Stand at the base of K2, the world’s second highest and most dangerous mountain. This 23-day expedition takes you deep into the Karakoram Mountains, home to some of Earth’s most dramatic peaks. Trek across the mighty Baltoro Glacier, witness sunrise over Trango Towers, and reach Concordia—the heart of the Karakoram where 10 of the world’s 30 highest peaks surround you in every direction.
This is not just a trek; it’s a journey through one of the most remote and spectacular mountain landscapes on the planet. You’ll walk the same paths used by legendary mountaineers, camp on glaciers under star-filled skies, and experience the warm hospitality of the Balti people. From the green valleys of Skardu to the frozen wilderness of K2 Base Camp at 5,150 meters, this adventure will test your limits and reward you with memories that last a lifetime.
Trek Style: Challenging high-altitude expedition
Activity Level: Strenuous – requires good fitness
Group Size: 1-8 people (guaranteed to run)
Guided in English
Best Time: June to September
Welcome to Pakistan! Our representative meets you at Islamabad International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Rest after your journey. Evening briefing over dinner about the trek ahead.
Accommodation: Hill View Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Take a spectacular 45-minute mountain flight to Skardu. Weather permitting, you’ll see Nanga Parbat (8,126m), K2, and the Karakoram peaks from the air. Meet your trekking crew and porters at the hotel. Skardu is known as “Little Tibet” for its Buddhist heritage and Tibetan-influenced culture.
Note: If the flight is canceled due to weather, you’ll drive via the Karakoram Highway to Naran (8-9 hours), stay overnight, then continue to Skardu the next day.
Accommodation: Summit Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Skardu while we organize permits and logistics. Visit:
Explore the local bazaar and Yadgar Chowk memorial. Final gear check and preparations.
Accommodation: Summit Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning drive along the Indus and Shigar Rivers to Askole, the last village before the mountains. This rough 131km jeep ride takes 7 hours through stunning landscapes. Askole is the last civilization you’ll see for two weeks. Meet the rest of your porter team and explore the traditional wooden houses. Camp under the stars.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: 7 hours
Distance: 12km | Walking Time: 4 hours | Ascent: 290m | Descent: 300m
Your trek begins! Walk through fields of corn and barley as Balti farmers tend their crops. The trail is gentle and flat initially, crossing dry riverbeds. Soon the valley opens to reveal Biafo Glacier. Walk on moraine (glacier debris) to reach the oasis-like camp at Korfong. Afternoon rest or acclimatization walk.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 9km | Walking Time: 6 hours | Ascent: 230m | Descent: 120m
Trek alongside the Braldu River to the junction with Panma River. Cross the river via footbridge (previously an exciting pulley system!). Jhola camp has basic facilities including washing areas and toilets. Beautiful views of Bakhor Das peak (5,809m) and the Paiju needles.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 21km | Walking Time: 6 hours | Ascent: 580m | Descent: 335m
Early start for sunrise over the Karakoram. Trek along the river, then climb to higher ground. Cross several streams—bring sports sandals or old trainers for the crossings. Paiju camp sits beneath Paiju Peak with excellent facilities. This is the last camp with trees and greenery.
Evening entertainment: Balti porters often perform traditional singing and dancing around the campfire. From here, you can see the massive Baltoro Glacier, Trango Towers, and your first glimpse of K2.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 15km | Walking Time: 7 hours | Ascent: 640m | Descent: 220m
Step onto the mighty Baltoro Glacier! An hour’s walk brings you to the glacier’s snout. Now you’re walking on rock and rubble covering this massive river of ice. The stones beneath your feet may have fallen from the summit of K2 or Broad Peak.
Stop for lunch at Liligo camp. Watch for ibex and other wildlife on the rocks above. After lunch, climb a steep hill to reach grassland and alpine meadows. Khoburtse camp offers sensational views of Uli Biaho and Trango Tower.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 6km | Walking Time: 4 hours | Ascent: 250m | Descent: 40m
Wake up to sunrise over Trango Tower with tea in hand—one of the trek’s most magical moments. Short but steep day walking up the undulating moraine while gaining altitude. Walk along the lateral moraine and sometimes directly on the glacier surface. Pass Trango Tower and the Nameless Towers.
Urdukas is a historic site built by the Duke of Abruzzi’s expedition in 1909. Located 100 meters above the glacier with spectacular views of Cathedral Peak. Last camp with proper facilities (toilets, basins, waste bins). Walk up the slope behind camp for incredible panoramic views of Baltoro Glacier.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
No trekking today—your body needs time to adjust to the altitude. This rest day at 3,900m is crucial for safe acclimatization. Relax, wash clothes, write in your journal, or take short walks around camp. Your guide may lead an acclimatization walk to help your body adapt.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 12km | Walking Time: 7 hours | Ascent: 330m | Descent: 90m
Leave Urdukas and pass a graveyard of porters who died in the Baltoro region—a somber reminder of the mountains’ power. Porters traditionally stop to pray here. Climb onto the glacier surface where walking becomes smoother.
Close-up views of Masherbrum peak (7,821m), the “Queen of the Karakoram.” Gasherbrum IV appears to stand at the head of Baltoro Glacier. Stop at Goro I for lunch, then continue to Goro II camp. Tonight you sleep directly on the glacier surface—dress warmly!
Accommodation: Camping (on glacier)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 12km | Walking Time: 5 hours | Ascent: 290m | Descent: 5m
Trek to Concordia, the heart and soul of the Karakoram. This is one of the most spectacular places on Earth—surrounded by giants. From here you can see 10 of the world’s 30 highest peaks including Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, II, and IV, and the mighty K2.
The name “Concordia” was given because multiple glaciers meet here, like Concordia Square in Paris where roads converge. You’re now at 4,500m, surrounded by walls of ice and rock reaching over 8,000 meters. This is the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.”
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 6km | Walking Time: 4 hours | Ascent: 300m | Descent: 5m
Unlike many tour companies that stop at Concordia, we believe the journey isn’t complete without reaching actual base camps. Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp (world’s 12th highest mountain at 8,051m) for stunning close-up views of both Broad Peak and K2. Tonight you’ll sleep even higher, preparing for tomorrow’s ultimate goal.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 11km | Walking Time: 7 hours | Ascent: 350m | Descent: 650m
THIS IS IT—THE BIG DAY!
Wake before dawn to watch sunrise illuminate K2’s summit. After breakfast, trek to K2 Base Camp at 5,150 meters. You’re now standing at the foot of the world’s second highest and most dangerous mountain. K2 has a 25% fatality rate for climbers who attempt it—earning the nickname “Savage Mountain.”
Enjoy panoramic views of Concordia, Broad Peak, and the Karakoram giants rising from the Baltoro Glacier. Have lunch at base camp alongside elite mountaineers preparing to climb K2. Take photos, soak in the achievement, and reflect on this incredible journey.
Descend to Concordia for the night. This is the highlight of the entire trek—treasure this moment.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 12km | Walking Time: 7 hours | Ascent: 30m | Descent: 400m
Begin your descent. As you leave, K2 disappears from view, but Gasherbrum IV dominates the head of Baltoro Glacier. Enjoy views of the granite towers and spires: Lobsang, Cathedral, and Trango. The snow-capped red granite spire of Masherbrum Peak stands to the south.
Your porters may celebrate with music tonight—Balti voices in full song echoing off the glacier walls is an unforgettable experience. Everything sounds different on the return journey.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 14km | Walking Time: 7 hours | Ascent: 100m | Descent: 470m
Amazing how different everything looks descending! The granite walls that seemed at eye level yesterday now tower above you. More oxygen in the air—you’ll notice breathing is easier. Pass through Urdukas and the Duke of Abruzzi’s historic camp.
Have lunch on “Duke’s terrace” with spectacular views of Biale Peak. Continue down the valley, sometimes on the glacier, sometimes along the moraine. Khoburtse is your first off-glacier camp in days. Green patches on Paiju Peak’s lower slopes mark spring water camps ahead.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 15km | Walking Time: 5 hours | Ascent: 220m | Descent: 640m
Continue descending the Baltoro Glacier with beautiful views of Trango Tower. Detour south to cross Liligo Glacier on a footbridge. Twenty years ago this glacier was half a mile up the valley—now it has collided with the main Baltoro.
Cross to the glacier’s north side, climbing over huge ice swells toward Uli Biaho’s ramparts. Watch the underground glacier river erupt as a cascade becoming the Braldu River. Final uphill pull to reach Paiju campsite—the first trees you’ve seen in 10 days!
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 21km | Walking Time: 7 hours | Ascent: 400m | Descent: 770m
Off the glacier and at lower elevation—considerably warmer now. Early start to use the cool morning. Walk on good trail down the valley. Everything looks different from this direction.
Cross several side streams using makeshift bridges or stepping stones. May need to wade across later in the day when meltwater increases. The trail passes close to the powerful Braldu River. Follow it downstream to its confluence with Panma River, then turn northeast to reach Jhola’s footbridge and camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 19km | Walking Time: 4 hours | Ascent: 450m | Descent: 600m
Your final trekking day! Return to civilization after two weeks in the Karakoram wilderness. Follow a pleasant trail to Korofong beside Biafo Glacier, surrounded by sparse grasses and tamarack bushes.
Walk beside the river from the glacier’s snout until you cross a bridge to its north side. Pass through the flat area called “King’s Polo Ground,” then through a convenient cleft in the rock ridge. See signs of habitation—irrigation channels, green fields, stone walls—leading into Askole village.
Celebration time! Tonight, celebrate your achievement with your porters. Give them tips as thanks for their hard work. You can also donate any spare gear you don’t need—a meaningful way to say thank you.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After your last night under canvas, drive back to Skardu following the Braldu River to Shigar. The road may be blocked by landslides requiring a vehicle change. From Shigar to Skardu the road is smoother and faster.
Hot shower and a real bed tonight! Celebrate with your team in Skardu.
Accommodation: Summit Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: 7 hours
Drive to Skardu airport for the spectacular mountain flight back to Islamabad (weather permitting). The 30-minute drive follows a road lined with poplar trees. During the flight, pass by Nanga Parbat before turning south.
Arriving in Islamabad after the Karakoram feels strange—the hustle and bustle takes adjustment. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free to rest or explore. Optional shopping for hand-made Iranian and Afghan rugs.
Note: If the flight is canceled due to weather, you’ll drive via Deosai Plains to Astore by 4WD, then continue to Islamabad the next day.
Accommodation: Hill View Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If the flight operated yesterday, enjoy a full day exploring Pakistan’s green capital:
Enjoy your last Pakistani curry—a taste sensation to remember!
If the flight was canceled yesterday, today you’ll drive from Astore to Islamabad via Babusar Pass (4,067m) and Kaghan Valley. Pass through historic towns: Abbottabad, Hassan Abdal, and Taxila. Spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) along the way. Arrive late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hill View Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home. End of your K2 Base Camp Trek adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
✓ Domestic Flights
✓ Transportation
✓ Accommodation
✓ Meals
✓ Trekking Support
✓ Permits & Fees
✓ Equipment
✓ Confirmation
✗ International Flights
✗ Pakistan Visa
✗ Travel Insurance
✗ Personal Expenses
✗ Optional Activities
✗ Single Room Supplement
✗ Miscellaneous
Price: From $2,950 USD per person (2-8 trekkers)
Duration: 23 days / 22 nights
Maximum Altitude: 5,150m (K2 Base Camp)
Tour Operator: Pamir Adventure Treks and Tours (Licensed Pakistani operators)
Guaranteed Departure: Trek runs with minimum 1 person
Book early to secure your spot—
