K2 Base Camp Trek

K2 Base Camp trek

The K2 Base Camp trek stands as a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of the Karakoram Range, attracting adventurers from across the globe. Embarking on this epic journey, trekkers navigate rugged terrain and towering peaks, culminating in an awe-inspiring view of the world’s second-highest mountain, K2. As the trail winds through remote valleys and glaciers, trekkers immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness, encountering diverse landscapes, from verdant meadows to icy crevasses. Along the way, the camaraderie among fellow trekkers and the hospitality of local communities add depth to the experience, creating unforgettable memories amidst the majestic grandeur of the Karakoram. For those seeking the ultimate adventure, the K2 Base Camp trek promises an unparalleled odyssey through some of the planet’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Detailed Trip Itinerary

 

Day 01 (Islamabad Arrival) 

• Greetings from Pakistan. You’re going to the Islamabad International Airport today.
• After a friendly greeting at the airport, our representative will transport you to your Islamabad hotel.
• As a welcome beverage, the hotel will serve you tea or coffee. Take this chance to socialize with other trekkers.
• Take a nap to recuperate from your lengthy flight after the drink. We will get together over dinner to go over specifics regarding your trek to K2 base camp.

 

Day 02 (Islamabad – Skardu & Kachura) (7,316 Ft) (45 Minutes flight)  

• Pick Guests from Skardu Airport
• Head towards Kachura to explore
• Shangrila Resort
• Kachura Valley
• Upper Kachura Lake
• Xoq Valley
• Return to Skardu
• Transfer to hotel for night stay

In Case of flight Cancellation we will head towards Skardu via Karakoram High way to reach Skardu (14-16 Hours’ Drive)

 

Day 03 (Preparation Day in Skardu)

• Breakfast early in the Morning
• While we are getting your paperwork, transportation, and base camp hike logistics ready, you have one more day to explore. Savor the trip to Gondogoro La, Leila Peak, Mitre Peak, Muztagh Tower, Vigne Glacier, and other mountain valleys while visiting this historic town.
• Located on the southern bank of the Indus River, which divides the Himalayas from the Karakorum, is Skardu. There are several stores lining both sides of the main road in a lengthy bazaar.
• Yadgar Chowk, a memorial containing the names of those who lost their lives defending Gilgit Baltistan from Dogra tyranny in 1947–48, is the hub of the town.
• Visit Kharpocho Fort
• The primary attraction is the Kharpocho Fort. See the historic Kharpocho Fort, which was erected in the latter half of the 16th century atop a rock that provided a view of the town.
• Visit the Kharpocho Fort first, then proceed to Sadpara Lake to view its pristine blue water.
• On the way back, stop by the well-known 8th-century Buddha rock. Buddha Rock provides proof that Buddhism existed in the region prior to the coming of Islam in the fourteenth century.
• Good night on your bed; tomorrow you will be spending the night in tents with sleeping bags until you get back to Skardu.

 

Day 04 (Skardu – Shigar – Askole – Jhola) (141 km) (10,332 ft.) (8 Hours’ Drive) 

• Breakfast early in the Morning
• Head towards Askole in Shigar
• Reaches Askole & Head towards Jhola
• Trekking distance from Jhola is 80 km
• Night stay at Jhola camp site

 

Day 05 (Jhola – Paiju) (21 km) (11,220 ft.) (6 Hours Trek) 

• Today is first day of K2 Base camp trek
• Breakfast & start trekking towards Paiju Camp side in Karakorum National Park
• Start trekking along the Braldu Gorge for a while Start trekking along the Braldu Gorge for a while
• Will cross a few small streams
• Arrive at Paiju campsite after crossing a small stream
• Night Stay at Paiju camp sidte

 

Day 06 (Paiju – Khobartse) (15 km) (12,450 ft.) (7 Hours)

• Breakfast and Travel towards
• Today is the day you will be introduced to the mighty Baltoro Glacier, the large piece of ice outside the polar region
• One-hour walk from the camp will bring you to the snout of Baltoro Glacier
• You do not need an ice axe, ropes and other special climbing equipment to walk on the Baltoro Glacier
• After four hours, you will arrive at Liligo camp, where you will have a lunch break
• You may see Himalayan ibex, snow leopards and other wildlife above on the rocks of Liligo camp.
• Continue walking on the moraine for a while, then climb a steep hill to arrive at a grassland with alpine meadows, which leads you to Khoburtse campsite.
• This Camp site offers a sensational view of Uli Biaho and Trango Tower.
• Night Stay at Paiju camp site

 

Day 07 (Khobartse – Urdukas) (6 Km) (12,795 ft.) (4 Hour)

• Breakfast at early in the morning with beautiful view of Trango Tower
• Today will be a short but strenuous trekking day as you walk up gaining height
• Most of the time, you will trek along the lateral moraine and sometimes on the surface of Baltoro
• Pass the Nameless Towers to arrive at Urdukas camp by early afternoon.
• The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or walk up the slope behind the camp for a spectacular panorama view of the mighty Baltoro.
• Night Stay at Urdukas camp site

 

Day 08 (Rest Day at Urdukas)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Today is a free day at Urdukas. It is important to ascend slowly at a high altitude, so having a break and free day at Urdukas will give your body more time to get used to the thin air of the high altitude. High altitude starts at 1,500 meters (4,921 feet).
• Night Stay at Urdukas camp site

 

Day 09 (Urdukas – Goro) (12 Km) (14,091 ft.) (07 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Today you will trek to Goro
• Pass By graveyard of Porters who died in Baltoro region
• Porters usually stop and gather around the graves to pay their respects and say a short prayer.
• Walk down the moraine until you reach the Baltoro Glacier’s surface, where simple access to climb is available.
• Once you’re above the surface, walking gets heavy.
• You will enjoy breathtaking up-close look at Masherbrum Peak (7,821m/25659 ft), dubbed the “queen of the Karakoram” due to its stunning beauty.
• Ascend farther while enjoying views of Gasherbrum IV, which resembles a beacon rising from the top of the Baltoro glacier and leading you to the K2 base camp.
• Following an army campground, the Goro II camp is located on the stony Baltoro glacier. There is plenty of space to set up your tent at this expansive campsite.
• Night Stay at Goro camp site

 

Day 10 (Goro – Concordia) (12 Km) (14,763 ft.) (05 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning

• One of the best days of your climb to K2 base camp is today. Get up early and make your way to Concordia
• Concordia is situated at the meeting point of the Godwin-Austen Glacier and the upper Baltoro Glacier, 4,500 meters above sea level.
• This location was named Concordia by renowned explorer and climber Sir Martin Conway. One of the most breathtaking locations on the planet is Concordia.
• Now all of the giants of the Karakoram you have been observing from a distance are in front of you.
• Surrounding you are the formidable Gasherbrum II (8,035m/26,361ft), III (7,952m/26,089ft) & IV (7,925m/26,000ft), Mitre Peak, Chogolisa (7,665m/25,147ft), Broad Peak (8,047m/26,401ft), and, for the first time, the breathtaking K2 (8,611m/28,251ft), the second-highest mountain on Earth after Everest.
• Put up your tents at Concordia with lots of space because Concordia is a much larger area. It can get windy here in the evening, so dress warmly by layering on several garments.
• Night Stay at Concordia camp site

 

Day 11 (Concordia – Broad Peak Base Camp) (06 Km) (15,750 ft.) (04 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Our mountain guide will take you to the Broad Peak base camp for the night today, passing the Godwin-Austen glacier.
• By lunchtime, you will reach Broad Peak Basecamp. After that, you have the afternoon free to take in the beauty
• K2 can be seen up close and spectacularly from Broad Peak base camp.
• Savor a stunning view of Broad Peak and other Karakoram giants as the sun sets.
• Night Stay at Broad Peak Base Camp, camp site

 

Day 12 (Broad Peak Base Camp – K2 Peak Base Camp – Concordia) (11 Km) (16,890 ft.) (07 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Get up early and enjoy a breathtaking view of K2 and Broad Peak at sunrise
• Walking to K2 Base Camp on this day will be the high point of your Base Camp excursion.
• Trek to the Gilkey Memorial
• At the base of K2, the Gilkey Memorial honors individuals who lost their lives while ascending the mountain. It bears Art Gilkey’s name, who passed away in 1953 while leading an American expedition up K2.
• See the Gilkey Memorial and go up the world’s second-highest mountain, K2 basecamp.
• You set out on this incredible journey, which took almost a week, and at last reached the K2 Base Camp in Pakistan.
• You cannot help but be in awe of the utter majesty of your surroundings as you arrive at the base camp. Place yourself in front of K2, the second-highest peak in the world, which rises to a height above you and exudes an overwhelming sense of majesty. Breathe deeply and let yourself to be enveloped in the breathtaking ambiance as you stare at this stunning sight.
• You experienced an indescribable sense of pride and success after traveling for days to reach this location. To get here, you had overcome severe weather and difficult terrain while pushing the boundaries of your physical capabilities. And now that you are at the foot of one of the greatest natural wonders on earth, you can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for the trek that got you here.
• The elevation of K2 Base Camp is 5,150 meters above sea level. Outside of Everest base camp, it is the largest campsite for mountaineers aiming to climb K2. You will be able to enjoy an uncommon panoramic vista from base camp. Savor the breathtaking vista of Broad Peak, Concordia, and other peaks that rise from the towering Baltoro.
• At the base camp, we’ll get some food and snap a group photo with the climbers who are there to summit K2. While they try their luck, mountain climbers stay in the base camp for about two months. Take advantage of the chance to chat with the climbers, savor your lunch, and take in the views. You have completed the ascending part of the K2 base camp trek, and now the descending journey will begin by retracing your steps back to Islamabad.
• Trek back to Concordia for night stay

 

Day 13 (Concordia – Goro) (12 Km) (14,091 ft.) (07 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Your ascent to the K2 base camp has now been completed.
• You will begin your walk back towards Islamabad today, using the same itinerary in reverse.
• Gather all your equipment, bid farewell to K2, and begin your descent onto Baltoro.
• Trekking down the Baltoro glacier will cause K2 and other giants to gradually fade into the distance, with the exception of Gasherbrum IV, which regains prominence at the summit of Baltoro.
• The spires of the Cathedral, Trango, and Lobsang towers have moved into close proximity as one looks down the valley of mountains. Immediately to the south is Masherbrum Peak, a snow-capped red granite spire.
• Early in the afternoon is when you will arrive at the Goro camp.
• Night Stay at Goro camp site

 

Day 14 (Goro – Khobrutse) (14 Km) (12,450 ft.) (07 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Proceed backward on Baltoro Glacier in the direction of Khoburtse Campsite.
• With a constantly shifting range of vision, the base camp trek’s descending portion has an incredible difference in how everything seems.
• As altitude decreases, you will notice a warmer temperature and more oxygen in the air. The granite spires bordering the Baltoro glacier were towering over you yesterday, but they were once lower than you.
• You might be in awe of the early pioneers’ perseverance as you pass by the campsites of Urdukas and the Duke of Abruzzi. These men and women had to go through immense hardship to reach their base camps on these mountains.
• Lunch will be served on the Duke’s terrace, which offers breathtaking views of Biale Peak—which is concealed except from this location—across the Baltoro glacier.
• Following lunch, make your way down the small valley, occasionally walking on the Baltoro glacier and other times on the moraine, until you arrive at the Khoburtse campground.
• Near the end of the Baltoro glacier and the beginning of the Braldu Valley sits Khoburtse Camp. The locations of the spring water sites are shown by the green patches on Paiju Peak’s lower slopes.
• Night Stay at Khobrutse camp site

 

Day 15 (Khobrutse – Paiju) (15 Km) (11,220 ft.) (05 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Trekking back to Paiju will begin with a magnificent view of the well-known Trango Tower in the distance.
• You will go south and cross the Liligo Glacier to get there.
• It should be noted that twenty years ago, the Liligo Glacier’s snout was located half a mile up the valley. But as time went on, the glacier moved and ran into the main glacier. Because of the combined churning forces, traversing the glacier has become challenging and is now regarded as risky if one does not take a detour.
• Following the diversion and rejoinder to the main Baltoro glacier, you now traverse its northern flank, ascending over the massive ice swells in the direction of Uli Biaho’s ramparts.
• The journey continues on the opposite side, where you descend to the mountain valley, rejoin the main trail, and go past the snout, where the underground river bursts into the Braldu River in a cascade.
• There will be a last uphill struggle to reach the Paiju camp, but otherwise the latter portion of the day is a leisurely walk on a nice path. Spend the night in Paiju in your tent.
• Night Stay at Paiju camp site

 

Day 16 (Paiju – Jhola) (21 Km) (10,334 ft.) (07 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Even though today is your last day of trekking to reach K2 Base Camp, this incredible adventure is far from ended.
• Follow a decent track down the valley to retrace your journey. Now that you are off the glacier and at a lower altitude, the temperature has increased significantly. You can start early to take advantage of the morning’s coolness.
• After spending two weeks in the Karakorum Mountains’ wilderness, you are making your way back to civilization.
• You will hike along a nice trail to the little ablation region called Korofong, which is next to the Biafo glacier and is encircled by tamarack shrubs and poor grasses.
• Following the Biafo glacier’s glacial moraine, you hike by the river that emerges from its nose after Korofong until you get to a bridge that lets you cross to the north side of the glacier.
• Before ascending by a handy fissure on the crest of a large rock, the trail goes through a broad, level field known as the King’s Polo Field in the community.
• You have a delightful stroll through a landscape scattered with boulders as you descend steeply on the opposite side of this window, and then you climb into a shallow plateau.
• The trail crosses multiple alluvial fans and climbs and falls. There are some side streams that you must cross with improvised bridges or stepping stones, but later in the day, it might also be required to wade across. Meltwater from the glaciers, which increases as the day gets warmer, is the source of all these streams.
• You can feel the river’s immense strength as the route runs next to it alongside the conglomerate’s walls.
• You continue downstream on the main Braldu River until it meets the Panama River, then bear northeast to camp next to the Jhola toll bridge.
• Together with the porters, you will celebrate the successful arrival at the K2 base camp today and give them tips as a thank you for their hard work. You can also express your gratitude to them by giving them any extra kits that are not required.
• Enjoy your final night in your tent at Johla camping as it will be your last one.

 

Day 17 (Jhola – Skardu) (141 Km) (7,316 ft.) (08 Hours)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Drive past Askole towards Skardu after spending the final night in the tent among the stars.
• After passing through a few minor side valleys and starting to notice settlement, you will come to an irrigation channel that supplies Askoli village’s field with meltwater.
• In Askole, you will have a brief pause to say goodbye to your porters. This community will provide the majority of your porters, and they will be glad to see their families again.
• Proceed to Skardu by way of Shigar Valley.
• Travel the Braldu River to Shigar, cross the Indus River on the bridge, and then return to Skardu by driving along the Indus River.
• Transfer to Hotel for Night stay

 

Day 18 (Skardu – Islamabad) (141 Km) (7,316 ft.) (45 Minutes flight)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• Drop Guests at Skardu Airport
• Reaches Islamabad

OR

• In the event that inclement weather forces the cancellation of the flight, you will proceed from Juglot Skardu Road till you reach Juglot and from Juglot till Hazara Motorway, you will move by Karakoram Highway to Islamabad via road.
• With Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), the ninth-highest mountain in the world, as your backdrop, you can travel with an amazing view.
• After a while, continue on the Karakoram Highway and pass through the Kaghan Valley and Babusar Pass (4,067 meters) to reach Mansehra City.
• Rejoining the Karakoram Highway from Mansehra, you will travel through the historically significant and culturally rich cities of Hassan Abdal, Taxila, and Abbottabad before arriving in Islamabad.
• It will be late afternoon when you arrive.

 

Day 19 (Spare Day in Islamabad)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• You have the entire day to explore the green capital city of Islamabad if you were able to catch a flight there yesterday.
• See the Islamabad Monument, Parliament Square, and the Faisal Mosque before traveling to the nearby city of Rawalpindi.
• The historical and traditional city of Rawalpindi will introduce you to the flavors of southern Pakistan. Situated on the Pothohar Plateau, which is well-known for its long history of Buddhism, particularly in the nearby town of Taxila.
• Enjoy a local Pakistani curry at the Magnificent Food Streets for your final meal in Pakistan after a full day of sightseeing.
• This meal will make you nostalgic for your trip to the K2 base camp.

 

Day 20 (Departure | Fly Back Home)

• After breakfast, we will transfer you to Islamabad Airport for your flight back to your home country. The “K2 base camp trek” is now officially over.
• In conclusion, completing the K2 Base Camp trek is an unforgettable experience that leaves you with a profound sense of accomplishment and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of Pakistan.
• The journey requires strength, resilience, and determination, but the reward of standing at the base of K2, one of the world’s most magnificent peaks, is well worth the effort. With memories of the stunning landscape and challenging terrain and welcoming locals, you leave Pakistan with a newfound respect for the power and beauty of nature and a sense of awe that will stay with you for a lifetime.

 

Services Included

• All internal (Domestic) air tickets and related airport transfers
• English-speaking guide
• Private transport with driver
• Accommodations (Hotels and Camps)
• All Meal (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• All camping ground fees, Mess tents, sleeping tents, Kitchen tents with chairs,
• All fees associated with trekking permits, royalty, toll taxes, entry tickets, parking fees etc.
• Every piece of kitchenware, including cutlery, crockery, fuel, and other associated
• All Wages and basic kits of guide, sirdar, Porter’s cook and assistants
• Insurance for crew members such as porters and guides (except helicopter rescue)
• Satellite phones
• Solar Panel or generator

 

Service not included

• International Flight tickets
• Travel Insurance
• Pakistan Visa Fee
• Photography & Videography
• Personal Nature Expense
• Items which are not mentioned in “Services Include”

Regards:   

PYARA SKARDU ADVENTURE CLUB & TRAVEL AGENCY