Epic Karakoram: K2 Base Camp Challenge
About this tour
The ultimate Karakoram glacier trek to the base camp of the world’s second-highest mountain, K2 (8611 meters). The exceptional K2 Base Camp trek provides a taste of Pakistan’s native culture and a visit to the outstanding Concordia, Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers and Broad Peak base camp and the most challenging GG La pass in the Karakoram mountains. K2 base camp trek is an adventure holiday through the countryside and native villages by plane, road, and trekking, uncovering local life, compelling native Pakistani culture, and rugged landscapes of the central Karakoram national park along the way to k2 base camp.
K2 base camp trek to the heart of The Karakoram Mountains
Explore the green city of Islamabad
Mountain View flight to Skardu
Discover the ancient Pakistani culture
Drive along the mighty Indus and Braldu River
Experience Concordia, Broad Peak, Trango Towers, Gilkey Memorial and K2 base camp
Trek on Baltoro and Godwin-Austin glaciers to the base camp of K2.and GGLa pass trek option.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad, Pakistan
Rawalpindi/Islamabad: pick you by Mr Sherbaz Tour and Mountain Guide from Airport and transfer to Hotel, trek briefing. We will have ample time for sightseeing and shopping in colorful old bazaars of Rawalpindi and new markets of Islamabad. We may also drive to the huge modern Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
Day 2: Islamabad, Pakistan to Skardu
Today group transfer to Skardu by the most commercial flight from Islamabad. Upon arrival will spent time for preparation for the next day journey. Briefing in the tourism office and other necessary documentation like at FA section report and rest for the leisure time. Skardu valley is situated in heart of Karakoram.it is home to be four great mountains above 8000m .Skardu valley offering luxury tour and adventure the most famous touristic destination like ,Satpara Lake,Deosai National park which is second highest plateaued in the world’s after Chan Tang in Himalaya Nepal. Most prominent and popular are Katpana Desert and Sarfaranga desert.in Skardu valley. Altitude is 2400m.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 3: Skardu to Askole
Drive from Skardu to Askoli, Askolie (3,000 m 10,800 ft): Camp, jeep drive. It takes about six hours to drive from Skardu to Askolie. The drive through the Braldu Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off!
Day 4: Sskolie campsite to jhula campsite
Trek to Jhula. Jhula (3,300 m 11, ft): Camp, trek begins. The walk from Askolie to Jhula is on an easy gentle plain and can be done in 6 to 8 hours. We cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier on the way. The first sight of the pinnacles of the Paiyu Group is stunning. On the way we have to cross Domurda River coming out from Chotoi and Panmah glacier. ! An earlier alternative was handmade chair lift .
Day 5: jula to paiju
Trek to Paiju Jhula to Paiju (3,450 m 12,000 ft): Camp, trek, river crossing. We follow the Braldu and the Biaho rivers to a river’s edge campsite.. This crossing is done on a ‘garari’ or on a bridge upstream. Depending upon the time it takes for the crossing, the walk can take 8 hours or more.
Day 6: pauju to rest day pauju
Paiyu Rest Day, OR you head to the glaciers without rest . (3,666 m 12,024 ft): Camp, rest day. Wash up, relax, read, climb on a steep ridge behind the camp, sing and dance with the porters! Depending upon the size of the party, goats or a goat will be sacrificed and meat will be distributed to the porters as a form of thanksgiving and to bring us good luck on our next day’s walk on the Baltoro.
Day 7: paiju to khuburse camps
Paiju to Khoburse Khoburse (3,800 m 12,460 ft): Camp, trek on Baltoro Glacier. Six to eight hours of walking. A tough day as we climb on the rocky moraines of the Baltoro, but the sight of Baltoro pinnacles and Paiyu Peak is astounding! An earlier alternative campsite is Liligo, but there is no water there. We will cross some gushing streams on the way.
Day 8: khurbuse camp to urdus
Trek to Urdukus. Paiyu (3,666 m 12,024 ft): Camp, trek. This takes about 6 hours of walking and will give us our first sight of the mighty Baltoro Glacier and the Trango and Cathedral Groups. Paiyu is the last campsite before the Baltoro. Efforts are underway to clear out the pollution and there has also been a recent plantation of many trees in the area. The walk follows the Biaho River all the way to Paiyu. The campsite is perched high above the valley with excellent views.
Day 9: urdus to Goro II Campsite
Trek to Goro-II Goro (4,300 m 14,100 ft): Camp, Baltoro Glacier. This is a tough day’s walk on the undulating Baltoro. However, the footing becomes easy as the rocks become smaller and smaller as we move up the Baltoro. It takes about 8 hours to get to Goro. We walk right smack up the center moraine of the Baltoro. As Masherbrum emerges on the right, it takes our breath away and so does Gasherbrum 4 right in front of us. Goro is a cold campsite! It has a great view of the Muztagh Tower. You may see a classic view of Masherbrum in this attached photo with some cloudy on the peak.
Day 10: Goro II Campsite to Concordia Campsite
Trek to Concordia Concordia (4,550 m 14,925 ft): Camp, Baltoro Glacier. An easy 5 hour walk. As we enter the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods and see K2 emerging on our left and Broad peak is our right, we feel that we have arrived at a very special place on the planet. For many, it is lifelong goal and a pilgrimage to come here. A place of superlatives and without any parallels!
Day 11: Concordia Campsite to K2 bac
Concordia to K-2 Base Camp , Concordia (4,550 m 14,925): Camp, rest, explore base camps. You can just sit and watch K2 all day long and sip tea; which many have done and have still not been able to fully get K2 in their system! Or you can go on a long whole day tiring trip to K2 Base Camp (5100 m.); Approximate walking distanced is 9-10 hours.
Day 12: Concordia Campsite to Ali camp
After exploring K2 and Concordia trek we start the challenging trek will ascent to Ali camp for Gonodgoro La trek. After an early breakfast leave the Concordia and we will cross several side glacier to reach our right path. After 2 hours we will reach Vigne glacier, it is also possible to walk on the Vigne glacier which is fairly easy then walking on the stony bath on the right side of the glacier but it depend on the snow condition. Overnight in tents From Ali camp it scenic view of Baltoro glacier and view of Cholighalis and Baltoro Kangri peak.Approximate walking distanced is 7/8 hours. Altitudes is 5000m.
Day 13: ggla to khispang camp
Ali Camp to Khispang Camping over the GG La Pass. A very early start as early as 2 or 3 O'clock in the morning to cross the Gondogoro la to reach Khuspang. The basic theme behind the early walk to reach the top of the Gondogoro Pass 5700 metres is that in the morning snow will be soft and you will not get tired quickly, but as sun get strong snow get soft, snow going to be melt and bring water and stones, also the chance of ice falls or avalanches. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff. Walk : 10 - 11 hrs Grade : Strenuous Altitude : 5700 M
Day 14: khispang cmap to dalsangpa camp
Khispang to Dalsangpa Camping: After a couple of minutes of easy walk we will comes onto the glacier. You pick your way across moving boulders and ice, finally crossing the glacier up to the camping site to reach Dalsangpa, meaning 'field of flowers', lives up to its name. It is a beautiful campsite at about 4,150 metres, set between two lakes, with Masherbrum Mountain and the white glacier cascading down from Masherbrum Pass reflected in the still water.Walk : 05-06 hrsGrade : Moderate Altitude : 4150 M.
Day 15: dalasnapa camp to Saicho Campsite, Hushe
Dalsangpa to Saicho Caping: Resume trek along the path, Keep yourself on the left side of the lateral moraine, crossing several side streams. The next hour is an unpleasant scramble along the stony, sliding glacier edge, with huge boulders poised above, ready to fall. Continue your trek along the path goes down hill to the summer settlement called Shaicho, a large shepherds settlement with its won mosque, now here you can find a hotel and mountaineering equipment shop. This is the traditional camp among the forest of juniper, cedar and willow trees with giant bushes of wild roses and a good water supply. After a short break continue your walk along the Hushey river on a easy path. Upon arrival camp near the fields in Hushey village. Overnight in tents. Walk : 06 - 07 hrs,Grade :
Day 16: Saicho Campsite, Hushe to Hushe River Valley, Saling
Saicho to Hushey valley. An easy day will bring you to Hushey village. Evening free. Overnight in tents. It is two hours hike to Hushey valley. Upon arrival to Hushey we will walk in the village and explore culture the most remote area of Skardu valley.Hushey is the last village of Skardu where many people start adventuring from this part. Local people are belonging in the flied of mountaineering and you will hear famous climbers who summited 8000m mountains without Oxygen. People are very strong with holding different profession like cooking flied, portering, mountaineering and servant in Govt sector,
Day 17: Hushe River Valley, Saling to Skardu
Hushey valley to Skardu. Drive for a full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Skardu. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Day 18: Skardu to skardu
Skardu ( 2,500 m 8,200 ft): Hotel, jeep drive. We return to a hot shower and a warm comfortable bed!
Day 19: Skardu International Airport, Skardu to Islamabad, Pakistan
Rawalpindi/Islamabad: Hotel, flight, trek debriefing.
Day 20: Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan
Rawalpindi/Islamabad: Extra ‘cushion’ day!
What's included
1-AIRPORT /ROAD TRANSFER ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE. 2-BEST TOURIST CLASS HOTELS ACCOMMODATION UP AND DOWN 3-ALL MEALS DURING TREKKING 4-HOTEL ACCOMMODATION ON 2 PERSON SHARING BASIS. 5-CAMPING, CLEANING AND RELATED GEAR 6-SLEEPING TENTS, MATTRESSES, KITCHEN TENTS/MESS TENT. 7-SERVICES OF EXPERT COOK AND LOW ALTITUDE PORTERS. 8-12 KG OF PERSONAL BAGGAGE DURING TREK. 9-TREKKING FEE+ ENTRY FEES (US$ 200) PER PERSON) 10-INSURANCE OF CREW; I.E. COOK, PORTERS/STAFF 11- GONDOGORO LA CROSSING FEE , 200 USD 12-ALL AND TRANSPORT INVOLVED IN THE ITINERARY 13- DOMESTIC FLIGHT ISB TO SKD , SKD TO ISB ( PER PERSON 300 USD) 14- VISA DOCUMENTATIONS
EXCESS WEIGHT. SLEEPING BAGS AND PERSONAL NATURE EXTRAS AT HOTELS LIKE BOTTLED WATER, AERATED AND ALCOHOLIC DRINKS, LAUNDRY, PHONE CALLS INSURANCE LIABILITY AND OTHER UNDER FORCE MAJEURE CONDITIONS, MEDICAL AID AND HELICOPTER RESCUE COVERAGE OF MEMBERS ETC. SLEEPING BAGS/GLOVES AND DOWN, JACKETS, TIPS JEEP RENT FOR LOCAL EXCURSION ( IF ANY AS LIKE DEOSAI ,KACHURA,ETC) ANY OTHER SERVICES NOT MENTIONED ABOVE
Languages spoken
What to know
The K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Pass trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures in the Karakoram. Since you’ll be joining with our company team, much of the logistics (permits, food, guides, porters) will be handled. Importantly, you will be accompanied by Mr. Sherbaz, an expert mountain guide with extensive experience in high‑altitude expeditions, ensuring your safety and a well‑organized journey. Still, you need to prepare carefully on your side. Personal Gear & Clothing Layered clothing system: Base layers (thermal tops & bottoms), insulating mid‑layers (fleece, down jacket), waterproof/windproof shell. Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots (well broken‑in), camp shoes/sandals, extra socks. Sleeping gear: Warm sleeping bag (rated to –15°C or lower), sleeping mat. Accessories: Gloves (light + insulated), warm hat, sun hat, gaiters. Technical Equipment Trekking poles (essential for steep ascents/descents). Headlamp with spare batteries. Climbing gear: harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe (often provided—confirm in advance). Personal first aid kit: blister care, altitude sickness items, personal medications. Protection & Essentials Sunglasses (UV protection for snow glare). Sunscreen & lip balm (high SPF). Water purification tablets or filter (boiled water usually provided). Snacks: energy bars, nuts, dried fruit. Documents & Logistics Travel insurance covering high‑altitude trekking and rescue. Permits arranged by the operator (keep copies). Cash in Pakistani Rupees for personal expenses. Passport copies for checkpoints. Physical & Mental Preparation Fitness: build stamina with cardio and strength training. Acclimatization: itineraries include rest days—be prepared for gradual altitude gain. Resilience: weather and terrain can change plans—flexibility is key. Special Notes for Gondogoro La The pass involves steep snow and ice slopes; rope support is usually fixed by local rescue teams. Be prepared for early morning starts (often before dawn) to cross safely. Ensure your gear is suitable for technical terrain and cold conditions. With Sherbaz as your professional mountain guide, you’ll benefit from his deep knowledge of the Karakoram, safe navigation through glaciers and high passes, and cultural insights into Baltistan. His expertise ensures that this demanding trek becomes not only achievable but also unforgettable.
Route & locations
Islamabad, Pakistan