21-Day K2 Base Camp Trek in Pakistan with Gondogoro La Crossing

21 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on the ultimate high-altitude adventure in the heart of the Karakoram on this 21-day trek to K2 Base Camp and across Gondogoro La. Journey deep into some...

Duration: 21 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Challenging · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Skardu, Chilas, Naran, Askole, Concordia (Karakoram), Urdukas, Khuispan, Gondogoro, Baltoro Glacier, Nanga Parbat · Languages: English, Urdu

Know before you go: This trek reaches altitudes above 5,500m and involves a technical glacier crossing at Gondogoro La - a good level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience is strongly recommended.; Flights between Islamabad and Skardu are weather-dependent and may be delayed or cancelled; please keep flexible buffer days in your travel plans and avoid booking tight onward connections.; Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage is mandatory for this trip.; Altitude sickness can affect any trekker regardless of fitness level; please inform your guide immediately if you experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, or dizziness.; Network/Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable for most of the trek beyond Skardu; local network SCOM is carried by the guide team for emergencies.; Weather in the Karakoram can change quickly; itinerary days may be adjusted by the trip leader for safety reasons.; A moderate level of camping experience is helpful, as accommodation from Askole onward is in tents with no attached facilities.; All trekkers must carry valid government-issued ID/passport copies, as permits are checked at multiple checkpoints along the route.; Foreign nationals require a trekking permit and may need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for this region - our team handles this on your behalf once booking is confirmed.

About Rawalpindi

Pakistan

Rawalpindi

Getting a Pakistan tour guide from Everest Global Hub for the city of Rawalpindi can help you explore the pretty parks, old Mughal forts and Buddhist heritage centres.

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What's Included

Airport pickup and drop-off in Islamabad
Domestic flights: Islamabad-Skardu and Skardu-Islamabad (or alternative road transport in case of flight cancellation)
Hotel accommodation in Islamabad and Skardu (twin/double sharing)
All trekking permits and government fees (including the Gondogoro La pass permit)
Jeep transport from Skardu to Askole and from Hushe back to Skardu
All camping equipment (sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent)
Experienced trekking guide and support crew (cook, porters, high-altitude guides)
Porters for carrying group equipment and supplies during the trek
All meals during the trek (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during hotel stays in Islamabad and Skardu
Generator system at camp for light and charging devices
First aid kit and basic medical support during the trek
Trekking permit fees for the Concordia/K2 Base Camp/Gondogoro La zone
Environmental and conservation fees

Not Included

International airfare to and from Islamabad
Personal trekking gear and equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, personal clothing, etc.)
Travel insurance (mandatory, including high-altitude rescue/evacuation coverage)
Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and crew
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi, snacks, bottled water/drinks)
Emergency evacuation costs in case of a medical emergency
Any additional costs beyond the planned itinerary
Optional sightseeing tours in Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Skardu

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad and Group Briefing

Our adventure begins in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. Guests arriving today will be received at Islamabad International Airport by our representative and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest after your flight, recover from jet lag, and meet the rest of the group. In the evening, we will hold a trip briefing covering the route ahead, gear requirements, and what to expect over the coming weeks, followed by a welcome dinner together as a group. Start pointIslamabad International Airport, Airport Avenue, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan (Arrival) MealsLunch, Dinner Included Activities Airport pickup and transfer to hotel Trip briefing and gear check at hotel Optional Activities Sightseeing in Islamabad Visit Twin City of Rawalpindi Landmarks Islamabad Rawalpindi
2

Day 02

Flight to Skardu or Overland Transfer

The plan is for our whole group to catch an early morning flight to Skardu (50 minutes), the largest city in Baltistan. If the weather is clear, we can catch some truly epic views of Nanga Parbat and other massive peaks in the area. Once in Skardu, guests will have free time throughout the day to rest and explore the city and the bazaar. Today, we will also finalize our trekking permits at the local government office before coming together for dinner as a group. Day 2 Alternative: Islamabad to Skardu by RoadUnfortunately, flights in Pakistan do not always run on time. If we are unable to take our flight on the morning of Day 2, it is possible we will have to drive overland to Skardu from Islamabad (18-24 hours). This journey can take a long time, as the road from Gilgit to Skardu is not always in the best condition. Our staff will evaluate the best available options for the group and proceed accordingly - flying is, of course, the best-case scenario. To break up the drive, we would overnight in Naran or Chilas before pushing on to Skardu the next day. Start pointIslamabd, Pakistan MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Flight from Islamabad to Skardu (weather permitting) Hotel check-in Finalizing trekking permits at local government office Evening free to explore local bazaar Optional Activities By-road travel via Karakoram Highway (Naran/Chilas overnight) if flight is cancelled Landmarks Skardu Nanga Parbat (aerial view, weather permitting) Karakoram Highway
3

Day 03

Skardu Preparation and Logistics Day

With the group now settled in Skardu, today is reserved for the final logistics that make the trek possible. Our local staff will be busy organizing porters, packing supplies, and confirming arrangements with the trekking crew, while guests are free to relax, wander the bazaar for any last-minute essentials, or take a short trip out to one of the nearby lakes or forts. This is a good day to double-check your gear and enjoy a proper bed before the trek begins. Start pointSkardu MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Permit finalization Crew and porter arrangement Last-minute shopping for trekking essentials Optional Activities Visit Skardu Fort Visit Upper Kachura Lake Landmarks Skardu Fort Upper Kachura Lake
4

Day 04

Jeep Journey from Skardu to Askole

Today marks the start of our overland journey toward the mountains. We'll set off by jeep through the dramatic Shigar Valley, following a rugged mountain road that winds along the Braldu River, eventually reaching Askole (3,000m) - the last inhabited village before the wilderness of the Baltoro Glacier. Our trekking crew will already be at work setting up camp by the time we arrive, and this evening is a good chance to meet the porters and guides who will be with us for the journey ahead. Start pointSkardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Jeep transfer from Skardu to Askole (approx. 7-8 hours) via Shigar Valley Camp setup on arrival Landmarks Shigar Valley Askole
5

Day 05

Begin the Trek to Jhula

The trek officially begins today. Leaving Askole behind, we follow the trail along the Braldu River, crossing a series of suspension bridges as the landscape grows increasingly rugged and remote. After 4-5 hours of walking, we arrive at Jhula (3,200m), our first campsite on the trail, with the distant outline of the Biafo Glacier visible across the valley. Start pointAskole Village, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek from Askole to Jhula (4-5 hours) Crossing suspension bridges over the Braldu River Landmarks Braldu River Biafo Glacier (distant view)
6

Day 06

Trek Along the Braldu Valley to Paiju

Continuing along the Braldu River valley, today's 5-6 hour walk brings us to Paiju (3,450m), the last campsite with greenery and trees before we step onto the glacier itself. It's worth taking a moment here to enjoy the surroundings, as the terrain ahead becomes considerably more dramatic and barren. Start pointJhula Campsite (3,200m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek from Jhula to Paiju (5-6 hours) along the Braldu River valley Landmarks Paiju
7

Day 07

Onto Baltoro Glacier to Khoburtse

Today we leave solid ground behind and step onto the Baltoro Glacier, one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. The 6-7 hour trek to Khoburtse (3,790m) takes us across moraine and ice, with our first close-up views of the legendary Trango Towers and Cathedral Peaks rising sharply above the glacier. Start pointPaiju Campsite (3,450m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek onto Baltoro Glacier (6-7 hours) Landmarks Baltoro Glacier Trango Towers Cathedral Peaks
8

Day 08

Glacier Trek to Urdukas

A 5-6 hour trek along the glacier brings us to Urdukas (4,130m), a rocky outcrop perched above the ice that offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire trek - the Trango Towers, the Cathedral Group, and a wide sweep of Baltoro peaks all visible from camp. Start pointKhoburtse Campsite (3,790m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek along the glacier to Urdukas (5-6 hours) Landmarks Trango Towers Cathedral Group Baltoro peaks
9

Day 09

Acclimatization Rest Day at Urdukas

With the altitude steadily increasing, today is built in as a rest and acclimatization day at Urdukas. Guests are free to relax at camp, do some laundry, or take an optional short hike nearby for photography before we push on to higher altitudes tomorrow. Start pointUrdukas Campsite (4,130m) MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Acclimatization rest day Optional Activities Short hikes around camp for photography and views Landmarks Urdukas
10

Day 10

Trek Deeper into the Karakoram to Goro II

Today's 5-6 hour trek continues along the Baltoro Glacier to Goro II (4,295m), with the towering forms of the Gasherbrum peaks and Masherbrum coming increasingly into view as we move deeper into the heart of the Karakoram. Start pointUrdukas Campsite (4,130m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek along Baltoro Glacier to Goro II (5-6 hours) Landmarks Gasherbrum peaks Masherbrum
11

Day 11

Arrival at Legendary Concordia

This is one of the most anticipated days of the entire trip. After a 6-7 hour walk, we arrive at Concordia (4,600m), the legendary meeting point of glaciers surrounded by no fewer than four of the world's 8,000m giants - K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums all rise dramatically around camp. Few places on earth offer a concentration of high mountains like this. Start pointGoro II Campsite (4,295m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek to Concordia (6-7 hours), the confluence of glaciers Landmarks K2 Broad Peak Gasherbrum I & II
12

Day 12

Trek to K2 Base Camp

Today is the highlight of the entire trek. We set off early for the trek to K2 Base Camp (5,150m), standing directly beneath the world's second-highest mountain. The crew will set up camp at K2 Base Camp itself, allowing the group extra time to take in the views and the achievement before heading back down tomorrow. Start pointConcordia Campsite (4,600m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek to K2 Base Camp (approx. 7-8 hours) Overnight camp at K2 Base Camp Landmarks K2 Base Camp
13

Day 13

Return from K2 Base Camp to Concordia

After an unforgettable night at the foot of K2, we retrace our steps back to Concordia, taking in the views once more from a different angle and pace before settling back into camp for the night. Start pointK2 Base Camp (5,150m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek back to Concordia (approx. 6-7 hours) Landmarks K2 Broad Peak Gasherbrum I & II
14

Day 14

Rest and Technical Training for Gondogoro La

With the technical Gondogoro La pass ahead of us, today combines some well-deserved rest with essential preparation. Our guides will run a gear check - crampons, harness, and rope - and conduct a short training session to make sure everyone is comfortable and ready for the crossing. Start pointConcordia Campsite (4,600m) MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Rest and acclimatization Gear check (crampons, harness, rope) Technical training session for Gondogoro La crossing Landmarks Concordia
15

Day 15

Trek to Ali Camp

A shorter trekking day of 4-5 hours brings us to Ali Camp (5,050m), the final staging point before the Gondogoro La crossing. We will have an early dinner tonight and turn in early, as tomorrow's crossing begins well before sunrise. Start pointConcordia Campsite (4,600m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek to Ali Camp (4-5 hours) Early dinner and rest ahead of pass crossing Landmarks Ali Camp
16

Day 16

Cross Gondogoro La and Descend to Khuspang

Today is the toughest and most rewarding day of the trip. We start around 2-3 AM to cross the technical, snow-covered Gondogoro La pass (5,585m), with the crossing taking 8-10 hours in total. The effort is repaid with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Karakoram - K2, Masherbrum, and a host of surrounding giants spread out before us. We then descend to camp at Khuspang (4,800m) for a well-earned rest. Start pointAli Camp (5,050m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Early start (2-3 AM) to cross Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m) Descent to Khuspang camp Landmarks Gondogoro La Pass K2 and Masherbrum panoramic views
17

Day 17

Descend to Saicho

With the technical crossing behind us, today's 5-6 hour descent from Khuspang to Saicho (3,700m) takes us through rapidly changing terrain, from glacier ice down into alpine meadows - a welcome change of scenery after days on the ice. Start pointKhuspang Campsite (4,800m) MealsBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Trek from Khuspang to Saicho (5-6 hours) Landmarks Saicho
18

Day 18

Final Trek to Hushe and Drive to Skardu

Our final trekking day takes us down to Hushe village (3,050m) over 4-5 hours, marking the official end of the trek. From here, we transfer by jeep to Skardu (4-5 hours), where a proper hotel bed and a celebratory dinner await - a fitting way to mark the completion of the trek. Start pointSaicho Campsite (3,700m) MealsBreakfast, Lunch in Hushe, Dinner Included Activities Final trek to Hushe (4-5 hours) Jeep transfer to Skardu (4-5 hours) Celebratory dinner Landmarks Hushe Village, Skardu
19

Day 19

Return to Islamabad by Flight or Road

This morning we catch our flight back to Islamabad, weather permitting. Once checked into the hotel, the rest of the day is free at leisure - a good chance for a hot shower, a proper meal, and some time to reflect on the journey. Day 19 Alternative: Skardu to Islamabad by RoadAs with Day 2, flights between Skardu and Islamabad can be delayed or cancelled due to weather. If this happens, the group will travel overland via the Karakoram Highway, with an overnight stop in Naran or Chilas, before continuing on to Islamabad the following day. Start pointSkardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Flight from Skardu to Islamabad (weather permitting) Hotel check-in Optional Activities By-road travel via Karakoram Highway (Naran/Chilas overnight) if flight is cancelled Landmarks Islamabad
20

Day 20

Buffer Day in Islamabad

This day is held as a contingency in case of flight delays earlier in the trip. If everything has run on schedule, guests are free to spend the day exploring Islamabad and Rawalpindi, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing before the journey home. Start pointIslamabad, Punjab, Pakistan MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Activities Contingency day for flight delays Optional Activities Sightseeing in Islamabad or Rawalpindi Shopping Landmarks Islamabad Rawalpindi
21

Day 21

Departure from Islamabad

Our trip comes to an end today. Guests will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport in good time for their onward flight home, bringing this incredible journey through the Karakoram to a close. Start pointIslamabad, Punjab, Pakistan (Departure) MealsBreakfast Included Activities Transfer to airport for departure flight Landmarks Islamabad

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Islamabad International Airport, New Islamabad Airport Road, Islamabad, Pakistan · Tour start: Islamabad, Pakistan — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.