K2 Base Camp Trek
A Journey to the Foot of the Savage Mountain
K2 Base Camp Trek
A Journey to the Foot of the Savage Mountain
A Journey to the Foot of the Savage Mountain
Join Alpine Karakoram Adventure for a 22-day K2 Base Camp Trek through the heart of the Karakoram. Travel from Islamabad to Skardu, continue by jeep to Askole, and trek across the legendary Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp (5,150m), beneath the world's second-highest mountain. Departures are planned during the June–September trekking season. Contact us for departure dates and booking details.
Trip Stats
Difficulty
Challenging
Max Altitude
5,150 meters
Wind Speed
Variable mountain conditions
Temperature
Varies by altitude and weather
Overview
The K2 Base Camp Trek is a challenging journey into the heart of the Karakoram, following the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and the foot of K2 (8,611m). The route begins in Skardu and continues by jeep to Askole, the last roadhead. From Askole, the journey proceeds on foot through the Braldu Valley, Paiju, Khoburtse, Urdukas and Goro II before reaching Concordia at approximately 4,500m.
From Concordia, trekkers make a day excursion towards Broad Peak Base Camp before returning to Concordia. A separate, demanding day trek leads to K2 Base Camp at approximately 5,150m, with a visit to the Gilkey Memorial, before returning to Concordia. The return journey follows the Baltoro Glacier back to Askole, where jeeps take the group to Skardu.
The trek involves long walking days, uneven glacial moraine, loose rocks, changing weather and high altitude. It is best suited to trekkers with good fitness and previous experience on multi-day mountain routes. Alpine Karakoram Adventure provides an experienced expedition team, local Balti porters, kitchen staff and full-service camping throughout the trek.
Trip Highlights
What makes this trekking special
Trek to K2 Base Camp (5,150m), beneath the world's second-highest mountain.
Cross the spectacular Baltoro Glacier on the classic route to Concordia.
Take in the mountain panorama at Concordia, surrounded by the giants of the Karakoram.
Enjoy close views of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, Masherbrum and the Trango Towers.
Visit the Gilkey Memorial, honouring climbers who lost their lives on K2.
Meet the people and experience the hospitality of the Balti communities.
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where the Alpine Karakoram Adventure team will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. After check-in, attend a trek briefing and review the equipment list, route plan and travel arrangements.
Transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to Skardu. The flight is weather-dependent and may offer views of Nanga Parbat and the surrounding mountains. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in.
Spend the day completing final preparations, checking personal equipment and confirming trekking permits and logistics. If time allows, enjoy a short visit to Skardu's local sights or bazaar.
Travel by jeep from Skardu through the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the roadhead and starting point of the trek. Meet the local porter and support team, organize loads and prepare for the walk ahead. Overnight in the expedition camp at Askole.
Begin trekking from Askole along the Braldu Valley towards Jhola. The route follows rugged trails and river terrain, with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Arrive at Jhola and settle into camp.
Continue along the Braldu River towards Paiju. The trail crosses rocky sections and streams, with views opening towards Paiju Peak and the granite towers ahead. Overnight at the Paiju campsite.
Take a rest day at Paiju before entering the Baltoro Glacier region. Use the time to recover, hydrate and prepare for the glacier stages. Short walks may be arranged if conditions and the guide allow.
Leave Paiju and approach the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The route moves over rocky and uneven glacial terrain, with impressive views of the Trango Towers and surrounding peaks. Camp at Khoburtse.
Continue across moraine and glacier-side trails towards Urdukas. The route offers striking views of the Trango group and Cathedral Peaks. Reach the elevated Urdukas campsite and rest.
Spend a day at Urdukas to rest and support acclimatization before moving to higher camps. Short acclimatization walks may be arranged, depending on weather and the group's condition.
Continue along the Baltoro Glacier over moraine and rocky glacial terrain. Enjoy views of Masherbrum, Muztagh Tower and the surrounding peaks before reaching Goro II, a high-altitude campsite on the glacier.
Follow the Baltoro Glacier towards Concordia. As you approach the junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, the surrounding mountain panorama opens up, including views of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group. Camp at Concordia.
Make a day excursion from Concordia towards Broad Peak Base Camp, crossing glacial moraine and uneven terrain. Spend time taking in the close views of Broad Peak and the surrounding mountains, then return to Concordia for the night. There is no overnight camp at Broad Peak Base Camp.
Set out early from Concordia for the demanding day trek to K2 Base Camp along the Godwin-Austen Glacier. Visit the Gilkey Memorial and spend time at the base camp area, subject to route and weather conditions. Return to Concordia for the night.
Begin the return journey along the Baltoro Glacier towards Goro II. Retrace the glacial route and enjoy changing views of the surrounding peaks as you descend. Overnight at Goro II.
Continue descending across the glacier and moraine towards Khoburtse. The route offers different perspectives of the Trango Towers and surrounding granite peaks. Overnight at camp.
Leave the higher glacier terrain and retrace the route towards Paiju. Take care on uneven moraine and rocky sections. Arrive at the Paiju campsite for the night.
Trek back along the Braldu Valley towards Jhola. The route includes rocky paths and river-side sections. Arrive at Jhola and camp for the final night on the trekking route.
Walk from Jhola back to Askole, where the jeeps will be waiting for the return drive to Skardu. The drive follows the Braldu and Shigar valleys. On arrival in Skardu, check in to the hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Transfer to Skardu Airport for the scheduled flight to Islamabad. Flights are weather-dependent. If the flight is cancelled, the journey may continue by road, which can require additional travel time and an overnight stop.
A buffer day is reserved for possible delays to the Skardu–Islamabad flight or road transfer. If the journey runs on schedule, enjoy a free day in Islamabad or use the time to rest before your international departure.
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your international departure. The K2 Base Camp Trek concludes.
Note: Mountain travel is subject to weather, trail and glacier conditions. The domestic flight between Islamabad and Skardu may be delayed or cancelled, and road transfers can take considerably longer. The itinerary may need to change for safety or operational reasons. Any optional route variation, including Gondogoro La, is not part of this standard itinerary unless confirmed in writing.
What's Included
Included
8 items included
- Airport transfers and ground transportation in Pakistan.
- Domestic flights between Islamabad and Skardu, subject to weather; road transfer contingency if required.
- Required trekking permits and Central Karakoram National Park fees.
- Full-service camping with sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent.
- All meals during the trek, freshly prepared by the kitchen team.
- English-speaking mountain guide, assistant guides and expedition support staff.
- Experienced local Balti porters, including a 20 kg personal baggage allowance per trekker.
- Camping equipment and group logistics as specified in the package.
Not Included
8 items not included
- International flights to and from Pakistan.
- Pakistan visa and related application fees.
- Travel, medical and high-altitude insurance, including suitable emergency evacuation cover.
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment.
- Tips for guides, porters and kitchen staff.
- Personal snacks, drinks and other personal expenses.
- Additional accommodation, meals or transport caused by delays or changes beyond the standard itinerary.
- Any service not specifically listed under Services Included.
We can arrange private departures and tailor selected services to your travel plans. Please contact Alpine Karakoram Adventure to discuss your requirements.
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