Resting up in base camp!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Now all settled into our base camp at the foot of K2, the Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team took some time to rest, recover, and prepare their climbing kits for the training and climbing to come! Clear skies and sunshine overhead made for excellent views of the surrounding peaks, giving our teams eyes on the routes they’re set to climb in the coming weeks – motivation and excitement are at an all time high! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from base camp:

Hello from K2 Base Camp (4968m/16,300ft)! Today we took a well-earned rest day. The team had a chance to finish moving into their box tents, take showers and do laundry. In in the afternoon we prepared our climbing kit for our technical training in the coming days. The weather was beautiful today. Clear skies gave us great views of K2 (8611m/28,251ft) and Broad Peak (8051m/26,414ft). We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Settling into K2 Base Camp!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Hello, from K2 Base Camp! The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expedition teams have arrived in their home away from home for the next few weeks, set to climb K2, Broad Peak, and a peak never before climbed to the summit by mankind. Turning the corner at Concordia revealed clear, unobstructed views of K2 and surrounding peaks, fueling the team for what’s to come. Today was another memorable day in the Karakoram! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from base camp:

Greetings from K2 Base Camp (4968m/16,300ft)! We arrived here this afternoon after another spectacular day of trekking up the Baltoro. Skies were blue most of the day, which meant we had excellent views of K2 (8611m/28,251ft) and Broad Peak (8051m/26,414ft). It felt great to move into our box tents, and start settling into the camp that will be our home away from home for the next few weeks. Tomorrow we’re looking forward to a rest day. All is well. We’ll be in touch then.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Team feeling strong!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team made excellent progress on their trek today, passing beyond Goro 2—where we had originally planned to camp—and continuing further up the valley. This puts us in position to get our first view of K2 tomorrow and reach K2 Base Camp, which will be our home for the next few weeks. It was another day of great weather and high spirits here in Pakistan! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Karakoram:

Hello from our camp below Concordia (4570m/14,993ft)! Today the team continued to feel strong. So we trekked from Urdukas (4034m/13,235ft), past Goro 2 (4285m/14,058ft), to this camp on the Baltoro Glacier not far below Concordia. Camping here made for a slightly longer day today, but it puts us in position to reach K2 Base Camp (4968m/16,300ft) tomorrow, our home for the next few weeks. The weather was perfect today — not too hot despite sunny skies. The clear skies afforded us views of Masherbrum (7821m/25,659ft), Muztagh Tower (7276m/23,871ft), Gasherbrum IV (7925m/26,001ft) and Broad Peak (8051m/26,414ft). We’re looking forward to our first view of K2 (8611m/28,251ft) from Concordia tomorrow morning. We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Unbeatable views in the Karakoram!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Today was another spectacular day in the Karakoram, and we’re one day closer to reaching K2 Base Camp. The Madison Mountaineering K2, Broad Peak, and unclimbed peak expedition teams got an early start to the day, stepping onto the Baltoro Glacier under some of the world’s most famous and iconic peaks towering overhead! There was no shortage of views on this day, leaving the team psyched and ready to continue on in the days ahead. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Urdukas Camp:

Hello from Urdukas Camp (4034m/13,235ft) at 4,000m. Today was one of the most spectacular days of a trek that’s famous for its scenery. We left Paiju Camp (3400m/11,155ft) at 6 a.m. and then hiked up past the headwaters of the Braldu River onto the Baltoro Glacier, the planet’s largest non-polar glacier. For the next six hours, we enjoyed views of some of the most famous peaks on earth: Paiju Peak (6610m/21,686ft), Shipton Spire (5852m, 19,199ft), the Trango Towers (6286m/20,623ft), Uli Biaho (6417m/21,053ft), Lobsang Spire (5707m/18,724 ft), and eventually Gasherbrum IV (7925m/26,001ft), just as we arrived at Urdukas. The weather today was excellent. A high overcast and occasional showers kept the heat at bay without spoiling the views. Now we’re resting before dinner. The team is in good shape. We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Beating the heat!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team took to the trail again today, trekking to their next stop at Paiju Camp. With striking views of Masherbrum, the Trango Towers, and other peaks that line the valley, the team walked along the Braldu River until they reached their temporary home at the foot of the mighty Baltoro Glacier. The trek continues tomorrow! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Pakistan:

Today we had a great trek from Jhola Camp (3151m/10,338ft) to Paiju Camp (3400m/11,155ft). We left Jhola early to beat the heat, and arrived in Paiju around 11:30. We’ve spent rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the views of the Baltoro Glacier, plus the lower flanks of Masherbrum (7821m/25,659ft) and the Trango Towers (6286m/20,623ft) in the distance. We’ll head to bed early for our long walk to Urdukas Camp (4034m/13,235ft) tomorrow. We’ll be in touch then.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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The first day of trekking!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team set out today on the trek to K2 Base Camp, in great spirits and with excellent weather. Cooler temperatures and a few light rain showers were a welcome change, since the early days of this trek are often quite hot. With the first day behind us, we’ve settled in for dinner at camp, enjoying the beautiful views and each other’s company as we get ready for another day on the trail tomorrow. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Jhola Camp:

Hello from Jhola Camp (3151m/10,338ft)! Today we trekked here from Askole (3040m/9,974ft) in ideal weather. The first couple of days on the trek to K2 (8611m/28,251ft) can be hot, but today cooler temps and occasional light rain showers made for pleasant walking. Now we’re relaxing before dinner. The skies have cleared and we have great views of some of the lower glaciated peaks above the Braldu River. The team is healthy and in good spirits. We’re looking forward to the trek to Paiju (3400m/11,155ft) tomorrow!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Ready to start the trek to K2 Base Camp!

The team departing from Skardu.

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team made the exciting and scenic drive from Skardu to Askole today, which requires creek crossings and navigating a winding mountain gorge that snakes along the Braldu River. Luckily, the road was in good shape and allowed us to make good time to our camp at Askole where we’ve settled in for the night and will begin our trek tomorrow! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Askole:

Hello from Askole (3040m/9,974ft)! This morning we ate an early breakfast and left Skardu (2220m/7283ft) by 5:30 a.m. We got an early start because the road to Askole crosses several creeks that tend to swell with snowmelt, making them challenging to cross later in the day. Fortunately the entire road was in good shape for us today and we arrived in Askole by early afternoon. Now we’ve set up camp, and we’re resting before dinner. The team is looking forward to our first trekking day tomorrow. We’ll be in touch then!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Sightseeing in Skardu!

Our climbers Josh, Ryan, Casey and Tracy enjoying the Karakoram scenery near Skardu!

The Madison Mountaineering K2, Broad Peak, and Unclimbed Peak expedition teams took an active rest day in Skardu today, touring the city, doing some sightseeing, and last minute shopping before continuing onward tomorrow! It was a pleasant day, leaving the team in good spirits and excited for what’s to come. Tomorrow, we’ll pack up and begin the drive to Askole! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Skardu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering expeditions in the Karakoram this summer – today is June 26th.

Today, we spent an active rest day in Skardu (2220m/7283ft). After breakfast, the team headed out for some sightseeing at the really beautiful lakes up above town, and visited Buddha Rock, which is an archaeological site right on the outskirts of the city. After lunch, we all headed out again for some last minute shopping before we leave civilization and we visited the K2 museum, which has some really great information on the mountain and the surrounding region!

Now, we’re relaxing back at our hotel. We’ll have an early dinner this evening and then get to bed early for our drive to Askole (3040m/9,974ft) tomorrow.

So, all is well here and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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We made it to Skardu!

The team outside of Skardu International Airport.

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team continued their journey onto Skardu, one step closer to the climbs ahead of them. Heavy rainfall came down as the team made their way to the airport, but the skies cleared as the day went on, presenting excellent views of K2, Broad Peak, and more. We’ll take a rest day tomorrow and continue to make preparations for the expedition ahead! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Skardu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering expeditions in the Karakoram this season – today is June 25th.

This morning, we woke up early and headed to the airport. It was raining hard as we left the hotel, but by the time we made it to the Islamabad Airport (540m/1,770ft), the rain had tapered off. Our flight left on schedule and we had fantastic weather actually, as we approached Skardu (2220m/7283ft)! We had excellent views of Nanga Parbat (8126m/26,660ft) off the right side of the plane, and then views of Broad Peak (8051m/26,414ft) and K2 (8611m/28,251ft) as we got a little closer to landing.

We landed in Skardu and we’ve spent the afternoon doing pre-expedition preparations and relaxing at our hotel here in the hills above town. We’re about to head down to dinner and we’re looking forward to another rest and preparation day tomorrow. We’ll also do some sightseeing tomorrow evening.

So, all is well here in Pakistan and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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2025 Karakoram expeditions are underway!

The 2025 Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team!

The 2025 Madison Mountaineering Karakoram season is officially underway! Our team has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, where the expedition begins. After some well-earned rest, an orientation, and a welcome dinner following their journeys from around the world, the team is set to fly to Skardu tomorrow—gateway to the high peaks. This season includes expeditions to K2, Broad Peak, and an attempt at a historic first ascent of an unclimbed peak. At the same time, we’re proud to be contributing to a cleanup initiative at K2 Base Camp and some of the higher camps along the route. The Karakoram holds a special place in our hearts, and we’re thrilled to be back among its towering giants! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Islamabad:

Hello! This is Terray calling in from Islamabad, Pakistan (540m/1,770ft) – today is June 24th.

Today is the first day of the Madison Mountaineering climbing expeditions here in Pakistan this summer. We have climbers going to K2 (8611m/28,251ft), Broad Peak (8051m/26,414ft), and attempting an unclimbed peak near those two mountains above the Baltoro Glacier. We’ll also be organizing a cleanup project on K2 as part of our cleanup initiatives through the Madison Mountaineering Foundation. So, we’re looking forward to a really great season in the Karakoram!

Our climbers arrived here in Islamabad over the last couple of days. They’ve been doing some sightseeing, and then today was the first official day of our itineraries! We just wrapped up a really nice welcome dinner here at the Serena Hotel and we’re planning to wake up early for our airport transfer tomorrow morning. If the weather allows, we will fly up to Skardu (2220m/7283ft) in Gilgit-Baltistan. So, we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

 

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