K2 Base Camp Trek
2024-25
We Inspire Courage
The ultimate Karakoram glacier trek to the base camp of the world’s second-highest mountain, K2 (8611 meters). The K2 Base Camp trek gives you a taste of Pakistan’s ethnic culture and a visit to the famous Concordia, Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers and Broad Peak base camp in the Karakoram mountains. K2 base camp trek is an adventurous trek that takes you to rural villages by road to explore the local life and to know the cultural traditions and the rugged terrain of the Central Karakoram mountain ranges.
TREK
Highlights
Trekking across the vast Baltoro Glacier, you'll immerse yourself in expedition-style hiking at high altitudes, enriched by the vibrant Balti culture and warm hospitality. Discover the historic Art Gilkey Memorial at K2 Base Camp, then retire to cozy tents under starlit skies. Indulge in delicious Pakistani cuisine throughout your adventure, all while exploring the rich mountaineering heritage and breathtaking glacial landscapes. Traverse the challenging Gondogoro La pass and share unforgettable moments with K2 Basecamp trekkers and a diverse group of global adventurers, making this trek an unparalleled exploration of nature's grandeur and human resilience.
Trek of a lifetime!
- Witness up-close views of K2, Masherbrum, Gasherbrum 4, Broad Peak, Trango Tower, Laila Peak, and other towering peaks.
- Trek across the expansive Baltoro Glacier.
- Experience an expedition-style trek at high altitudes.
- Immerse yourself in Balti culture and lifestyle.
- Visit K2 Base Camp and pay respects at the Art Gilkey Memorial.
- Sleep peacefully under the stars in comfortable tents.
- Enjoy flavorful Pakistani cuisine and satisfying meals throughout your trekking adventure.
- Learn about the rich mountaineering history of the K2 region.
- Marvel at stunning glacial and alpine landscapes.
- Cross the high-altitude mountain pass at Gondogoro La.
- Join a vibrant international group of fellow trekkers.
- Explore glaciers and behold breathtaking views of majestic K2.
Gondogoro La Trek
Gondogoro La Trek, crossing a 5,585-meter pass, offers sweeping views of K2 and neighboring peaks, starting from Skardu. This circular trek winds through Karakoram’s valleys and glaciers, ending in the picturesque Hushey Valley, known for its rugged beauty
K2
Trek to K2, towering at 8,611 meters in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, is the world’s second highest peak. K2’s majestic presence dominates the landscape, offering breathtaking views and a test of courage and endurance to those who dare to climb it.
So whats included and whats not?
Services Included
- Adherence to Government SOPs/Guidelines: Ensuring safety in case of new pandemic variants.
- Domestic Flights: Includes 20kg checked baggage allowance and 7kg hand carry.
- Hotel Accommodation in Pakistan: Twin sharing rooms.
- Trekking Accommodation in Pakistan: Twin sharing dome tents.
- Trekking Logistics: Provision of all tents, non-personal equipment, and tools.
- All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages/water during meals.
- Snacks: Includes dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek.
- Water Refills: Free refills of boiled drinking water during the trek.
- Permit Fees: Covers government trekking permit fees and paperwork.
- Waste Management Fees: Required by the government.
- Skardu City Tour: Includes all entry fees.
- Support Staff: Includes cook, assistants, etc.
- Porters for Personal Luggage: 14kgs per trekker.
- Storage Service in Skardu: For leaving baggage behind before the trek.
- Emergency Satellite Phone: Available for emergencies.
- Trekkng Map and Certificate: Map of the trek and a certificate of achievement.
Services Not Included
- Personal Travel Insurance: Recommended partners include Global Rescue.
- Visa to Pakistan: Assistance with five supporting documents.
- International Airfare
- Personal Equipment: Includes trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks, etc.
- Personal Mountain Equipment: Includes crampons, mountaineering boots, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet, etc.
- Extra Nights in Islamabad: Hotel check-in/out at 12 pm.
- Additional Trek Weight/Baggage
- Storage Service in Islamabad
- Tips/Gratuities: For guides, porters, staff, etc.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Includes minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
- Early Windup/Return Costs: Costs due to early return from the trek for any reason.
- Force Majeure Costs: Costs due to events like earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc.
Day 1 - Arrival
Upon your arrival at Islamabad International Airport, a representative from K2basecamptrekkers will escort you to a hotel in Islamabad. After resting, if you wish to explore the city, our team member will guide you on a short tour of Islamabad.
Day 2 - Flight to Skardu
On the second day, we will depart from the hotel in the morning and fly from Islamabad International Airport to Skardu International Airport. During the flight, you can enjoy stunning views from your window seat, including a glimpse of the majestic Nanga Parbat and the three great mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush.
Day 3 - Skardu City Tour & Shopping
After breakfast, we will take an acclimatization hike to Kharpocho Fort, a historic castle situated a few hundred meters above Skardu Bazaar. The fort offers breathtaking views of the Indus River, Skardu, and its surroundings. We will provide a drone to capture memorable footage. In the afternoon, you can check your trekking gear or shop for necessary items in the bazaar. Crampons are essential for crossing Gondogoro La, and our guide will assist you in arranging them if needed.
Day 4 - Drive to Askoli/Paju
On the fourth day, we will drive to Askoli with our crew and supplies. It’s a 5-7 hour jeep ride from Skardu to Askoli. After a half-hour drive from Skardu, we will reach the Shigar Valley, home to the world’s second-highest peak. The narrow track along the Braldu River will lead us to Askoli, the last village before the K2 Gondogoro La trek. Our porters will join us here or at Paju camp. After a short rest at Korofon camp, where the Biafo Glacier and Baltoro River meet, we will continue to Jhula camp. Depending on our arrival time, we will have lunch at Jhula camp or move to Paju camp for lunch. We will camp overnight at Paju camp.
Day 5 - Rest Day at Paju Camp
If we reach Paju on the first day, we will rest here. Otherwise, we will use this day to travel from Askoli to Paju. On the rest day, you can bathe, wash clothes, and acclimatize. Porters will be issued their rations and prepare for the rest of the trek on the Baltoro Glacier. Many trekkers hike to the Trango viewpoint to see the famous Trango Towers, a short 20-30 minute hike from the camp. The evening is often spent enjoying local dancing and festivities, which trekkers are welcome to join.
Day 6 - Trek to Khoburse
On this day, we will start trekking on the 65km Baltoro Glacier, which will guide us to Concordia. After a half-hour trek from Paju camp, we will reach the snout of the Baltoro Glacier, where you can see Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, and Paju Peak. The trek involves navigating the ups and downs of the glacier. After 4-5 hours, we will reach Liligo, where we will have lunch in front of the Trango Towers. We will continue along the right edge of the Baltoro Glacier to Khoburse camp, where we will camp overnight.
Day 7 - Trek to Urdukas
After an early breakfast, we will trek to Urdukas Camp over the rough terrain of the Baltoro Glacier. This is the last camp before the glacial camps on the Baltoro Glacier during the Gondogoro La trek and the shortest day. The camp is located at a higher elevation, providing stunning views of the Granite spires (Trango, Uli Biaho, and Cathedrals). In good weather, you can also glimpse Gasherbrum 4 from Urdukas Camp.
Day 8 - Trek to Goro II
On this day, we will trek in the middle of the Baltoro Glacier through rough moraines. Masherbrum Peak will be visible on the right and Muztagh on the left. We will get the first distant sight of Gasherbrum and Broad Peak. After 3-4 hours of trekking, we will take a lunch break at Goro 1 and then continue for another 3-4 hours to Goro 2, where we will camp overnight in front of Masherbrum. Goro 2 is known for its windy and cold conditions and is our first camp on the Baltoro Glacier.
Day 9 - Trek to Concordia
This day involves trekking through panoramic mountain scenery to Concordia, where K2 is visible if the weather permits. Concordia is one of the most scenic campsites on the planet, often referred to as the “throne room of the mountain gods,” surrounded by towering peaks such as Marble Peak, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum 3, Mitre Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Sia Kangri, and Chogolisa. After a 5-6 hour trek from Goro 2, we will reach Concordia, where we will camp overnight in this spectacular wilderness.
Day X - Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp and K2 Base Camp (Gilkey Memorial)
This day has a flexible schedule. Trekkers can choose to visit K2 Base Camp and Gilkey Memorial, hike to Broad Peak Base Camp and return to Concordia, or stay at Concordia to enjoy the 360-degree mountain views. Those trekking to Broad Peak Base Camp and K2 Base Camp will start early, crossing glacial streams and navigating technical sections of the glacier. After reaching Broad Peak Base Camp, we will continue to K2 Base Camp and visit the Gilkey Memorial, which honors climbers who lost their lives in the Karakoram. We will then return to Concordia for the night.
Day 11 - Rest Day at Concordia
This day is reserved as a rest day at Concordia, which can be used if the weather is unfavorable for crossing Gondogoro La. It is crucial to cross the pass in safe weather conditions.
Day 12 - Trek to Ali Camp
We will start our journey to Ali Camp via the upper Baltoro Glacier. After crossing Mitre Peak, we will trek on the Vigne Glacier, a smooth and white glacier. It is recommended to walk with our guide or staff member due to small crevasses. We will camp at Ali Camp, named after a local porter who discovered Gondogoro Pass. The trek from Concordia to Ali Camp takes around 5 to 6 hours.
Day 13 - Gondogoro La Crossing and Camping at Khuspang
This critical day involves crossing Gondogoro La before sunrise to avoid rockfall hazards. We will wake up before dawn, have breakfast, and start the trek with our support staff. The pass crossing takes approximately 3 hours, offering stunning views of K2, Broad Peak, G1, G2, and the Baltoro region, as well as Laila Peak and Gondogoro Valley. The descent requires caution and the use of fixed ropes. We will camp overnight at Khuspang Camp (4600m) in front of Laila Peak.
Day 14 - Trek to Saicho
We will resume the trek back to Saicho Camp, starting on the Gondogoro Glacier and then passing through the pastures of Gondogoro. After lunch at Dalchanhpa, we will continue to Saicho Camp, where we will camp overnight. The trek takes 5-6 hours and offers the opportunity to wash and take a shower.
Day 15 - Trek to Hushe Village
On this day, we will return to civilization by trekking back to Hushe Valley. The trek to Hushe Village, known for its hospitality, takes up to 5 hours. We can either stay overnight at Hushe or travel to Skardu on the same day.
Day 16 - Drive Back to Skardu
Today, we will return to Skardu city by jeep. In Skardu, you can wash, shop, and explore, concluding the K2 Gondogoro La trek.
Day 17 - Flight to Islamabad
We will fly back to Islamabad from Skardu via PIA flight.
Day 18 - Departure to Home Country
On the final day, our staff will transfer participants to Islamabad International Airport for departure, marking the end of the K2 Gondogoro La Trek.