21-Day K2 Base Camp Trek Adventure in the Karakoram Range

K2 peak range

Karakoram Range

K2 trek

K2 Trek

Highlights

Experience the breathtaking views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak

Visit Kharpocho Fort and enjoy splendid views of Indus River and Skardu town

Trek through the heart of the Baltoro Glacier to reach Concordia

Opportunity to reach K2 Base Camp and Art Gilkey Memorial

Fly from Islamabad to Skardu offering a chance to see Nanga Parbat

Islamabad, Skardu, Concordia (Karakoram)

trekking, camping, Fitness

Group Tour

21 Days

Hard

English

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 21-day K2 Base Camp trek through the majestic Karakoram Range. Experience the beauty of towering peaks like K2, Broad Peak, and Trango Towers, while trekking across glaciers, valleys, and rugged terrains. This guided adventure includes acclimatization hikes, scenic views, and visits to notable landmarks such as the Art Gilkey Memorial and Concordia. Enjoy comfortable camping at high-altitude sites, with the expertise of local guides ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
- Altitude: 540 m
- Activities
  - Arrive at Islamabad International Airport.
  - Your guide will meet you at the airport holding an orange placard with your name.
  - Transfer to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.
  - In the evening, briefing and remaining payments at the office, followed by a dinner.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or equivalent in Islamabad.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee, and snacks.
Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram
- Altitude: 2,498 m
- Activities
  - Early morning flight from Islamabad to Skardu.
  - Spectacular views of Nanga Parbat, weather permitting.
  - Free day to explore Skardu or relax.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or equivalent in Skardu.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee, and snacks.
Day 03: Spend Free Day in Skardu
- Altitude: 2,498 m
- Activities:
  - Visit Kharpocho Fort for stunning views of the Indus River and Skardu town.
  - Option to visit Sadpara Lake and spend free time in Skardu Bazaar.
  - Staff will handle government documentation for your trek.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or equivalent in Skardu.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee, and snacks.
Day 04: Drive to Askole Village
- Altitude: 3,015 m
- Activities:
  - Jeep ride through Shigar Valley and along the Braldu River to Askole.
  - Journey takes about 6-8 hours.
  - Start walking from Askole, or you may begin before depending on road conditions.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 05: Trek from Askole to Jhola via Biafo Glacier
- Altitude: 3,103 m
- Distance: 20 km
- Time: 5-8 hours
- Activities
  - Moraine walking as you cross the snout of Biafo Glacier.
  - Descend to reach Jhola, passing the confluence of Braldu and Domordo rivers.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 06: Trek from Jhola to Paiju
- Altitude: 3,418 m
- Distance: 19.8 km
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Activities
  - Trek along Braldu River, passing Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak.
  - Cross several streams and end the day with a climb away from the river to reach Paiju.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 08: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
- Altitude: 3,418 m
- Activities
  - Rest day for acclimatization.
  - Option for an acclimatization walk towards Paiju Peak base camp.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 08: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
- Altitude: 3,788 m
- Distance: 14.7 km
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Activities
  - Tough trek with up-and-down climbs on the Baltoro Glacier moraine.
  - Experience stunning views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 09: Cross Small Glaciers and Walk to Urdukas
- Altitude: 3,905 m
- Distance: 6.4 km
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Activities
  - Cross two small glaciers and reach Urdukas camp.
  - Camp near the army camp, 100m above the glacier.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 10: Trek to Goro II, the Junction of Baltoro Glaciers
- Altitude: 4,285 m
- Distance: 11.9 km
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Activities
  - Walk along the medial moraine, with views of Masherbrum and ice seracs.
  - Reach Goro II, where Baltoro and Younghusband glaciers meet.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 11: Trek to Concordia
- Altitude: 4,512 m
- Distance: 11.7 km
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Activities
  - Walk up moraine to reach Concordia, the "throne room of the mountain gods."
  - Get your first clear views of K2 and other peaks like Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, and Mitre Peak.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 12: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial, and K2 Base Camp (optional)
- Altitude: 5,155 m (K2 BC)
- Activities
  - Optional trek to K2 Base Camp via Broad Peak Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial.
  - Long and strenuous day; you will retrace your steps back to Concordia.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 13: Trek to Goro I/Biango
- Altitude: 4,010 m
- Distance: 15.9 km
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Activities
  - Return trek to Goro I, descending back from Concordia.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 14: Trek to Khoburtse with Views of Trango Towers
- Altitude: 3,788 m
- Distance: 13.8 km
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Activities
  - Descend back along the glacier, passing Trango Towers before reaching Khoburtse camp.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 15: Trek Back to Camp Paiju
- Altitude: 3,418 m
- Distance: 14.7 km
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Activities:
  - Return trek to Paiju camp.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 16: Trek to Jhola Campsite
- Altitude: 3,418 m
- Distance: 19.8 km
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Activities
  - Follow the same trail back to Jhola.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tents.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (dry fruits, chocolate).
Day 17: Trek to Askole and Drive to Skardu
- Altitude: 2,498 m
- Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive
- Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive
- Activities
  - Complete the trek to Askole and take a jeep ride back to Skardu.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or equivalent in Skardu.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee, and snacks.
Day 18: Contingency Day for Trek Delays
- Altitude: 538 m
- Activities
  - A contingency day in case of any trek delays. You can also explore Skardu.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or equivalent in Skardu.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee, and snacks.
Day 19: Fly to Islamabad
- Altitude: 538 m
- Activities
  - Flight from Skardu to Islamabad. Relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
  - In case of flight cancellation, a drive to Chilas will be arranged.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or equivalent in Islamabad.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee, and snacks.
Day 20: Contingency Day for Flight Cancellation
- Altitude: 538 m
- Activities
  - A contingency day in case of flight delays, with sightseeing in Islamabad if needed.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or equivalent in Islamabad.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee, and snacks.
Day 21: Fly to Home Country
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast.

What's Included

Domestic Flights: All domestic flights are included with checked baggage allowance of 20kg and hand carry of 7kg

Road Transfers: All road transfers are covered including airport transfers

Accommodation: Twin-sharing rooms in hotels in Pakistan and twin-sharing dome tents at trekking camps

Camping Site Fees: All fees for camping sites and bridge crossings

Trekking Logistics: All necessary trekking equipment and tools excluding personal items are provided

Meals: All meals in Pakistan except for those specifically mentioned under "What's Not Included" Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee are provided during the trek

Drinking Water: Free refills of boiled drinking water throughout the trek

Professional Guide: A licensed professional guide as required by government regulations

Waste Management Fee: A mandatory fee of USD 150 for the Central Karakoram National Park

City Tours: City tours in Islamabad and Skardu including all entry fees

Support Staff: Cook, assistant(s) and other necessary support staff during the trek

Porterage: Personal luggage handling (up to 14kg)

Storage Services: Baggage storage service in Skardu for any luggage you do not want to take on the trek

First Aid Kit: Basic first aid medical kit available

Satellite Phone: A satellite phone for emergencies

Trekking Map and Certificate: A trekking map and a trip achievement certificate to commemorate your journey

What's Excluded

International Airfare & Visa: International airfare and visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be provided)

Personal Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)

Hotel/Restaurant Meals: All hotel/restaurant meals not included in the itinerary (5 lunches and 6 dinners) (Price range per meal: USD 4 to USD 9)

Government Permit Fee: Government permit fee of USD 300 for the Gilgit Baltistan Council's GB Adventure (increased in 2024) – View Document

Bottled Water & Beverages: Bottled water and other beverages (e.g., 1.5L bottled water costs approximately USD 0.30)

Personal Equipment: Personal equipment (e.g., trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks, etc.)

Extra Nights in Islamabad: Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check-in/check-out is 12pm) – additional USD 67 per night

Excess or Additional Weight/Baggage: USD 11 per kg for excess or additional baggage during the trek

Storage Service in Islamabad: Storage service for baggage in Islamabad – USD 18 per bag/piece

Tips/Gratuities: Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, and staff

Miscellaneous: Miscellaneous expenses (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)

Early Windup/Return Costs: Costs incurred due to early return from the trek for any reason

Force Majeure Costs: Costs due to Force Majeure events (e.g., earthquake, landslide, floods, etc.)

What To Bring

1 x Backpack (50L+) – read our guide on how to choose a backpack

1 x Sleeping Bag (four seasons/rated to -10°C/14°F)

1 x Trekking Pole (optional but recommended)

1 x Headlamp/Flashlight with spare batteries

1 x Lightweight Tent (if required, check with your operator)

1 x Sleeping Pad (for comfort and insulation)

1 x Hiking Boots (worn frequently before departure)

1 x Waterproof Jacket and Pants

2-3 x Fleece or Warm Layers

1 x Down Jacket (for colder nights)

1 x Hat/Cap (for sun protection)

1 x Balaclava/Neck Gaiter

2-3 x Pairs of Trekking Pants (quick-dry fabric recommended)

4-5 x Pairs of Moisture-Wicking Socks

1 x Pair of Gloves (weather dependent)

1 x Base Layer (top and bottom)

1 x Lightweight T-shirt (quick-dry fabric)

1 x Pair of Sandals (for camp relaxation)

1 x Personal First Aid Kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, etc.)

1 x Toothbrush & Toothpaste

1 x Biodegradable Soap/Shampoo

1 x Toilet Paper/Wet Wipes

1 x Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

1 x Lip Balm with SPF

1 x Hand Sanitizer

1 x Towel (quick-dry)

1 x Personal Medication (if needed)

1 x Smartphone (for emergency and communication)

1 x Power Bank/Portable Charger (for charging electronics)

1 x Camera (optional)

1 x Solar Charger (optional for multi-day treks)

1 x Adapter/Converter (if required)

Meeting Point

Islamabad, Pakistan

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 45	/person
Child
1 to 45	/person
This is a group tour

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

/person

Adult

Child

Total

0.00

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

21-Day K2 Base Camp Trek Adventure in the Karakoram Range

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram

Day 03: Spend Free Day in Skardu

Day 04: Drive to Askole Village

Day 05: Trek from Askole to Jhola via Biafo Glacier

Day 06: Trek from Jhola to Paiju

Day 08: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse

Day 08: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse

Day 09: Cross Small Glaciers and Walk to Urdukas

Day 10: Trek to Goro II, the Junction of Baltoro Glaciers

Day 11: Trek to Concordia

Day 12: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial, and K2 Base Camp (optional)

Day 13: Trek to Goro I/Biango

Day 14: Trek to Khoburtse with Views of Trango Towers

Day 15: Trek Back to Camp Paiju

Day 16: Trek to Jhola Campsite

Day 17: Trek to Askole and Drive to Skardu

Day 18: Contingency Day for Trek Delays

Day 19: Fly to Islamabad

Day 20: Contingency Day for Flight Cancellation

Day 21: Fly to Home Country

What's Included

What's Excluded

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

Choose Currency

21-Day K2 Base Camp Trek Adventure in the Karakoram Range

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram

Day 03: Spend Free Day in Skardu

Day 04: Drive to Askole Village

Day 05: Trek from Askole to Jhola via Biafo Glacier

Day 06: Trek from Jhola to Paiju

Day 08: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse

Day 08: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse

Day 09: Cross Small Glaciers and Walk to Urdukas

Day 10: Trek to Goro II, the Junction of Baltoro Glaciers

Day 11: Trek to Concordia

Day 12: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial, and K2 Base Camp (optional)

Day 13: Trek to Goro I/Biango

Day 14: Trek to Khoburtse with Views of Trango Towers

Day 15: Trek Back to Camp Paiju

Day 16: Trek to Jhola Campsite

Day 17: Trek to Askole and Drive to Skardu

Day 18: Contingency Day for Trek Delays

Day 19: Fly to Islamabad

Day 20: Contingency Day for Flight Cancellation

Day 21: Fly to Home Country

What's Included

What's Excluded

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

Choose Currency Close modal

Cookie icon We use cookies!

Choose Currency