21-Day K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek from Islamabad

• Arrival and pickup
  • Our guide will meet you at Islamabad International Airport, holding an orange sign with our company logo and your name. Please provide your flight details at least five days before arrival.
• Transfer to hotel
  • You will be transferred to a hotel to rest after your journey.
  • If you arrive between 9 am and 12 pm, after lunch and some rest, we will meet at 6 pm for a briefing and any remaining payments, followed by dinner.
  • For late arrivals, payments and briefings will be handled in Skardu.
• Accommodation
  • Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or a similar hotel, subject to availability.

GPS Data: Altitude: 2,498m

• In the morning, participants will take a scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, with views of Nanga Parbat if the weather is clear. After arriving in Skardu, the rest of the day is free.
• Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel, based on availability.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.

Altitude: 2,498m

• After breakfast, participants will hike up to Kharpocho Fort, which offers stunning views of the Indus River and Skardu town. They can also choose to visit Sadpara Lake and enjoy free time shopping in Skardu Bazaar.
• Meanwhile, our staff will handle the necessary government paperwork in Skardu, which may take up to two days. We have extra days planned at the end of the trek in case of any delays.
• Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel, based on availability.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.

GPS Data: Altitude: 3,015 m

• Participants will start a jeep safari toward Daso, passing through the Shigar Valley alongside the Braldu River, heading to Askole - the last village on the route.
• From Askole, the trek begins, though sometimes walking starts earlier, depending on road conditions. The journey takes 6 to 8 hours.
• Accommodation: Camping in a twin-sharing dome tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup/fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert/fruits after dinner.

GPS Data: Altitude: 3,103m

Distance: 20 km

Time: 5-8 hours

• After organizing supplies, porters will load up for the trek to Jhola. The route passes the Biafo Glacier, which stretches over 50 km from Hispar La to Braldu. Participants will cross the glacier's snout and descend to the lunch spot by the Korofon River.
• The trek continues along the newer trail, crossing a bridge over the Braldu and Domordo rivers. After crossing, participants will follow the riverbank to reach the Jhola campsite.
• Accommodation: Camping in a twin-sharing dome tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup/fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert/fruits after dinner.

Distance: 19.8 km

Time: 6-7 hours

• On this day of the K2 Base Camp trek, participants will follow the Braldu Gorge along the riverbank. They will witness the stunning rock formations of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. Since the conditions can be hot and dry, it is important to protect against sunburn.
• Several glacier streams flow into the valley, and participants may need to wear river-crossing shoes depending on water levels. On a clear day, the snout of the Baltoro Glacier may be visible. The trek ends with a climb away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last campsite with trees for a while.
• Accommodation: Camping in a twin-sharing dome tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup/fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert/fruits after dinner.

• Acclimatize in camp and take time to rest while enjoying your day in Paiju.

Distance: 14.7 km

Time: 6-7 hours

• From Paiju, the trek continues upstream to the Baltoro Glacier, where melting water flows into the river.
• We will ascend and walk on top of the glacier, which is covered in rocks and rubble.
• Following traditional trails, this tough walk across the glacier leads us along moraine paths on the south side.
• We then head east and cross to the smaller side of the glacier, moving south to enter the valley.
• By evening, we reach the Khoburtse camp, where we can enjoy stunning views of Cathedral Towers, Trango Towers, and Uli Biaho Tower. This first day on the Baltoro Glacier can be challenging for many participants.
• Accommodation: Camping in a twin-sharing dome tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup/fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert/fruits after dinner.

Altitude: 3,905 m

Distance: 6.4 km

Time: 4-6 hours

• Trango Towers can eventually be seen after crossing two small glaciers. For the following night, participants will stop at Urdukas near the army camp. The camp is 100 m above the glacier.
• Accommodation: Camping in a twin-sharing dome tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup/fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert/fruits after dinner.

Altitude: 4,285 m

Distance: 11.9 km

Time: 6-8 hours

• On this day of the K2 Base Camp trek, participants will walk in the heart of the glacier, following the medial moraine. To the south, stunning views of Masherbrum (7,821m) will be visible.
• The trek involves climbing up and down rocky moraine, and participants will pass massive ice seracs along the way.
• Tonight, we will camp on the Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, located at the confluence of the Baltoro and Younghusband glaciers. Be prepared for a significant drop in temperature, with beautiful views of Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower revealed.
• Accommodation: Camping in a twin-sharing dome tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup/fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert/fruits after dinner.

GPS Data: Altitude: 4,512 m

Distance: 11.7 km

Time: 5-7 hours

• On this day of the K2 Base Camp trek, participants will reach Concordia after a steady ascent along the moraine.
• As you walk, more high snow-capped peaks will come into view, culminating in the stunning sight of K2.
• Other peaks visible include Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri, and many more.
• Accommodation: Camping in a twin-sharing dome tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup/fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert/fruits after dinner.

GPS Data: Altitude: 5,150m

Distance: Return time K2 BC (5,155m) + Gilkey (5,230m) + Broad Peak (4,844m): 10-12 hours

Return time Broad BC (4,844m): 6-7 hours

• Today, we have the chance to walk up the Godwin-Austen Glacier to the Art Gilkey Memorial, dedicated to an American geologist and mountaineer, just before reaching K2 Base Camp. It will be a long but amazing day.
• We will start early in the morning, crossing the glaciers along a faint trail leading to K2, with the rocky path visible all the way. As we approach K2, it will appear larger and larger.
• Broad Peak will be on our right, and after about 3 hours, we will pass Broad Peak Base Camp. There is an option to turn back here.
• We usually stop for lunch here, and those continuing on will carry on with K2 towering above us.
• Just before reaching Base Camp, we will find the Art Gilkey Memorial among the boulders and ice. A short climb will take us to the spot where we remember those who lost their lives on K2. Plaques and engraved plates are attached to a small rock formation at the foot of this great mountain.
• We will enjoy stunning views of K2 above us, and we might see some climbing teams.
• After lunch, we will head back along the same route to Concordia.
• Accommodation: Camping in a twin-sharing dome tent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup/fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert/fruits after dinner.

Duration: 4-5 hours

• On this day, we will retrace our steps back to Concordia, where we can relax and prepare for the upcoming trek.
• Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

• On this day, participants will embark on a slightly different and less-explored route.
• Short detours will be made to avoid crevasses, and participants will navigate rugged ice instead of slippery surfaces.
• In case of snow, everyone - including porters - will walk together, wearing crampons for safety and securely roped to one another.
• The group will establish camp at Ali Camp, reaching it after a 5-6 hour hike. Ali Camp is named after a local porter who was the first to cross the Gondogoro La Pass.
• Upon arrival, participants will receive instruction on the basic skills necessary for crossing the pass the following day.
• Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Enjoy a full day's meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with snacks (dry fruits/chocolate) for the trek. An appetizer (soup or fried snacks) will be served before dinner, followed by dessert or fruits after the meal.

• Participants will wake up as early as 2 AM.
• After gearing up and having breakfast, the group will rope up and depart for the base of Gondogoro La. Our support crew will assist with fixing ropes and helping members with their gear.
• The ascent to the top of Gondogoro La Pass takes about three hours, offering breathtaking views of all four 8,000-meter peaks in the Baltoro region: K2, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II.
• During the descent, fixed ropes will be utilized, and the use of crampons is essential for safety.
• Participants will enjoy views of the striking Laila Peak (6,096m) and other Trinity Peaks.
• Care must be taken while descending to avoid dislodging stones. Once off the steep slope, the trail becomes easier as the group moves over the moraine. The camp will be set up at Khuispang (4,600m), the junction of the Gondogoro and Trinity Glaciers.
• Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruits/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup or fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert or fruits after the meal.

• Participants will continue their descent, packing climbing equipment such as ropes and crampons, as the hike downward is comparatively easier. The rocky terrain will transition to the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley.
• After lunch, the group will hike to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, where they will find a trail leading to a beautiful valley filled with rhubarb and grass.
• At the end of the valley, there are two different routes to their destination. The guide, in consultation with local porters, will choose the most frequently used trail.
• The trek becomes easier when the two trails converge, and members will see stone huts built by herders and local settlers. This day will allow participants to witness signs of settlement and enjoy easier breathing thanks to the larger trees and lower altitude. The camp will be set up at Saicho (3,350m), a sandy area with some grass alongside flowing glacial streams.
• Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks (dry fruits/chocolate) for the trek, an appetizer (soup or fried snacks) before dinner, and dessert or fruits after the meal.

Altitude: 2,498 m

Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive

Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive

• On this day, participants will trek down for about 3-4 hours along the river streams fed by the melted waters of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum, and Gondogoro Glaciers. Signs of residence, including shelters and fields, will begin to appear.
• They will explore the two-story shelters of Hushe village, where the ground floor houses cattle and the first floor is for family living. After setting up camp, participants can explore the beautiful Hushe Valley and interact with locals. This marks the last camping day of the Gondogoro La trek.
• Upon reaching Hushe, participants will depart for Skardu town. The journey offers scenic views of various small villages in the Hushe Valley, including a crossing of a suspension bridge over the Shyok River, which flows from Ladakh, India. Previously, traditional rafts made from goat skin filled with air were used for crossing, but the current suspension bridge was built in the 1990s.
• The drive from Khaplu to Skardu is smooth, following a paved road along the Shyok River to its confluence with the Indus River. The journey takes about 4 hours, and participants will finally enjoy facilities that have been unavailable for two weeks, starting with a hot shower and a good meal.
• Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or an equivalent standard partner hotel, depending on occupancy, in Skardu.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus tea/coffee and snacks.

GPS Data: Altitude: 538 m

• This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flight due to delays. These delays can be caused by multiple factors, including but not limited to roadblocks. This time can be used for sightseeing in Skardu.
• Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel, based on availability.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.

GPS Data: Altitude: 540m

• On this day, participants will take a flight from Skardu Airport to Islamabad Airport. You will then have time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
• Domestic flights sometimes get cancelled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for an overnight stay. The drive takes eight to ten hours by vehicle.
• Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or a similar hotel, subject to availability.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.

• This day is reserved for any potential delays if the domestic flight did not operate the previous day. Guests will depart early in the morning from Chilas to Islamabad, which can take up to ten hours. If participants arrive in Islamabad on the domestic flight, they will have a free day to explore the city.
• Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or a similar hotel, subject to availability.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.

Meals: Breakfast

• Our staff will transfer all guests to the airport according to their respective departure times. The checkout time at all partner hotels is 12 pm.