K2 Base Camp Trek & Gondogoro La

1 August: ARRIVAL IN SKARDU

Fly in to Skardu from Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi. Trek leader picks up participants at Skardu Airport. Check into the hotel and rest.

Optional bazaar visit for any last-minute gear shopping. Group dinner in the evening with formal briefing and introductions. Overnight at hotel in Skardu.

2 August: SKARDU TO ASKOLE

After breakfast, depart for Askole in 4x4 vehicles via the scenic Shigar Valley — the Gateway to K2. Lunch stop near Dasu. Reach Askole, the last permanent settlement before the trek begins.

Settle at the campsite and explore the village in the evening. Overnight in tents at Askole (3000m). Drive: 6-8 h.

3 August: ASKOLE TO JHULA

Porters organize loads and the trek begins. Trail follows the under-construction jeep road; on sunny days temperatures can reach the upper 20s°C. Cross the bridge over Biafo and take a lunch break under trees at Korofong.

By afternoon, arrive at Jhula campsite along the Braldu River. Overnight in tents at Jhula (3150m). Walk: 19 km, 6-8 h.

4 August: JHULA TO PAIYU

Longer and more demanding day with an early start. Without cloud cover the trek is hot and dry. Cross a few low-level streams along the way.

First glimpse of the Baltoro Glacier. Final steep 100m ascent to Paiyu — the last campsite with tree cover before the glacier. Overnight in tents at Paiyu (3400m). Walk: 21 km, 7-9 h.

5 August: REST DAY AT PAIYU

Well-deserved rest day to recover after two demanding days. Wash up and clean clothes.

Optional acclimatisation walk and technical briefing for the Gondogoro La crossing. Special meals prepared by the kitchen staff. Overnight in tents at Paiyu.

6 August: PAIYU TO KHUBURSE

Meet the massive Baltoro Glacier and navigate through glacial moraines toward Khuburse. Lunch break at Liligo campsite.

Breathtaking views of Trango Towers (6300m), Cathedral Towers (6000m), and Uli Biaho (6100m). Overnight in tents at Khuburse (3550m). Walk: 14 km, 7-9 h.

7 August: KHUBURSE TO URDUKAS

Shorter but challenging day with a significant portion on the glacier — careful footing required over rugged terrain.

By noon, reach Urdukas — the last campsite off the glacier — offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in tents at Urdukas (4100m). Walk: 6 km, 4-5 h.

8 August: URDUKAS TO GORO II

Continue across the glacial moraines of the Baltoro, requiring careful navigation over uneven terrain. Spectacular views of Masherbrum (7273m) and the Muztagh Towers on a clear day.

First night camping directly on the glacier — temperatures drop significantly. Extra insulation and warm layers essential. Overnight in tents at Goro II (4300m). Walk: 12 km, 6-8 h.

9 August: GORO II TO CONCORDIA

Trek into one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the world. Reach the confluence of Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers — the Karakoram has the highest concentration of 7000m+ peaks on Earth.

Witness the majestic K2 (8611m), Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, and Saltoro Kangri — Concordia is one of the most amazing campsites in the world. Overnight in tents at Concordia (4600m). Walk: 14 km, 5-7 h.

10 August: REST DAY AT CONCORDIA / K2 BASECAMP

Rest day at Concordia to recover and soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

Optional day-long trek to K2 Basecamp and the memorial for those seeking an extra challenge. Meet climbers preparing for or returning from their summit attempts. Overnight in tents at Concordia.

11 August: CONCORDIA TO ALI CAMP

Leave Concordia and trek across the Vigne Glacier to reach Ali Camp — the staging point for the Gondogoro La crossing. Terrain of snow and ice requires careful navigation.

Rest and conserve energy on arrival for the midnight ascent over the pass. Overnight in tents at Ali Camp.

12 August: ALI CAMP → GONDOGORO LA (5590m) → KHUSPANG

Most challenging day of the trek. Depart Ali Camp at midnight, aiming to reach the pass by dawn for safest conditions.

Ascent is steep and very demanding; descent toward Hushe side is technical and requires extreme caution. Fixed ropes and support team assistance available. Overnight in tents at Khuspang. Walk: 10-15 h. Elevation: +700m / -1000m.

13 August: KHUSPANG TO SAICHO

Last day in the wilderness. Cross boulders and scree, gradually transitioning back to grass and flowers — a welcome change after days on the glacier.

Lunch stop at Dalchampa campsite before continuing to Saicho — a beautiful campsite nestled among juniper trees. Celebrate the successful GGLA crossing. Overnight in tents at Saicho (3350m). Walk: 22 km, 8-10 h.

14 August: SAICHO → HUSHEY → SKARDU

Final stretch of trekking back to civilization. Gentle and easy trail to Hushe takes 3-4 hours.

At Hushe, jeeps waiting to transport the group back to Skardu — a scenic 4-hour drive through the Karakoram landscape. Overnight at hotel in Skardu. Walk: 12 km. Drive: 4-5 h.

15 August: BUFFER DAY / RETURN

Buffer day to cater for any contingency — weather delay, road blockage, or an extra rest before flying out.

If unused, ISB and LHE participants fly Skardu → Islamabad and continue home. Karachi participants fly Skardu → Islamabad → Karachi on the same day.