Ascent of Mount K2 2025
The 2025 K2 climbing season has tested the patience of mountaineers, with persistent jet streams and scarce weather windows keeping most expeditions grounded. Yet, in a remarkable display of perseverance and teamwork, 15 climbers from the Imagine Nepal K2 Expedition successfully reached the summit of the world’s second-highest mountain at 15:32 PM Pakistan time on August 11, 2025.
Summiting K2 in August is a rare feat. The last recorded August ascent was achieved by legendary Austrian mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner on August 23, 2011.
Summit Team – Imagine Nepal K2 Expedition 2025
- 1. Mingma G -Nepal
- 2. Jangbu Sherpa-USA
- 3. Pema Chhiri Sherpa-Nepal
- 4. Aangdu Sherpa-Nepal
- 5. Kami Sherpa- Nepal
- 6. Lakpa Sherpa- Nepal
- 7. Lakpa Tamang- Nepal
- 8. Lhakpa Nuru Sherpa- Nepal
- 9. Sohail Sakhi -Pakistan
- 10. Mr Liu Mihe-China
- 11. Mr. Dilixiati Ailikuti-China
- 12. 12. Li Jiang -China
- 13. Ms. Guan Jing-China
- 14. Ms. Hu Yinghong-China
- 15. Ms. Maria Alexandra Danila- Romania
Highlights
- • Mingma G – Nepal: Achieved his sixth successful summit of Mount K2.
- • Maria Alexandra Danila – Romania: Became the only Romanian to reach the summit of the world’s second-highest peak.
- • Mr. Dilixiati Ailikuti – China: Set the record as the youngest person to climb Mount K2.
- • Jangbu Sherpa and Sohail Sakhi climbed without the use of supplementary Oxygen.
The Summit Push
The K2 Expedition team departed from the Base Camp on August 5 after weather forecasts indicated a potential summit window between August 10 and 11. Progress was steady: Advance Base Camp on August 5, Camp 1 on August 6, Camp 2 on August 7, and Camp 3 on August 8. Climbers rested at Camp 3 on August 9 and 10 while Sherpa teams worked to fix ropes higher up the mountain.
On August 8, Imagine Nepal transported 600m of rope and equipment to 7,100m, connecting to the point they had previously fixed. The route from Camp 3 to the summit required a total of 2,400m of rope, with Imagine Nepal contributing 1,400m, Madison Mountaineering providing 400m, and Elite Exped supplying 600m.
With support from IFMGA guide Prakash Gurung, AC team and Sherpas from Elite Exped, the fixing team reached 200m above Camp 3, securing the route for the final summit push. The combination of adequate rope supply, experienced manpower, stable snow, and improving weather lifted morale, setting the stage for the successful summit on August 11.
Challenges of the Season
The 2025 K2 season has been dominated by the persistent jet stream, which kept winds high and climbing opportunities scarce. Despite favourable snow conditions, the prolonged wait at Base Camp meant teams needed to stay in constant readiness.
During the downtime, the Imagine Nepal team worked on repairing and improving the route, replacing worn-out plastic ropes with new ones and addressing rockfall hazards on the lower sections, particularly below Camp 1, where the slopes were bare of snow. These efforts not only increased the safety of their own climbers but also benefitted the broader mountaineering community on K2 this season.
For expedition leader Mingma G and his team, this ascent represents a successful collaboration and careful preparation. In a year when relentless winds turned many teams back, Imagine Nepal’s achievement emphasises the importance of patience and teamwork in mountaineering.