COUNTRIES VISITED: Pakistan
TRIP CODE: K2G
DURATION: 21 Days
TRIP TYPE: Mountaineering
TRIP LEADER: International Leader
TRIP GRADE: Strenuous
GROUP SIZE: 5 - 10 people
TRIP STYLE: Camping
NEXT DEPARTURE: 12 Jul 2026
REVIEWS: 5 Stars Based On 8 Reviews
TREES PLANTED: 8 Trees Planted for each Booking
This is a challenging trek requiring technical mountaineering skills, we follow Baltoro glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp then cross the Gondogoro La pass at 5,560m
This is one of the world’s great treks with breathtaking scenery. It is important that you are well prepared for crossing this pass and know what to expect. To find out how difficult crossing Gondogoro La pass is on K2 Base Camp and the experience required. To find out more about the challenges of K2 Base Camp trek, you can read our Blog article Everest Base Camp in Nepal versus K2 Base Camp in Pakistan.
The journey starts with a flight from Islamabad to Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan. From the plane, you will see spectacular views of the Karakoram including Nanga Parbat. After several nights in Skardu, we take jeep transport to the road head of the trek at Jhola.
Mount K2 at an altitude of 8,611m is the second-highest mountain in the world. It is a steep mountain and the climbing routes are technical. The first ascent was in 1954 by an Italian expedition following the Abruzzi spur.
The trekking route up the Baltoro glacier has superb mountain views all the way up to Concordia. On our walk, we will see the Trango Towers, Muztagh Tower, Masherbrum, K2 and Broad Peak among many others. Galen Rowell described Concordia in his book as the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods”. We camp at Concordia and will see its unique panorama of 7,000m and 8,000m mountains and impressive views of the highest peak, K2.
From Concordia, we start the challenging trek out over Gondogoro La. A local team from Hushe place ropes on the route up and down. You need to have mountaineering skills to cross this technical pass. The mountain view from the top is superb. We see the slender lines of Leila peak on the Hushe side. On the other side, we see many peaks of the high Karakoram.
Every year in mid-July we organise two groups to K2 Base Camp starting at the same time in Islamabad. The K2 Base Camp & Concordia group will walk back down Baltoro glacier from Concordia. Whereas the K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La group will cross this high pass at an altitude of 5,560m.
We meet you on arrival at Islamabad airport and drive to the hotel. At some point during the day, your leader will give the trek briefing and check your gear. The rest of the day is free to explore Islamabad and pack your bags.
This morning we take the PIA flight to Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan.
We have a spectacular drive on a winding jeep trail with several steep sections. A short distance from Skardu we cross the Indus river on a bridge near the confluence with the Shigar river. We drive up the wide open Shigar valley passing some larger villages and their fields.
Further up at the next river confluence we follow the Braldu river upstream. As we ascend the gorge it gets steeper and more arid. We pass a few villages with green fields from irrigation and shaded by apricot trees. Askole is the last village in this valley.
The time to drive to Askole depends on the condition of the road which varies year to year. The Braldu section is prone to landslides and these can block the road. The locals are very good drivers and will come up with a solution to clear the road or use jeeps on the other side.
After Askole, we start the trek by following the trail next to the Braldu river. Once passed the snout of the Biafo glacier we arrive at Korofong. We cross a tributary called Dumordo River on a new bridge to arrive at Jhola. In the past, the locals used an old trolley system or “jhola” with a bucket to cross the river hence the name of this place. The views from here are impressive with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s needles in the distance.
If it is a sunny day then it can be very hot with temperatures often approaching 40C. It is important to bring plenty of water (at least three litres), wear a sun hat and apply plenty of sun cream.
From Jhola, we follow the main trail to K2 Base Camp via Bardumal camp (also known as Skambong Scok). We follow a trail around a corner to join the Braldu valley again. Bardumal camp is in a large flat area next to the river. After Bardumal we have to cross several side rivers that sometimes involve a river crossing by foot if the bridges have been washed away. These rivers are glacier-fed and on a hot day, they will be fast-flowing due to snow melt. 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.
After an hour from Paiju, we start walking on the Baltoro glacier for the first time. The path on the glacier is on rocky moraine and we should take care as the surface is uneven. We recommend the use of trekking poles. For the next two days the glacier has many ice ridges so we have to ascend and descend these slopes as we head up.
We will stop for lunch at the old campsite at Lilligo. After this break we cross below the snout of the Lilligo Glacier and back on to the Baltoro. The trail is indistinct in places and it is easy to lose your way. It is important for the group to stay together with local guides to show the way. We walk up and down several moraine ridges before arriving at the Khoburtse campsite.
From camp we follow a trail along the lateral moraine next to the glacier. Further along we descend down onto Baltoro and pass two side glaciers. It is a short day but quite hard work as we walk up the undulating moraine, gaining height all the way. During the walk there are superb views of Trango & Cathedral spires. We also see Mount Uli Biaho (6,005m) and Mount Biale (6,841m). The camp at Urdukas is very impressive with views over the Baltoro and to these mountains. As we are over 4,000m we stay at Urdukas for two nights for acclimatisation to the high altitude.
We have found with past groups that taking a rest day at Urdukas has worked well. The advantages of spending an extra night here are:
From camp we descend onto the glacier and we will stay on the ice until our return to Urdukas. As we are higher up the Baltoro glacier the glacial ice is flatter. The walking is easier than before as we cross fewer moraine ridges. We walk in the centre of the glacier and have superb views of both sides lined by high mountains. There are views of Muztagh (7,270m) and Masherbrum (7,800m). We see Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) at the head of the Baltoro glacier near Concordia. The campsite at Goro II is on the glacier. There are ledges on the rock levelled out for the tents.
We walk up the centre of the Baltoro to Concordia. Now we are higher on the glacier there is ice underfoot and less rock. The walking is easier as the Baltoro is much flatter here. Concordia is where the Baltoro, Abruzzi and Godwin Austen glaciers converge. This is an incredible place surrounded by high peaks. We get our first views of the magnificent K2 to the North. We can also see Broad Peak and some of the Gasherbrum group.
From Concordia the route passes through jumbled ice fins and moraine ridges. This is the fracture zone where Godwin Austen glacier meets the Baltoro. After crossing this area we start walking on the flatter glacier towards Broad Peak. Godwin Austen glacier has alternating stripes of pure ice and rocky moraine. Sometimes we walk on the flatter ice as this is easier to walk on than the loose rock on the medial moraine.
After reaching Broad Peak Base Camp we continue the walk up to K2 Base Camp and to Gilkey Memorial. On the return we walk back to Broad Peak Base Camp where we camp for the night. We place our tents on moraine near the base of the climbing route on Broad Peak. One of the best views of K2 is from Broad Peak Base Camp.
This morning we hike back down to Concordia following the same trail as our ascent yesterday. Once back at Concordia the trek crew will make preparations for the split in the two groups tomorrow. Our international leader will take our K2 & Gondogoro La group out over Gondogoro La. Our K2 Base Camp group will descend the Baltoro with our Pakistani guide. The two groups will meet up again in Skardu after the trek.
From Concordia we head to the South-East along the Upper Baltoro glacier. We pass Mitre Peak and walk to the South on the Vigne glacier. Today the walk is along flat sections of glacier. There are only a few moraine ridges to scramble over to reach the Vigne Glacier. We get spectacular views especially of the ice flutings on Vigne Peak (6,281m) and Khumil Gri (6,840m).
There is a section of glacier with crevasses before arriving at Ali camp. As this is a dry glacier we avoid these holes by weaving our route through the crevasses. On arrival at Ali camp we meet members of the Hushe Rescue Team. They are responsible for maintaining the fixed rope on Gondogoro La. They will assist our crossing and climb with us to the top of the pass.
This is a tough day at high altitude but the views from the top of the pass make the effort worthwhile. Four 8000m peaks can be seen from the Karakoram side of the pass. The other way we look down the Hushe valley with the beautiful Leila peak.
We will start early around midnight. This is to minimise the risk of rockfall on the descent down the Hushe side of the pass. The ascent of the pass is on moderate angled snow slopes. You will need to use crampons and ice axes for security on the Vigne side of the pass. There is rope for the steeper sections. You will use a harness, ascender and a carabiner and sling on the rope for safety. If the snow conditions are good we ascend the pass quite fast. It takes about 5 hours from leaving Ali camp to the top of Gondogoro La.
The Hushe side of the pass can be a tricky descent although there are ropes in place at the top. The slope starts at a sustained 50 degrees on snow and finishes on loose scree towards the bottom. From there we walk down a rocky slope until we meet a trail heading down the lateral moraine. Further down we pass grassy areas with flowers. Finally we arrive at the green oasis of Khuspang. You can now put your feet up and have a cup of tea.
The crossing of the Gondogoro La is dependent on good weather and conditions. If it is not possible to ascend the pass in a safe manner we will walk back down the Baltoro glacier to Askole. Our itinerary maximises our chances of crossing the pass because:
Shortly after leaving Khuspang we walk onto the Gondogoro glacier. We pick our way across the moraine and ice down the centre. We cross the glacier up to Dalsangpa which means 'field of flowers'. There is a spectacular view of Masherbrum and its glacier cascading down Masherbrum Pass.
It is a beautiful walk to Shaisho as we pass yak pastures and see the first trees since Paiju. Shaisho is a small settlement with a shop run by a friendly local. This person has worked as a High Altitude Porter on a K2 expedition.We camp here for the night and enjoy the higher levels of oxygen and warmer temperatures.
We have an easy walk out along the river and then through fields to the village of Hushe.
In the morning we have a beautiful 6 hour drive through villages back to Skardu.
We plan to take the early morning flight to Islamabad (inshallah!).
Today is a buffer day in case of any delays experienced along the way. If we managed to take the flight on time yesterday then we will spend the day in Islamabad. In the evening we have a group meal to celebrate our journey in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan.
Transfer to Islamabad airport for the flight back home. End of trip.
We provide an early bird discount for the first people paying their deposits to make up our minimum group size
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Jul 2026 to 01 Aug 2026 | International Leader | US$4,595pp US$4,395pp | Room: US$450pp Tent: US$595pp | 5 Left to Guarantee Early Bird Discount |
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Jul 2027 to 31 Jul 2027 | International Leader | US$4,450pp | Room: US$425pp Tent: US$525pp | 5 Left to Guarantee |
K2 Motel is in a lovely position overlooking the Indus river. It is the classic place that many expeditions and trekking groups have stayed over the years.
It is a short walk taking about 15 minutes into the main part of Skardu town and the bazaar. K2 Motel has 28 rooms and a restaurant plus a garden at the back of the property.
Hotel Hill View is a modern hotel and is a comfortable base for our groups while in Islamabad. It is a short walk to Jinnah market where there are good restaurants and shops. There is wifi at the hotel.
We provide a comfortable experience on our camping style treks in Pakistan. Our team works hard to support you so that you can relax and enjoy the trek. We provide personal tents, mess tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent(s). The camp will be set up and dismantled by the trek crew. We bring along a cook and kitchen helpers to provide the meals.
The day starts with an early morning mug of tea in the mess tent. Before breakfast you pack your overnight gear into your duffel bag. During breakfast the trek crew pack away the tents. The porters arrange their loads and set off on the trail in the cool of the morning. After breakfast, between 7am and 8am, we start walking.
The pace of the trek is moderate as there is plenty of time in the itinerary to reach the camp for tonight. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around midday at a spot by the side of the trail. Our cooks prepare lunch for us and the food is usually ready by the time the group arrives.
After lunch we continue the walk and on most days we arrive to camp by mid afternoon. Some of the trek crew would have gone ahead of the group to set up camp and to put up the tents. On arrival to camp you will get a hot drink and biscuits. In the evening our cook will provide a three course meal in the mess tent around 6pm.
After supper the leaders will discuss the plan for the next day. Afterwards people might stay in the mess tent chatting about the day’s events or playing cards. After a tiring day most people head to their tent quite early for the night. Tomorrow is likely to be very similar as today! The only difference is that if we are crossing a high pass or climbing to a summit we leave camp earlier in the morning.
While on a camping style trek in Pakistan we provide tasty and nutritional food. We make sure there is more than enough quantity to go around as trekkers will be hungry after a long day on the trail. Over the years we have worked on increasing the variety of the menus. We have expanded the list of ingredients provided to the cooks so they have more to work with.
For breakfast we provide porridge or cereal, toast or chapatis and eggs. There will be hot drinks including tea, hot chocolate and coffee. We provide fresh coffee from our Bialetti Moka coffee machine.
For lunch we stop at a convenient spot with water at the side of the trail. The cook and kitchen walk ahead of the group in the morning and lunch should be ready shortly after our arrival. After lunch we have time to relax before starting to walk again in the afternoon.
On arrival at camp in the afternoon you have biscuits and a hot drink such as tea or coffee. Around 6pm we serve a three course meal in the mess tent. The starter is often soup with popcorn or poppadoms. We have a range of main dishes and carbohydrates including rice, potatoes or pasta. Most meals are also served with delicious flat breads made fresh by the cooks.
We cater for a variety of dietary requirements. Our meals are suitable for vegetarians. If there is a meat dish then we also provide vegetarian options as standard. During booking we find out if you have any dietary needs and agree upon meal plans before departure. If you have any questions about the food provided please get in touch with us to discuss further.
We bring a Thuraya satellite phone for logistical, safety and personal use. Personal calls charged at £4 (US$5 or €4.50) per minute and £2 (US$3 €4.50) to send and receive SMS text.
This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La trek. The group leader will check your gear in Islamabad or Skardu before departure for the trek.
As a reminder, the weather on this trek will vary from season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevations. At the start of the trek, you will experience very hot conditions with temperatures up to 40 Celsius. You experience the coldest temperatures in Broad Peak Base Camp at an altitude of 4,960m. Overnight lows here will be down to around -10 Celsius.
You should bring a rucsac or backpack for the gear required during the day. Your pack should contain items such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, a personal first aid kit and snacks. The weight limit is 5kg. A porter will carry the rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel or kit bag. The weight limit for your duffel bag is 20kg. Please mark your bag on the outside for easy identification.
Print the kit list and tick items off as you pack them then weigh your kit bag before you come on trek.
Footwear
Clothing
Head and Gloves
For walking on the glacier
Climbing equipment for Gondogoro La
Personal equipment
Travelling
Personal first aid kit
We provide a comprehensive group first aid kit. Please bring personal medications and other items you might use such as:
You should be aware trekking in a developing country involves a risk of personal injury or death. You must accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions and unpredictable weather. There could be last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of our trips.
We have performed a threat and risk assessment for our Gondogoro La trek. Our trips have a degree of risk. This is part of the attraction of adventure travel and why so many people choose to join this type of holiday. By identifying the hazards we assess the level of risk. We have control measures in place to reduce this happening or to reduce the impact.
Our risk assessment is available to clients on request. We have listed below a summary of the significant risks and hazards identified by us:
This trip visits a remote area. You are away from the usual emergency services and medical facilities. Evacuation for a serious injury requiring hospitalisation could take up to several days. This delay could impede your ensuing recovery. Helicopters are the usual means of evacuation. They are not always available or hindered by poor weather and flying conditions.
K2 trek has a wide range of temperatures. This depends on the altitude, weather and time of day. In the mountains between 1,000m and 3,500m the nights will be cool around 5 Celsius. During the day temperatures can rise on a sunny day to 40 Celsius. Bring lots of water, sunhat and sunscreen. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20 Celsius to -10 Celsius.
The trekking season in Pakistan is from early July to end of August. From our experience of running trips in Karakoram the best time is mid July to mid August. It is likely you will get some rain while on trek when pulses of monsoon clouds push to the north. You should expect to get one third of the trek with sun, one third with cloudy conditions and one third with rain.
Islamabad is hot and humid in July and August as this is the monsoon season. Temperatures range from 30 to 46 Celsius with high humidity. The temperatures in Skardu at 2,340m will be cooler and is dryer as in the rain shadow of Nanga Parbat.
Maps
Karakoram Trekking Map 1:175,000. Published by TerraQuest- the best map to buy for K2 Base Camp and Snow Lake treks.
K2 and Baltoro Glacier Satellite Image Map. 1:80,000. (Geosystems)- this is a superb satellite photography. Available at Stanfords, London.
Karakoram geographical sketch map Sheets 1 & 2. Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research, Zurich. Scale 1:250,000- shows the whole Karakoram range including Ladakh in India. A copy of this will be available to look at on trek.
The Karakoram Highway by Open Road Guides, England Scale: 1:1,000,000
Books
K2: Triumph and Tragedy by Jim Curran
The Endless Knot: K2, Mountain of Dreams and Destiny by Kurt Diemberger & Audrey Salkeld
Clouds from Both Sides An Autobiography by Julie Tullis
Regions of the Heart: The Triumph and Tragedy of Alison Hargreaves by David Rose and Ed Douglas
Above the clouds by Anatoli Boukreev
The Last Step: The American Ascent of K2 by Rick Ridgeway
Quest for Kim: In Search of Kipling's Great Game by Peter Hopkirk
