Polish cyclist sets first-ever record for ‘Karachi-K2’ bicycle journey

A Polish cyclist has achieved the feat of cycling from Karachi to the world’s second-highest peak, K2, for the first time in history.

According to a report, 46-year-old cyclist Pawel Malaszko, a Polish national, had started the ‘K2 Base Camp Bike Expedition’ from Karachi on April 4 to cycle across Pakistan from the Arabian Sea coast to K2 Base Camp. He completed the journey late last month and claims to be the first person to accomplish this feat.

The Polish cyclist said that he completed the 3,376-km journey in 56 days, in which he cycled 3,322 km and covered a distance of 54 km by carrying his bike on his shoulder. His journey included an elevation gain of 32,03 meters and during this time the temperature ranged from 46 degrees Celsius to minus 18 degrees Celsius.

However, a legal dispute between the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department and tour operators over the hike in permit fees temporarily halted his journey, due to which the required permit could not be issued.

He stated that during the journey, the tour operator informed him that the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department had suspended the issuance of trekking permits.

Pavel Malashko approached the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court after cycling more than 2,000 kilometers to Gilgit.

He told the judges that this is not just his dream but also an opportunity to promote Pakistan as a destination for adventure and exploration in Europe and beyond. It is a goal that has involved his tireless efforts and dedication, and their support for this would mean a lot to him.

A judge of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court on May 3 ordered the Tourism Department to issue permits at the previous rates, which were subsequently issued.

Following the court order, Pavel Malashko reached Khunjerab Pass and then Skardu via the Karakoram Highway and covered a distance of 3,500 km by May 7. He started the final leg of the K2 Base Camp from Skardu on May 11.

In an interview, Pavel Malashko, while mentioning the diverse cultures and climate of Pakistan, said that from Karachi to Multan, it was 46 degrees Celsius every day. At this stage, he had to travel early in the morning and at night to avoid the sun's rays.

He praised the local hospitality, saying that the people here have a great sense of hospitality and they try to help in every way.

Pavel appreciated the good condition of the roads during the journey and at the same time acknowledged the unique difficulties of the mountain routes, saying that no one can influence how the mountains behave and whether they destroy the roads, it is not a human error or negligence, but this is the reality of the mountains.

He described the last 200 km journey from Skardu to K2 Base Camp as more technical and challenging, saying that there are glaciers, mountain passes, and slopes on the way to K2 Base Camp, but in some parts, he had to travel with bike on his shoulder.

Upon completing the journey, Pavel Malashko claimed two records: the first claim for cycling from sea level to K2 Base Camp and the second claim for cycling from sea level to Khunjerab Pass.

He also stated that he is the first person in history to reach K2 Base Camp by cycling, and he completed this entire journey solely on his physical strength.