24-Day K2 Base Camp Trek from Islamabad with Concordia Expedition

• Arrival at the airport, followed by a transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel in Islamabad.

• Early morning flight to Skardu (subject to weather conditions); if unable to fly, we will depart by road with an overnight stay in Chilas.

• If the flight has operated, we will go for a sightseeing tour of Skardu, and if there is no flight, the day will be used for overland travel from Chilas to Skardu (total drive is 22-24 hours from Islamabad to Skardu). Overnight stay in the hotel in Skardu.

• Sightseeing in Skardu, followed by final packing for the expedition.

• After breakfast, we will embark on jeeps for a full-day ride on a winding jeep trail to Askole - the last inhabited place on our way to the great glaciers. (Tent). Have your dinner and go to sleep. If you are not tired, you can explore the village of Askole and its streets.

• Distance: around 18-20 km
• Elevation: about 160+ meters
• Time: 5-8 hours
• Difficulty: Easy, but needs commitment

Trek along the Braldu River. The terrain is quite easy, and we will have good tracks here until Paiju. We will have our lunch at Korofoung after a few hours of trekking. Mostly, the tour agency provides a packed lunch, but a few would make a soft lunch at Korofoung. This place is near the junction of the Panma and Braldu River and is at the snout of the Biafo Glacier.

Lunch consists of:

• Local bread (paratha/chapati)
• Boiled eggs and potatoes
• Soup/hot tea/coffee
• Boiled water to refill bottles
• Dry fruits and biscuits
• Cans of tuna and sardines

We will continue our trek for another 2-3 hours to reach the Jhula campsite. It serves as a crucial stopping point on the K2 Base Camp trek and other routes like the Panma Glacier Sim Pass trek. After crossing the wooden bridge, there is a 90-minute trek to the original Jhula camp with the river on the left in the valley, but more groups prefer to stay at the bank of the river just after crossing the bridge to save energy and time for the next day.

The condition of this camp does not have facilities like the original Jhula camp, such as water availability, washrooms, and shade on sunny days. But the staff will provide boiled water and place your toilet tent near the river.

Quick Stats

• Duration: Around 7-8 hours
• Altitude gain: 318 m (3100 m to 3418 m)
• Difficulty: Challenging and tougher on a sunny day
• Highlight: View of Paiju Peak (6610 m) and the snouts of Baltoro Glacier

Phase 1: Morning march along the Braldu (3 hours)
The power breakfast: Fuel up with a substantial, locally sourced breakfast. Hydration is key.
River's edge: The initial hours are spent following the mighty Braldu River upstream. The path is generally flat or gently ascending.
Acclimatisation focus: Our seasoned guides maintain a steady trekking pace for proper acclimatisation.

Phase 2: The ascent and the big reveal (3 hours)
Rocky transition: The trail begins to climb more steadily. Expect rocky paths and scree sections.
Lunch with a view: We pause for lunch midway with expansive Karakoram views.
Mungroung will be the lunch point with a small hut/shop for drinks and lunch in an open area.
Water obstacles: Seasonal meltwater streams may be crossed. As you approach Paiju, views of Baltoro Glacier, Bakhor Das Peak, and Paiju Peak appear.

Phase 3: Arrival at the last green oasis (2 hours)
The oasis: Paiju is a relatively flat campsite with greenery before Baltoro Glacier.
Afternoon activity: Optional acclimatisation walk to a viewpoint at approx. 3418 m.
Campfire & stories: Dinner under the stars with preparation for the glacier journey ahead.

• Distance: 14-15 km
• Altitude gain: 370 m (Paiju 3420 m to Khuburse 3795 m)
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Phase 1: Morning moraine walk (1.5-2 hours)
  Steady pace along river valley terrain leaving Paiju behind. Approach Paiju Glacier snout and Baltoro Glacier views.
• Phase 2: Lunch stop at Liligo (1 hour)
  Rest area on lateral moraine with packed lunch and hydration break.
• Phase 3: Final climb to Khuburse (1-1.5 hours)
  Steep ascent onto terrace ridge above glacier. Arrival at Khuburse campsite.
• Phase 4: Camp & acclimatisation
  Rest, photography, and acclimatisation at scenic terrace campsite.

• Morning hydration, optional ridge hike towards Paiju Peak.
• Bucket shower, laundry, and cultural interaction with porters.
• Gear check and glacier safety briefing in the evening.

• Distance: 14-15 km
• Altitude gain: 370 m
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Morning moraine walk along Braldu River valley.
• Lunch stop at Liligo.
• Final ascent to Khuburse campsite and rest.

• Distance: approx. 6-8 km
• Altitude gain: 105 m
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Moraine traverse with views of Trango Towers and arrival at Urdukas campsite. Afternoon rest and acclimatisation.

• Distance: 12 km
• Altitude gain: 380 m
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Glacier crossing with views of Gasherbrum IV, Masherbrum, and Mitre Peak. Camp at an exposed glacier site.

• Distance: approx. 14 km
• Altitude gain: approx. 600 m
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Trek through Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, surrounded by 8000 m peaks including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II.

• Distance: 25-28 km
• Altitude: 4500 m to 5150 m
• Duration: 9-11 hours
• Early start via Godwin-Austen Glacier, passing Broad Peak Base Camp on the way to K2 Base Camp.

• Rest, photography, and exploration around K2 and Broad Peak.

• Descent via Godwin-Austen Glacier (3-5 hours).

• 7-9 hours descent trek back to Urdukas.

• 2-5 hours descent to Paiju via the Braldu River route.

• Approx. 7 hours descent along the Braldu River valley.

• Approx. 10 hours journey via Askole and jeep route to Skardu through Shigar Valley and the cold desert region.

• Sightseeing includes Shangri-La Resort, Sarfaranga Desert, Kharfocho Fort, and Sadpara Lake.

• Flight (1 hour) or road journey via Gilgit and Babusar Pass in case of weather delay.

• Optional sightseeing including Taxila Museum, Murree, and city attractions.

• Transfer to the airport for departure.

• Buffer day for delays due to landslides or flight cancellations.