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K-2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek
Tour snapshot
23 Days / 22 Nights
Adventure Tours
Summer
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Overview
The K-2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek is widely regarded as one of the most awe-inspiring and demanding trekking adventures on Earth. Set deep in the heart of Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, this extraordinary journey takes trekkers into a high-altitude wilderness where some of the world’s most iconic peaks tower above including K2 (8,611m), the second-highest mountain in the world. The trek begins in Skardu and follows the Baltoro Glacier, a massive river of ice flanked by dramatic rock spires...
Show MoreHighlights
- Explore the capital city of Islamabad.
- Explore the and the scenic beauty of Skardu, a gateway to the Karakoram Range, and the princely states of Khaplu and Shigar Valleys.
- Enjoy a picturesque road journey to Skardu, surrounded by towering mountains, rivers, and lush valleys.
- Discover the serene and breathtaking valleys of Skardu and Shigar, known for their natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Balti people and embark on an adventurous jeep safari to Askole, the last village before the trek begins.
- Encounter seasoned mountaineers at the base camps of some of the world's highest peaks, sharing stories of their expeditions.
- Trek along the Baltoro Glacier, the 5th longest glacier in the world and the largest outside the polar regions, surrounded by majestic peaks.
- Visit the base camps of K2 (8,611 meters) and Broad Peak (8,051 meters), where climbers prepare for their summit attempts.
- Camp in Concordia, the "throne room of the mountain gods," surrounded by some of the highest and most dramatic peaks in the world.
- Hike up to the Godwin-Austen Glacier, passing the Gilkey Memorial, a tribute to climbers who lost their lives in the mountains.
- Marvel at the views of towering 8,000-meter peaks, including Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and K2, from key vantage points like Goro II, Concordia, and the base camps.
- Admire the stunning array of peaks between 5,000 and 8,000 meters, including Gasherbrum III and IV, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, and Urdukas Peak.
- Witness the grandeur of numerous glaciers, such as Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, and Mandu, along with stunning glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine mountain streams.
- Celebrate the achievement of crossing the 5,650m Gondogoro La
- Explore the powerful rivers that carve through the rugged landscape, including the Indus, Panmah, and Braldu rivers, adding to the region's dramatic scenery.
What's Included
- All domestic flights and ground transportation, including airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the tour
- Dome tent accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during trekking
- Single supplement available on request (including for solo female travelers)
- Camping gear (member, mess, kitchen, and toilet tents)
- Kitchen equipment and cooking utensils
- All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Hot drinks: coffee, green tea, and hot water
- Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- Professional tour guide
- Support staff: cook, assistants, helpers, and porters
- Insurance for all support staff
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Trekking permits and paperwork
- Waste management fee
- Toll and bridge crossing charges
- Visa assistance
Exclude
- Visa fee
- Personal travel insurance (for foreign participants)
- International flight tickets
- Personal clothing (shoes, jackets, trousers, etc.)
- Personal trekking equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) – can be arranged on request
- Extra hotel nights not included in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for staff
- Personal or miscellaneous expenses
- Anything not listed under “Services Included”
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide or local representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Pakistan’s modern capital city. Depending on time and interest, visit the grand Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh for panoramic views of the city. Overnight stay at a hotel in Islamabad.
In the morning, you will either board a spectacular flight to Skardu (weather permitting), enjoying incredible aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram ranges, or begin an overland journey via the scenic Babusar Pass (open in summer) or the historic Karakoram Highway through Besham and Chilas. Overnight stay in Skardu or Chilas, depending on your route.
If flying was not possible on Day 2, today you will continue the road journey to Skardu, the gateway to some of the world’s highest mountains. Travel alongside the Indus River with dramatic views of mountains, gorges, and rivers. Upon arrival in Skardu, check in at your hotel and rest. Overnight stay in Skardu.
Today is a reserved acclimatization and optional sightseeing day. Explore local attractions such as the ancient Skardu Fort, Shigar Fort, Kharpocho ruins, or enjoy the peaceful setting of Satpara Lake. Walks around the town or nearby villages help prepare your body for altitude. Overnight stay in Skardu.
After breakfast, board sturdy 4WD jeeps for the rugged journey to Askole, the final village before entering the high Karakoram wilderness. The drive takes you along the Braldu River through dramatic mountain landscapes and narrow valleys. The road, carved out of sheer rock faces, ends at Askole, a small village surrounded by fields and stone houses. Overnight stay in tents at Askole.
The trek begins today as you leave civilization behind. You will follow the Braldu River, crossing small streams and walking past rocky terrain to reach Korofong campsite. The route is gradual, allowing for a good start to your multi-day expedition. Overnight in tents at Korofong.
Today’s trek takes you further along the Braldu River to Bardumal, a sandy and grassy campsite nestled beneath rocky cliffs. The trail features hot, dry sections and short ascents and descents over glacial debris and side streams. You may see local porters with donkeys transporting supplies. Overnight in tents at Bardumal.
Today’s walk is longer but takes you to the famous Payju campsite. Along the way, you pass towers of granite and wild terrain typical of the lower Baltoro region. Payju sits beneath the Trango Towers, with fresh water from nearby streams. Porters typically bake their traditional Balti bread (chapatti) here in preparation for the glacier trek ahead. Overnight in tents at Payju.
A well-deserved rest day at Payju allows for acclimatization. It also gives porters and staff time to organize loads before heading onto the Baltoro Glacier. You may enjoy optional hikes around the area or relax and enjoy the commanding views. Overnight stay in tents.
Today’s trek marks the beginning of your glacier adventure. You’ll walk along the Baltoro Glacier, surrounded by granite spires such as Cathedral Peak, Trango Towers, and Uli Biaho. The trail involves rocky and undulating glacial moraine. After several hours, you’ll arrive at Khoburtse, a narrow camping spot nestled among rocks. Overnight in tents at Khoburtse.
Continuing along the Baltoro Glacier, today’s destination is the Urdukas campsite, dramatically perched above the glacier on a grassy terrace. This is one of the most scenic campsites of the trek, offering clear views of the surrounding rock towers and the Gasherbrum massif in the distance. This location also provides another opportunity for acclimatization. Overnight in tents at Urdukas.
Today the trail becomes more challenging as you gain elevation and traverse deeper into the icy heart of the Karakoram. You’ll cross crevassed terrain and glacial rivers, eventually reaching Goro II, a windswept campsite located on the confluence of the Baltoro and Younghusband Glaciers. Views of Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower begin to appear. Overnight in tents.
A highlight of the trek, today you reach Concordia, the legendary amphitheater where the Baltoro Glacier meets glaciers flowing from four 8,000-meter peaks. As you move closer, majestic peaks like Gasherbrum IV, Broad Peak, and finally the iconic K2 (8,611m) reveal themselves. You’ll camp in the shadow of these giants. Overnight stay in tents at Concordia.
After an early breakfast, you set off for a long but rewarding day hike to K2 Base Camp (5,150m). You’ll pass Broad Peak Base Camp, Mitre Peak, and Godwin-Austen Glacier en route. After spending time at the base of the world’s second-highest mountain, you’ll return to Concordia for the night. Overnight in tents.
Leaving Concordia behind, you now head south to cross the Gondogoro La. The trail to Ali Camp involves navigating a side glacier and moraine ridges with the help of your guide and support team. Ali Camp sits at the base of the Gondogoro La pass (5,650m), a high-altitude crossing that offers a dramatic exit route from the Baltoro. Overnight in tents at Ali Camp.
An alpine start (typically around 2–3 AM) begins your challenging ascent of the Gondogoro La. Fixed ropes and crampons are used for safety on this steep and icy pass. As you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a sweeping panorama of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I–IV, and Laila Peak. After taking in the views, you descend carefully into Hushe Valley, eventually reaching Khuspang campsite. Overnight in tents.
Following a river-fed trail through the Hushe Valley, today’s trek leads to Dalzampa, a peaceful green campsite surrounded by glacial streams and alpine scenery. The terrain is easier, allowing for a more relaxed pace. Overnight in tents at Dalzampa.
You continue trekking down the Hushe Valley to Saitcho, a lush summer pasture used by local shepherds. You’ll see more vegetation and encounter signs of local life as you descend into warmer altitudes. Overnight stay in tents.
On the final day of trekking, you’ll reach Hushe, the first permanent settlement after days in the wilderness. After lunch and farewells to porters and staff, you’ll board jeeps for the drive back to Skardu, passing through scenic villages and rugged valleys. Arrive in Skardu by evening. Overnight stay at a hotel.
This is a buffer day reserved for weather delays, rest, or additional sightseeing. You may relax at the hotel or explore local bazaars, the Shigar Valley, or Sadpara Lake. Overnight stay in Skardu.
Depending on flight availability and weather, you will either fly to Islamabad or begin the two-day overland journey via the Karakoram Highway. If driving, overnight stay will be in Chilas.
If you are already in Islamabad, you’ll enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including visits to Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Museum, and Rawal Lake. If driving from Chilas, arrive in Islamabad by evening and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
You will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home, bringing with