19 Days K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek Pakistan

Trekking tour in Islamabad, Skardu

Tour Price : $2500-3500 Duration : 19 days Languages: English

K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek Overview

K2 Base Camp Trek – A Journey to the Heart of the Karakoram

Deep in the mighty Karakoram mountain range of Northern Pakistan lies an unforgettable adventure—one that leads you to the base of the world’s second-highest mountain, K2, and across some of the wildest landscapes on Earth.

This trek isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about the entire journey. You’ll travel through the stunning Central Karakoram National Park, hike alongside the vast Baltoro Glacier, and cross the high-altitude Gondogoro La Pass (5,650 meters / 18,536 feet). Along the way, you’ll walk under the shadows of four 8000-meter giants, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I & II, and pass by countless dramatic 6000 and 7000-meter peaks.

The path will take you by plane to Skardu, then by jeep into the remote valleys, and finally on foot through icy trails and rugged terrain. It’s a journey that will challenge you, reward you, and leave you with stories you’ll never forget.

Expect to meet climbers from around the world, camp under clear starry skies, and experience the raw beauty and silence of high mountains. This trek is tough, but it’s also one of the most breathtaking things you’ll ever do.

We’ve guided hundreds of adventurers on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, and it continues to be our most loved and talked-about trek. If you’re looking for real adventure, unmatched mountain views, and an experience that connects you with nature in its purest form—this is the one.

TREK FACTs:

• Duration: 19 days
• Camping Night: 12 days
• Hotel Nights: 04 days
• Maximum Altitude: 5030 meters
• Trek Status: Strenuous/ Challenging
• Trek zone: Permit Required
• Guided: Guided
• Location: Karakoram Range
• Country: Pakistan

Checkout our detailed itinerary for K2 Base Camp and & Godogoro La Trek  given below

Itinerary

Day 1 Pakistan Arrival:

 Welcome to Pakistan. Most of the international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Our representative will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer you to the group hotel in Islamabad.

The rest of the days are free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Pastore Peak, K2 and Gondogoro La trek. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose[1]built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan

Day 2 Fly to Skardu

 Today, you will travel to Islamabad International Airport to take a spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu, the Capital of Baltistan. It’s a 45-minute flight which offers Spectacular Mountain views of the Himalayas & Karakoram Mountain range. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8,126m), and if the weather is clear, then we might be able to see K2 and Gondogoro Pass as well. Check in to the Hotel, and the rest of the day will be spent visiting the local Bazar, historical forts, and scenic lakes or visiting ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th-century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who influenced the area before Islam.

Day 3 Rest Day in Skardu

 Skardu is the Capital of the ancient Baltistan Kingdom so there is so much to see and explore. It is the getaway of many famous treks and Climbing expeditions, including Pastreo Peak, K2 and Gondogoro La Trek. In the morning you can walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (built early 1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If you are into photography, then this is a perfect location to take photos of Skardu Town at sunrise or sunset. (We can arrange this for you). You can also walk to a small village called Organic Village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore, so perhaps you would like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the local bazaar.

 Notre, if the road between Askoli and Johla is closed, then today you travel to Askoli for a night stay.

Day 4 Skardu to Jhola via Askoli

 Following day you will drive along the Mighty Indus, Shigar, then Braldu River to Shigar Valley towards Askoli. Askoli is the last village before entering the heart of Karakoram. You will spend some time in Askole to meet your porters. Askoli is high above the thundering Braldu River. Askoli is a single street of wooden houses backed by irrigated fields of corn, potatoes and groves of apricot trees.

 After a short break in Askole, you will send your way through the lanes and fields of Askole, the last settlement you will encounter on our trek to Pastore Peak and Concordia. Watching the local people go about their daily business is a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the hardy Balti people. The valley opens up to reveal the Biafo Glaciers, the first taste of moraine walking in the Karakoram. Cross the snout of the ice glacier and descend to the green spot beside the Braldu River at Korofong.

 From Korfong, you will continue your Pastore Peak, k2 and Gondogoro La trek towards Johla campsite. Continue your day by following the road up a side valley and a detour to cross the fast-flowing Braldu River by a bridge. The views are impressive, with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s needles in the distance.

 We will be in the Johla camp by late afternoon. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the river, or do a short acclimatisation walk if we wish. On a sunny day, the sun’s rays can be hot, so it is essential to keep sun creams and lots of water with you.

 Night Stay at Johla Camp

Day 5 Jhola to Paju

 Today will be your first walking day of Pastore Peak, K2 and Gondogoro La trek. After organizing all the equipment and supplies our porters load up for the journey ahead towards Paju.

 The path runs for a while at the edge of the Braldu River before climbing to higher ground and allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak. You have to negotiate a couple of streams today, and depending on the melting of the glaciers above, you may have to Ford these (sports sandals or old trainers can be useful). Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this camp, you have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier and granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups, and if he weather is clear, you may see a glimpse of K2.

 Night stay at Paiju camp.

Day 6 Paju to Khorburtse

 Another early start today. From your camp at Paiju, a walk of approximately one hour brings you to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. After viewing the outpouring of meltwater from the ice, we now climb up onto the back of this great beast. At this point, the glacier’s ice is covered by rubble and rocks, and although we are following a trail used by many expeditions, going here can be tough. The trail undulated as we climbed over the swells of the flowing glacier, and it is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum or K2. Gradually, we work our way across the glacier to its south side, where we can use a path along the lateral moraine. Heading roughly east, we continue, sometimes on the moraine and sometimes down beside the glacier until we reach a side valley. At this point, it may be possible to continue more or less directly by climbing up onto the glacier. Or, if the glacier is not easily accessible, we will turn off into the valley for approximately half an hour to reach a point where we can cross the meltwater stream (sandals or old trainers are required). Finally arriving at the camping place at Khorburtse (3,760m), we have sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, the Trango Group and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho. A great day of trekking over difficult and mixed terrain.

 Night stay at Khoburtse camp.

Day 7 Khoburtse to Urdukas

 Today is a short day but quite hard work as we walk up the undulating moraine and gaining height all the way. We continue east beside the Baltoro Glacier either along the lateral moraine or sometimes on the glacier itself, passing the ship-like prow of Great Trango and the isolated pillar of the ‘Nameless Tower’ to our next camp at Urdukas. It has sensational views of the Trango Towers to the west and directly opposite, and almost a mile away across the valley, the vast rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang rise like ramparts above the glacier. This is a truly awesome place. We should reach here in time for a late lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free to camp, relax and soak up our fabulous Mountain vistas.

 Night stay at Urdukas camp.

Day 8 ACCLIMATISING DAY AT URDUKAS

 From many years of Pastore Peak experience, we have learnt that taking a rest day at Urdukas has worked well, the advantages of spending an extra night here are very helpful. It helps the acclimatization process and has proved more effective than a rest day at Paiju.

 This is the last organized campsite on grassy slopes off the main glacier. It also has facilities for washing and cleaning. There is a pleasant walk to a higher altitude behind the camp through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers. Climbing high & sleeping low is the best way to get used to the high altitude before we reach the Pastore Peak.

 Night stay at Urdukas Camp.

Day 9 Urdukas to Goro ii

 Leaving Urdukas behind, you will follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu glacier, which flows from Masherbrum, and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m) and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. We are high now and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions, so wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier where ledges have been levelled out for the tents.

 Night stay at Goro II camp

Day 10 Goro ii to Concordia

 Today you will Trek to Concordia through what must arguably be the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world! Our approach to Concordia continues along the heaving swells of the Baltoro Glacier as we pass Mustagh Tower (7,284m). Ahead of us, Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) acts like a beacon drawing us on, whilst at some points on today’s walk, we can also see Gasherbrum ll (8,035m), which peeks out to the right of Gasherbrum lV. As we make our way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad Peak (8,051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left.

 K2 keeps itself hidden until the very moment we reach Concordia when suddenly its full height is revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4000 meters from the valley floor to the summit – a sight that will never be forgotten. Concordia is a wider area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrum’s and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on the planet, and here you can stand within 24 kilometers of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks! We set up our camp at approximately 4,500 meters on a moraine ridge surrounded by jagged peaks, including Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak and K2.

 Night stay at Concordia

Day 11 Concordia to K2 base camp and back to Concordia

 Rise and shine early to witness a fantastic sunrise view over K2 and Broad Peak. Today, an early start for a scenic walk up to the Mighty K2 Base Camp. For many people, a visit to the actual base camp used by climbers on K2 will be a highlight of their Trek. We can stop and admire the sensational view of K2 in one direction, and the other looks back to Concordia framed by Mitre Peak and the bulk of Chogolisa, also known as ‘Broad Peak ‘. On the return, you stay at Concordia

Day 12 Base Camp to Ali Camp

 After successfully trekking to K2 base camp, you will leave the Concordia behind, striking out on a far less travelled route which will take you along the Upper Baltoro, one of the glaciers coming down from Chogolisa that feed the huge glacial junction of Concordia. From Concordia, there are several moraine ridges to scramble over to reach the Vigne Glacier, which is flatter with fewer crevasses. After 5 – 7 hours of trekking along the Upper Baltoro towards the enormous bulk of Chogolisa at the head of the valley, you eventually reach the confluence of this glacier with the West Vigne Glacier, which sweeps down from the base of the Gondogoro La. Here on the moraine beside the junction, we make our home for the night at ‘Ali Camp’ (4,800m).

 We would usually reach Ali camp around mid-day or the early afternoon, settle in, and your trip leader will organize a skills session to practice the simple techniques of using a jumar to safeguard moving on fixed lines.

 Night stay at Ali Camp.

Day 13 Ali Camp to Khuspang

 Today you will have an early start before the lights break in the morning. Probably around 2 a.m., we will start climbing Gondogoro La. This is to minimize the risk of rockfall on the descent down the Hushe side of the pass.

 After fueling up in the dining tent with breakfast, you will check your crampons and harnesses and set off roped together onto the West Vigne Glacier. In the black, star-studded crisp night air, you will make your way slowly over the sparkling glacier illuminated in pools of light from your head torches.

 This is a tough day, but the views from the top of Gondogoro Pass make it worthwhile. All four 8,000 are visible in one direction, and the other way looks down the Hushe Valley with the beautiful Laila Peak.

 Depending on the snow conditions, it may be necessary to rope up to cross the glacier before getting to the base of the pass. There are several sections with fixed ropes in place which can be used as a handrail. We suggest to clip a carabiner and sling onto the rope for safety.

 If the snow conditions are better, and the trail has already been broken, the pass can be ascended faster (in about 4-5 hours). After approximately 4 hours of climbing from the West Vigne Glacier, with views opening up behind us, we reach the summit of the pass, an incredible and exhilarating feeling. The view from the top of the Pass is breathtaking, with 4 eight[1]thousand-meter peaks views and close at hand, the Karakoram giant K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-I and Gasherbrum-II. The top of the Gondogoro Pass is a broad shoulder, and on the far side, the ground drops precipitously away, and we find ourselves looking down into the Gondogoro Valley. Directly opposite are the faces of the Trinity peaks, but all eyes will be drawn to the beautiful spire of Laila Peak (6,096), and then further down, following the curve of the glacier, we can see the perfect cone of Masherbrum II.

 The Hushe side of the Gondogoro pass can be a tricky descent, although fixed ropes are placed at the top. The slope starts at a sustained 50 degrees on snow and finishes on loose scree towards the bottom. On reaching the green oasis of Khuspang, you can put your feet up and relax, remembering the exciting moments of the day in the Karakoram.

 A rescue team from Hush Village is based at Ali camp to assist and help you cross the Gondogoro Pass safely. They have been running this operation successfully for the last few years for a fee of $70-100 USD per international tourist, which we (Rock Valley Tours Pvt Ltd) Pay. This is included in the price.

 Important note: the crossing of the Gondogoro La depends on good weather and conditions on the approach to the pass. If it is not possible to safely ascend the Pass, the group will walk back down the Baltoro glacier to Askole.

 We believe our itinerary maximizes our chances of crossing the pass because:

 Everyone should be well acclimatized due to the gradual ascent on the trek and also from the careful monitoring of everyone’s acclimatization by using the pulse odometer. We have nights at Concordia and one night at Broad Peak Base Camp.

 We have a buffer day in case of delays or bad weather on Day 19 of the itinerary. 

Day SPARE TREK DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS

 It is like the Gondogoro La Trek journey in that there are possible delays, and t is necessary to build in some time to allow fo

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