TheK2 Base Camp trek with the Gondogoro La crossing is one of the greatest mountain journeys on Earth. In 19 days you walk the length of the Baltoro Glacier, stand below K2, the second highest mountain in the world, and cross a 5,585 m pass into the green Hushe valley. This complete guide covers the route, the itinerary, difficulty, permits, gear, the best time to go and the most asked questions.
K2 Base Camp trek at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 19 days, Islamabad to Islamabad |
| Highest point | Gondogoro La, 5,585 m |
| K2 Base Camp | about 5,000 m |
| Trek start and finish | Askole to Hushe |
| Difficulty | Strenuous, for fit and experienced hikers |
| Best season | June to August |
| Group size | Private treks and small groups |
| Price | On request, depending on group size |
The route
From Islamabad you fly to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. A jeep road takes you to Askole, the last village, and the trek begins. The trail follows the Braldu river to Jhola and Paiju, then climbs onto the Baltoro Glacier past the Trango Towers to Urdukas, Goro II and Concordia, where K2 appears in full view. After K2 Base Camp and Broad Peak Base Camp you go up to Ali Camp and cross Gondogoro La at night, then descend to Khuspang and Saicho. From Saicho you walk to Hushe and drive back to Skardu the same day, then fly to Islamabad.
19 day itinerary summary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Islamabad |
| 2 | Fly to Skardu (2,230 m) |
| 3 | Jeep to Askole (3,000 m) |
| 4 | Trek to Jhola (3,200 m) |
| 5 | Trek to Paiju (3,450 m) |
| 6 | Rest day at Paiju |
| 7 | Trek to Khoburtse (3,800 m) |
| 8 | Trek to Urdukas (4,050 m) |
| 9 | Rest day at Urdukas |
| 10 | Trek to Goro II (4,300 m) |
| 11 | Trek to Concordia (4,600 m) |
| 12 | K2 Base Camp (5,000 m), night at Broad Peak Base Camp |
| 13 | Trek to Ali Camp (4,950 m) |
| 14 | Spare weather day at Ali Camp |
| 15 | Cross Gondogoro La (5,585 m) to Khuspang |
| 16 | Trek to Saicho (3,350 m) |
| 17 | Walk to Hushe and drive to Skardu |
| 18 | Fly to Islamabad |
| 19 | Fly home |
Read the full day by day details in our19 day K2 Base Camp trek itinerary.
How hard is the K2 Base Camp trek?
This is a strenuous trek for fit and experienced hikers. Most days are six to eight hours of walking on rough moraine and glacier ice, and you spend many nights above 4,000 m. Rest days at Paiju and Urdukas help your body adjust to the altitude.
Gondogoro La is the hardest day. The climb starts around midnight so you reach the top before the snow gets soft, and fixed ropes are used on the steep sections on both sides. No climbing experience is needed, but you must be comfortable walking in crampons and using a harness and jumar. Read ourGondogoro La crossing guide.
What to bring
Porters carry your main bag with a limit of 20 kg, so you walk with a day pack only. For Gondogoro La you need crampons, a helmet, a harness, a jumar and locking carabiners. See the fullK2 Base Camp trek packing list.
Permits and what we arrange
The Baltoro is in a restricted zone close to the border, so a trekking permit is needed and you must go with a licensed operator. We apply for the permit for you. Our package covers permits, domestic flights, hotels, jeeps, all camping, meals on the trek, guides, cooks and porters, from Islamabad back to Islamabad.
Best time to go
The trek runs from June to August, when Gondogoro La is open and the weather is most stable. July and August are the busiest months on the Baltoro, while June brings more snow on the pass and fewer trekkers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La trek?
Our trek is 19 days from Islamabad to Islamabad. It has 14 days on the trail, including rest days at Paiju and Urdukas and one spare weather day before Gondogoro La. See theday by day itinerary.
How much does the K2 Base Camp trek cost?
The price depends on your group size, group or private departure, and the services you want. Prices are on request. Send us your dates and group size and we reply with a full quote that covers permits, flights to Skardu, hotels, camping, meals, guides and porters.
How hard is the K2 Base Camp trek?
It is a strenuous trek. Most days are 6 to 8 hours on rough moraine and glacier ice, you sleep many nights above 4,000 m, and the Gondogoro La day is 10 to 12 hours. It is best for fit hikers with some multi day trekking experience.
Do I need mountaineering experience for Gondogoro La?
No. Gondogoro La has fixed ropes on the steep sections and our guides teach you how to use crampons, harness and jumar. You must be comfortable on steep snow and fit enough for long days at altitude.
What is the highest point of the trek?
Gondogoro La at 5,585 m. K2 Base Camp is at about 5,000 m and Ali Camp, the highest camp, is at about 4,950 m.
How long does it take to cross Gondogoro La?
About 10 to 12 hours from Ali Camp to Khuspang. We start around midnight and reach the top near sunrise, then descend for 4 to 5 hours.
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. Your safety comes first.
Do I need a permit for the K2 Base Camp trek?
Yes. The Baltoro is in a restricted zone, so foreign trekkers need a trekking permit and must go with a licensed tour operator. Discover Karakoram (DTS licence No. 2369) applies for the permit for you. We need a copy of your passport and visa in advance.
When is the best time for the K2 Base Camp trek?
June to August. July and August are the most popular months with the most stable weather. June has more snow on Gondogoro La and fewer trekkers.
Where do we sleep on the trek?
In hotels in Islamabad and Skardu, and in tents on the trek. We set up sleeping tents, a dining tent, a kitchen tent and a toilet tent at every camp.
Is the K2 Base Camp trek safe?
Gilgit Baltistan is a peaceful and welcoming region, and many trekkers visit every summer. On the mountain, safety comes from good acclimatisation, experienced guides and careful weather decisions, which is how we work.
How should I train for the K2 Base Camp trek?
Start 3 to 4 months before the trip. Do long hill walks with a day pack, stair climbing, running or cycling for stamina, and strength work for your legs. Multi day hikes in your trekking boots are the best training.
See all 41 answers in ourK2 Base Camp trek FAQ.
Why trek with Discover Karakoram?
Our guides and porters come from Hushe, the village at the end of this trek, so they know every camp and every step of the Gondogoro La. Our founder Rozi Ali has worked in these mountains for about 40 years. We are a government licensed operator (DTS No. 2369) and members of the Alpine Club of Pakistan and PATO.
Bookings are open for 2027. Prices are on request, depending on your group size. See theK2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La trip page orcontact us for a quote.
