Polish cyclist pedals from Karachi to K2 Basecamp in 47 days

GILGIT: Polish cyclist Paweł Małaszko has completed his “Bike Expedition K2″— a journey from the shores of the Arabian Sea to the highest border crossing at Khunjerab Pass and then to the K2 base camp — in 47 days.

The 46-year-old athlete, who began his adventure on April 4, told HUM News English on Saturday that he reached the K2 base camp on May 20, marking the end of his expedition. Over 47 days, he covered a total distance of 3,376 km, cycling 3,322 km and trekking 54 km with his bike on his back.

“This expedition has been unique from the start. It’s the first project I’ve undertaken with a real focus on results. I expected it to be smooth and calm, but as usual, reality had many twists and turns,” he said in a social media post on Thursday.

Małaszko described the journey as not only a beautiful adventure but also an experience that broadened his awareness and strengthened his character.

He recalled the first stage, just after leaving Karachi, as particularly memorable for two reasons: scorching temperatures reaching 46°C and the constant presence of police. “I adapted by cycling at night when temperatures dropped to just over 30°C, and I also had to be assertive with the police,” he added.

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The second stage, from Islamabad to Skardu, was a complete plot twist, filled with bold and critical decisions. “Riding the Karakoram Highway was hellishly difficult. I had to fight bureaucratic battles in the tourism department and court to secure permission to continue my expedition,” he explained.

Initially, he was denied a permit to reach the K2 base camp due to a stay order issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court over a legal dispute between tour operators and the G-B tourism department regarding increased permit fees. However, Małaszko obtained his permit through the court and resumed his journey. The permit fee disputed has been resolved now as the G-B tourism department has reduced the permit fee.

“I acted as a neutral mediator between the government and over 200 licensed mountain tour agencies,” he said.

During this delay, the Polish cyclist seized the opportunity to fulfill an additional goal: reaching the Khunjerab Pass (4,718 m), the highest border crossing between Pakistan and China.

“I had tentatively planned this but didn’t share it beforehand to avoid extra pressure. This made me the first person to cycle from sea level to the world’s highest border crossing—an opportunity I couldn’t miss,” he added.

The third and final stage—Skardu to K2 Base Camp—was the shortest but most difficult and physically exhausting. Małaszko said he faced jagged rock paths, glacial river crossings, perilous gorges, and the treacherous Batoro Glacier. He trekked through snow at night, suffered a knee injury just two days before finishing, battled food poisoning at 5,000 meters, broke a tooth, and pushed through with a swollen foot. Yet, he persevered, cementing his expedition as a remarkable feat of endurance.