K2 Classic Trek
Concordia, K2 Base Camp
Overview
Ranked among the top ten classic hikes in the world, Concordia K2 Base Camp Trek is a wilderness hike that is a lifetime experience for mountain lovers. Adventure enthusiasts who have already undertaken the trek believe that the beauty of the Karakoram Mountains is unique and beyond description. Starting from Islamabad, we head towards Skardu, the entry point of the mighty Karakorams. Driving by jeeps to Askole, a remote and last dwelling, will be our first camping day. Jhula and Paiju will be following campsites. Paiju, a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak, has the first view of the immense Baltoro Glacier. Urdukas is an impressive campsite with a panoramic view over the Baltoro and the dramatic rock spires on the opposite side of the glacier. The scenic view of these towering giants like Trango Towers, Masherbrum, and Muztagh Tower is all surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the Karakoram Range. Goro II, at about 4300m, is on the glacier where ledges have been levelled out for the tents; there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m) and Gasherbrum IV. We head to Concordia, “the throne room of the mountain gods,” as described by Galen Rowell, a famous climber and writer, to create a surreal 360-degree panorama that captivates all who venture here. It is the junction of Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers with several other tributaries, serving as the base for the giants of Karakorams. This location is the base for exploring some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 (8,611 meters, 2ndhighest in the world), Broad Peak (8,047 meters), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 meters), Baltoro Kangri (7,312 meters), and Chogolisa (7,665 meters) etc.
Despite its challenges, the K2 Base Camp Trek does not require technical climbing skills, making it accessible to trekkers with good physical fitness and a spirit of adventure. The terrain primarily consists of rubble and stone paths, with daily trekking distances averaging 14-16 kilometres, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours per day. This gradual ascent allows for proper acclimatization to the increasing altitude. Beyond its natural beauty, the trek offers a profound cultural immersion into the life of the Balti people. Their warm hospitality and rich traditions add a unique dimension to the adventure, enriching the trekking experience. The best time for the K2 Base Camp Trek is from June to August, during the summer months when weather conditions are most favorable, allowing for clear skies and moderate temperatures. The K2 Base Camp Trek is not just a physical challenge but a journey through some of Earth’s most awe-inspiring and remote landscapes. It offers trekkers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Karakoram Range, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, making it a must-do for adventure enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences in Pakistan’s wilderness.
Trek Facts
Trek Name: K2 Classic (Baltoro K2 Base Camp)
Trek Code: ATP-TR-01
Trekking Zone: Restricted Zone
Route: Islamabad-Skardu-Askoli-Concordia-Broad Peak Base Camp-K2 Base Camp-Concordia-Askoli-Skardu-Islamabad
Best time: June to September
Maximum Elevation: 5050 meters
Trek Grade: Strenuous
Trek Duration: 19 nights/20 days (6 hotel nights & 13 camping nights)
Visa Category: Mountaineering & Trekking
Visa Sub Category: Trekking
Permit Requirement: A trekking permit is required as the trek falls in the restricted zone.
Gallery
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the Islamabad International Airport, transfer to hotel. Half day city tour.
Day 2. Islamabad to Chilas or to SkarduAltitude (Skardu): 2250 m
Flight: Islamabad–Skardu (1 hour) or Drive to Chilas (10-12 hours)
After arrival in Skardu or Chilas, transfer to hotel.
Altitude: 2250 m
Chilas-Skardu: 260 km / 7 hours’ drive
Free day in Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu (7-8 hours)
If you arrived by flight, you will go on a half-day sightseeing tour today. This includes Kharpocho Fort, Manthal Buddha Rock, and Sadpara Lake.
Optional: Visit Upper Kachura Lake and Broq or shop for souvenirs, as Skardu is the last town for shopping.
Altitude (Askoli): 3100 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 850 m
Distance: 130 km / 6 hours’ drive
Drive through the lush green Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askoli, the last settlement.
Stay in tents at Askoli.
Altitude (Jhola camp): 3200 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 100 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 17.5 km / 5-6 hours
Start trekking through barren land with views of Biafo Glacier and the beautiful Bakhor Dass Peak (5809 m).
Stay in tents at Jhola camp.
Altitude (Paiju camp): 3600 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 400 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 18.8 km / 7-8 hours
Trek through Bardumal valley, with views of Broad Peak (8051 m).
Stay in tents at Paiju camp.
Altitude (Khuburtse): 4000 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 400 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 13 km / 5 hours
Walk on the Baltoro Glacier, and enjoy views of Trango Towers (6251 m).
Stay in tents at Khuburtse.
Altitude (Urdukas): 4240 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 240 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 8.1 km / 4-5 hours
Enjoy spectacular views of Biale (6729m) and the Trango group.
Stay in tents at Urdukas.
Altitude (Goro-II): 4500 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 260 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 11.6 km / 6 hours
Continue trek along Baltoro Glacier, passing Goro I.
Stay in tents at Goro-II.
Altitude (Concordia): 4687 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 187 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 12.9 km / 6 hours
Arrive at Concordia for spectacular views of K2 and surrounding peaks.
Stay in tents at Concordia.
Altitude (Concordia): 4687 m
Rest day at Concordia to relax and enjoy the view.
Altitude (Broad Peak Base Camp): 4900 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 213 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 7 km / 3 hours
It takes 3 hours to reach Broad Peak Base Camp (4900 m). An amazing day during which we will enjoy the dramatic views of the giant Karakoram Mountains along with large glaciers all around.
Overnight stay in tents.
Altitude (K2 Base Camp): 5050 m
Altitude (Concordia): 4687 m
Distance & Hiking Time (Broad Peak BC to K2 BC): 5.1 km / 2 hours
Distance & Hiking Time (K2 BC to Concordia): 12.1 km / 5 hours
Altitude Gained/Lost: ↑ 150 m & ↓ 213 m
We’ll visit K2 base camp today, giving the opportunity to meet many mountaineers if they are not in higher camps. We will also visit the Gilkey Memorial with its many memory plaques for climbers who died on K2.
Overnight stay in tent at Concordia.
Altitude (Goro-I): 4020 m
Altitude Lost: ↓ 667 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 18.5 km / 7-8 hours
Trek back to Goro-I via Goro-II. Overnight stay in tent.
Altitude (Khuburtse): 4000 m
Altitude Lost: ↓ 20 m
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Trek down to Khuburtse via Urdukas. Overnight stay in tent.
Altitude (Bardumal): 3253 m
Altitude Lost: ↓ 744 m
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Another long day of descent down to Bardumal, situated in a grove of willow and poplar trees, with a fresh-water stream running through it.
Stay in tent at Bardumal.
Altitude (Askoli): 3100 m
Altitude Lost: ↓ 153 m
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Finish trek at Askoli for the last camping night. Here jeeps will be waiting. Say goodbye to porters and pay tips.
Stay in tent at Askoli.
Altitude (Askoli): 2250 m
Altitude Lost: ↓ 850 m
Travel Time: 6 hours’ jeep drive
Travel to Skardu by jeep. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight stay and dinner.
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
Day 20. IslamabadDay at leisure for shopping or visiting Taxila.
Day 21. Departure from IslamabadTransfer to Islamabad International Airport for departure.
Note: The flight between Islamabad and Skardu is subject to weather conditions.
Fixed Departures
First day of trip: 19-JUN-2025
End of trip: 08-JUL-2025
First day of trip: 12-JUL-2025
End of trip: 31-JUL-2025
First day of trip: 19-JUL-2025
End of trip: 07-AUG-2025
First day of trip: 09-AUG-2025
End of trip: 28-AUG-2025
First day of trip: 16-AUG-2025
End of trip: 04-SEP-2025
First day of trip: 23-AUG-2025
End of trip: 11-SEP-2025
20 Days/19 Nights
Fixed departures are pre-scheduled trips with set itinerary dates. They provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to journey alongside other travellers, sharing a memorable adventure.