, but I could clearly see that the whole team was proud of one another and themselves. Special stuff.
To all of the trip participants who made this journey so special, fun, and a little bit crazy – you have now achieved adventure immortality (congrats!) and it has been a pleasure sharing my beloved Karakoram with you.
In the Karakoram – forever is just a day. There are not many other places in the world that I can say that of.
To our entire staff, from the kitchen team, porters, mule boys, and guides – none of this happens without you. Thank you for supporting our trip in such a professional and focused way, day after day. Legends!
If you are interested in joining us for the K2 Base Camp Trek in 2026 – please get in touch.
Below are a few selected images from our journey – I hope you enjoy them.
