Gondogoro La (5,585 m) is the high pass that turns the K2 Base Camp trek into a full circuit. Instead of walking back down the Baltoro Glacier, you climb through the night from Ali Camp and watch the sun rise over K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. It is the hardest day of the trek and, for most people, the most beautiful day of their life in the mountains. This guide explains how the crossing works, how hard it is and how to prepare.
Where is Gondogoro La?
Gondogoro La is in the Central Karakoram in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It links the Vigne Glacier, a side glacier of the upper Baltoro near Concordia, with the Gondogoro Glacier and the Hushe valley in the south. On our trek you reach Ali Camp from Concordia, cross the pass, and come down to Khuspang and Saicho before driving from Hushe to Skardu.
Gondogoro La facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5,585 m |
| Start camp | Ali Camp, about 4,950 m |
| End camp | Khuspang, about 4,700 m |
| Time | 10 to 12 hours, starting around midnight |
| Season | Usually June to August |
| Equipment | Crampons, harness, helmet, jumar, carabiners |
| Fixed ropes | Yes, on the steep sections of both sides |
How the crossing day works
Before midnight: wake up at Ali Camp
We wake around 11 pm, drink tea, eat a light meal and put on harness and crampons. We leave around midnight because the snow is hard and safer when it is frozen.
The climb to the top
The route first crosses a flat glacier where we walk roped together because of hidden crevasses. Then the slope gets steeper and our guides clip you onto fixed ropes. You move up step by step with your jumar. Most groups reach the top around sunrise after 5 to 6 hours.
Sunrise on top
From the top you can see four of the 8,000 m peaks of Pakistan: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II, together with Gasherbrum IV, Masherbrum and Chogolisa. We stay on top for photos while the sun lights up K2.
The descent to Khuspang
The south side is long and steep. You go down on fixed ropes, facing the slope on the steepest parts, then on loose rock and scree. After 4 to 5 hours you reach Khuspang, a green camp below Laila Peak where the cook team waits with hot tea.
How difficult is Gondogoro La?
Gondogoro La is not a technical climb, but it is a serious mountaineering day. You need good fitness to walk for 10 to 12 hours above 5,000 m, and you must be calm on steep snow with a fixed rope. You do not need climbing experience. Our guides teach you how to use crampons, harness and jumar on the way, and we practise before the crossing.
Our safety on the pass
- Our guides and high altitude staff come from Hushe and have crossed Gondogoro La many times
- Fixed ropes are placed on the steep sections every season
- We keep a spare weather day at Ali Camp to wait for safe conditions
- The guide decides the crossing time based on snow and weather
- If the pass is not safe, we walk back down the Baltoro to Askole instead
Gear you need for Gondogoro La
- Crampons that fit your boots
- Climbing harness
- Climbing helmet
- Jumar (ascender) and two locking carabiners
- Warm mountain boots that take crampons
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Down jacket, warm gloves and mittens
- Sunglasses and sun cream for the descent
See our fullK2 Base Camp trek packing list for everything else.
Gondogoro La FAQ
Do I need climbing experience to cross Gondogoro La?
No. You need good fitness and a calm head on steep snow. Our guides show you how to use crampons, harness and jumar, and fixed ropes are used on the steep sections.
How long does it take to cross Gondogoro La?
About 10 to 12 hours from Ali Camp to Khuspang. Most groups start around midnight and reach the top near sunrise.
When is Gondogoro La open?
Usually from June to August. Early in the season there is more snow, and later in the season there can be more loose rock on the south side.
What happens if Gondogoro La is closed?
We keep a spare weather day at Ali Camp. If the pass is still not safe, we return from Concordia down the Baltoro Glacier to Askole.
Can you see K2 from Gondogoro La?
Yes. From the top at sunrise you see K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II and Gasherbrum IV in one view.
Plan your trek
Read the fullK2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La trek guide, the day by dayK2 Base Camp trek itinerary and ourK2 Base Camp trek FAQ. Bookings are open for 2027, prices on request. See theK2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La trip page orcontact us.
