We left cosmopolitan Lahore, and took the Jaffa Line to Islamabad. Then we transferred on the Heather Line to spartan Skardu. We will train for our last quest – the K2 basecamp, winter trek.

On top of the ancient wall we will set up camp. In silence we stand and meditate.

Yield and overcome;

Bend and be straight;

Empty and be full;

Wear out and be new;

Have little and gain;

Have much and be confused.

(Translated by 馮家福 Feng Jia-fu and Jane English )

After an hour, chi was flowing through our bodies.

Then we spent our energy on the terrace fine-tuning all of our routines: pitch the tent, fill the barrier with water, turn on the sleeping mats and heat the barrier, boil coffee, suit up, undress, cook dinner. We spent the night in our warm tents, insulated from the weather by a layer of air.

Our routines held up to this test, but it will be more difficult when we get to the glacier.