These are all the questions trekkers ask us about theK2 Base Camp trek and the Gondogoro La pass, answered by our team from Hushe after many seasons on the Baltoro Glacier. If your question is not here, just message us.
Planning and booking
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.
Where does the K2 Base Camp trek start and end?
The trip starts and ends in Islamabad. The walking starts in Askole, the last village in the Braldu valley, and finishes in Hushe after crossing Gondogoro La. From Hushe we drive to Skardu the same day.
What is the difference between the K2 Base Camp trek and the Gondogoro La trek?
The classic K2 Base Camp trek goes up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp and comes back the same way to Askole. With Gondogoro La you cross a 5,585 m pass from Concordia into the Hushe valley, so the trek becomes a circuit with new views every day and a sunrise view of four 8,000 m peaks.
Can I do the K2 Base Camp trek without crossing Gondogoro La?
Yes. You can return from Concordia down the Baltoro Glacier to Askole. Most of our clients choose Gondogoro La because it is the highlight of the whole trek.
Can I join a group or go private?
Both. We run fixed group departures and private treks for one person or more on your own dates.
How far in advance should I book?
Book at least 3 to 4 months before your trek. We need time to apply for your trekking permit, and summer flights to Skardu fill up quickly.
How do I get to Pakistan?
Fly into Islamabad International Airport. There are direct and one stop flights from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. We meet you at the airport.
Difficulty, fitness and altitude
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 do you deal with altitude sickness?
We gain height slowly, take rest days at Paiju and Urdukas, and our guides check every member every day. If someone has serious symptoms, the first treatment is to go down, and we always have a plan for that.
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.
How many hours do we walk each day?
Most days are 5 to 8 hours. The longest days are K2 Base Camp (about 9 to 10 hours) and the Gondogoro La crossing (10 to 12 hours).
Is there an age limit?
There is no fixed age limit. We have trekkers from their 20s to their 60s. What matters is good health and fitness. Please tell us about any medical conditions when you book.
Gondogoro La pass
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.
Why do we cross Gondogoro La at night?
The snow is frozen and firm at night, which makes the climb safer and reduces the risk of rockfall and avalanches. It also means you reach the top at sunrise for the best view of K2.
Are there fixed ropes on Gondogoro La?
Yes. Our team fixes ropes on the steep sections of both the north and south sides, and you stay clipped in with your harness and jumar.
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. Your safety comes first.
What can you see from the top of Gondogoro La?
At sunrise you see K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II and Gasherbrum IV, together with Masherbrum and Chogolisa. Many trekkers say it is the best mountain view in the world.
What gear do I need for Gondogoro La?
Crampons, a climbing harness, a helmet, a jumar, two locking carabiners, warm mountain boots that take crampons, a headlamp and very warm clothes. See ourpacking list.
Permits, visa and insurance
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.
Do I need a visa for Pakistan?
Yes, most visitors need a Pakistan visa, and many nationalities can apply online. We send you a letter of invitation to support your application.
Is travel insurance needed?
Yes. Your insurance must cover trekking up to 6,000 m, medical treatment and helicopter rescue.
Weather and season
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.
How cold does it get on the trek?
Days in the sun can be warm, but nights on the glacier are often below freezing. On the Gondogoro La night it can be minus 10 °C or colder with wind.
Can flights to Skardu be cancelled?
Yes, the Skardu flight needs clear weather. If it is cancelled, we drive the Karakoram Highway instead, so the trip continues.
Does it rain on the trek?
The Karakoram is a dry mountain area and gets little monsoon rain, but short storms and snow can happen at any time, so bring a good waterproof jacket.
Life on the trek
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.
What food do we eat on the trek?
Our cooks prepare three fresh meals a day: porridge, eggs and bread in the morning, a packed or hot lunch, and soup, rice, pasta, curry and vegetables for dinner, with tea and coffee all day.
Is the drinking water safe?
We boil and filter water for the group. You can also bring purification tablets or a filter bottle for extra safety.
Is there phone signal or internet on the trek?
Mobile signal ends near Askole. After that there is no network on the Baltoro, so plan to be offline for about two weeks. Our team carries communication for emergencies.
Can I charge my phone and camera?
There is no electricity after Askole. Bring power banks and a small solar charger.
How much weight can the porters carry for me?
Up to 20 kg in a soft duffel bag. You carry only a small day pack. Extra luggage can stay at our hotel in Skardu.
Can I shower on the trek?
There are no showers on the glacier. You can wash with warm water from the kitchen and wet wipes. Your next hot shower is in Skardu after the trek.
Should I tip the guides and porters?
Tipping is not compulsory but is an important part of the income for guides, cooks and porters, and it is warmly appreciated. We give you a simple guideline before the trek.
Safety and our team
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.
Can women and solo travellers join?
Yes. Many women and solo trekkers join our K2 Base Camp treks. We can arrange a private trek or add you to a group.
Who are the Discover Karakoram guides?
Our guides, cooks and porters come from Hushe, the village at the end of the Gondogoro La trek. They have crossed the pass many times, and our founder Rozi Ali has worked in these mountains for about 40 years.
What happens in an emergency?
Our guides carry a first aid kit and know the quickest way down from every camp. If needed, a helicopter rescue can be arranged, which is why rescue insurance is required.
Plan your trek
Read the19 day K2 Base Camp trek itinerary, ourK2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La trek guide, theGondogoro La crossing guide and theK2 Base Camp trek packing list. Bookings are open for 2027, prices on request. See theK2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La trip page orcontact us.
