Words and images by Epic Expeditions founder, Chris Lininger
Photo contributions: Jocelyn Glennie and Ronnie Forslund
The lead-up and approach to leadership and planning for the Karakoram season in Pakistan is different from anything else we do. These mountains demand that we arrive as a sharpened sword ready for battle, both mentally and physically, and to a degree, spiritually as well. If not, this place will break you.
Coming back to Pakistan at this point in my journey is still always unique; like visiting an old friend who still has so much to get to know. From the hugs at the airport from our long-term partner, Nisar, to the many days later deep in the trenches of the mountains at Concordia, the mountains offer powerful lessons and rewards for those who choose to enter this arena.
With the clear head that only comes after weeks away from the internet (except for some World Cup news), I sip piping hot coffee quickly cooling down in the frosty morning air, looking out at one of the most incredible mountain landscapes in the world, simply in awe. Not the awe of watching a sportsman perform an exceptional athletic feat but of a child-like awe, of a wonder, of a rising, rising, inside that is only possible if you go there. This is the feeling that comes when your own two feet are on the ground facing the giants of the Karakoram – and there is nothing else quite like it. These are the moments I live for and what all of our attention to detail, planning, and training comes down to; the moments of awe in the mountains where everything else is forgotten.
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The mountains in Pakistan this year felt quieter. There are also fewer expedition groups on the various 8000er peaks, probably due to regional geopolitical tensions. Our group was able to profit from fewer people on the trail this year and was often the “big group” at each campsite.
Our team members came from 5 different countries, and each person brought along their own goals and personal obstacles to contend with. With a trip like this, part of my leadership style is to facilitate each member’s individual journey in order for folks to maximize what they are able to get out of this trip. The goal as a leader is for everyone to experience some sort of growth, to learn from the challenge, and to get an idea of just what they as individuals are capable of, since in fact most people might not know what that feels like when they rock up to Pakistan.
See, this is more than just a trek. It is more than just an adventure holiday. It is a personal odyssey, and with the right kind of eyes and mindset, there is no telling how far the impact of this trip will extend to everyone’s personal and adventure paths going forward.
To Ibrahim Jalil and our local ground team in Pakistan who did the heavy lifting in every aspect of the support element, you guys are legends, and I am honored and grateful to work with such resilient, hard-working people from the mountain communities. I am very proud of you all and in awe of the effort you guys put out year after year to help our team achieve its goals at a high level.
For our K2 Base Camp Trek 2026 team from around the world, thanks for bringing the positive mindset, for the trust, and for leaving it all on the field as they say. It was a pleasure to lead this team, and I look forward to seeing some of you again on future adventures in other parts of the world one day.
To my co-pilot on this trip and in life, Jocelyn – thanks for bringing your strong leadership, experience, and love of the mountains and of the game in general to this trip. It was an amazing experience to lead by your side for another round in the Karakoram.
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Here are some of my personal favorite photographs I shot in the field, and what it felt like on the ground during my 2026 season in Pakistan.
If you’re reading this and want to join us in Pakistan in 2027, be sure to check out the trip page for the available dates.
Cheers all from the mighty Karakoram!
