K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek
Tour Overview
Trek Facts Duration: 20 Days / 19 Nights Maximum Altitude: 5,585 m at Gondogoro La K2 Base Camp: approximately 5,100–5,150 m Difficulty: Difficult / High-Altitude Trekking Starting Point: Islamabad Trek Start: Askole Trek Finish: Hushe Maximum Group Size: 12 Trekkers Best Season: June–September Accommodation: Hotels and mountain camps Transport: Domestic flights, 4x4 jeeps and trekking Route: Islamabad → Skardu → Askole → Baltoro → Concordia → K2 Base Camp → Gondogoro La → Hushe → Skardu → Islamabad The K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek is one of Pakistan's most spectacular high-altitude adventures. Starting in Skardu, the route follows the legendary Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp before crossing the demanding Gondogoro La at approximately 5,585 meters. The journey continues through Khuspang, Saicho and Hushe Valley before returning to Skardu. With acclimatization and contingency days included, the itinerary is designed to provide a safer and more flexible experience in the remote Karakoram.
20
days
12
Max Group
difficult
Difficulty
summer
Best Season
Difficulty Level
DifficultHighlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Meet the Eco team and transfer to your hotel. Welcome briefing, trek preparation and document/permit checks. Overnight in Islamabad.
Islamabad → Skardu
Morning flight to Skardu, subject to weather and flight operations. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest. If the flight is delayed or cancelled, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly. Overnight in Skardu.
Skardu – Acclimatization & Trek Preparation
A full day in Skardu for acclimatization and final preparations. Check trekking equipment, meet the trekking crew and explore Skardu if time permits. Overnight in Skardu.
Skardu → Askole
Early morning departure by 4x4 jeeps towards Askole through the Shigar and Braldu valleys. The journey takes approximately 6–8 hours depending on road and weather conditions. Askole is the traditional gateway to the Baltoro region. Overnight in camp at Askole.
Askole → Jhola
Distance: Approx. 20 km Trekking Time: 6–8 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 3,050 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,150–3,200 m Difficulty: Moderate Begin the trek from Askole and follow the Braldu River through rugged mountain terrain towards Jhola. The trail includes rocky sections, river crossings and undulating terrain. Jhola marks the first major overnight trekking camp on the route towards the Baltoro Glacier.
Jhola → Paiju
Distance: Approx. 20–21 km Trekking Time: 6–8 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 3,150–3,200 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,400–3,450 m Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Continue along the Braldu Valley towards Paiju. The trail passes through rugged terrain with spectacular views of the surrounding Karakoram. As you approach Paiju, the first dramatic views of the Trango Towers and surrounding peaks begin to appear.
Acclimatization & Rest at Paiju
Distance: Optional short acclimatization walk Trekking Time: As appropriate Altitude: Approx. 3,400–3,450 m Difficulty: Easy / Acclimatization Day Rest and acclimatize at Paiju before entering the higher Baltoro Glacier region. Short walks around the camp may be arranged according to the condition and fitness of the group. This day also provides flexibility for weather or logistical delays.
Paiju → Khoburtse
Distance: Approx. 13–15 km Trekking Time: 5–7 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 3,400–3,450 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,800–4,000 m Difficulty: Challenging Leave Paiju and enter the Baltoro Glacier region. The route follows rugged moraine terrain and gradually gains altitude towards Khoburtse. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with spectacular views of the Trango Towers, Cathedral Peaks and surrounding Karakoram giants.
Khoburtse → Urdukas
Distance: Approx. 6–8 km Trekking Time: 4–5 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 3,800–4,000 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,050–4,240 m Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Continue across the Baltoro region towards Urdukas. Although shorter than some previous trekking days, the increasing altitude makes the day demanding. Urdukas is known for its spectacular views of the Trango Towers, Cathedral Peaks and other major Karakoram formations.
Urdukas → Goro II
Distance: Approx. 11–12 km Trekking Time: 6–8 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 4,050–4,240 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,250–4,500 m Difficulty: Challenging Continue deeper into the Baltoro Glacier region. The trail crosses uneven glacial moraine and increasingly high-altitude terrain. Views of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, Masherbrum and other major Karakoram peaks become increasingly prominent.
Goro II → Concordia
Distance: Approx. 11–13 km Trekking Time: 5–6 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 4,250–4,500 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,600–4,700 m Difficulty: Challenging Trek across the upper Baltoro Glacier towards Concordia, one of the world's most spectacular mountain amphitheatres. As you approach Concordia, the views open dramatically towards K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum and other towering Karakoram peaks.
Concordia → K2 Base Camp → Concordia
Distance: Approx. 23–24 km round trip Trekking Time: 10–12 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 4,600–4,700 m K2 Base Camp: Approx. 5,100–5,150 m Difficulty: Very Challenging Begin an early morning trek from Concordia towards K2 Base Camp via the upper Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glacier. The route involves long hours on high-altitude glacial terrain. Reach K2 Base Camp at approximately 5,100–5,150 m, spend time at the base camp and K2 memorial area, and then return to Concordia.
Concordia → Ali Camp
Distance: Approx. 12–13 km Trekking Time: 6–7 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 4,600–4,700 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 5,000 m Difficulty: Challenging Leave Concordia and trek towards Ali Camp through the upper Baltoro and Vigne Glacier region. The terrain becomes increasingly remote and glaciated as you approach the Gondogoro La crossing area. The team prepares for the following day's demanding pass crossing.
Ali Camp → Gondogoro La → Khuspang
Distance: Approx. 8–12 km Trekking Time: 9–12+ hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 5,000 m Maximum Altitude: Approx. 5,585 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,600–4,700 m Difficulty: Very Difficult / Technical Begin the Gondogoro La crossing with a very early alpine start, typically before dawn. The ascent involves steep snow and ice terrain and may require crampons, harnesses, ropes and an ice axe depending on current conditions. Reach the summit of Gondogoro La at approximately 5,585 m before descending towards Khuspang. The crossing is strictly dependent on weather, snow, ice, route and safety conditions. The trekking team may delay, modify or cancel the crossing if conditions are considered unsafe.
Khuspang → Saicho
Distance: Approx. 17–18 km Trekking Time: 6–10 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 4,600–4,700 m Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,300–3,400 m Difficulty: Challenging Descend through the Gondogoro Glacier and continue towards Saicho. The route gradually loses altitude and the landscape changes from high glacial terrain to greener mountain valleys. After the demanding Gondogoro La crossing, this descent provides a major change in environment.
Saicho → Hushe
Distance: Approx. 7–10 km Trekking Time: 3–5 hours Starting Altitude: Approx. 3,300–3,400 m Camp/Overnight Altitude: Approx. 3,000–3,100 m Difficulty: Moderate Continue through the Gondogoro Valley towards Hushe village. The trail becomes easier as you descend into the lower valley. Arrive in Hushe and meet the road transport team for the onward journey.
Hushe → Skardu
Drive by 4x4 jeep from Hushe to Skardu. The journey takes approximately 6–8 hours depending on road conditions. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest. Overnight in Skardu.
Skardu → Islamabad
Morning flight from Skardu to Islamabad, subject to weather and flight operations. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for rest or optional sightseeing. Overnight in Islamabad.
Contingency / Reserve Day
Reserve day for delays caused by weather, flight cancellations, road conditions or unexpected trekking delays. If the itinerary has proceeded as scheduled, the day can be used for additional sightseeing in Islamabad or as a relaxed final day. Overnight in Islamabad.
Departure from Pakistan
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight. End of the K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek.
What's Included
- Professional trekking guide
- All permits and park fees
- Full board meals during trek
- Camping equipment
- 4x4 transfers where required
- Thermal base layers
- Warm gloves
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Tour Details
Accommodation
Tented camps with sleeping bags, mats and mess tents; hotels at the start and end of the trip
Transport
Private 4x4 jeeps and on-foot trekking
Food
Full board meals including authentic local cuisine; special dietary needs catered for on request.
Meeting Point
Islamabad- airport or hotel
Safety & Equipment
Safety Information
High-altitude trekking up to approximately 5,585m, including glacier travel and the demanding Gondogoro La crossing. Proper acclimatization, experienced guides and appropriate technical equipment are essential. The crossing is subject to weather, route and safety conditions.
Required Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the price?
All transport, accommodation, meals and guide services as listed under inclusions; international flights and visas are not included.
How fit do I need to be?
A good level of fitness is recommended; the itinerary is designed with gradual acclimatization.
Starting from
USD 3,355
per person
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