from 0 review
20 days, 20 nights
Specific Tour
16 people
___
Be part of an amazing 20-day adventure through the Karakorum and get to know some of the highest peaks of the world. K2 Broad Peak and Concordia are more than mountains and the journey to their base camps is more than just a trek. Home to over 160 peaks over 7,000 meters and 700 others over 6,000 meters it is truly a adventurists dream come true and we can assure you the memories of this trek will last a lifetime. You will have the chance to admire breath-taking views and trek until the famous “K2 and Broad Peak Base Camps”. Words cannot describe the true feelings you will experience on this trek. Along a route dubbed by some as “Throne room of the Mountain God” and “the steps to heaven,” and every bend in the trail provides another photo opportunity — beautiful valleys, villages, glacial moraines, and foothills. Our itinerary includes 12 days of trekking and has been designed with acclimatization in mind. This makes the trip more enjoyable and gives everyone the best possible chance of reaching Base Camp. Our route follows a stunning trail from Askole along the mighty Braldu River to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The spectacular rock walls of Trango Towers, Lobsang Spires and Uli Biaho stand like monolithic stone sentinels, guarding our route As one progress up the moraines of the vast Baltoro Glacier, the Muztagh Tower (7273m) and Masherbrum (7821m) slowly reveal themselves and in the distance Gasherbrum IV stands tall, providing a taste of what is to come. At last we reach Concordia (4650m) where we are surrounded by a plethora of peaks including four of the world’s 8000m peaks- K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II and Hidden Peak.
We also spend two nights in Skardu and enjoy time to explore the city. This unforgettable adventure is perfect for those looking for a challenging trek to the foot of the world’s 2nd highest mountain. For active adventurers not afraid to break a sweat, our full trekking support staff will bring you close to local cultures before opening a window to the top of the world. You will experience amazing, motivational and securing support from our local guides – our crew are simply the best around incorporating traditional porters who are from the karakorum region. Their generous and loving support will motivate you to push on to reach and achieve your goal.
May : 15th, 20th, 25th
June : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
July : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
August : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
September : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
October : 1st, 5th, 10th
2020 Departures
May : 15th, 20th, 25th
June : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
July : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
August : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
September : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
October : 1st, 5th, 10th
2021 Departures
May : 15th, 20th, 25th
June : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
July : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
August : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
September : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
October : 1st, 5th, 10th
Quick Facts:
Maximum Altitude: 4500 m
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Airport: Skardu, Pakistan
Starting and Ending Point: The trek starts and ends at Skardu.
ATM: Skardu Bazaar has the last ATM point.
Best Time to travel to K2 Base Camp Trek
Travelling to these giant base camps has its on-peak and off-peak seasons. For ordinary tourists, the golden season to take a Mt. K2 tour would be in June to October. At these times of the year, the skies are clearer, with very few days where visibility is even slightly limited.
There is very little rain and snow, and daytime temperatures, while not the hottest in the year, are well above freezing, and quite comfortable for trekking and touring the region. Although, you will still need some warm clothes for the nights, which can still get quite cold.
However, tours to K2 can be arranged at any time of year, given an individuals’ unique preference. As long as you are not a professional mountaineer with a particular time frame to summit the mountain, K2 Base Camp welcomes you whenever you come.
Tips for K2 Base Camp Trek
The preparation before trekking to this area should be adequate. Beside some of the few obligatory items like hiking boots, warm clothes, UV sun-block etc, there are a lot of things that you need to carry on your way ahead. A lot of stuff that you might not have considered taking along are mentioned here; these things may seem unnecessary at first but would enhance your trekking experience once you start your trip.
Read more about Essential Trekking Kit
This trek has an activity level of maximum, and is designed for serious hikers who are very fit and have experience hiking or trekking at high elevations. During our 14-day trek, we will hike 4 to 10 hours per day on moderate to steep grades, at elevations ranging from 9,318 feet to a maximum of 18,192 feet. Some days will be rest days with optional hikes to properly acclimatize. Your trip leader will set a suitable pace to minimize risk of altitude issues. Porters and pack animals will transport our gear. This is a strenuous grade trek and need well preparation. Read More about fitness preparation about this trek here.Trekking Fitness
Apart from the Ordinary.
10 Great reasons to choose Vertical Explorers Trips:
1. Beautiful Hotels, Properties, and More
We stay in some of finest properties, and where possible, we offer a choice of hotel and room categories. We carefully select prime locations that offer wonderful views, amenities, and proximity to attractions. In remote locales, we revel in knowing that we are enjoying the best accommodations available.
2. The Best Travel Experts
Our legendary Travel Experts carefully watch over the smallest details to ensure that you have a wonderful time. They also draw upon years of established V E relationships to ensure that your journey is seamlessly enjoyable and memorable.
3. Epicurean Choices Abound
We believe travel is made better by experiencing culture you can taste. Our Dine-Around program provides you with the freedom to choose renowned restaurant, an inviting neighborhood eatery, or room service at your hotel its all included.(Subject to Package)
4. Small Group Advantages
Limited to just 10 guests averaging around 7-8 our small group size sets the highest standard in personal service. Our journeys remain intimate and create camaraderie, yet allow for independence, flexibility and discovery. Along the way, we re granted access to exclusive events and stay in one-of-a-kind accommodations not available to larger groups.
5. Experts Offer In-Depth Enrichment
Expert local guides to share their experiences and insights about the cultures and places you explore.
6. The Best Wonders
We visit nook and corner of the country. We travel on aircraft, jeep, horse and legendary trains, Whatever your choice, we likely have something to fit your sense of adventure.
7. Responsible Eco Tourism Policy
Vertical Explorers is committed to adopting a responsible attitude to the areas we visit. We are guests of the communities visited and with some thought and care we can ensure that everyone benefits from the experience. We have developed a Responsible Tourism policy which aims to ensure that V E and its clients act in a way that is socially, environmentally and culturally sound. All areas of our operations are planned with responsible tourism in mind, and we require our business partners to support this vision.
8. Unforgettable Moments
Part of what makes a Vertical Explorers trips so special are the surprises and delights along the way. Unexpected doors open and lead to the kind of authentic cultural experiences that make unforgettable memories.
9. Guaranteed Departure Dates
Plan with confidence knowing that once your deposit is accepted, your departure date is confirmed. Our journey dates are timed to take advantage of local flavors, special events, natural occurrences or simply the best weather.
10. It’s All – Not about the Money
Our prices are competitive and good value, and we offer quality, service, security and an ethical stance on tourism. We don’t want to be so expensive to run fewer trips and have our staff idle, but on the other hand we believe that running cheap trips that promote the practice of skimming budgets would result in the porters getting next to nothing, which is something we cannot consider. Additionally we plan treks with sufficient rest days and with achievable daily altitude increases which gives good time to acclimatise. Reducing the number of days may make the price cheaper but the chances of successfully completing the trek also greatly reduce.
Besides the finest accommodations, all meals and sightseeing your escorted Journey includes:
� A professional travel Expert, dedicated and attentive to your needs throughout your journey
� Small group size that allows for personal enrichment, exclusive access and flexibility
� Our unique Dine-Around program
� Unique experiences that allow for a real cultural understanding
� Expert local guides, such as archaeologists and professional naturalists
� All the extra comforts that make sightseeing a personal experience, like a guaranteed window seat and complimentary refreshments along the way
� Itinerary can be customized build your exact dream trip. Customize My Itinerary
� Leaves any day you desire. Lengthen or shorten trip, if you like.
� Best itinerary in terms of acclimatization, enjoyment and safety with options of extensions.
� Lowest Price and best value for money –Save 40-50 % vs. comparable tours of this same quality.
� Group Discounts Available. [ Details ]
Welcome to Islamabad! You will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant at the airport after immigration and custom. The assistant will escort you to your hotel. 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 modern Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
Drive: 40 minutes
Activities: Cultural exploration , Sightseeing
Accommodation: Hotel
We rise early to be at the airport in time for our flight to Skardu.
If the weather is good, we’ll be treated to one of the finest views available in the world of aviation, as we thread our way up the largest congregation of mountains of Karakoram, Hindukush, Himalaya and Indus River gorges, third longest in Asia and one of the deepest in the world.
To our east is K2 (2nd highest in the world and Nanga Parbat (killer mountain) and countless peaks and glaciers. It is sometime possible to catch a glimpse of K2 in the distant before our dramatic landing at Skardu. On arrival we are met by our local staff with jeeps and make the short transfer to the hotel.
SKARDU is the administrative capital of Baltistan and gateway to the high peaks of Northern Pakistan. We have some time to explore the town and enjoy the hustle and bustle in peak season of tourists here. Sightseeing in Skardu and surrounding areas during the day. For those seeking a good overview of Skardu, or a place from which to photograph the sunset, Kharfocho Fort is an ideal spot.
If the flight is unable to operate because of bad weather, we will resort to travel by road on Karakoram Highway (KKH) to Chilas. The drive is compensated by the beautiful scenery along the Karakoram highway and Indus gorges.
The journey on the Karakoram Highway is most exciting and thrilling. It is a monument to the engineering feast and one of the most spectacular roads and the world’s highest metalled border crossing. It connects Pakistan and China stretching over a distance of 1300km between Islamabad and Kashgar, winding through three mountain ranges and following the ancient Silk route along the Indus Valley to the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass.
We pass through the historical town of Taxila, beautiful hill station of Abbottabad, quake affected lush green towns of Mansehra, Shinkiari and finally meet the great Indus on Thakot Bridge. From there onward the road snails along the bank of the Indus with contrasting landscape after every two kilometers.
We pass through Besham, Dassu, Komila and Shatial to arrive at Chilas with many rock carvings and inscriptions along the way left by Chinese pilgrims and ancient travelers of 5th century A.D. Chilas was on the ancient caravan trail over the Babusar Pass into India. The view after crossing the Rai kot Bridge of Nanga Parbat is without any parallel. Standing at around 1,000 m. you see a mountain which rises to above 8,000 m! This is the largest land escarpment in the world. This is also where the three greatest mountain ranges meet; Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakoram.
Flight: 45 Minutes
Drive: 10-12 hrs
Activities: Cultural exploration , Sightseeing, Hiking,Jeep Safari
Accommodation: Hotel
This day may be needed to complete the KKH road journey from Chilas to Skardu. Alternatively, leaving Skardu today will enable us to enjoy an extra day of trekking.
Drive:(Chilas to Skardu) 10-12 hrs.
Activities: Cultural exploration , Sightseeing, Hiking,Jeep Safari
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we rise early and view the beautiful sunrise against the backdrop of the Karakoram. After breakfast drive to Shigar, a history-soaked medieval town. There is also a heritage Palace cum Fort (Fong khar ). Completely renovated by the AKCSP a few years back, the Palace and its suburbs reflects a medieval look. Here we will pay a brief visit to the Garden House, Royal room, museum handicraft shop and The Khanqah Moalla, famous for its uniquely carved wooden windows and meditation cells. Shigar retains a mystical, medieval aura that may leave you feeling like you have stepped through the looking glass.Then an exciting jeep journey takes us through the fields of the Shigar valley before the road narrows to a mountain track leading to the trail head at Askole, the last inhabitancy on our way to the great glaciers. Highest in the region, the stone & timber abodes contain dark & narrow stairwells raven by gloomy, unlit alleys cluster within the embrace of the fertile terraces.
Distance: 135 Km, Drive: 07-08 hrs. Altitude: 3050 M
Activities: Jeep Safari, Cultural Exploration
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Today we leave the last inhabited village Askole. Porters are assembled to carry our luggage for the next section of the journey. For the remaining portion of our journey we rely on our porters who carry our food and equipment and sustain our expedition. After scrambling over a ridge we come across what legend says an old polo field. Passing through a rock gap we cross the Biafo glacier. The Biafo Glacier is a huge river of ice 63 km long which descends from the central peaks of the Karakoram and flows east into the Braldu valley at a point about 10 km east of Askole. After two and a half hour trek a long and uphill walk over a steep ridge along the Dumordo river. descend at Jula, (wire rope bridge supported by a wooden basket) cross it and camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas peak.
Walk: Distance: 19 Km, Ascent: 300 m, Descent:290 m
Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3120 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green oasis under the shadows of Paiu Peak, the last grove of trees before the trail moves onto the glacier, 6611 M. Paiu – is a Balti dialect word that means “SALT”. Since there are some rock salt deposits at the base of this peak, the locals believe that the snow on the summit of Paiu Peak is not snow but a huge deposit of salt which drips down to the base. From this camp we have the first views of the impressive Baltoro Glacier.
Walk: Distance: 22 Km, Ascent: 580 m, Descent: 335 m
Time: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3420 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Today we resume trek with a gradual climb up Baltoro Glacier on the southern edge. After about two hours the path divides at the snout of Baltoro glacier where the left branch goes to the base camp of Trango Tower and the Serpo Lgo pass. Continue to the right climbing up on to the glacier that stretches up the valley, 62 km long and 2 km wide.
Further 2-3 hours steady climb on a long diagonal to the other side. Follow the southern edge to Liliwa and onward to Khuburse, a lovely walk for about 90 minutes to the campsite with clear water.
Walk: Distance: 15 Km, Ascent:750 m, Descent:290 m
Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3800 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Today morning we leave Kho-burse camp and walk mostly along the crest of lateral moraine towards Urdukas. This camp has superb views across the Baltoro Glacier to the Trango peaks, having view of Paiu Peak, Chorichi, Uli Biaho, Trango Tower and so on and is our last 'green grass' campsite.
Walk: Distance: 16 Km, Ascent:700 m, Descent:200 m
Time: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4130 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
This is the last campsite the main glacier, with very impressive views over the Baltoro and to the dramatic rock spires on the opposite on grassy slopes off side of the glacier. (Courtesy by Udom Peter) So based on our past experience rest day at Urdukus comes with the following advantages. Helps the acclimatization process and has proved to more effective than a rest day at Paiu. Can take a pleasant walk behind the campsite through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers. Climbing high & sleeping low is the best way to help the acclimatization process. Trek leader will lead a training session explaining in detail the techniques for crossing the Gondogoro La.
Walk: None
Activities: Rest /Training
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier, Traveling on the glacier all the time now, it is an all day walk over the boulder-strewn glacier to the campsite at Goro. Traverse the Yermanandu Glacier which flows down from Masherbrum & joins the Baltoro. Masherbrum is visible on the right side of the glacier, and Mustagh Tower on the left. Gasherbrum IV and Broad Peak can be seen directly ahead, as they catch the evening sunlight.
Walk: Distance: 12 Km, Ascent: 335 m, Descent: 90 m
Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4300 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Trekking to the campsite at Concordia, we pass through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world; a huge junction of Baltoro, Abruzzi & Godwin Austin Glaciers at 4000 meters. Within a short radius of 15 Kilometers, stand 41 peaks over 6500 meters including 04 peaks above 8000 M. The 360 view offers a panorama of peaks nowhere to be found on this planet.
Walk: Distance: 12 Km, Ascent: 300 m, Descent: 90 m
Time: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4600 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
There is plenty of time to admire the scenery and find the best vantage points from which to take photographs of the surrounding peaks. Concordia, the confluence of five glaciers, offers unprecedented views of the Karakoram peaks. Within a radius of nine miles rise 41 peaks above 21,000 feet, almost half of them still unnamed and unclimbed. Some team members may wish to make the return journey to K2 Base Camp in a single day (10 hrs round trip). Some people might prefer to walk to Broad Peak Base Cam p rather than walk al the way to K2 Base Camp. Others may choose to explore base camps or just sit and watch K2 all day long and sip tea; or go to the other way towards the Gasherbrum peaks. The choice is yours! Overnight at Concordia in tents.
Walk: 10-12 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4600 m
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile camp
After an early breakfast this morning leave Concordia today, we start our retreat down the glacier stopping for the night at Goro 1.
Walk: Distance: 17 Km, Ascent: 380 m, Descent:610 m
Time: 08-09 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4140 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Today our trek starts to continue the trek back down the Baltoro with overnight camp at Khoburtse.
Walk: Distance: 10 Km, Ascent: 740 m, Descent: 1100 m
Time: 08-09 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 3560 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
After breakfast today we come off the Baltoro glacier and spend the night at the green campsite of Paiju.
Walk: Distance: 12 Km, Ascent: 370 m, Descent: 820 m
Time: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 3380 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
After breakfast start walk on the trail which takes us through Bardumal to Jula camp.
Walk: Distance: 20 Km, Ascent: 450 m, Descent: 750 m
Time: 08-09 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3160 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
The final day of our descent, we’ll have a long and leisurely trek back to Askole. Early morning walk towards Hushe takes approximately six to seven hours and it is a relief to be off the glacier and walking on the pleasant trails down the valley. On completion we can celebrate our success with the porters and hand out their tips as a token of our appreciation for their hard work throughout the trek.
Walk: Distance: 18 Km, Ascent: 360 m, Descent: 470 m
Time: 07-08 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3390 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
A jeep journey along Braldo River drive back to Skardu (6-7hrs). This afternoon, Skardu is yours to explore. The following day, depart Skardu back to next destination.
Drive: Distance: 130 Km, Ascent: 100 m, Descent: 1200 m
Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 2220 M
07-08 hrs
Activities: Jeep Safari
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive to Behsam or Naran. on Karakoram Highway which connects to Rawalpindi through the narrow gorge of the Indus River. The outcome is in the lap of the Gods, so we will be praying that they’re on our side! If we are able to fly down, for those who want to escape the heat of the city a very pleasant excursion is up to the former British hill station at Murree. The faded remnants of the town’s colonial past can be seen in its gable-roofed buildings and small Anglican churchyard. This excursion is not included in the trip price but if any member of the group wish to make this journey a private vehicle and driver can be hired locally for a very modest sum. Back in Rawalpindi we enjoy a final evening meal usually taken at one of traditional food streets either in Islamabad or in Rawalpindi.
Walk: Distance: 5 km Ascent: 10 m, Descent: 510 m
Time: 08-09 hrs, Altitude: 2150 M
Activities: Jeep Safari or Air Safari
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. Evening sightseeing. If unable to fly on day 18th, this day will be use to transfer from Chilas to Islamabad by road.
Activities: Jeep Safari, Sightseeing
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer to Airport for onward flight
Activities: None
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Member Since 2019
0 review
0 review
Thoughtful thoughts to your inbox
