K2 Base Camp Trek

Duration: 21 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Amazing Views of the highest peaks in the world
> 'The throne room of the mountain gods'
> Visit the K2 Base Camp Memorial
> Challenge of the toughest treks in the world

K2 is the world's second-highest mountain. Gasherbrum 4, Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, and Chogolisa from the rest of an astounding circle of mountain giants also known as 'the throne room of the Gods'. This stunning trek starts in Askole and follows the Braldu gorge to the snout of the Baltoro glacier, which trekkers can follow to Concordia. There is an optional day walk to K2 and Broad Peak base camps. This is one of the world’s most stunning mountain treks and it is wild and remote with scenery of unmatched grandeur.

Itinerary

Day
1

Islamabad

On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, in Islamabad. You will meet your guide in the afternoon at the hotel for a trip briefing and gear check. If the flight lands late night the briefing will be held the next day.

Islamabad

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Islamabad
Day
2

Fly to Skardu

Option A: Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the northeast. On a clear day, we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains. (adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approx two days).

Option B: In case of cancellation of flight drive. 10-12hrs by air-conditioned coach/car to Chilas (480km) on the Karakoram highway. Overnight at hotel.

Chilas

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Chilas
Day
3

Drive to Skardu from Chilas / Rest day

Duration: 08:00 h

Option A:Overnight Hotel. Preparations for our trek and depending on our time of arrival into Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus and Basha Rivers.

Option B: If we are driving the road journey today will be 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km). On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m) overnight Hotel.

Skardu

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Skardu
Day
4

Drive to Askoli

Jeep drive. It takes about six hours to drive from Skardu to Askolie or near Askolie. The drive through the Braldu Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off. Overnight in tents.

Askoli

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Askoli
Day
5

Trek to Jola

Duration: 08:00 h
After the considerable organization of equipment, supplies and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Jola. The walk from Askoli to Jola is on an easy gentle plain and can be done in 6 to 8 hours. We cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier on the way. The first sight of the pinnacles of the Paiyu Group is stunning. Overnight in tents.

Jola

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Jola
Day
6

Trek to Paiyu

We follow the Braldu and the Biaho rivers to a river’s edge campsite. On the way, we have to cross the Domurda River coming out of Choktoi and Panmah Glaciers. This crossing is done on a ‘garari’ or on a bridge upstream. Depending upon the time it takes for the crossing, the walk can take 8 hours or more. The Masherbrum Group may be glimpsed to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The range is a vast array of peaks that extend almost the full length of the southern side of Baltoro. Walking conditions are hot and dry and care must be taken to prevent sunburn.

Paiyu

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Paiyu
Day
7

Paiyu - Rest day

Rest day. Wash up, relax, read, climb on a steep ridge behind the camp, sing and dance with the porters! Depending upon the size of the party, goats or a goat will be sacrificed and meat will be distributed to the porters as a form of thanksgiving and to bring us good luck on our next day’s walk on the Baltoro.

Paiyu

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Paiyu
Day
8

Trek to Kurbutse

Duration: 08:00 h
Trek on Baltoro Glacier. Six to eight hours of walking. A tough day as we climb on the rocky moraines of the Baltoro, but the sight of Baltoro pinnacles and Paiyu Peak is astounding! An earlier alternative campsite is Liligo, but there is no water there. We will cross some gushing streams on the way.

Kurbutse

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Kurbutse
Day
9

Urdukus

Duration: 04:00 h
A short 4 hour plus walk on the rocky moraines and ablation valley of the Baltoro. We will cross a couple of icy side glaciers on the way and may have our first sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum. The historical campsite is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most intense mountain views in this world. The campsite was prepared by the Duke of Abruzzi at the beginning of this century.

Urdukus

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Urdukus
Day
10

Urdukus - Goro II

Duration: 07:00 h
This is a tough day’s walk on the undulating Baltoro. However, the footing becomes easy as the rocks become smaller and smaller as we move up the Baltoro. It takes about 7 hours to get to Goro II. We walk right up the center moraine of the Baltoro. As Masherbrum emerges on the right, it takes our breath away and so does Gasherbrum IV right in front of us. Goro is a cold campsite! It has a great view of the Muztagh Tower.

Goro II

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Goro II
Day
11

Goro II - Concordia

Duration: 05:00 h
A special day today as we trek into Concordia and enjoy our first views of K2 (weather permitting!). This location must be considered one of the world's most spectacular camps as it is surrounded by stunning peaks. As we leave Goro II, the Biange Glacier to the north provides a superb view up to Mustagh Tower (7284m), one of the most difficult mountains in the Karakoram to climb. The trail continues along fairly easy rolling slopes of moraine marked by cairns and then passes among ice towers or seracs as we approach the colliding glaciers at Concordia. Mitre Peak (6030m) rises to our right, with Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri) (7312m) beside it, while the Gasherbrum Group is directly before us. The expanse of Broad Peak (8050m) is to the left and finally, K2 (8611m) looms above the ridge towering over the Godwin Austen Glacier twelve kilometers away.

Concordia

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Concordia
Day
12

Concordia - K-2 Base Camp - Concordia

Duration: 10:00 h
Our schedule is somewhat flexible according to the prevailing weather conditions and group preference. One of our objectives is to visit K2 Base Camp (approx 5150m) and the Gilkey Memorial, a spectacular full-day trip from camp. The most exciting day of this trek as you walk past Broad peak and get nearer to K-2 and arrive at the strip which is the most popular camping area for nearly all the expeditions to K-2. Here some of the top climbers of the world can be seen busy in preparations for the challenges ahead. Return to your camp at Concordia for overnight (K-2 base camp is too high and trekkers can get seriously ill from altitude if they stay for the night at this altitude, therefore the group must return to Concordia).

Concordia

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Concordia
Day
13

Hike to Goro II

Duration: 05:00 h
We begin the return trek descending first to Goro II where we have magnificent views of the surrounding granite spires and towers. Camp.

Goro II

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Goro II
Day
14

Trek to Urdukus

Duration: 04:00 h
We continue our descent of the Baltoro glacier, today reaching as far as Urdukas where we make camp off the glacier for the first time in several days.

Urdukus

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Urdukus
Day
15

Trek to Paiyu

Duration: 10:00 h
Crossing the Baltoro to its north side beneath the towers of Uli Biaho we finally climb down its snout to reach a good trail back to the spring oasis of Paiyu.

Paiyu

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Paiyu
Day
16

Trek to Jola

Duration: 07:00 h
Following the Braldu River downstream, we make the detour into the Panma Valley to the bridge across its tributary to reach Jhola or Korofon.

Jola

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Jola
Day
17

Trek to Askoli

The final day of trekking to the village of Askole. Here we say goodbye to our porters who will return to their villages.

Askoli

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Askoli
Day
18

Drive to Skardu

Making an early start we drive to Skardu through the relatively verdant Shigar Valley. We check into the hotel and the afternoon is free for sightseeing.

Skardu

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Skardu
Day
19

Fly Islamabad or drive to Chilas

Weather permitting we will fly to Islamabad today, on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight. b) In case of flight cancellation, it is necessary to drive to Chilas and overnight at the hotel on the banks of the Indus.

Chilas

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Chilas
Day
20

Islamabad

Extra 'cushion' day! *Note: Day 20 will be used as a 'cushion' day in case of delays in travel due to weather, route change, health, acclimatization issues during the trek, etc.

Islamabad

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Islamabad
Day
21

Trip concludes in Islamabad

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Meals

    This trek includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Transfers

    All necessary transfers (bus, taxi, private transport, etc.) as described in the itinerary are included.

  • Accommodation in tents

    During your trek, you will stay in tents. The crew will take care of setting up all camping equipment.

  • Hotel

    During your trek you will be staying in the hotels as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Professional guide

    During your trek, you will at all times be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Porters

    Porters will be there to assist with carrying all camping and other necessary equipment during your trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the tour

    Accommodation before and after the trek is included. Breakfast is part of your stay.

  • Return flight Islamabad - Skardu

    Included in the price is the spectacular flight from Islamabad to Skardu. When the visibility is good you can see the world's 9th highest peak in the world, Nanga Parbat (8126m). If the flight is cancelled, the alternative would be driving between Skardu and Islamabad.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    This trip does not include costs for transportation (flights, bus travel, etc.) to your destination.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are your own responsibility.

  • Sleeping bag

    You must bring your own sleeping bag with you. You can rent a sleeping bag from your trekking company.

  • Tipping

    Gratuities for the guide are not covered by the trek's price. The amount to tip is at your discretion, yet if you've received excellent service from your guide, considering a generous tip is appreciated.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

FAQ

  • What and where is K2 Base Camp?

  • Best Season for the K2 Base Camp Trek

  • K2 Base Camp Trek Difficulty

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

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