Pakistan · Trekking

21-Day K2 Base Camp Trek in the Karakoram via Concordia

21 Days Round trip from skardu Hard pace
Karakoram Range
K2 peak range
K2 trek
K2 Trek

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience the breathtaking views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak
  • 02 Visit Kharpocho Fort and enjoy splendid views of the Indus River and Skardu town
  • 03 Trek through the heart of the Baltoro Glacier to reach Concordia
  • 04 Opportunity to reach K2 Base Camp and the Art Gilkey Memorial
  • 05 Fly from Islamabad to Skardu for a chance to see Nanga Parbat

Embark on an unforgettable 21-day K2 Base Camp trek through the majestic Karakoram Range. Experience the beauty of towering peaks like K2, Broad Peak, and Trango Towers while trekking across glaciers, valleys, and rugged terrain. This guided adventure includes acclimatization hikes, scenic views, and visits to notable landmarks such as the Art Gilkey Memorial and Concordia. Enjoy comfortable camping at high-altitude sites, with the expertise of local guides ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout.

Get your first clear views of K2 and other peaks like Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, and Mitre Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 21 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Islamabad, Skardu, Chilas, Askole, Concordia (Karakoram), Urdukas, Biafo Glacier, Baltoro Glacier, Nanga Parbat, Masherbrum
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad and Tour Briefing

  • Altitude: 540 m

  • Activities

    • Arrive at Islamabad International Airport.
    • Your guide will meet you at the airport holding an orange placard with your name.
    • Transfer to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.
    • In the evening, attend a briefing and complete the remaining payments at the office, followed by dinner.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or equivalent in Islamabad.

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

2
Day 02

Flight to Skardu with Views of Nanga Parbat

  • Altitude: 2,498 m

  • Activities

    • Take an early morning flight from Islamabad to Skardu.
    • Enjoy spectacular views of Nanga Parbat, weather permitting.
    • Spend the rest of the day exploring Skardu or relaxing.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or equivalent in Skardu.

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

3
Day 03

Skardu Exploration and Trek Preparation

  • Altitude: 2,498 m

  • Activities:

    • Visit Kharpocho Fort for stunning views of the Indus River and Skardu town.
    • Option to visit Sadpara Lake and spend free time in Skardu Bazaar.
    • The staff will handle the government documentation for your trek.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or equivalent in Skardu.

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

4
Day 04

Drive Through Shigar Valley to Askole

  • Altitude: 3,015 m

  • Activities:

    • Take a jeep ride through Shigar Valley and along the Braldu River to Askole.
    • The journey takes about 6-8 hours.
    • Start walking from Askole, or you may begin earlier depending on road conditions.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

5
Day 05

Trek from Askole to Jhola via Biafo Glacier

  • Altitude: 3,103 m

  • Distance: 20 km

  • Time: 5-8 hours

  • Activities

    • Walk on moraine as you cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier.
    • Descend to reach Jhola, passing the confluence of the Braldu and Domordo rivers.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

6
Day 06

Trek Along the Braldu River to Paiju

  • Altitude: 3,418 m

  • Distance: 19.8 km

  • Time: 6-7 hours

  • Activities

    • Trek along the Braldu River, passing Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak.
    • Cross several streams and end the day with a climb away from the river to reach Paiju.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

7
Day 07

Acclimatization Day at Paiju

  • Altitude: 3,418 m

  • Activities

    • Rest day for acclimatization.
    • Option for an acclimatization walk towards Paiju Peak base camp.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

8
Day 08

Trek Across Baltoro Glacier to Khoburtse

  • Altitude: 3,788 m

  • Distance: 14.7 km

  • Time: 5-7 hours

  • Activities

    • Take on a tough trek with up-and-down climbs on the Baltoro Glacier moraine.
    • Experience stunning views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

9
Day 09

Cross Small Glaciers to Reach Urdukas

  • Altitude: 3,905 m

  • Distance: 6.4 km

  • Time: 4-6 hours

  • Activities

    • Cross two small glaciers and reach Urdukas camp.
    • Camp near the army camp, 100 m above the glacier.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

10
Day 10

Trek to Goro II at the Glacier Junction

  • Altitude: 4,285 m

  • Distance: 11.9 km

  • Time: 6-8 hours

  • Activities

    • Walk along the medial moraine, with views of Masherbrum and ice seracs.
    • Reach Goro II, where the Baltoro and Younghusband glaciers meet.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

11
Day 11

Trek to Concordia and First Views of K2

  • Altitude: 4,512 m

  • Distance: 11.7 km

  • Time: 5-7 hours

  • Activities

    • Walk up the moraine to reach Concordia, the 'throne room of the mountain gods.'
    • Get your first clear views of K2 and other peaks like Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, and Mitre Peak.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

12
Day 12

Optional Trek to K2 Base Camp and Gilkey Memorial

  • Altitude: 5,155 m (K2 BC)

  • Activities

    • Optional trek to K2 Base Camp via Broad Peak Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial.
    • This is a long and strenuous day, and you will retrace your steps back to Concordia.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

13
Day 13

Return Trek from Concordia to Goro I Biango

  • Altitude: 4,010 m

  • Distance: 15.9 km

  • Time: 6-7 hours

  • Activities

    • Return trek to Goro I, descending back from Concordia.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

14
Day 14

Descend to Khoburtse Past Trango Towers

  • Altitude: 3,788 m

  • Distance: 13.8 km

  • Time: 5-7 hours

  • Activities

    • Descend back along the glacier, passing Trango Towers before reaching Khoburtse camp.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

15
Day 15

Return Trek to Paiju Camp

  • Altitude: 3,418 m

  • Distance: 14.7 km

  • Time: 5-7 hours

  • Activities:

    • Return trek to Paiju camp.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

16
Day 16

Follow the Trail Back to Jhola

  • Altitude: 3,418 m

  • Distance: 19.8 km

  • Time: 5-7 hours

  • Activities

    • Follow the same trail back to Jhola.

Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).

17
Day 17

Trek to Askole and Drive Back to Skardu

  • Altitude: 2,498 m

  • Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive

  • Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive

  • Activities

    • Complete the trek to Askole and take a jeep ride back to Skardu.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or equivalent in Skardu.

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

18
Day 18

Contingency Day in Skardu

  • Altitude: 538 m

  • Activities

    • A contingency day in case of any trek delays. You can also explore Skardu.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or equivalent in Skardu.

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

19
Day 19

Fly to Islamabad or Drive to Chilas if Needed

  • Altitude: 538 m

  • Activities

    • Take a flight from Skardu to Islamabad and relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
    • In case of flight cancellation, a drive to Chilas will be arranged.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or equivalent in Islamabad.

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

20
Day 20

Contingency Day for Flight Delays

  • Altitude: 538 m

  • Activities

    • A contingency day in case of flight delays, with sightseeing in Islamabad if needed.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or equivalent in Islamabad.

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

21
Day 21

Departure from Islamabad

  • Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast.

Concordia (Karakoram), Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp, Trango Towers

Where this trip takes you

Concordia (Karakoram), Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp, Trango Towers

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from skardu 10 cities · 21 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Domestic flights: All domestic flights are included, with a checked baggage allowance of 20 kg and hand carry of 7 kg.
  • Road transfers: All road transfers are covered, including airport transfers.
  • Accommodation: Twin-sharing rooms in hotels in Pakistan and twin-sharing dome tents at trekking camps.
  • Camping site fees: All fees for camping sites and bridge crossings.
  • Trekking logistics: All necessary trekking equipment and tools, excluding personal items, are provided.
  • Meals: All meals in Pakistan except for those specifically mentioned under 'What's Not Included'. Snacks, including dry fruits, and tea/coffee are provided during the trek.
  • Drinking water: Free refills of boiled drinking water throughout the trek.
  • Professional guide: A licensed professional guide as required by government regulations.
  • Waste management fee: A mandatory fee of USD 150 for the Central Karakoram National Park.
  • City tours: City tours in Islamabad and Skardu, including all entry fees.
  • Support staff: Cook, assistant(s), and other necessary support staff during the trek.
  • Porterage: Personal luggage handling (up to 14 kg).
  • Storage services: Baggage storage service in Skardu for any luggage you do not want to take on the trek.
  • First aid kit: A basic first aid medical kit is available.
  • Satellite phone: A satellite phone for emergencies.
  • Trekking map and certificate: A trekking map and a trip achievement certificate to commemorate your journey.

What's Not Included

  • International airfare & visa: International airfare and visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be provided).
  • Personal travel insurance: Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue).
  • Hotel/restaurant meals: All hotel/restaurant meals not included in the itinerary (5 lunches and 6 dinners) (price range per meal: USD 4 to USD 9).
  • Government permit fee: Government permit fee of USD 300 for the Gilgit Baltistan Council's GB Adventure (increased in 2024) - View Document.
  • Bottled water & beverages: Bottled water and other beverages (e.g., 1.5L bottled water costs approximately USD 0.30).
  • Personal equipment: Personal equipment (e.g., trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks, etc.).
  • Extra nights in Islamabad: Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check-in/check-out is 12pm) - additional USD 67 per night.
  • Excess or additional weight/baggage: USD 11 per kg for excess or additional baggage during the trek.
  • Storage service in Islamabad: Storage service for baggage in Islamabad - USD 18 per bag/piece.
  • Tips/gratuities: Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, and staff.
  • Miscellaneous: Miscellaneous expenses (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Early windup/return costs: Costs incurred due to early return from the trek for any reason.
  • Force majeure costs: Costs due to force majeure events (e.g., earthquake, landslide, floods, etc.).

What to bring

  • 1 x Backpack (50L+) - read our guide on how to choose a backpack
  • 1 x Sleeping Bag (four seasons/rated to -10°C/14°F)
  • 1 x Trekking Pole (optional but recommended)
  • 1 x Headlamp/Flashlight with spare batteries
  • 1 x Lightweight Tent (if required, check with your operator)
  • 1 x Sleeping Pad (for comfort and insulation)
  • 1 x Hiking Boots (worn frequently before departure)
  • 1 x Waterproof Jacket and Pants
  • 2-3 x Fleece or Warm Layers
  • 1 x Down Jacket (for colder nights)
  • 1 x Hat/Cap (for sun protection)
  • 1 x Balaclava/Neck Gaiter
  • 2-3 x Pairs of Trekking Pants (quick-dry fabric recommended)
  • 4-5 x Pairs of Moisture-Wicking Socks
  • 1 x Pair of Gloves (weather dependent)
  • 1 x Base Layer (top and bottom)
  • 1 x Lightweight T-shirt (quick-dry fabric)
  • 1 x Pair of Sandals (for camp relaxation)
  • 1 x Personal First Aid Kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, etc.)
  • 1 x Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • 1 x Biodegradable Soap/Shampoo
  • 1 x Toilet Paper/Wet Wipes
  • 1 x Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • 1 x Lip Balm with SPF
  • 1 x Hand Sanitizer
  • 1 x Towel (quick-dry)
  • 1 x Personal Medication (if needed)
  • 1 x Smartphone (for emergency and communication)
  • 1 x Power Bank/Portable Charger (for charging electronics)
  • 1 x Camera (optional)
  • 1 x Solar Charger (optional for multi-day treks)
  • 1 x Adapter/Converter (if required)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tour start
skardu
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 21 days finish where they began, in skardu.

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