K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek

Welcome to Islamabad, Pakistan! When you arrive, your group leader or guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After a trip briefing and a gear check, relax at the hotel and rest from your travels.

Fly from Islamabad into the mountain region of Baltistan, to the city of Skardu. The route of this spectacular flight gives you a one-of-a-kind view of the Karakoram range, which is home to some of the world’s most impressive mountains. See these mighty mountains: K2 (8,611 m / 28,251 ft), Nanga Parbat (8,124 m / 26,653 ft), Rakaposhi (7,788 m / 25,551 ft), and many others, from above! Skardu is located at the place where three rivers meet - the Indus, the Shyok, and the Basha. After a day of wonders, including your first glimpse of K2, settle in at the hotel for a good night’s rest.

If it should happen that the flight is canceled due to weather in Islamabad or Skardu, you will travel to Skardu on a private, air-conditioned coach. Following the Indus River, the Karakoram Highway takes you to Skardu through amazing gorges and also offers majestic mountain panoramas. Watch for clear views of Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi. The Karakoram Highway is often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, and rightly so. The drive will take two days, and after 10-12 hours of driving you’ll arrive at Chilas and spend the night in a hotel.

Assuming you were able to fly to Skardu, today you’ll take a jeep safari to the Deosai Plains National Park, also called “The Land of Giants.” The local people know this place as “Summer’s Palace” since it is home to rich green grasses, vibrant and colourful wildflowers, and rare butterflies. The Deosai Plateau has an average elevation of 4,114 m (13,497 ft) above sea level, making it the second highest in the world, after the Changtang Plateau in Tibet. Enjoy inspirational views of Nanga Parbat (8,124 m / 26,653 ft) and scenic picnic lunch beside the renowned Sheosar Lake, all while helping your body begin the process of altitude acclimatization. Return to the hotel in Skardu by evening, full of impressions from this lovely day trip.

If the flight to Skardu was canceled, today you will complete the journey by road from Chilas to Skardu. The drive takes about 7-8 hours, a day full of unforgettable views. You will see individual mountains, such as Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi, as well as the place where the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges all meet. At the conclusion of this amazing ride, a comfortable hotel room awaits you in Skardu.

Travel today through the Shigar and Braldu valleys by Jeep to reach the village of Askoli (3,000 m / 9,842 ft). Each of these valleys is majestic and unique. In the Shigar Valley, the journey passes through several farming villages where the staple crops are barley and wheat, as well as fruit trees full of apricots and cherries. The local people are friendly and hospitable, and will likely invite you to sample the most delicious, fresh-picked cherries and apricots you have ever tasted.

In the Braldu Valley, the landscape changes, becoming more barren and desert-like with steep gorges and rocky mountainsides. Cross the Braldu River over suspension bridges several times, which is a unique experience. The journey is unpredictable because of the nature of the terrain. If the road is blocked by rocks or landslides, it will take longer than anticipated to reach Askoli, but with patience and flexibility you will soon find yourself at your first campsite for this trek.

Askoli is a self-sufficient village, as the people there grow all their own wheat, fruits, and vegetables. They also have large herds of sheep and goats. The fully-serviced Askoli campsite is a likely place to meet up with other trekking groups and mountaineering expeditions, so it will be a fun place to mingle and get to know other hikers. After dinner is a briefing with the guide and tour leader regarding the schedule for the next day.

Finally the trekking begins! Hike for about 30 minutes from Askoli to reach the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) office to register the group’s entry into the park. Since entry fees are included in your tour, this is already paid. Continuing from there, the Braldu Valley opens, revealing the enormous Biafo Glacier. This impressive glacier flows from Hispar Pass and Snow Lake to Braldu Valley and it is 67 km (41.6 miles) long, making it the third longest in the world outside of polar regions. This trek begins with an introduction to moraine crossing as you walk across the snout of the Biafo glacier toward Korophong, where you’ll enjoy a lunch break on the banks of the river.

The environment around you will feel severe and stark at the base of some large mountains in the Baltoro region. Follow the valley to the place where the Braldu and Dumordo rivers meet. At one time a “Joula” or flying fox was used here to cross the quick currents of the Dunmordo River. Today, a footbridge makes crossing the river a much safer and more convenient task. The Dunmordo Valley was once used as a passage on a travel route to China, but today the river shows your route to your camp for the night. The Joula campsite (3,218 m / 10,558 ft) is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

Hit the trail early today, following it along the Braldu River as it rises and falls due to erosion and water levels. Stop to eat lunch at the old campsite called Bardumal. As you continue your trek, you may see glimpses of the peaks of the Masherbrum range on your right toward the Xiangang Valley. The massive Masherbrum group covers most of the southern side of Baltoro Glacier.

The conditions here are likely to be very dry and hot, so be careful to avoid dehydration and sunburn. As you approach the Paiju campsite, you’ll pass lovely small streams descending from the glaciers to the north. You will also see glimpses of the Trango Towers rock towers and the twin peaks of Uli Biaho. You’ll also get your first introduction to the Baltoro glacier which, at 63km long, is the fifth longest in the world outside of the polar regions. At this distance, it will be difficult to understand how truly massive the Baltoro glacier is, but in the days to come you will move closer and be better able to appreciate its beauty and majesty.

Paiju campsite (3,407 m / 11,178 ft) is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

Get ready for a tough day on Baltoro glacier and be sure to stay well-hydrated. About an hour’s hike from Paiju, you will approach the massive glacier. You will begin to appreciate the immensity of this glacier when you see how the ice stretches across the Braldu River, and notice that the porters look like a trail of ants. The impressive ice rises 70-80 meters above the river, and the ever-changing moraine is challenging to navigate. This part of the trek will be difficult.

Once you have reached the other side of the valley, the trail will frequently cross streams or sections of glacier. But you will be rewarded with clear views of the famous peaks of the Baltoro region: Paiju (6,610 m / 21,686 ft), the Trango Towers (6, 363 m / 20,876 ft),Uli Biaho Tower (6,109 m /20,043 ft), and Cathedral (6, 024 m /19,764 ft). The steep slopes behind you are grassy grazing areas for ibex. Pikas and hoopoe birds also call this rocky area home. Cross the Liligo glacier to reach the Khoburtse campsite on the southern side of the Baltoro glacier, opposite the Trango Towers.

Khoburtse campsite (3,816 m / 12,520 ft) is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

Since it is important to increase your sleeping altitude gradually, this will be a shorter day. Continue trekking as the trail follows along the side moraine on the southern side of the Baltoro glacier, at times on the glacier itself. Cross two other glaciers as well, both of which flow from Urdukas Peak (6,320 m / 20,735 ft). Then, on the northern side of the Baltoro glacier, cross Cathedral peak and the Trango Towers. Around midday, you’ll arrive at the unique and amazing Urdukas campsite (4,168 m /13,675 ft). Created by the 1909 K2 expedition led by the Duke of Abruzzi, this camping area is perched on hillside terraces about a hundred meters above the glacier. Rest in this spectacular place, surrounded by incomparable views of the Trango Towers, as well as Cathedral Peak and Lobsang (5,707 m /18,724 ft), whose rocky sides rise to form walls across the glacier. On a clear day, you can also see Broad Peak (8,051 m / 26,414 ft) and Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m /26,000 ft) in the distance.

Urdukas campsite is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

Today you'll enjoy a slow start observing the stunning surroundings. During the day, take a short acclimatization hike.

Beginning to hike from the Urdukas campsite, follow the moraine along the edge of the glacier before crossing onto the glacier itself, where the smoother surface makes trekking much easier. You will see the impressive Masherbrum mountain (7,821 m / 25,659 ft) on your right, as well as the Yermamendu glacier which flows from the south. Rubble scattered on the ice forms mountains which require a steady series of up and down climbs, but you will constantly have views of rugged peaks such as Broad Peak (8,051 m /26,414 ft) and Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m /26,000 ft) to motivate and inspire you. Pause to look back toward Paiju and appreciate how far you’ve come as those massive peaks seem to shrink into the distance.

Be prepared for cooler nights from now on as you will be camping on a large field of ice at higher altitudes. Goro II campsite (4,319 m / 14,170 ft) is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

The backdrop for your trek today is quite possibly the most amazing mountain scenery on earth. Follow the route from the Goro II campsite toward Concordia along a relatively easy trail, hiking across gentle moraine slopes. Along the way, the Biange glacier to the north provides a clear view of the Muztagh Tower (7,283 m /23,894 ft). You can also see pinnacles of ice, or seracs, known as the “Ice Cubes” as they rise 40-60 meters out of Baltoro glacier.

As you approach Concordia, you are surrounded on all sides by giants, with Mitre Peak (6,070 m / 19,915 ft) and Baltoro Kangri (7,300 m / 23,950 ft) to the right, Broad Peak (8,052 m /26,417 ft) to the left, and the Gasherbrum group straight ahead. Finally, the legendary K2 (8,611 m / 28,251 ft) looms above the ridge and towers above the Godwin Austen glacier about 12km in the distance. Impressive as this view is, the full height of K2 is hidden until reaching Concordia, an unforgettable moment when the mighty mountain reveals itself with an incomprehensible 4,000 m rise from valley floor to summit.

Concordia is arguably one of the most spectacular campsites in the world, fully surrounded by the incomparable Karakoram peaks. There is no higher concentration of 7,000+ meter peaks to be found anywhere in the world. In this wide area, glaciers from K2 meet others from Chogolisa and the Gasherbrums, making it an ideal base for exploration and expeditions to some of the world’s tallest mountains. In the place, you are standing within 24km of 10 of the highest 30 peaks in the world, four of which top 8,000m. Few people in the world can boast that they have stood in the place and witnessed this extraordinary sight, but today you join the ranks of this exclusive group.

Concordia campsite (4,575 m / 15,010 ft) is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

Wake up early this morning, since you won’t want to miss the chance to see the sun rise over the majestic Gasherbrum IV together with overwhelming views of Mighty K2 and Broad Peak. Get on the trail early and aim to reach Broad Peak Base Camp (4,850 m / 15,912 ft) by midday. The area where the Baltoro and the Godwin Austen glaciers intersect can be challenging but after this area, the terrain becomes much easier. Follow the medial moraine between the two glaciers to the Broad Peak Base Camp, which featuring awe-inspiring views of K2 ahead and Concordia behind. Since there will be many other expeditions camped here, you will have the opportunity to meet other hikers as well as professional mountain climbers.

Afterwards you’ll continue on to K2 Base Camp (5,135m) and then return to Concordia for the night.

Leave Concordia Camp in the direction of Upper Baltoro Glacier. Cross a number of moraine ridges until you arrive at the Vigne glacier, which you will find easier as it is much flatter with fewer crevasses. Along the trek, enjoy the marvelous views of Broad Peak, Chogolisa, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, and of course K2. Aim to arrive at Ali Camp, just below Gondogoro La, around midday. Rest, eat dinner early, and choose to turn in early in preparation for a very early start in the morning.

Note that a reserve day is scheduled in the event that weather conditions prevent your group from crossing the pass as planned. The group leader will determine if the weather, ice and snow conditions are favourable and safe.

Ali Camp (4,965 m / 16,289 ft) is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

Today will be a difficult but exciting day! Reaching the top of the Gondogoro Pass (5,625 m / 18,455 ft) is an accomplishment in itself, rewarding your hard work with unbelievable vistas. If you look in one direction, you’ll see four 8,000+ meter peaks (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II). Look the opposite way down into the incredible Hushe Valley and see the lovely Laila Peak.

On this day, an early start means the middle of the night, around 1:00am. This is for safety, to reduce the risk of a rockfall as you descend down the pass on the Hushe side. If the trail has been broken and there are good snow conditions, ascending the pass can take as little as 5 hours. Roping up may be needed, depending on the snow conditions, as you cross the glacier to reach the base of the pass. Crampons and ice axes will be needed on the Vigne side as you climb the pass. Fixed ropes are in place in several sections where you can clip in with a carabiner and sling, and also use the ropes as handrail for safety.

Descending down the Hushe side of the Gondogoro Pass is also a challenge. A fixed rope at the top is very helpful, but the slope is very steep 50 degrees on snow at the start, and the bottom is a section of loose scree. Having conquered all of these challenges, Kuispang awaits. This green oasis campsite is the perfect place to relax and relive the day’s adventures.

Kuispang campsite (4,695 m / 15,404 ft) is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

Today you'll descend the Gondogoro Glacier to reach Daltsampa camp, with stunning views of the Gondogoro Glacier, Yermanadu Kangri (23,495 ft.) Masherbrum South (25,604 ft) and the Masherbrum La Camp (13.980 ft) by two small lakes. Overnight in tents.

From Kuispang, it is a short and easy walk to reach the Gondogoro glacier. As you pick your way across the icy glacier and the moraine, enjoy the beautiful sight of Laila Peak (6,096 m) on your left. When you have crossed the glacier, you’ll find lovely Dalsampa (“field of flowers”) campsite. Stop here to have lunch while looking out at a spectacular panoramic view of Masherbrum (7,821 m) as well as the Masherbrum glacier which cascades down from the Masherbrum Pass. After lunch, the hike to Saicho takes you through yak pastures and past the first trees you have seen since Paiju.

The idyllic Saicho campsite sits beside the river, nestled among wild roses, juniper, and tamarisk trees, and offers a stunning view up through the Charakusa Valley to K7 (6,934 m). Stop by the shop where the friendly local shopkeeper will regale you with stories from his time as a high-altitude porter on K2 expeditions. After successfully crossing the Gondogoro La, the porters will be more relaxed and they may choose to share their joy through local dances and songs in the evening.

Saicho campsite (3,434 m / 11,266 ft) is fully serviced and offers toilet and bath facilities maintained by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

This will be the most interesting day of the trip the last walking day for the members and the porters to reach Hushe the last village of the Ganche District in the Khaplu Valley.

Bid a fond farewell to the crew, who have become friends of these two weeks together, and board a Jeep bound for Skardu. A pleasant, 5-hour drive through quaint mountain villages awaits you. Once again, local farmers will extend hospitality and offer you fresh fruit from their trees. You will also travel through the town of Khaplu, which was once the second largest kingdom of the old Baltistan, and which guarded a trade route along the Shyok River to Ladakh. After arriving in Skardu, meet with the tourism department for a post-trek debriefing, then settle into your hotel for the night.

Weather permitting, take the breathtaking flight back to Islamabad, during which you can see some of the tallest peaks in the Karakoram range from above. The sight of the mighty K2, Nanga Parbat (8,124 m / 26,654 ft), and Rakaposhi (7,788 m / 25,551 ft) from this vantage point is unforgettable. There will be time in the evening to explore this modern city with sightseeing and shopping. Celebrate your amazing experiences on this tour with a special dinner at Monal Restaurant in Margalla Hills, where it is difficult to decide which is better: the food or the views of Islamabad.

If weather should force the flight be canceled, journey back to Islamabad on a private, air-conditioned coach. From Skardu, you’ll follow the Indus River and its deep gorges until you reach the Karakoram Highway. The drive on the Karakoram Highway, often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world, is a unique and memorable experience. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of Rakaposhi (7,788 m / 25,551 ft) and Nanga Parbat (8,124 m / 26,654 ft) along the 8-hour drive to Chilas, where you will spend the night in a hotel.

Enjoy a free day in Islamabad for exploring, sightseeing and shopping.

Note: If our flight on day 19 is cancelled, we will spend 11-12 hours driving from Chilas to Islamabad via Babusar Pass 4173m.

Your Ultimate K2 trek has come to an end! After breakfast, say goodbye to your group leader and/or guide after they help you transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.