Leisurely Paced K2 Base Camp Trek

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. We start the trek by following a trail next to the Braldu river. 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. and, once passed the snout of the Biafo glacier, we arrive at the green oasis of Korofong.

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

Today after breakfast, we start trekking following the path up a side valley and cross the river by a good bridge. We then walk for another half an hour or so to reach the Jhola Camp. The views are impressive with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s needles in the distance. 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

After breakfast start trek on a good path, passing a couple of old camping places at Chowblok and Bardomal to Liligo. Beyond Bardumal path runs for a while at the very edge of the river, before climbing to higher ground and allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak. We have to negotiate a couple of streams today and depending on the melting of the glaciers above. ). At our high point today we have views ahead to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and the granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups. On a clear day it is even possible to see K2.

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

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 after an hour of trek sbrings us to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. About an hour from camp takes you up to the glacier, though even once on it, it is predominantly covered in rock, and will remain so until well after Gore II. Here on the glacier you are finally amongst the famous peaks of the Karakoram. The path is reasonably obvious, and over the course of a couple of hours you slowly cross the glacier to the right hand side of the valley. The exact path here varies from year to year but will without doubt involve some undulating trail take us to Liligo.

Walk: Distance: 22 Km, Ascent: 580 m, Descent: 335 m
Time: 04-05 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3420 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp

After breakfast Follow the southern edge of Liligo onward to Khoburse, a lovely walk to the campsite with clear water. A steady uphill, which takes you up away from the lateral moraine of the glacier and to grassland full of alpine meadow flowers. You then cut across the snout of Lilligo Glacier, at right side, and walk over the undulating ups and downs of the Baltoro until you reach the small campsite of Khoburse. Here we have sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, the Trango Group and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho, Cathedral Towers and a sunrise well worth is well recommended.

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: 03-04 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

After breakfast start walk across the glacier, passing dramatic Masherbrum Peak 7,821m/25,659ft, and weather pemitting, can have views of Muztagh Tower 7,273m/ 23,861ft. The path switches over to the left hand side of the glacier, and make your way slowly upwards, moving tantalizingly closer to Gasherbrum IV which, standing as it does at the head of the Baltoro, is like a beacon guiding you towards Concordia. Whilst the glacier is still predominantly covered in rock, the route passes a series of huge ice 'dunes' which add to the drama of the scenery to Goro I. The campsite at Goro I is on the glacier where ledges have been levelled out for the tents.

After breakfast traverse the Yermanandu Glacier which flows down from Masherbrum and 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. By the time you reach camp, Gasherbrum IV completely dominates the landscape.
Gore II camp site is just after the small army camp and covers quite an area spread over the rock covered glacier wherever there is room to pitch tents. Here, the cold wind blows down the glacier, and camp facilities are nothing like those at the fixed camps, but given a clear night the star-filled sky over the surrounding peaks is truly magical.


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. The peaks tower over you and all appear to be tantalizingly close. Gasherbrum II, 8,035m/26,361ft, III, 7,952m/26,089ft, & IV, 7,925m/26,000ft, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, 7,665m/25,147ft, Broad Peak, 8,047m/26,401ft, and, visible for the first time, the second highest mountain in the world - K2, 8,611m/28,251ft.

Concordia is at an altitude of approximately 4,606m/15,108ft, and although our well established itinerary allows for gradual acclimatisation to take place, you are likely to feel some mild effects of being at this altitude.
The camp at Concordia spreads over a huge area where the Godwin-Austin glacier meets the Baltoro, and the sites furthest away as you approach give the best views of K2.



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.

After breakfast start the walk along the Godwin-Austin glacier to K2 Base Camp, while it looks entirely level, do not be deceived, as today you are gaining significant altitude. The hardest part of the route is getting out of Concordia through a maze of moraines, finally finding the central medial moraine of the Godwin-Austin glacier which you follow for 3-4 hours to Broad Peak Base Camp which is spread over the lateral moraines off to your right.
We feel that camping at Broad Peak Base Camp will give you the very best chance to get to K2 Base Camp.
Broad Peak is the 12th highest mountain on earth, and is part of the Gasherbrum massif. Broad Peak was originally named K3 right after the naming of K2 but on closer inspection by a later party, it was discovered that the summit was over 1½ kilometers (1 mile) long, thus "Broad Peak".


Walk: 10-12 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4600 m
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile camp

After breakfast start trek to K2 Base Camp. Beyond Broad Peak Basecamp the going gets a little tougher as we negotiate the swells of the glacier and more glacial streams. We are still mostly walking over the rubble and boulders of ablation material covering the surface but occasionally we may set foot on the ice itself. Crampons are not needed as the embedded grit in the ice gives it a sandpaper like quality. After a further 3 hours we reach the moraine 'island' known as 'the strip', the traditional basecamp area for attempts on the Abruzzi Ridge, the 'normal' route on K2. Climbers use camp sites both to the east and west of the glacier; there will undoubtedly be expeditions around that you can chat to and they'll be equally keen to hear news from the outside world. Base camp is almost too close to appreciate the sheer size of K2, but to see it rising up endlessly right beside you, and to talk to climbers who are trying to conquer it, make this an awe-inspiring place to be. This must be one of the most magnificent mountain locations in the world. We can also visit the Gilkey Memorial where the names of those who have died climbing K2 are inscribed on a collection of plaques and plates. We will return to Broad Peak Base Camp for our overnight stay.

Today after breakfast we will return to Concordia and onward to Concordia More.

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

Trek to Paiju.

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

After breakfast we will go for De-briefing at Ministry of Tourism in Skardu. Late morning fly to Islamabad. With clear skies we will be able to board a plane and be back at our hotel in Islamabad in 45 minutes. Today we will spend sightseeing around Islamabad and Rawalpindi. 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.
If the weather is not so favorable and the flight doesn’t come, then we will have to drive the Karakoram Highway to Rawalpindi through the narrow gorge of the Rondu valley along Indus River to Karakoram Highway at Junction Point of three largest congregation of mountains(i.e Karakoram, Hindukush and Himalaya). After a brief stop here we leave on the Karakoram Highway on KKH to Chilas. From Chilas depending upon the road condition and preferrence, either continue on KKH to Besham in Indus Kohistan or to Naran Kaghan valley via Naran Chilas road via captivating and enthralling landscape of Babusar valley's zigzag road winding through terraced filed, fruit laden orchard and above Babusar pass at a height of 4145 m. The Valley extends for 155 km rising from an elevation of 2,134 meters to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,145 meters. Before Karakoram Highway was opened in 1978, the only road access to Gilgit was through Kaghan Valley. Kaghan valley is a very beautiful & attractive valley. That’s why it is called virtual paradise, unbelievably in pristine state and still unspoiled by the human. You’ll find the Himalayan peaks hidden with clouds or snow, somewhere you’ll find the beautiful fairy tale lakes, which will attract you toward them, and you might decide not to leave this at any cost.Take a rest at the pass enjoying the scenic beauty around before descending down to Lulusar lake.

Lulu Sar Lake which is wreathed in blue and gold wild flowers, and is the main source of river Kunhar. Near Gittidas is the 11,000 feet high Lulusar Lake out of which river Kunhar issues anew with redoubled strength to flow down the valley first as placid blue stream and then a roaring torrent until it joins the Jhelum. Lulusar has very enchanting beauty and its view remains in the mind of tourist for a long time. The is surrounded by snow capped hills whose purple and white forms are reflected in the green-blue waters of the silent lake, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the valley. Take a rest at Lulusar lake and drive down to Naran Kaghan stopping at Gittidas, Batakundi for scenic photo ops. These are numerous scenic places, sheer, snow capped mountains ascending from deep valleys, lush alpine meadows are carpeted by colorful wildflowers and dazzling fruits. Terraced villages dot this monumental terrain, supported by traditional farming methods and lifestyles that have changed little over the centuries.

Time: 1 hr by flight / 10-12 hrs by Road

Activities: Sightseeing, Jeep Safari or Air Safari
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Sightseeing or rest day in Islamabad. If unable to fly on previous day, this day will be use to transfer from Besham or Naran to Islamabad by road. in Case of by road travel, drive in the morning through natural beauty of Naran valley to Balakot. After a brief stop at Balakot, drive onward to Mansehra stopping at scenic points for photo ops and also in Manserha to visit Ashoka Rock Eddicts.

Mansehra Rock Edicts are fourteen edicts of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, inscribed on rocks in Mansehra. The edicts are cut into three boulders and date back to 3rd century BC and they are written in the ancient Indic script of Gandhara culture, Kharosthi. The edicts mention aspects of Ashoka’s dharma. This site is World Heritage Sites tentative list.

After Manserha rock edicts visit, we will pass through the alpine scenery towards Islamabad.

Evening back to Islamabad, proceed to airport for onward flight.

Drive: 7-8 hrs

Activities: Cultural exploration , Sightseeing, Interaction with local
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel