K2 Base Camp & Concordia Trek

Welcome to Pakistan! Transfer to hotel. Trek briefing with your guide, gear check and permit documentation.

Fly to Skardu (50 min, weather permitting) or drive the spectacular Karakoram Highway via Besham and Chilas (16–18hrs). Both options offer dramatic scenery.

Visit Kharpocho Fort (Skardu Fort) with panoramic views over the Indus and Skardu valley. Visit local bazaar for any last-minute supplies. Permit processing with Alpine Club.

8–9 hour jeep drive on rough mountain roads through Shigar Valley and along the Braldu River gorge to Askole (3,050m) — the last village and trailhead. Simple camp setup.

The trek begins! Walk south from Askole along the Braldu River, crossing suspension bridges and passing willow groves. First views of the Karakoram giants. Camp at Jhola beside the river.

Continue along the Braldu, passing Korophon. Paiyu (3,390m) is the last campsite with trees — a beautiful green oasis. First spectacular views of the Trango Towers and Paiyu Peak.

Essential acclimatization day. Optional hike towards Paiyu Peak for stunning glacier views. Afternoon tea in the sunshine with the towers of the Trango group overhead.

Step onto the Baltoro Glacier — the real adventure begins. Trek across the lateral moraine with first full views of the Trango Towers (Great Trango 6,286m) and Cathedral Spires. Camp at Liligo.

A glorious day on the Baltoro Glacier with 360° panoramas of granite spires. Urdukas (4,050m) sits on a rocky ridge above the glacier with the most spectacular views of the entire trek.

Second acclimatization day at Urdukas. Explore the ridge for photography and panoramic views of the Trango group, Masha Brum, Broad Peak's west face, and the endless Baltoro.

Deep into the Karakoram. Trek across the central Baltoro to Goro II (4,200m). Broad Peak's massive west face dominates the skyline. The glacier becomes wider and more crevassed.

The crescendo. Trek 12km across the Baltoro to reach Concordia — the junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers. Here K2 reveals itself in all its savage majesty alongside Broad Peak, GI, GII, and Chogolisa. Camp at the most spectacular mountain amphitheatre on Earth.

The pinnacle day. Trek up the Godwin-Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp (5,150m) where expedition tents dot the moraine in the shadow of K2's Abruzzi Spur. The south face towers 3,461m directly above you. Return to Concordia by afternoon.

Optional day hike towards Broad Peak Base Camp or up the Abruzzi moraine for closer K2 views. Photography at golden hour when the setting sun lights up the giants in amber.

Begin the return journey. The views of the towers and spires on the descent are different but equally spectacular — you now know what lies at the head of this extraordinary valley.

Good trekking pace back down the Baltoro to Paiyu — the familiar green oasis. Evening campfire and celebration dinner with porters and crew.

Final day on the trail. Trek back along the Braldu River to Askole. The jeeps await for the drive back to Skardu.

Flight or road journey back to Islamabad. Farewell dinner with your trekking team. Transfer to airport for onward journey or additional nights in Islamabad.

Yes. Foreign nationals require a trekking permit (USD 150/person) and the Central Karakoram National Park environment fee (USD 190/person). Pakistani nationals require a separate registration. We handle all permits on your behalf.

You must be able to walk 12–18km/day for up to 8 hours on rough glacier terrain, carrying a 10–12kg daypack. Previous high-altitude trekking experience above 3,000m is strongly recommended.

Yes, absolutely. Comprehensive travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation to at least 6,000m is mandatory. We will not allow trekkers to begin without proof of insurance.

June to mid-August is the ideal window. The Baltoro Glacier and high camps are inaccessible before June due to snow, and weather deteriorates rapidly after mid-August.

Basic camping gear is provided. You must bring your own sleeping bag (-20°C rated), trekking boots, gaiters, and personal clothing. Limited gear is available for rent in Islamabad and Skardu.