Trek
A 21-day trek from Skardu and Askole along the Baltoro Glacier via Paiju, Urdukas and Concordia to K2 Base Camp at 5,150 m, returning the same way.
Stand at the foot of the world’s second-highest mountain on this classic Karakoram trek. From Skardu, a 4x4 jeep takes you to Askole, where the trail begins along the Baltoro Glacier, one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions.
Gradual acclimatization across campsites such as Paiju, Urdukas and Goro II leads to Concordia, with panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum IV, and on to K2 Base Camp. The trek begins and ends at Askole, following the same path in both directions. It involves no technical climbing and suits strong trekkers seeking an iconic challenge.
K2 Base Camp (5,150 m): Stand at the foot of the world’s second-highest mountain.
Concordia: Panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV and other Karakoram giants.
Baltoro Glacier: One of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions, with dramatic ice formations and moraine landscapes.
Trango Towers & Cathedral Peaks: World-famous granite spires that dominate the skyline.
High-altitude adventure: Gradual acclimatization across campsites such as Paiju, Urdukas and Goro II.
Remote wilderness: A pure trekking experience with no technical climbing.
Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to the hotel.
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu, or drive via the Karakoram Highway if the flight is cancelled.
A rest and preparation day in Skardu.
Drive from Skardu to Askole by 4x4 jeep.
Trek from Askole to Jhola.
Trek from Jhola to Paiju.
Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse.
Trek from Khoburtse to Urdukas.
A rest and acclimatization day at Urdukas.
Trek from Urdukas to Goro II.
Trek from Goro II to Concordia.
Trek from Concordia to K2 Base Camp and camp overnight at K2 Base Camp.
Trek from K2 Base Camp back to Concordia.
Trek from Concordia to Goro II.
Trek from Goro II to Urdukas.
Trek from Urdukas to Paiju.
Trek from Paiju to Jhola.
Trek from Jhola to Askole and drive to Skardu.
Fly or drive from Skardu to Islamabad.
A contingency day in case of flight cancellation.
Depart from Islamabad for onward travel.
Price per person sharing a twin room. The final price depends on group size, travel dates and hotel category; we confirm it before you pay anything.
The route is approximate. Trekking sections are on foot and won't show as a road on the map.
4.5 out of 5 from 2 reviews
Walking up the Baltoro past Paiju and Urdukas, with the Trango Towers and then Concordia opening up, is something I will never forget. The kitchen crew produced proper meals every night on the glacier, and the acclimatisation days were well judged.
Seeing K2 from base camp was the dream, and the guide made sure our group moved at a sensible pace. Bad weather delayed our flight out of Skardu by a day, so build in a buffer as they advise.
The K2 Base Camp trek begins and ends at Askole, following the same path in both directions. The Gondogoro La circuit continues past Concordia over the Gondogoro La Pass (5,585 m) and ends in Hushe, giving a circular route, fresh landscapes and views of four 8,000-metre summits.
The trek is challenging but suitable for strong trekkers with prior hiking experience. No technical climbing skills are necessary.
The highest point is K2 Base Camp, at about 5,150 m.
Typically around 300 m a day. The largest gain is from Concordia to K2 Base Camp, approximately 600 m.
On most days you walk 8–14 km, which takes 6–8 hours.
You can walk at your own pace. Guides support the slowest trekker, while assistants set the pace at the front. Walking alone is advised against for safety reasons.
There is no maximum age. Participants under 18 need approval from a parent or guardian, and children are allowed only if their involvement does not disrupt the group’s pace. Fitness and determination matter more than age.
July to early August offers the most dependable conditions and the clearest views.
Groups are typically 6–12 people, with an average of about 10.
Yes. Gilgit-Baltistan, where the trek takes place, is regarded as one of the safest areas in Pakistan. Local communities are hospitable and tourism is strongly supported. Islamabad, the arrival point for international flights, is also safe.
We drive along the Karakoram Highway and the Gilgit–Skardu Road instead, which keeps the itinerary on schedule.
Speak with your doctor before travelling. Malaria and dengue are low risk, but using repellents and considering optional vaccines is recommended.
A customary collective tip of €120–€150 (or equivalent) per trekker is shared among porters, guides and crew at the end of the trek.
More questions about travelling in Pakistan? Read our full FAQ.
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