24-Day K2 Base Camp Trek from Islamabad with Concordia Expedition
About This Tour
Embark on an unforgettable 21-day adventure through the Karakoram, following the legendary route from Islamabad to K2 Base Camp. Journey through Skardu, Askole,...
Duration: 24 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Hard · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Islamabad, Taxila, Skardu, Murree, Chilas, Askole, Concordia (Karakoram), Urdukas · Languages: English
Know before you go: Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s), and any other crew can be arranged as required. Wages and kit must be arranged by the team.
About Murree
Murree
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What's Included
- Liaison with the Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad for the climbing permit process, providing the appointed Liaison officer's measurements for his prescribed kit.
- Processing during import/export permit procedures from the Ministry of Tourism.
- Clearance of cargo before the team's arrival and its storage.
- Assistance upon arrival/departure.
- Official briefing/debriefing.
- Hotel accommodation in Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Chilas.
- All meals during the trek and at B.C. as per the itinerary.
- Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high-altitude food, etc., to the B.C., and 50 kg per person on return from B.C.
- Road transfers between the airport/hotel and within the city as per the itinerary.
- Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen, and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees.
- Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear.
- Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook, and assistant(s).
- Insurance for our field staff and low-altitude porters (except for helicopter rescue).
- Porterage at airports and hotels, toll taxes, and parking fees.
- Mail handling/forwarding to B.C./overseas except for postage charges.
- Reconfirmation of air tickets.
Not Included
- International & domestic airfare, airport tax, and excess baggage charges.
- High-altitude porters/any crew above B.C.
- Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not used).
- High-altitude tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp, including high-altitude food and oxygen.
- Medications, ground evacuations, and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
- Room service, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills, and items of a personal nature.
- Insurance liability of member(s) and other under force majeure conditions.
- Climbing permit, pollution and environmental fee, or any other payment required to be paid to Pakistan's Government.
- Clearing agent charges.
- Members' climbing gear.
- Member's personal insurance.
- High-altitude food.
- High-altitude porter.
- Any other service not mentioned in the above list.
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Arrival in Islamabad
Arrival at the airport, followed by a transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel in Islamabad.
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2Day 02
Islamabad to Skardu by Air
Early morning flight to Skardu (subject to weather conditions); if unable to fly, we will depart by road with an overnight stay in Chilas.
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3Day 03
Skardu Sightseeing or Overland Journey from Chilas
If the flight has operated, we will go for a sightseeing tour of Skardu, and if there is no flight, the day will be used for overland travel from Chilas to Skardu (total drive is 22-24 hours from Islamabad to Skardu). Overnight stay in the hotel in Skardu.
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4Day 04
Rest Day and Preparation in Skardu
Sightseeing in Skardu, followed by final packing for the expedition.
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5Day 05
Skardu to Askole by Jeep
After breakfast, we will embark on jeeps for a full-day ride on a winding jeep trail to Askole - the last inhabited place on our way to the great glaciers. (Tent). Have your dinner and go to sleep. If you are not tired, you can explore the village of Askole and its streets.
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6Day 06
Askole to Jhula Trek
Distance: around 18-20 km Elevation: about 160+ meters Time: 5-8 hours Difficulty: Easy, but needs commitment Trek along the Braldu River. The terrain is quite easy, and we will have good tracks here until Paiju. We will have our lunch at Korofoung after a few hours of trekking. Mostly, the tour agency provides a packed lunch, but a few would make a soft lunch at Korofoung. This place is near the junction of the Panma and Braldu River and is at the snout of the Biafo Glacier. Lunch consists of: Local bread (paratha/chapati) Boiled eggs and potatoes Soup/hot tea/coffee Boiled water to refill bottles Dry fruits and biscuits Cans of tuna and sardines We will continue our trek for another 2-3 hours to reach the Jhula campsite. It serves as a crucial stopping point on the K2 Base Camp trek and other routes like the Panma Glacier Sim Pass trek. After crossing the wooden bridge, there is a 90-minute trek to the original Jhula camp with the river on the left in the valley, but more groups prefer to stay at the bank of the river just after crossing the bridge to save energy and time for the next day. The condition of this camp does not have facilities like the original Jhula camp, such as water availability, washrooms, and shade on sunny days. But the staff will provide boiled water and place your toilet tent near the river. Quick Stats Duration: Around 7-8 hours Altitude gain: 318 m (3100 m to 3418 m) Difficulty: Challenging and tougher on a sunny day Highlight: View of Paiju Peak (6610 m) and the snouts of Baltoro Glacier Phase 1: Morning march along the Braldu (3 hours)The power breakfast: Fuel up with a substantial, locally sourced breakfast. Hydration is key.River's edge: The initial hours are spent following the mighty Braldu River upstream. The path is generally flat or gently ascending.Acclimatisation focus: Our seasoned guides maintain a steady trekking pace for proper acclimatisation. Phase 2: The ascent and the big reveal (3 hours)Rocky transition: The trail begins to climb more steadily. Expect rocky paths and scree sections.Lunch with a view: We pause for lunch midway with expansive Karakoram views.Mungroung will be the lunch point with a small hut/shop for drinks and lunch in an open area.Water obstacles: Seasonal meltwater streams may be crossed. As you approach Paiju, views of Baltoro Glacier, Bakhor Das Peak, and Paiju Peak appear. Phase 3: Arrival at the last green oasis (2 hours)The oasis: Paiju is a relatively flat campsite with greenery before Baltoro Glacier.Afternoon activity: Optional acclimatisation walk to a viewpoint at approx. 3418 m.Campfire & stories: Dinner under the stars with preparation for the glacier journey ahead.
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7Day 07
Paiju to Khuburse Camp
Distance: 14-15 km Altitude gain: 370 m (Paiju 3420 m to Khuburse 3795 m) Duration: 6-8 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Phase 1: Morning moraine walk (1.5-2 hours)Steady pace along river valley terrain leaving Paiju behind. Approach Paiju Glacier snout and Baltoro Glacier views. Phase 2: Lunch stop at Liligo (1 hour)Rest area on lateral moraine with packed lunch and hydration break. Phase 3: Final climb to Khuburse (1-1.5 hours)Steep ascent onto terrace ridge above glacier. Arrival at Khuburse campsite. Phase 4: Camp & acclimatisationRest, photography, and acclimatisation at scenic terrace campsite.
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8Day 08
Rest Day at Paiju
Morning hydration, optional ridge hike towards Paiju Peak. Bucket shower, laundry, and cultural interaction with porters. Gear check and glacier safety briefing in the evening.
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9Day 09
Paiju to Khuburse Camp
Distance: 14-15 km Altitude gain: 370 m Duration: 6-8 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Morning moraine walk along Braldu River valley. Lunch stop at Liligo. Final ascent to Khuburse campsite and rest.
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10Day 10
Khuburse to Urdukas
Distance: approx. 6-8 km Altitude gain: 105 m Duration: 3-4 hours Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Moraine traverse with views of Trango Towers and arrival at Urdukas campsite. Afternoon rest and acclimatisation.
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11Day 11
Urdukas to Goro II
Distance: 12 km Altitude gain: 380 m Duration: 5-7 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Glacier crossing with views of Gasherbrum IV, Masherbrum, and Mitre Peak. Camp at an exposed glacier site.
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12Day 12
Goro II to Concordia
Distance: approx. 14 km Altitude gain: approx. 600 m Duration: 5-7 hours Trek through Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, surrounded by 8000 m peaks including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II.
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13Day 13
Concordia to K2 Base Camp
Distance: 25-28 km Altitude: 4500 m to 5150 m Duration: 9-11 hours Early start via Godwin-Austen Glacier, passing Broad Peak Base Camp on the way to K2 Base Camp.
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14Day 14
Rest at K2 Base Camp
Rest, photography, and exploration around K2 and Broad Peak.
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15Day 15
K2 Base Camp to Concordia
Descent via Godwin-Austen Glacier (3-5 hours).
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16Day 16
Concordia to Urdukas
7-9 hours descent trek back to Urdukas.
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17Day 17
Urdukas to Paiju
2-5 hours descent to Paiju via the Braldu River route.
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18Day 18
Paiju to Korofong
Approx. 7 hours descent along the Braldu River valley.
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19Day 19
Korofong to Skardu
Approx. 10 hours journey via Askole and jeep route to Skardu through Shigar Valley and the cold desert region.
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20Day 20
Rest Day and Sightseeing in Skardu
Sightseeing includes Shangri-La Resort, Sarfaranga Desert, Kharfocho Fort, and Sadpara Lake.
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21Day 21
Flight to Islamabad
Flight (1 hour) or road journey via Gilgit and Babusar Pass in case of weather delay.
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22Day 22
Rest Day in Islamabad
Optional sightseeing including Taxila Museum, Murree, and city attractions.
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23Day 23
Departure from Islamabad
Transfer to the airport for departure.
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24Day 24
Spare Day for Delays
Buffer day for delays due to landslides or flight cancellations.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Islamabad, Pakistan · Tour start: Islamabad, Pakistan — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.