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21 Days
Fixed Departure
16 people
Dutch, English, Espanol, Francais
The ultimate Karakoram glacier trek to the base camp of the world’s second-highest mountain, K2 (8611 meters). The exceptional K2 Base Camp trek provides a taste of Pakistan’s native culture and a visit to the outstanding Concordia, Baltoro, and Godwin-Austen Glaciers and Broad Peak base camp in the Karakoram mountains. K2 base camp trek is an adventure holiday through the countryside and native villages by plane, road, and trekking, uncovering local life, compelling native Pakistani culture, and rugged landscapes of the central Karakoram national park along the way to K2 base camp.
K2 base camp trek gives you the opportunity to witness the following magnificent peaks which range from 5000 to 8000 meters: Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), K2 (world’s second-highest peak at 8,611 m), Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Gasherbrum 3, Gasherbrum 4, Uli Biaho, Urdukas Peak, Mustagh Tower, Crystal Peak, Trango Towers, Biale Peak, Mitre Peak, Lobsang Spire, Marble Peak, Cathedral Peak. This collection of the mighty peaks is also referred to as the “Throne Room of Mountain Gods” for its breathtaking 360 degree panorama view of the mountains.
TREK OVERVIEW
K2 base camp trek is in the Karakoram mountain range of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The Karakoram Mountain range runs along the borders of China, India, and Pakistan, offering a natural barrier that is as unique as it is spectacular. Trekking to the base camp of K2 on the Baltoro and Godwin-Austin glaciers is one of the world’s best treks that takes you to the top of the world where heaven and earth meet. Immense, untamed, and beautiful, K2 is the world’s second highest and ‘Great Mountain’ that needs to be experienced to believe.
During the K2 Base Camp Trek, you will explore the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Baltistan and trek through the gorgeous areas of Skardu, Askole, and the central Karakoram park to reach the base camp of K2. It is one of the world’s most remote areas and a true destination for adventurers. Trekking to the K2 base camp offers splendid views of the local area and the Pakistani wilderness.
Tour De Rakaposhi is a licensed company, and we have been offering K2 base camp trek and other adventure holidays in Pakistan for over 10 years, a specialist in trekking and climbing Expeditions. We can customize this base camp trek to suit your tastes and interests, so you can have a tailor-made k2 base camp trek the way you want to.
The K2 Base Camp Trek takes up to 20 days to complete due to individuals needing to acclimatize to the elevation. Although fit trekkers can complete the Trek in a short period, we recommend that adventurers spend a reasonable time in the mountains for acclimatization reasons. It is also the best way to enjoy the trek and see the glorious views of The Karakoram mountains.
The K2 Base Camp Trek journey begins in Islamabad, where the Tour De Rakaposhi representative welcomes you at the ISB national airport. From there, we will take you to your group hotel in Islamabad. The rest of the day is free to relax or do self-guided sightseeing. We will meet again over dinner, and the trek leader will give a detailed briefing about the K2 base camp trek.
The next day you will fly to Skardu with spectacular mountain views of Nanga Parbat, Gondogoro La, and other Himalayan peaks. In Skardu, you will meet fellow hikers and the mountain guide that will take you on the trip of a lifetime. Skardu is the capital city of the Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is also the getaway to K2, Broad Peak, Gondogoro La, and snow lake. Known as Little Tibet, visiting Skardu is an adventure of its kind thanks to its unique culture, architecture, and people. You can do a self-guided sightseeing tour of Skardu during your stay in the city.
After spending two days in Skardu, you will travel to Johla via Askole along the Indus and Braldu rivers. The small village of Askole is the last human settlement you will see en route to k2. Spend your first evening at Johla in the tent under the stars in your sleeping bag. From there, the trekking begins as you trek to Paiju. K2 Base Camp distance is 80 kilometers from Johla. The distance to the K2 basecamp may not sound like much, but trekking with packs at that elevation is difficult. It is a chance to test your mettle and adventure attitude.
As the elevation increases, you will experience incredible views of Paiju Peak, Trango Towers, Masherbrum, Muztagh Tower, and Gasherbrum which offers the best trekking experience in the world. The weather conditions and the sun can be harsh as you trek up to the K2 basecamp on Baltoro, so having protective clothing and sun cream with you is a way to prevent sunburns.
Each day you will trek for several hours, covering 10-12 kilometers of elevation as you reach closer to K2 Base Camp. You and your group will Trek on Baltoro Glacier and pass-through areas such as Urdukas, Khoburtse, and Goro. On day 10 of your trekking adventure, you will finally reach K2 Base Camp. Here you will stand at 5,150 meters above sea level, surrounded by panoramic views of Broad Peak and Gasherbrum peaks.
After visiting Broad Peak base camp, Gilkey memorial, and K2 base camp, your return trek will be retracing your steps back to Concordia, where you will enjoy a good night’s sleep in your tent. Wake up to a spectacular sunrise view over Broad Peak and the Karakoram giants, and pack your gear for the return journey towards Islamabad.
You will follow the same travel itinerary back to Islamabad by retracing your steps. The adventure is not over as you begin your descent and see K2 from a different angle on the return trek. Once back in Johla, you will celebrate the success of your K2 Trek trip with your fellow team of hikers, guides, and porters. Most of your porters and trekking crew are from Askole, so farewell to your new friends and drive back to Skardu along the mighty Indus River. Night stay in Skardu and take a mountain view flight back to Islamabad to complete the trekking holiday in Pakistan.
K2 Base Camp Trek is one of the most exciting treks on earth. Exploring the world’s second-highest mountain and experiencing the wonders of Pakistan is one of a kind way to spend a month of your life. After completing this magnificent base camp trek, extend your holiday and visit southern Pakistan to experience the rich culture, traditions, and historical landscapes. Book this Hiking & Trekking tour and enjoy your trip.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Accommodation- Islamabad
Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon you will be transferred to hotels. Our participants can relax and recover from their long journey on this day.
Pickup information
it is very easy to spot our guide holding orange placards with our company’s logo and your name. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your inbound and outbound flights at least five days before your arrival in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you take a connecting flight from another city in Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require an airport transfer, please inform us in advance.
After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally if you arrive in the morning between 9 am and 12 pm), our guide/representative will brief you about the trek.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Accommodation- Skardu-Chilas
a) Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the northeast. On a clear day, we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains. (Adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approx two days).
b) In case of cancellation of flight drive. 10-12hrs by air-conditioned coach/car to Chilas (480km) on the Karakoram highway. Overnight at hotel
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Accommodation- Skardu-Chilas
A. Overnight Hotel. Preparations for our trek and depending on our arrival time in Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus, and Basha Rivers.
b) If we are driving the road journey today will be 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km). On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m) overnight Hotel.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,015 m
Accommodation- Askolie
It takes about six hours to drive from Skardu to Askolie or near Askolie. The drive through the Braldu Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off. Overnight in tents
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,103 m
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5-8 hours
After the considerable organization of equipment, supplies, and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Jola. The walk from Ascoli to Jola is on an easy gentle plain and can be done in 6 to 8 hours. We cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier on the way. The first sight of the pinnacles of the Paiyu Group is stunning. Overnight in tents.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 6-7 hours
We follow the Braldu and the Biaho rivers to a river’s edge campsite. On the way, we have to cross the Domurda River coming out of Choktoi and Panmah Glaciers. This crossing is done on a ‘garage’ or a bridge upstream. Depending upon the time it takes for the crossing, the walk can take 8 hours or more. The Masherbrum Group may be glimpsed to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The range is a vast array of peaks that extend almost the full length of the southern side of Baltoro. Walking conditions are hot and dry and care must be taken to prevent sunburn.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Acclimatize and Rest Day
Rest day Wash up, relax, read, climb on a steep ridge behind the camp, and sing and dance with the porters! Depending upon the size of the party, goats or a goat will be sacrificed and meat will be distributed to the porters as a form of thanksgiving and to bring us good luck on our next day’s walk on the Baltoro.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Trek on Baltoro Glacier. Six to eight hours of walking. A tough day as we climb on the rocky moraines of the Baltoro, but the sight of Baltoro pinnacles and Paiyu Peak is astounding! An earlier alternative campsite is Liligo, but there is no water there. We will cross some gushing streams on the way.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,905 m
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 4-6 hours
A short 4-hour walk on the Baltoro's rocky moraines and ablation valley. We will cross a couple of icy side glaciers on the way and may have our first sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum. The historical campsite is on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most intense mountain views in this world. The campsite was prepared by the Duke of Abruzzi at the beginning of this century.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,285 m
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 6-8 hours
This is a tough day’s walk on the undulating Baltoro. However, the footing becomes easy as the rocks become smaller and smaller as we move up the Baltoro. It takes about 7 hours to get to Goro II. We walk right up the center moraine of the Baltoro. As Masherbrum emerges on the right, it takes our breath away and so does Gasherbrum IV right in front of us. Goro is a cold campsite! It has a great view of the Muztagh Tower.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,512 m
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
A special day today as we trek into Concordia and enjoy our first views of K2 (weather permitting!). This location must be considered one of the world’s most spectacular camps as it is surrounded by stunning peaks. As we leave Goro II, the Biange Glacier to the north provides a superb view up to Mustagh Tower (7284m), one of the most difficult mountains in Karakoram to climb. The trail continues along fairly easy rolling slopes of moraine marked by cairns and then passes among ice towers or seracs as we approach the colliding glaciers at Concordia. Mitre Peak (6030m) rises to our right, with Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri) (7312m) beside it, while the Gasherbrum Group is directly before us. The expanse of Broad Peak (8050m) is to the left and finally, K2 (8611m) looms above the ridge towering over the Godwin Austen Glacier twelve kilometers away.
On this Day
GPS Data
Return time K2 BC (5,155m) + Gilkey (5,230m) + Broad Peak (4,844m): 10-12 hours Return time Broad BC (4,844m): 6-7 hours
Our schedule is somewhat flexible according to the prevailing weather conditions and group preferences. One of our objectives is to visit K2 Base Camp (approx 5150m) and the Gilkey Memorial, a spectacular full-day trip from camp. The most exciting day of this trek is as you walk past Broad peak, get nearer to K-2, and arrive at the strip, the most popular camping area for nearly all the expeditions to K-2. Here some of the world's top climbers can be seen busy preparing for the challenges ahead. Return to your camp at Concordia overnight (K-2 base camp is too high and trekkers can get seriously ill from altitude if they stay for the night at this altitude, therefore the group must return to Concordia)
Day 13: Hike to Goro II
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,010 m
Distance: 15.9 km
Time: 6-7 hours
We begin the return trek descending first to Goro II where we have magnificent views of the surrounding granite spires and towers. Camp.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 13.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
We continue our descent of the Baltoro glacier, today reaching as far as Urdukas where we make camp off the glacier for the first time in several days.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Crossing the Baltoro to its north side beneath the towers of Uli Biaho we finally climb down its snout to reach a good trail back to the spring oasis of Paiyu.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Following the Braldu River downstream, we detour the Panama Valley to the bridge across its tributary to reach Jhola or Korofon.
On This Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive
Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive
On the final day of trekking to the village of Askole. Here we say goodbye to our porters who will return to their villages.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Accommodation- Skardu
Making an early start we drive to Skardu through the relatively verdant Shigar Valley. We check into the hotel and the afternoon is free for sightseeing.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Accommodation- Islamabad- Chilas
a) Weather permitting we will fly to Islamabad today, on arrival transfer to the hotel overnight.
b) In case of flight cancellation, driving to Chilas and overnight at the hotel on the banks of the Indus is necessary.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Accommodation- Islamabad
Extra ‘cushion’ day! *Note: Day 20 will be used as a ‘cushion’ day in case of delays in travel due to weather, route change, health, acclimatization issues during the trek, etc.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Accommodation- Islamabad
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
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