K2 Base Camp Trek in Pakistan: All You Need To Know

K2 Base Camp is the base camp for climbers of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. You can find K2 in the northwestern Karakoram Range in Pakistan, partly in the Kashmir Region at an altitude of 5,117 m or 16,785 ft. As is the case with many high peaks, there are different names for K2. In Chinese K2 is known as Qogir Feng, and locally they call the mountain Dapsang or Chogori. Another English name for the mountain is Mount Godwin-Austen, after Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen a British topographer who surveyed the area around K2 in the late 19th Century. Of course, there are also nicknames for K2. Besides nicknames like The Mountaineers' Mountain or the King of Mountains, K2 is best known as the Savage Mountain. Why, we hear you ask? That is because George Bell, who climbed the mountain in 1953 explained to reporters that the mountain is so savage that it tries to kill you.

The trek to K2 Base Camp Trek is not savage, but it is definitely wild. This trek allows you to experience an expedition without having to climb any peaks. Unlike at Everest Base Camp, there is not much at K2 Base Camp. As a matter of fact, outside the trekking and climbing season, there is absolutely nothing at the location of K2 Base Camp. Tents will have to be carried in and out when you want to go to the base of the Savage Mountain.

Why not? No, seriously. If you are looking for a long trekking adventure, one that is completely different from other treks in the Himalaya and the Karakoram Range, the K2 Base Camp Trek ticks all the boxes. We speak to Adeel Mirza of 100 Adventures, organizer of the K2 Base Camp Trek, and other treks in the Karakoram. "On the K2 Base Camp Trek, you will definitely get to know yourself. It is a trek that is much rougher and more authentic than some other treks in the world. Because there are no permanent settlements along the trail, you really feel as if you are one of the first ones to ever hike here. It is so unspoiled."

Unspoiled also means that the trek has to be done expedition-style. "Correct," Adeel agrees. "The K2 Base Camp Trek comes with some logistics. All our gear, all our food and every single little thing that we need along the way have to be carried and out. This means that we need a lot of guys to travel things. The food, for example, only gets arranged at the last settlement before we leaving civilization. Goats and chicken travel with us, so we we can eat protein-rich and fresh food in our camps. The K2 Base Camp Trek is cooler than the Everest Base Camp Trek, that's for sure."

Comparing the K2 Base Camp Trek to the Everest Base Camp Trek is like comparing apples to pears. Nonetheless, everyone compares the two. Everest and K2 are the two highest mountains on the planet and that makes the two base camp treks also very interesting. A lot of people who do the K2 Base Camp Trek, have compared it to the Everest Base Camp Trek at some point.

Unlike on the Everest Base Camp Trek, you don't have the comfort of teahouses on the K2 Base Camp Trek. The K2 Base Camp Trek is a proper expedition. You need to carry everything you need on the trek in and in the end, carry everything out again. If you prefer to stay under a roof every night and sleep in a bed, the K2 Base Camp Trek is not for you. Go for the Everest Base Camp Trek and spend the nights in comfortable teahouses instead.

There is only one distinct trekking season for the K2 Base Camp Trek: Summer. The months of July, August and September are the best to undertake the trek. However, it is als to possibel to the trek in May, June and October. Also, although Pakistan is an Islamic country, it will be fine to do the trek during Ramadam. Just don't expect food and beverage to be served at the Chaikhanas, the Pakistani teahouses.

Doing the K2 Base Camp Trek means that you will have to travel to Pakistan. Pakistan is a country that has reached the headlines many times in the last few years. Is it safe to travel? We speak to Adeel about safety in Pakistan. "Whilst it has become incredibly difficult to predict where in the world is safe and where in the world is not these days, from our experience of traveling year after year in northern Pakistan, I would say that the regions we go to, in the manner with which we travel, are safe for western visitors," says Adeel.

"We believe the situation has improved radically since the appalling events of December 2014 when a school was attacked in Peshawar and several children were killed. Since then, the authorities – the army, the politicians, and the people in general – seem to have galvanized their opinion against the militants and marginalized them. So to answer the question, in our opinion, yes, this region is safe for international travelers."

"Back in the day, northern Pakistan was one of the most exciting adventure travel destinations in the world", Adeel says. "There were rafters, trekkers, paragliders, horse riders, mountain bikers, all traveling the region for its immense natural beauty and fascinating and hospitable population. The people you’ll meet in Pakistan, in the true traditions of Islamic hospitality, are among the most hospitable and friendly you’re ever likely to meet."

The K2 Base Camp Trek is no walk in the park but when you know what trekking at high altitude entails, you will respect the trek, but you won't find it necessarily difficult. With the right physical fitness and a just mindset, anyone can do this trek. The point when doing a trek like this one is to take it easy, to stick to the itinerary and to trek high and stay low, ensuring that your acclimatization is on point. People of all ages have done the K2 Base Camp Trek, you are not the first one to do it and let's hope you will also not be the last. It will help to do some epic before you undertake the K2 Base Camp Trek. Think of climbing Kilimanjaro or like doing the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Reading about Savage Mountain, about a lack of infrastructure and about having to stay in a tent for over two weeks may not really ease your jitters when you are thinking of doing this trek. "The K2 Base Camp Trek is definitely safe," Adeel continues. "Our guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude, and ability to provide useful and expert instructions.

They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all treks. In addition, the routes are ideally designed to give you enough time to acclimatize. While the intention is to stick to the described route, a certain degree of flexibility is built-in. In some cases, it may be necessary to change the route here and there. The mountains are full of surprises, and the weather in Pakistan Mountains is unpredictable. The guides continuously carry out risk assessments throughout the expedition. It is, therefore, best to plan a number of extra days in Pakistan for possible unforeseen circumstances."

The following interactive map will help you to get an idea where the K2 Base Camp Trek will take you.

Trekking in Pakistan requires decent gear. Especially the basics like an 80-90l backpack and quality trekking socks. Read here what to bring with you:

Documents

• Passport and visa
• Travel insurance
• Boarding passes for flights
• 2 passport photos
• Driving license
• Dollars in cash
• Credit card (make sure you have $500 available on your card in case evacuation by helicopter is required)

Sleep

• Sleeping bag
• Extra sleeping bag lining

Footwear

• Mountain shoes: 3 or 4 season, lightweight
• Slippers or sandals for the city
• Aircraft shoes (optional)

Clothing

• Make sure you have non-cotton clothing for during the trek
• 2 t-shirts with underlayer (e.g. running t-shirts)
• Fleece / softshell jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Travel and citywear
• Underwear
• Trousers for underlayer (optional)
• Waterproof pants
• Trekking pants
• Trekking shorts (optional)
• 2 thick trekking socks
• Lightweight and breathable trekking socks
• Gloves and woolen hat

Accessories

• One backpack: 35 liters
• A duffel bag or backpack with straps to go over your back (Max - 8kg weight for the porters to carry)
• Drybag or waterproof cover for your backpack
• Water bottle/thermos, at least 2 liters
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal medication – Inhaler, blister plasters, etc.
• General toiletries, contact lenses, glasses (if necessary)
• Towel
• Electronics – Headlight, travel adapter, phone & charger
• Lip balm
• Book
• MP3/Music and headphones
• Hand disinfectant, biodegradable wet wipes

On most K2 Base Camp Treks, you will be traveling from Islamabad to Skardu first. Here you will typically stay in comfortable hotels with full board. During your trek, you will stay in campsites along the trails. The porters will take care of all the camping equipment. Comfortable members tent, mattresses, mess tent, kitchen tent, store tent, office tent, shower tent, toilet tent, table, chairs & kitchen utensils are coming along on your way to the K2 Base Camp.