A Journey of a Lifetime in the Karakoram Mountains
Embark on an exhilarating adventure to the base camp of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, located in the breathtaking Karakoram mountain range of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The K2 Base Camp Trek is a 19-day expedition that offers a convergence of natural beauty, challenging terrain, and cultural enrichment.
Explore the Remote Beauty of Baltistan
The trek winds through the picturesque landscapes of Skardu, Askole, and central Karakoram Park, ultimately leading to the awe-inspiring base camp of K2. This remote region, known for its splendid views and untamed wilderness, is a true haven for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Personal Expeditions with World Adventure Tours
World Adventure Tours, a licensed company with over a decade of experience, specializes in trekking and climbing expeditions in Pakistan. Offering the K2 Base Camp Trek, they provide adventurers the chance to customize their journey, ensuring a tailor-made experience that aligns with individual tastes and interests.
Highlights of K2 Base Camp Trek
- Full-board trekking holiday
- Baltoro Glacier – world’s 5th longest non-polar
- Grand views of Gasherbrum, Broad Peak, and K2 from Concordia
- Stunning peaks of Cathedral, Trango, and Lobsang
- Several peaks between 5,000 – 8,000m
- Gilkey Memorial and Broad Peak Base Camp
- Glaciers, glacial lakes, rivers, and streams
- Balti porters, jeep safari, and more
Why Choose the K2 Base Camp Trek?
- RAW NATURE: Central Karakoram National Park is home to some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes on earth.
- EPIC TREKKING: Challenge yourself in a world-class trekking environment.
- COMFORT IN THE WILDERNESS: Enjoy quality meals and excellent group equipment.
- CLIMBING HISTORY: Learn about the fascinating history of mountaineering and climbing in the area.
- OFF THE BEATEN PATH ADVENTURE: Escape the crowds and discover why Pakistan is the best adventure destination in the world.
- SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE: Make friends with like-minded adventurers from around the world.
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K2 Trek Overview
| Duration: | 19 days | Altitude: | 4,700-5,100M |
| Range: | Karakorum | Camp nights: | 12-14 |
| Hotels nights: | 4-6 | Level | 8.5/10 Intermediate+ |
| Grade: | Strenuous Trek | Best Period: | June to September |
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival to Islamabad International Airport
All clients will be picked up by World Adventure Tours representative on arrival at Islamabad International Airport and taken to the group hotel. Land Only package services begin with this transfer to the group hotel. The majority of international flights arrive in the early morning and you may want to rest before lunch.
Depending time availability, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, a city purpose-built in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan. Alternatively, we could visit the Twin City of Rawalpindi a town from the days of the British Raj. The two cities are very different in character; the older settlement is rather sprawling with enormous and complicated bazaars where you can easily get fascinatingly lost. Islamabad, by contrast, is much more open, a modern city with many parks and wide streets arranged on a grid system. There is not always the opportunity to include a sightseeing tour and, if there is, it is optional and there will be a charge payable locally.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2 :
Early morning travel to Skardu town (2,200 m)
Given good weather we will fly to Skardu (perhaps the most spectacular commercial flight in the world, with magnificent views of Nanga Parbat the 9th highest mountain in the world. If the weather doesn’t allow the flight we take the Karakorum Highway on the old silk route. This is just spectacular. It’s a long drive but one of the great journeys of the world between the deep gorges of the mighty Indus. Driving over Babsur Pass will minimize the distance and the night stay will be in Chilas. (10-12 hour drive). Upon arrival to Skardu hotel, we shall have a gear check up session after some rest and the evening can be spent visiting Bazars, historical forts, scenic lakes or visiting ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th century Manthal Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who had influence in the area before Islam.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 3 :
Jeep Safari to Askole (3,000 m) via Shigar Valley
We leave Skardu by jeep for Askoli, passing through the fertile Shigar Valley. The last 2 hours of the drive covers the ground which used to make up the first 2 days' walk of the trek and includes the passage of the infamous Braldu Gorge section. This high and steep-sided valley is prone to landslide and we may have to walk short sections of the road where it has been made unstable by rock-fall. Given reasonable road conditions, we will spend our first night under canvas in this famous Balti village high above the thundering Braldu River. Askole is a single street of wooden houses, backed by irrigated fields of corn and potatoes and groves of apricot trees.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 4 :
First day of walk towards Jhola Campsite (3,100 m) via Biafo Glacier
We set off early to avoid the heat of the day. The route is gentle and enjoyable. We cross the Biafo Glacier on the way and get our first sight of the Paiyu pinnacles. We will be trekking for around 5 hours to the Jula camp today. Our lunch point Korofong (3,075 m) lays across the glacier’s other foot. The trees here are habitat to a variety of beautiful birds.
From Korofong we gain altitude and follow Braldu course till we reach Panma River which is crossed taking a detour through a trail built on the face of the cliff. These pulley bridges known as Jhola were common in the Karakorum Mountains. Beyond this bridge is our camp site called Jhola.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Ascent: 290
Descent: 190
Distance: 21KM
Time: 6-7 hours trekking
Day 5 :
Trek to Paiju (3,380 m) through Braldu Valley
Trek to Paiju (3,380m) 4 to 5 hours walking. The path is quite loose in places and again it is likely we will have to take boots off where the river has flooded the path in a few places. Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this camp we have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Ascent: 570
Descent: 290
Distance: 22KM
Time: 7-8 hours trekking
Day 6 :
Acclimatization and rest at Camp Paiju (3,420 m)
Today is a rest day at paju to aid acclimatization and an important resting point for porters, they prepare food for the trek ahead. Normally there is much singing, drumming (or barrel bashing) and dancing amongst the porters with a real feel good atmosphere.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 7 :
Start of Baltoro Glacier Trek. Walk to Camp Khoburtse (3,795 m)
Another early walk of approximately one hour brings us to the snout of the Baltoro. After viewing the outpouring of melt water from the ice we climb up on to the back of this great beast. At this point the ice of the glacier is completely covered by rubble and rocks and the going here can be quite tough.Finally reaching at Khoborsay camping place (3800m).we would be able to see the cathedral Towers, the Trango and the striking rock tower of Uli Biafo.A great day of treekingover difficult and mixed terrain.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Ascent: 610
Descent: 220
Distance: 13KM
Time: 7-8 hours trekking
Day 8 :
Baltoro Glacier Trek. Views of Trango Towers. Camp at Urdukas (3,900 m).
Today is a short day. we continue Baltoro glacier on the lateral moraines or sometime glacier itself, passing great Trango and the isolated pillar of the Nameless Tower to our next camp Rdukas (3900m).This is truly awesome place hundred meters above the glacier we should reach here in time for a late lunch and the rest of the afternoon is free to tend to camp chores or just to soak up our fabulous situation.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Ascent: 250
Descent: 140
Distance: 7KM
Time: 3-4 hours trekking
Day 9 :
Baltoro Glacier Trek. Trek to Goro Camp (4,295 m). Sights of Masherbrum Peak.
This day we follow the moraine edge and climb up on to the glacier. Soon we come have the enchanting view of Mashabrum (7821m) on out right side. Ascending and decending on the mountains of rubbles over the ice we have the glimpse ahead to the peaks which surround Concordia. Goro is the camp name with (4290m) and camping one of the largest glacier outside the polar region with the attracting view of Gashabrum IV (7925m).
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Ascent: 330
Descent: 90
Distance: 12KM
Time: 6-7 hours trekking
Day 10 :
Baltoro Glacier Trek. Walk to Concordia (4,500 m).
Today, we move up to Concordia passing on Baltoro, views of Broad Peak (8051 m) appear while Marble and Crystal Peaks appear on the left. K2 remains concealed till the minute we reach Concordia; a breathtaking sight that becomes a beautiful memory forever. Concordia is wide area of glacier which is one of the greatest places on earth. We will be surrounded by 4 eight- thousanders, 10 out of 30 highest peaks of the world. Camp will be set at 4,500 m in Concordia on the moraine.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Ascent: 250
Descent: 40
Distance: 12KM
Time: 5-6 hours trekking
Day 11 :
K2 Base Camp (5,100 m) & Broad Peak B Camp (4,800 m) OR Optional day
Go to broad peak base camp (4800m), K-2 base camp (5100m) 0r Rest at Concordia.
If you chose to go, start early in the morning you can return to Concordia in the evening. On this day, we can start early through crevasses and small rivers created by melting ice. We follow on the glacier that is named after Godwin Austin who first declared K2’s height. After three hours we will be at Broad Peak base camp where we will have a great sight of the astonishing Karakoram 2nd (K2), Mitre Peak behind us and the Bride Peak. We walk on the moraine which is mostly boulders. However we do walk on ice occasionally. After another 3 hours trek, we shall complete one way journey of the K2 Base Camp reaching a moraine safe zone, a traditional base camp area for K2 climbers.
One can also visit Gilkey Memorial if time allows. The memorial has names of brave souls inscribed on plates and plagues. These tough ones died attempting K2. The decisions about trekking to K2 Base Camp, Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial, choosing one or another or all options or choosing to rest at Concordia on this day depends on the participants. Return to Concordia on this day is compulsory.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Ascent: 300-600
Descent: 300-600
Distance: 6-8KM
Time: 6-12 hours trekking
Day 12 :
Trek down on Baltoro
Today, we shall trek back to Goro I also known as Biango paro. This is the place we will have a lunch break on the way up to Goro I.
Descent: 270
Ascent: 45
Distance: 15KM
Time: 5-6 hours trekking
Day 13 :
Trek to Khoburtse
Today after breakfast, we hike back to Khoburtse via Rdukas Camp site.
Descent: 570
Ascent: 220
Distance: 16KM
Time: 7-8 hours trekking
Day 14 :
Trek to Paiju
Today, we hike back to Paiju where we had our acclimatization and rest day on the way up to K2 base camp Trek.
Descent: 610
Ascent: 220
Distance: 13KM
Time: 6-7 hours trekking
Day 15 :
Trek to Jhola and drive to Skardu
Today, We shall hike towards Jhola and drive to Skardu the same day.
Decent: 570
Ascent: 290
Distance: 22KM
Time: 6-7 hours trekking
Day 16 :
Contingency day for possible trek delays
Today is a reserve day for any trekking delays due to bad weather, road blockage or an unexpected situation.
Accommodation: Camping/ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 17 :
Fly to Islamabad and Sightseeing during the afternoon
The drive from hotel to airport is 40 minutes and it’s a metal road. We board the plane for a thrilling flight towards Islamabad. We once again fly by the Nanga Parbat. Reaching Islamabad airport after a great adventure is very different experience and takes getting used to. Our vehicle will be at Islamabad airport to take us straight to the hotel. We will settle in and have lunch if there isn’t any unusual delay. After a good meal participants can take the day for rest or sightseeing around the city or shopping for popular options like artifacts or rugs. In the evening we will be together to enjoy special meal at local restaurant or at our hotel and share experiences of Gondogoro La Trek.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 18 :
Contingency day for possible flight delays.
Skardu is a 'weather dependent' airport which means the planes will only fly here if the visibility allows line of sight to the runway by the pilot on the approach. Fortunately the weather is mostly clear in the Karakorum but local weather conditions can bring cloud and rain from time to time. If we cannot fly we will travel down to Islamabad by road along the spectacular Karakorum Highway. If we flew up toislamabad this will be an added bonus as it is a fantastic travel experience in its own right. The drive down the Indus River to Islamabad takes two days so this is an important contingency day to allow for this. If we have flown to Islamabad this will be a further day for sightseeing in the capital and your leader will advise the group on the options available for today.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19 :
Departure from Islamabad. Airport transfer from hotel.
Our land package for K-2 Trek ends only with breakfast and transfer to airport.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Cost Include/Exclude
What is Included
- Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for K2 Base Camp Trek)
- Airport transfers on first and last day from/to Benazir International Airport, Islamabad
- All domestic flights and transfers (according to itinerary)
- All road transport in Pakistan (according to the itinerary above)
- All accommodation in Pakistan (hotels and camps) according to the itinerary
- All meals in Pakistan during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner ) while only breakfast in Islamabad.
- All trekking requirements on the ground (including cook, support staff, porters, gears (excluding personal), etc.
- Government trekking permit fees/paper work for k2 and CKNP cleaning Fee
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Visa to Pakistan (Letter of Invitation and other supporting documents will be offered by us for visa application)
- International flights
- Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc.
- Miscellaneous (drinks, telephone calls, laundry, etc.)
- Souvenir
- Items not mentioned in the included list
Questions and Answers
Do I need visa for entering Pakistan and what If I am already in the country ?
Yes, all Nationalities need a valid visa to enter Pakistan. However, many nationalities can get visa on arrival in Pakistan.
A tourist visa (visit visa) is required to come to Pakistan for trekking.
People on work visas (already in Pakistan/abroad) require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) which normally takes up to 6 weeks. To apply for a tourist visa online, we advise you to read the details given on the official visa portal at the link attached and apply for Mountaineering and Trekking visa.
Visa Link: (https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/)
How much money should I carry for miscellaneous Expenses and Tipping?
For expenses other than your hol
What is K2 Base Camp Trek?
The K2 Base Camp trek is a thrilling adventure that takes you to the foot of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. Starting from Skardu in Pakistan, this trek leads you through the mesmerizing Baltoro Glacier, offering breathtaking views of peaks and glaciers.
How Difficult is the K2 Base Camp Trek?
The K2 Base Camp trek is challenging. Trekkers encounter high altitudes, harsh weather, and rugged terrain. You need to be physically fit and mentally prepared. Proper acclimatization and gear are essential.
When is the Best Time for the K2 Base Camp Trek?
The ideal time for this trek is during the summer months, from June to September. This period offers the best weather conditions, with warmer temperatures and less snow.
How Long Does the Trek Take?
The trek typically takes around 14-16 days, depending on your itinerary and the pace of your group. It’s crucial not to rush to allow your body to acclimatize properly.
What Permits Do I Need?
To trek to K2 Base Camp, you’ll need permits from the Pakistan government. Ensure you have the necessary documentation, which includes a trekking permit and an entry permit for the Baltoro Glacier area.
What Should I Pack?
Packing the right gear is crucial. Essentials include warm clothing, a sturdy backpack, trekking boots, sleeping bags, and a medical kit. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes!
What is the Altitude Sickness Risk?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. To mitigate this risk, follow a gradual ascent, stay hydrated, and rest when needed. Diamox can also help prevent altitude sickness.
What About Food and Accommodation?
During the trek, you’ll stay in tents and eat meals provided by your trekking agency. The food is basic but nourishing. Be prepared for simple local dishes.
Can I Trek Solo or Do I Need a Guide?
While solo trekking is possible, it’s safer and more enjoyable to go with an experienced guide and a group. They’ll handle logistics, provide safety, and offer valuable insights.
What Makes the K2 Base Camp Trek Worth It?
The K2 Base Camp trek offers a life-changing experience. You’ll witness unparalleled natural beauty, connect with diverse cultures, and challenge your limits. The memories you create will last a lifetime.
K2 Base Camp Route Map
