K2 Base Camp Trek - 20 Days

K2 Base Camp Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration20 Days
  • Difficulty Level Serious
  • Max Altitude 5300 M
  • Group Size 1-10 Pax
  • Starts Islamabad Airport, Pakastin
  • Ends Islamabad Airport, Pakastin

The world's classic trek, K2 Base Camp Trek grants you the golden to spectator four out of the world’s fourteen eight-thousand-meter peaks from one spot. Located in the far reaches of the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan on the border of India and China, the Central Karakoram National Park is home to the world’s second-highest mountain K2. 

Going to the base camp of the second-highest mountain in the world is on every mountain lover’s bucket list. You will look at the scenery that’s so wondrously incredible and unlike any mountainous territory that you have ever seen before – adapting from lush green farmland, dense forest, and shimmering blue fast-flowing rivers to the barren land and glacial pools the higher you climb – that you realize it was a superior decision. Here you are, vanquishing Everest like a warrior. the view from the pass is just incomparable, anywhere in the world. From, no other place on the earth can one see such an implausible view of K2 (8611m) the second highest peak in the world and the world's most beautiful high pyramid, Broad Peak (8048m), Gasherbrum 1 to 6, Golden Throne (7240m) Chogolisa (7665m) and the entire upper Baltoro Massif. 

Experience the flabbergasting landscapes of the bewitched Karakoram range in Pakistan as we hike amongst some of the planet’s tallest peaks on an expedition-style trek of a lifetime.

Itinerary

Show Detail ItineraryHide Detail Itinerary

    An amazing Gondogoro La Trek begins only after arrival in Pakistan. All participants will meet for lunch which would end with a briefing about our trek and a question-answer session. After that, if time allows the twin cities can be visited, both of which are distinct. Islamabad, a modern capital city, is great for sightseeing while Rawalpindi is a historic city built in the British era with intricate bazaars and bustling streets. Overnight at the Hotel.

      Relishing the one hour “subject to weather” flight from Islamabad offers a lot. The stunning route the flight takes goes through the majestic Himalayan mountain range and witnesses stunning views of the world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat Peak (8126m). Before landing the majestic K2 and other known peaks in the area would be visible if we are lucky. Some might even be able to spot a part of the K2 Gondogoro La Trek route. After check-in at our hotel, the day will be spent visiting Bazar, historical forts, scenic lakes or visiting ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who had influence in the area before Islam. Overnight at Hotel.

        Skardu, the Capital of the ancient Baltistan Kingdom so there is so much to see and explore. It is the getaway of many famous treks and Climbing expeditions, including K2 and Gondogoro La Trek. In the morning you will walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (built in early 1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If you are into photography then this is a perfect location to take photos of Skaradu Town at sunrise or sunset. (we can arrange this for you). You will then walk to a small village, called Organic Village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore, perhaps you would like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the bazaar.

          Today you will take a scenic drive along the Mighty Indus, Shigar then Braldu River to Shigar Valley towards Askoli. Askoli, the latest village before entering into the heart of Karakoram. You will spend your first night under the Stars in Askoli, which is high above the thundering Braldu River. Explore Askole, a single street of wooden houses, backed by inundated fields of corn, potatoes and copse of apricot trees. Overnight in a tent.

            Start your journey walking from Askole to Korofong in 2-3 hrs. After 1-½ hr. cross a small suspension bridge on the Biafo River and cross the wasteland, traverse Biafo Glacier. After a lunch break at Korofong continues to Jhola (2-3 hrs.). Cross- Dumardo River Bridge and camp at rather a dusty campsite surrounded by a few bushes with a side stream. Overnight in a tent.

              On this day of our K2 base camp trek, the participants will follow the Braldu gorge, along the bank of the Braldu River. You will be able to view the astonishing rocks of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. Several streams from glaciers flow down into the valley and on the way, the participants will have to use river crossing shoes depending on the water levels. Spot the snout of Baltoro Glacier on a clear day. End your day by climbing away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where you will see trees for a while. Overnight in Tent.

                Today is the day that you will get relaxed and acclimatize your body at Paiju Camp. However, the porters will take their time to bake themselves bread for next week on the glacier. An acclimatization walk can also be taken towards Paiju Peak base camp on this day. So enjoy your day at camp.

                  On this day the walking will get tough however the scenery will become amazing with each step taken onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail has continuous up-and-down climbs on the glacial moraine, although the trail is quite safe it is highly recommended to be careful at all times. Experience the astounding sights as you move forward; the views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. Walk across the glacier to Liligo and follow a rocky trail which is along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be made. Trango Towers can be eventually seen after coming across two small glaciers. For the following night, you will make their stop at Urdukas near the army camp. The camp is 100m above the glacier.

                    Leaving Urdukas behind, you will follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu glacier, which flows from Masherbrum, and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m) and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. We are quite high now and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions, so we will make sure to wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier where ledges have been leveled out for the tents.

                      Today you will Trek to Concordia, making your way through what must arguably be the most breathtaking mountain scenery anywhere in the world! Our approach to Concordia continues along with the heaving swells of the Baltoro Glacier as we pass Mustagh Tower (7284m). Ahead of us, Gasherbrum IV (7925m) acts like a beacon drawing us on, whilst at some points on today’s walk, we can also see Gasherbrum ll (8035m) which peeks out to the right of Gasherbrum lV. As we make our way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad Peak (8051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left. K2 keeps itself hidden until the very moment we reach Concordia when suddenly its full height is revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4000 meters from the valley floor to the summit – a sight that will never be forgotten. Concordia is a wide area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of the most amazingly thrilling places on the planet and here you can stand within 24 kilometers of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks! We make our camp at approximately 4,500 meters on a moraine ridge surrounded on all sides by jagged peaks including Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak and K2. Overnight in Tents.

                        Camp, rest, and explore base camps. You can just sit and watch K2 all day long and sip tea; which many have done and have still not been able to fully get K2 in their system! Or you can go on a long whole day tiring trip to K2 Base Camp; or go the other way towards the Gasherbrum peaks. Overnight in Tents.

                          You will set out on a slightly different and less explored route. Short tours will be made to avoid crevasses and walk on rugged ice rather than slippery ice. In case of snow, You will have to walk together wearing crampons for safety hooked with rope to each other. The base will be set in Ali camp, where the participants will reach after hiking for 5-6 hours. “Ali Camp” is named after a local porter, who was the first person to cross Gondogoro La Pass. Upon reaching the base some basic skills will be taught to you for the next day, which would be the crossing of Gondogoro La Pass.

                            Leave Ali Camp at 2:00 a.m., cross Gondogoro La (5,700 m.), descend Gondogoro Glacier, arrive at Hispang campsite at 2:00 p.m., a long tough day. Wow! What a day! This is the apex of the whole trip. The first part of the walk is in darkness over rocks. As we enter the upper Vigne basin, we get on ice and snow. The route has been set for us and we walk while being cautious of crevasses. The ascent begins around 5:00 a.m. The ropes have been fixed for us. We should be on top of the pass before 9:00 a.m. All along we are helped and assisted by the staff. Simply said: from Gondogoro La top, there is no other comparable mountain view on this planet! The descent is harder and steeper than the ascent. Ropes again have been fixed and we basically descend about three pitches with the help of ropes. Once again, we are assisted at every step by the staff. Walking into the lush green Hispang Campsite with a running shallow sandy stream is like entering heaven!

                              Today the most difficult part of this leg is located where we get off the Gondogoro Glacier and is a very small section of the walk. But most of the way it is a gentle and beautiful walk to Dalsam Pa. It takes about 4 hours.

                                The easy day comes from here where you will be walking to the next camp for two hours on the Gondogoro Glacier. Leave behind the rock and ice and make your way through meadows and pastures to reach the Saicho. Experience the sign of the settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to the big trees and lower altitude. The camp will be set up at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water streams.

                                  Today will be the last walking day of K2 and Gondogoro La Trek, an easy walk to Hushe village. Hushe is quite large with a warren of alleys and buildings. Most traditional houses are built from rounded river stones and are 2 stories high, with space for the animal downstairs and people upstairs. Hushe also has some more modern houses, a shop, a school, a hotel and a trekkers’ campsite. 

                                    Our vehicles will already be waiting for us, so make an early start for the return drive through the lush green Khapulu Vally. Faster, smoother journey on a paved road following the great Indus River into Skardu. Arriving in the town you will check in to our hotel and there will be time for a welcome shower and clean up before sitting down to dinner. Tonight enjoy the comfort of a real bed.

                                      On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time relaxing at the hotel in Islamabad. Domestic flights sometimes get canceled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by vehicle.

                                        Today is the extra day in Islamabad in case of travel complications getting back from Skardu. Since you have just completed the most epic hike of your life, we do not want to add any group stress by making the departure window tight.

                                        Today will be a free day in the city with group breakfast and dinner included. After a final meal together, our epic journey of a lifetime has come to an end and the time has come to say goodbye.

                                          Say goodbye to this beautiful country as today you will be heading back towards your own country!! Our company representatives will be taking you to the airport 3 hrs before the scheduled flight. We hope to meet you again for your next journey with us.

                                          Cost Details

                                          Cost Includes
                                          • All domestic flights and road transfers including airport transfers
                                          • All hotel accommodations (Twin Sharing Room)
                                          • All Trekking accommodation
                                          • All camping site fees and bridge fees
                                          • All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc.)
                                          • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
                                          • Licensed professional guide (Government requirement)
                                          • Government trekking permit fees and paperwork
                                          • Waste management fees (Government Requirement)
                                          • Support staff (cook. Assistant(s)etc.)
                                          • Porter for personal luggage(15kgs)
                                          • First aid medicine kit (Basic)
                                          • Rescues team for GGLA
                                          • Food and fuel for crew and porters according to government guidelines
                                          • Robes for GGLA
                                          • Domestic Flight Fares
                                          • Our Service Charges and Government Tax/VAT
                                          Cost Excludes
                                          • International airfares
                                          • Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance of the clients
                                          • Tips for driver, porter and staff
                                          • Single supplement
                                          • Sleeping bags and all personal expenses such as telephone, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks
                                          • Bills for helicopter evacuation, medical and other rescue operations
                                          • Lunch and Dinner while driving
                                          • If Roadblock due to Landsliding or Protest, Company is not responsible for the extra expense on the spot
                                          • Any other service that is not mentioned in the list above
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