20-Day K2 and Gondogoro La Trek through Pakistan's Karakoram

Welcome to Pakistan! Most international flights land at Islamabad International Airport in the early morning hours. Upon arrival, our representative will be there to greet you and arrange your transfer to the group hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest and recover from your journey.

Once all group members have arrived, we'll hold a briefing session to discuss the upcoming K2 and Gondogoro La trek. Depending on how much time we have, we may also take the opportunity to explore Islamabad - a city planned and developed in 1961 to serve as Pakistan's modern capital.

Today, you'll head to Islamabad International Airport to board a breathtaking flight (weather permitting) to Skardu, the heart of Baltistan. The journey takes around 45 minutes and, on a clear day, offers stunning aerial views of the mighty Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain range. Passengers often catch a glimpse of Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest peak at 8,126 meters, and sometimes even K2 and the Gondogoro Pass if visibility allows.

Upon arrival in Skardu, you'll check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the local bazaar, historical forts, serene lakes, and notable heritage sites. One highlight includes the 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock, bearing carvings that reflect the area's Buddhist heritage prior to the spread of Islam.

Important Note: Flights to and from Skardu operate only under clear weather conditions. Since the airport is nestled within a narrow valley, pilots require unobstructed visibility to land safely. Fortunately, the mountain weather is generally favorable, and cancellations are infrequent.

Skardu Airport was elevated to international status and officially reopened on December 2, 2021, after significant upgrades aimed at boosting regional tourism. It now offers direct flights from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and even Dubai. Thanks to these improvements, flight reliability has greatly increased - only a single cancellation occurred last summer, requiring passengers to take an alternative route by road via the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Contingency Plan: In the rare event of a flight cancellation, the journey will continue overland. You'll travel to Naran for an overnight stay - a 281 km, roughly 9-hour drive from Islamabad - and proceed to Skardu the following day. This leg takes about 10 hours along the scenic Karakoram Highway, running beside the majestic Gilgit and Indus Rivers. The road trip, though longer, offers equally captivating views as the flight.

Skardu, once the capital of the ancient Baltistan Kingdom, is rich in history and culture with plenty to discover. As a major gateway for legendary treks and mountaineering expeditions - such as those to K2 and Gondogoro La - it holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers.

In the morning, you'll hike up to the historic ruins of Kharpocho Fort, built in the early 1700s. Perched high above the town, the fort offers sweeping views of Skardu and the mighty Indus River - an ideal spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset. (We're happy to arrange this for photography enthusiasts.)

Later, you'll visit the Manthal Buddha Rock, a significant 8th-century granite boulder etched with a large image of Buddha and inscriptions that reflect the area's Buddhist heritage before the advent of Islam. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient spiritual history and makes for a meaningful cultural stop.

Drive along the Indus, Shigar, and Braldu Rivers to Askoli, the last village before the wilderness. Meet your porters and continue to Johla by road or trek, depending on conditions. Witness the start of the adventure amidst apricot groves and towering peaks.

The trek from Askole (3,000m) to Jula (3,150m) is a demanding 6-8 hour journey covering approximately 20 km through the arid, sun-baked Braldu Gorge. Leaving the last permanent settlement behind, the trail winds through a dusty, high-desert landscape before crossing the rubble-strewn snout of the massive Biafo Glacier. After a lunch break under the willow trees at the green oasis of Korofong, the route continues to the confluence of the Biafo and Dumurdo rivers, ending with a dramatic suspension bridge crossing to reach the wind-swept campsite at Jula.

Begin the trek with a 6-hour hike along the Braldu River. Cross streams, admire the first glimpses of Trango Towers, and reach Paiju, a green oasis beneath Paiju Peak.

• Elevation Gain: Ascent 330m, Descent 160m

Set off on a challenging 7-hour trek across mixed terrain from Paiju to Khoburtse Camp, where you can admire views of Cathedral Towers, the Trango Group, and Uli Biaho.

• Morning:

  • Depart from Paiju Camp and approach the Baltoro Glacier, witnessing its powerful meltwater streams.

  • Follow a rugged trail that combines glacier walks with lateral moraine paths.

• Midday to Afternoon:

  • Navigate rocky and challenging segments, including possible fording of meltwater streams.

  • Arrive at Khoburtse Camp, where panoramic views of nearby peaks abound.

• Elevation Changes:

  • Ascend roughly 785m and descend around 355m.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Khoburtse Camp.

Enjoy a shorter but steady 4-hour trek along the glacier's edge that culminates at Urdukas Camp. Marvel at towering peaks like the Trango Towers, Cathedral Peak, and Lobsang as you gain altitude.

• Morning:

  • Trek along the undulating moraine beside the Baltoro Glacier, alternating paths between the glacier and lateral moraine.

  • Pass by notable features such as Great Trango and the isolated Nameless Tower.

• Late Morning:

  • Arrive at Urdukas Camp to enjoy a sensational view of the surrounding mountain walls.

• Elevation Changes:

  • Gain about 420m in elevation and descend 150m.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Urdukas Camp.

Spend an extra day at Urdukas to aid acclimatization. Enjoy easy walks through grassy slopes dotted with alpine flowers, crucial for adapting to high-altitude conditions.

• Activities:

  • Relax and absorb the serene landscape.

  • Take an optional gentle walk behind the camp along picturesque slopes.

• Benefit:

  • Helps the gradual process of acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude-related issues.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Urdukas Camp.

Leave Urdukas behind for a 6-7 hour trek along the moraine that offers vast views of the Baltoro region, including glimpses of Muztagh, Masherbrum, and Gasherbrum IV.

• Path Features:

  • Follow the edge of the glacier, passing the Yermanandu glacier.

  • Cross large expanses of ice and levelled ledges suitable for camping.

• Elevation Changes:

  • Ascend approximately 535m and descend 280m.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Goro II Camp.

Set off on a 5-hour trek through what may be the most spectacular mountain scenery on Earth. As you ascend the Baltoro Glacier, iconic peaks such as Mustagh Tower, Gasherbum IV, and Broad Peak come into view.

• Highlights:

  • Witness K2's imposing elevation as it towers above the valley once you reach Concordia.

  • Stand in a vast glacial junction where multiple glaciers converge.

• Elevation Changes:

  • Ascend around 700m and descend approximately 380m.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Concordia.

Embark on a 4-hour trek from Concordia to Broad Peak Base Camp for one of the best vantage points to admire K2.

• Route:

  • Leave Concordia via jumbled ice fins and moraine ridges.

  • Climb along the medial moraine of the Godwin Austen Glacier.

• Elevation Changes:

  • Ascend roughly 425m and descend around 150m.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Broad Peak Base Camp.

Rise early to catch a mesmerizing sunrise over K2 during a 7-hour trek that takes you up to K2 Base Camp - an essential highlight for any fan of trekking in Pakistan.

• Morning:

  • Trek from Concordia to K2 Base Camp, admiring breathtaking views of K2 and Broad Peak.

  • Pause at K2 Base Camp to relish the moment before returning.

• Afternoon:

  • Retrace your steps back to Concordia via Broad Peak Base Camp and continue descending the Baltoro.

• Elevation Changes:

  • Ascend about 450m and then descend approximately 500m.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Concordia.

Leave the main trekking trail behind for a fresh, off-the-beaten-path route along the Upper Baltoro Glacier. Experience a change in scenery as you move toward the confluence of glaciers at Ali Camp.

• Route Highlights:

  • Scramble over moraine ridges to reach the flatter, less crevassed Vigne Glacier.

  • Continue 5-7 hours of trekking toward Ali Camp, where views of Chogolisa captivate you.

  • Enjoy a post-trek skills session on using a jumar for moving safely on fixed lines.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Ali Camp (4,800m).

Begin early - around 2 a.m. - and prepare for a demanding 10-11 hour ascent of Gondogoro La. This day promises challenging terrain combined with unforgettable high-altitude panoramas.

• Pre-Dawn:

  • Climb with crampons and harnesses, roped for safety on icy sections.

  • Traverse fixed rope sections and navigate steep descents, ensuring you clip safety gear as required.

• Summit Experience:

  • Reach the pass's summit with stunning views of four 8,000+ meter peaks including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II.

  • Gaze over the Hushe Valley and marvel at Laila Peak and the cone of Masherbrum II.

• Safety Note:

  • If weather conditions or trail accessibility become issues, the group will adjust plans by walking back to Askoli.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping.

An extra day has been built into the itinerary as a buffer for any delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If the Gondogoro pass was successfully crossed on Day 14, this day offers additional rest or exploration time. Alternatively, the group may opt to descend further into Hushe for an overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping.

Enjoy a 6-7 hour trek that brings you from the rugged glacier terrain to the gentler landscapes around Saicho, with spectacular views of Masherbrum and tranquil yak pastures.

• Route Highlights:

  • Begin with an easy walk before navigating across the glacier's moraine.

  • Cross scenic fields known as "Dalsangpa" (Field of Flowers) and meander past yak herds.

  • Approach Saicho, a picturesque village at 3,350m where trees and greenery reappear after several days at higher altitudes.

• Accommodation: Full-service camping at Saicho.

Today marks an easy 2-hour trek leading into the vibrant Hushe village. Immerse yourself in the local culture before boarding a vehicle for a 7-hour drive back to Skardu along a scenic route following the Indus River.

• Morning:

  • Light trek through Hushe's charming alleys and traditional stone houses.

• Afternoon:

  • Board the vehicle for a comfortable drive through Khapulu Valley and along the Indus River into Skardu.

  • Check in to your hotel, refresh with a shower, and enjoy a hearty dinner.

• Accommodation: Summit Hotel in Skardu.

After a leisurely morning in Skardu, board a flight back to Islamabad. Enjoy views of Nanga Parbat and the lush valley as you transition from the mountains to the capital's energetic environment.

• Morning:

  • Transfer to Skardu Airport for a 40-minute scenic flight back to Islamabad (weather permitting).

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to the group hotel.

  • Free time for independent sightseeing and final shopping.

• Contingency:

  • In the event of flight delays, the journey will continue by road along the Karakoram Highway.

• Accommodation: Hotel De Papae or similar in Islamabad.

After breakfast, our team will drop you at Islamabad International Airport for your international departure.