Paweł Małaszko embarks on final stretch after overcoming legal hurdles to become the first cyclist to reach K2 base camp from Karachi.
SKARDU: After months of anticipation and overcoming significant legal challenges, Polish cyclist Paweł Małaszko, 46, has begun the final stretch of his groundbreaking journey to K2 base camp. Setting off from Skardu on Sunday, Małaszko is now on the last 200 kilometers of his epic ride, aiming to complete the final leg of his historic expedition within the next 14 days. This stretch promises to be the toughest yet, with glaciers, steep inclines, and rugged mountain paths ahead.
Małaszko’s journey, which began on April 4, has already seen him cycle an impressive 3,250 kilometers from Karachi to Skardu. His ambitious goal is to become the first person to cycle all the way to the base camp, tackling obstacles by carrying his bicycle across areas where cycling is impossible. Alongside his personal feat, Małaszko hopes to showcase Pakistan as an exciting adventure destination, promoting its diverse cultures and welcoming people to a wider European audience.
The expedition faced setbacks when Małaszko’s permits were delayed due to a significant rise in trekking fees under the GB government’s Finance Act of 2024. However, after appealing to the GB Chief Court, he was granted the necessary permissions to continue, reigniting his journey to make history.