The K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La trek offers some of the greatest mountain views on Earth. In one small area, four peaks above 8,000 metres rise among hundreds of other summits, and the scenery cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. After a flight or a drive along the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad, we reach Skardu. A seven hour jeep drive then takes us to Askole, where we start a two week trek up the Baltoro Glacier. At Concordia, the meeting point of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, we stand close to K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum I and II. The highlight of the trek is the crossing of the Gondogoro La (5,585 m) into the green Hushe valley, before the road journey back to Islamabad. With the support of our Balti porters and guides, this trek is a perfect mix of wild nature and mountain culture.
| 1 | Departure/Return Location | International Airport, Islamabad |
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| 2 | Departure Time | Mountain Range: Karakoram |
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| 3 | Elevation: 5585m | Best Time: June to End-August |
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| 4 | Duration: 21 Days | Zone: Permitted |
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Day 1Arrive in IslamabadOur team meets you at Islamabad airport and takes you to your hotel. Evening briefing about the trek and gear check. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2Fly to Skardu (2,230 m)Early morning flight to Skardu past Nanga Parbat, about one hour. If the flight is cancelled because of weather, we drive the Karakoram Highway instead. Afternoon free in Skardu. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3Jeep from Skardu to Askole (3,000 m)A full day jeep ride of about 7 hours through the Shigar valley and along the Braldu river to Askole, the last village before the glaciers. We meet our porters and camp crew. Overnight in tent.
Day 4Askole to Jhola (3,200 m)About 6 hours along the Braldu river, crossing the snout of the Biafo Glacier, to the campsite at Jhola beside the Dumordo river. Overnight in tent.
Day 5Jhola to Paiju (3,450 m)About 6 to 7 hours along the river with first views of the Paiju peaks and the Trango group. Paiju is a green campsite with trees and water. Overnight in tent.
Day 6Rest and acclimatisation day at PaijuA rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude, with an optional short walk to the viewpoint above camp. Overnight in tent.
Day 7Paiju to Khoburtse (3,800 m)We step onto the Baltoro Glacier and walk about 6 hours on rocky moraine with views of the Trango Towers, Uli Biaho and the Cathedral peaks. Overnight in tent.
Day 8Khoburtse to Urdukas (4,050 m)About 4 hours to Urdukas, a camp on a grassy slope above the glacier with views of the Trango Towers, Cathedral, Paiju Peak and Masherbrum. Overnight in tent.
Day 9Rest and acclimatisation day at UrdukasA second rest day for acclimatisation before we go higher. Short walks above camp. Overnight in tent.
Day 10Urdukas to Goro II (4,300 m)About 6 to 7 hours in the middle of the Baltoro Glacier with Masherbrum to the south and Gasherbrum IV ahead. Overnight in tent.
Day 11Goro II to Concordia (4,600 m)About 4 to 5 hours to Concordia, the meeting point of the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers, where K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrums, Mitre Peak and Chogolisa surround you. Overnight in tent.
Day 12Concordia to K2 Base Camp (5,000 m) and Broad Peak Base CampWe walk up the Godwin Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp, visit the Gilkey Memorial, then return to Broad Peak Base Camp (about 4,800 m) for the night. About 9 to 10 hours. Overnight in tent.
Day 13Broad Peak Base Camp to Ali Camp (4,950 m)Back past Concordia and up the Vigne Glacier to Ali Camp, the base for Gondogoro La. About 7 hours. Gear check and early dinner. Overnight in tent.
Day 14Spare weather day at Ali CampKept free for bad weather or deep snow on the pass. If the weather is good, we rest at Ali Camp before the climb. Overnight in tent.
Day 15Cross Gondogoro La (5,585 m) to KhuspangWe start around midnight and climb on fixed ropes to the top of Gondogoro La for sunrise over K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. A steep descent on fixed ropes brings us to Khuspang (about 4,700 m) below Laila Peak. About 10 to 12 hours. Overnight in tent.
Day 16Khuspang to Saicho (3,350 m)An easy walk down the Gondogoro valley past summer pastures, with views of Laila Peak, to the green campsite at Saicho. About 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in tent.
Day 17Saicho to Hushe and drive to SkarduAbout 2 hours walk to Hushe, the home village of our team, then jeeps drive us the same day through Khaplu to Skardu, about 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in hotel.
Day 18Fly from Skardu to IslamabadMorning flight to Islamabad (or the Karakoram Highway if the flight is cancelled). Free afternoon. Overnight in hotel.
Day 19Fly homeTransfer to Islamabad airport for your flight home.
Services Include:| Airport pick up and drop off in Islamabad |
| Hotel in Islamabad on bed and breakfast as per itinerary |
| Hotel in Skardu on full board as per itinerary |
| Domestic flights Islamabad to Skardu and back (road travel by private vehicle if flights are cancelled) |
| All jeep transport as per itinerary |
| Trekking permit and national park fees |
| Experienced English speaking trekking guide |
| Cook and kitchen team |
| Porters to carry your bag (up to 20 kg) and all camp equipment |
| All meals during the trek |
| Sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent with mattresses |
| Wages, food, equipment and insurance for all staff and porters |
| First aid kit |
| Garbage management |
| Fixed ropes and safety equipment for Gondogoro La |
| International flights to and from Islamabad |
| Pakistan visa fee |
| Travel, medical and helicopter rescue insurance |
| Lunch and dinner in Islamabad |
| Personal trekking gear, sleeping bag and clothing |
| Extra hotel nights or meals caused by early return, flight delays or road closures |
| Excess baggage on domestic flights |
| Drinks, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses |
| Tips for guides, cooks and porters |
| Anything not listed under included services |
K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek on Google Maps:
