K2 Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Take on the challenge of the mighty Karakoram Range as you trek toward the base of the second-highest mountain on the planet.
• Join a team of like-minded trekkers from around the world on the adventure of a lifetime.
• Stand in the presence of soaring snow-capped peaks at Concordia Camp, known by locals as the “throneroom of the gods.”
• Explore the ancient mountain kingdoms of Northern Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan region.  
• Trek alongside our local team members from Skardu, Pakistan, who call these stunning mountains home.

Your Guides on the Trek

Is the K2 Base Camp trek for me?

• Taking on the challenge of the K2 Base Camp trek requires a solid level of physical fitness.  You will be trekking for 7-8 hours a day in rocky and uneven terrain, at elevations of up to 5000 meters.
• The route to K2 Base Camp passes through a remote and roadless region.  This is an “expedition-style trek,” and all of the food and supplies used by the team must be packed in by porters and mules.
• The Trek to K2 Base Camp is not the Everest Base Camp Trek, and there are no tea houses or trekking lodges along the route.  Accommodation while trekking will be in 2 person tents, and a dining tent will be used by the Untraversed staff to prepare meals while trekking.  A single supplement is available if you would like to have your own tent.

Testimonials

I was incredibly impressed with the Untraversed team’s commitment to supporting local communities and promoting socially responsible travel. - Ralph, Germany I normally don’t do group tours, but the small team of experienced travelers on my trip with Untraversed were an awesome crew to experience this amazing land with! Derik, Netherlands My time with Untravered was truly the adventure of a lifetime, and I was incredibly grateful for Jonathan taking the time to answer all my questions as I prepared for my trip. Yannik, Switzerland I was not sure what to think before coming to Pakistan, but after a day of traveling with my guide Sajjid I was amazed by the hospitality of this amazing land. Samuel, Germany Mohsin, our Untraversed trip leader, was the best guide ever! While taking us on visits to local villages, Mohsin was always right on time to offer helpful advice and share insights into local culture. Kevin D

 

K2 Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1

Islamabad

Begin your journey to K2 Base Camp in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.  A member of the Untraversed team will meet you at the Islamabad airport and will transfer you to your hotel.  There will be a meeting at 3 p.m. in the hotel to meet your team for the trek, followed by dinner at a restaurant overlooking the city.

 

Day 2

Islamabad - Skardu

If the weather allows, we will fly from Islamabad into the mountain village of Skardu, looking down on the impressive peaks of the Karakorams below.  If we are not able to fly due to weather, we will take the overland route to Skardu.  If making the trip by land, we will break the journey to Skardu up into two days, spending the night in Naran.

 

Day 3

Skardu

Spend the day exploring Skardu, set in a rugged valley surrounded by the peaks of the Karakorams.   The village is set on the banks of the mighty Indus River, which makes its way down from the mountains into the fertile plains of Punjab on its way to the Arabian Sea.  Visit the Skardu polo grounds and wander through the markets that serve as a regional hub for the eastern half of Gilgit Baltistan.  Spend the night in a hotel in Skardu at 2200 meters.

 

Day 4

Skardu - Jhola

Set out from Skardu in jeeps, traveling along the Braldu River.  The ride through the Shigar Valley is an epic adventure in itself, as the bumpy road winds its way up the rugged valley toward Askole.  Arrive at Johla in the evening for the first night of camping in the mountains.

 

Day 5

Jhola - Paju

Leave early from Jhola for the first day of trekking, continuing from the end of the road and starting up the trail towards K2 Base Camp.  At these lower elevations the temperatures are often quite hot, so be sure to drink plenty of water as you trek.  After 7-8 hours of trekking, arrive at Paju camp at 3300 meters.  Spend the evening enjoying the view of Paju Peak and the Baltoro Glacier further up the valley.

 

Day 6

Paju

Today we will take a day to rest at Paju Camp in order to assist with acclimatization.  Relax at camp, or take a day hike towards Paju Peak base camp. Be sure to drink plenty of water while adjusting to the elevation.  Spend another night camping at Paju Camp.

 

Day 7

Paju- Khoburtse

Shortly after leaving Paju camp, the Baltoro Glacier section of the K2 Base Camp trek begins.  The trail from here to Concordia traverses over glacial moraine.  The route is rocky and uneven, with plenty of ups and downs.  Be sure to protect yourself from the sun with clothing and sunscreen, putting your trekking poles to use as you scramble over this challenging terrain.  Arrive in Khoburtse at 3500 meters, and enjoy the view of Triango Tower from camp.

 

Day 8

Khoburtse - Urdukas

Today's trek is short but steep, with steady elevation gain as we continue up the Baltoro Glacier.  Pace yourself and take your time as you gain elevation.  Arrive at Urdukas Camp at 4100 meters after four hours of trekking.  Enjoy the impressive views from Urdukas, including superb views of Mount Uli Biaho and Mount Biale.

 

Day 9

Urdukas - Goro 2

Continue trekking on the Baltoro Glacier, as the peaks of Muztagh, Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV come into view.  Here the trail flattens out and leaves behind the steep ups and downs of the moraine ridges as it nears Goro 2 Camp.  Spend the night camping on the glacier at 4200 meters. 

 

Day 10

Goro 2 - Concordia

Continue trekking along the glacier towards the base camp of K2 as we approach the Concordia, known locally as “the throneroom of the gods.”  At Concordia the Baltoro, Abruzzi, and Godwin Austen Glaciers meet, and the summit of K2 itself comes into view.  The trekking on the glacier is much flatter as we approach Concordia Camp at 4600 meters.  Spend the night at Concordia, and get a good night's rest in preparation for the trek to K2 Base Camp in the morning.  The night-time temperatures here at higher altitudes are quite cold, and snow can fall at any time of the year.

 

Day 11

K2 Base Camp

The final day of climbing on the K2 Base Camp Trek is a long one, climbing 400 meters over 15 kilometers.  From Concordia, the trail follows the Godwin-Austen Glacier.  Stop by the Art Gilkey Memorial, and then continue on towards the base camp of K2.   If making the trek during peak climbing season, meet the mountaineers preparing for attempts to reach the summit, and spend the night camping at the base of the mighty K2 at 5000 meters.

 

Day 12

Concordia - Goro 1

Start the descent down from the base camp of K2.  Traverse along the Godwin-Austen Glacier, back towards Concordia.  After passing the confluence of the three Glaciers, continue along the Baltoro glacier to Goro 1 camp at 4100 meters.

 

Day 13

Goro 1 - Khoburtse

Continue the descent from Goro 1 along the Baltoro, trekking for 6-7 hours.  Spend the night at Khoburtse at 3500 meters.

 

Day 14

Khoburtse - Paju

From Khoburtse leave the glacier and camp at Paju.  The green oasis at Paju Camp is a shock after spending so many days in the stunning yet barren higher elevations.

 

Day 15

Paju - Jhola

The last day on the trail for your K2 Base Camp trek begins with the descent towards Jhola. Arrive at camp by mid-afternoon, and take in one last night under the stars surrounded by the peaks of the Central Karakoram National Park.

 

Day 16

Jhola - Skardu

Say goodbye to the porters, and then travel back to Skardu by Jeep.  Upon reaching Skardu check in to the hotel and enjoy a well-deserved shower!  Spend the evening in Skardu, and visit the local polo grounds if you have time.

 

Day 17

Skardu

Take a day to rest and do a little exploring around the Skardu area.  Visit the Skardu fort overlooking the Indus River, explore the markets of Skardu, and take time to learn about the intriguing history of the valley.  Spend a second night at your hotel in Skardu.

 

Day 18

Skardu - Islamabad

If the weather is accommodating, fly back to Islamabad in the morning.  Enjoy one last view of the Karakorams as the plane climbs out of the snow-capped peaks below.  If we are not able to fly due to weather, we will travel back to Islamabad by road, spending the night in Naran along the way.

 

Day 19

Islamabad

If flight delays forced us to travel overland back to Islamabad, we will finish the drive back to Islamabad today.  Once back in the capital, take time to relax, recover from the accomplishment of tackling the K2 Base Camp trek, and enjoy the luxuries of the city.

 

Day 20

Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Relax in the hotel and recover from the trek, or take an optional day tour through the bustling streets and markets of nearby Rawalpindi if you are up to the challenge.  Try your hand at haggling for souvenirs in the vibrant Bazars, and conclude the K2 Base Camp Trek with a team farewell dinner in Islamabad.

 

Day 21

Departure

There are no scheduled activities for the last day of the K2 Base Camp trek, and you are free to schedule your departing flight for any time.  Additional nights of accommodation are not included in the tour, but contact the Untraversed team if you would like to extend your stay in Pakistan by exploring Panjab and the intriguing city of Lahore.