Day 1: Islamabad Arrival

Upon arrival at Islamabad airport, our driver will pick you up (if within 24 hours of the tour start). It's recommended to arrive a day early for settling in. After assembling the team, there will be an introduction, briefing, and welcome lunch. Dinner at a local spot, then early rest for an early flight the next morning. Accommodation pre-tour is not included.

Day 2: Fly to Skardu

Day 2 Plan:
- Early morning flight to Skardu (50 minutes), offering epic mountain views.
- Free time to rest and explore Skardu and its bazaar.
- Finalize trekking permits at the local government office.
- Dinner with an introduction to the lead guide, Mr. Zahid.

Day 2 Alternative:
- If flight delays occur, a 18-24 hour road journey from Islamabad to Skardu.
- Break the drive with an overnight stay in Naran or Chilas.
- The aim is to fly to Skardu, but the road trip is a backup option.

Day 3: Market Day in Skardu

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.

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. After seeing the Kharpocho fort, drive just 20 minutes from town to the famed 8th-century Buddha rock and Sadpara Lake, which has pristine blue water. Stop for lunch at the lake. Buddha Rock provides proof that Buddhism existed in the region prior to the coming of Islam in the fourteenth century.

Day 4: Drive from Skardu to Jhula/Askole

Get up early and board a jeep to travel to Askole via the scenic Shigar route, which winds beside the Indus and Shigar Rivers. The final settlement of humans in Shigar Valley is Askole, a little alpine town. Meet the remaining porters and trekking crew members when you arrive in the early afternoon. Take a tour of the one-street town with its traditional wooden buildings and discover more about the customs, culture, and way of living at this altitude.
For many generations, the residents of this settlement have welcomed mountaineers. You will never encounter individuals more hospitable, friendly, and humble than them. In a sign of hospitality, they will invite you to tea and provide refreshments.

We no longer stay in Askole because the route from Askole to Johla was extended in 2021. Following a brief stopover in Askole, we will travel to Johla Camp to spend the night. Get out of Askole and head into the Karakorum Mountains' wildness. The route is on level, dry soil, so the driving is gentle. The massive Biafo Glacier will soon be seen as the valley opens up. Enjoy your first encounter with the moraine, which will take you to Korfong's ancient camp, which resembles an oasis. Other well-known hiking routes, such as the Gondogoro La Circuit, the Snow Lake Trek, and the Hispar Lake Trek, begin from Korfong Camp. The walking and skiing experiences offered by Snow Lake Glacier are exceptional.

Day 5: Jhula to Paiju (3,400 m)

The first day of your K2 base camp trip is today. After gathering all of your gear, set out on foot for the Paiju campground in the heart of the Karakoram National Park. Throughout the journey, your porters and kitchen crew will always set out ahead of you to prepare lunch and put up tents before you reach the camp sites.
Prior to ascending to higher terrain, begin your hike along the Braldu Gorge. If the water levels are high, be ready to cross a few small streams. Old trainers and sports sandals are useful for navigating slick waterways. You will cross a little stream to reach Paiju campground.

The tourism department created and maintains decent camping facilities, trash cans, sinks, and restroom cubicles at Paiju Camp, which is situated on a hillside beneath Paiju Peak. It is a major destination for all climbing and hiking adventures. Meeting people from other trekking teams and hearing about their experiences is made possible via Paiju. The local Balti porters will serenade you with music around a bonfire, and there will be singing and dancing afterwards. Trango Towers and the massive Baltoro Glacier are seen from this location.

335 meters of descent and 580 meters of ascent.
Camp for the night (meals B, L, and D).

Day 6: Paiju - Khoburtse (3,833 m)

• Trekking distance: 14.3 km
• Altitude gain: 747 m up
• Khoburtse Camp Elevation: 3,833 m

You will be introduced to the massive Baltoro Glacier, the chunk of ice that lies outside of the polar area, on the sixth day of your base camp walk. You can reach the tip of Baltoro Glacier with an hour's walk from the camp. Stroll over the rocks and debris that cover Baltoro's surface and take in the sound and sight of water gushing out of the mountain. To stroll on the Baltoro Glacier, you do not require an ice axe, ropes, or any other specialized climbing gear. But for other folks, traveling over an uneven surface can be challenging. It is advisable to carry crampons or spikes for improved balance.

The flat terrain of the Khoburtse campground is adjacent to the Baltoro Glacier. While there aren't any restrooms like in the other camps, this one has an amazing view of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho.

Camping at Khorburtse for the night.
640 meters of ascent and 220 meters of descent.
Camping with full services for the night (meals B, L, and D).

Day 7: Khoburtse - Urdukas (4,053 m)

• Trekking distance: 6.3 km
• Altitude gain: 400 m up
• Urdukas Camp elevation: 4,052 m

The day begins with a sunrise over Trango Tower and a strenuous trek up the undulating moraine. Passing the Nameless Towers, you reach Urdukas camp, a historical site built in 1909 by the Duke of Abruzzi. The camp offers a spectacular view of Cathedral Peak and is the last campsite with facilities. The afternoon is free for relaxation or exploring the slope behind the camp.

Day 8: Urdukas - Goro 2 (4,250 m)

• Trekking distance: 11.5 km
• Altitude gain: 481 m up
• Goro 2 Camp elevation: 4,250 m

The trek to Goro begins with a visit to a graveyard of porters in the Baltoro region. The path then ascends to the surface of Baltoro Glacier, where you can admire Masherbrum Peak, also known as the queen of the Karakoram. The path continues on the uneven rocky surface, reaching Goro I camp. Lunch and a short break are provided before reaching Goro II campsite for a night stay. The journey ascends 330 meters and descends 90 meters, offering full-service camping with meals.

Day 9: Goro 2 - Concordia (4,600 m)

Day 10: Concordia - K2 Base Camp (5000 m)

Today, a challenging but relatively straightforward 11.5km trek with a 500m altitude gain leads you to K2 Base Camp at 5,000 meters. You'll visit the Art Gilkey Memorial and have tea with expedition teams, followed by a night's rest at the base camp with stunning views of K2, the Savage Mountain.

Day 11: Rest Day at K2 Base Camp

After the challenging trek to K2 Base Camp, you'll have a well-deserved day of relaxation at the camp, enjoying tea, reading, short explorations, and even a high-altitude dance party with the Balti Porters - a day to savor the stunning surroundings.

Day 12: K2 Base Camp - Concordia (4,600 m)

The K2 Base Camp trek in Pakistan offers a breathtaking view of Concordia and Broad Peak, with the Gilkey Memorial at the bottom of K2. Named after Art Gilkey, who died during the 1953 American expedition to summit K2, the memorial is a testament to those who died while climbing K2. The base camp, located at 5,150 meters above sea level, is the largest campsite for mountaineers outside Everest base camp. The summit offers a rare panoramic view of Concordia and Broad Peak, a testament to the journey and the accomplishments of those who climbed K2. The trek culminates in a night stay in Concordia, where the descending journey begins, retracing steps back to Islamabad.

Day 13: Concordia - Goro

The official completion of your K2 Base Camp ascent signals the start of the descent. Bid farewell to K2 and head back toward Islamabad, retracing your steps. The descent down the Baltoro Glacier unveils a different perspective of the towering peaks. Marvel at the granite towers, spires, and the snow-capped Masherbrum Peak as you make your way to the atmospheric Goro camp. Expect a celebratory atmosphere as your crew may choose to revel in your success.

The K2 base camp trek is completed, and the trek continues towards Islamabad. As you descend Baltoro, you'll encounter the majestic Gasherbrum IV and the granite towers of Masherbrum Peak. Goro camp, located at an atmospheric site, offers a unique experience with Balti porters singing local songs. The journey culminates in a night stay in a tent at Goro camp, reaching an elevation of 30 meters and 400 meters.

Day 14: Day 4: Goro to Khoburtse

Continue retracing your steps on the Baltoro Glacier, witnessing the changing landscape in the descending part of the trek. Pass through Urdukas and the Duke of Abruzzi, reflecting on the hardships faced by early pioneers. Lunch at the Duke's terrace offers spectacular views before descending to Khoburtse camp, marking the end of the Baltoro glacier and the beginning of the Braldu Valley. Green patches on the lower slopes of Paiju Peak signal a return to off-glacier camping.

Day 15: Return to Paiju

Trek back to Paiju with the iconic Trango Tower as your backdrop. Cross the Liligo Glacier and navigate the challenges of the main Baltoro Glacier. Admire the swells of the glacier and the ramparts of Uli Biaho before descending to the mountain valley. Cross streams and witness the power of the Braldu River as you arrive at Paiju camp for the night.

Day 16: Return to Jhola

The last trekking day of the K2 Base Camp journey unfolds as you leave Paiju camp. Descend to lower elevations, experiencing warmer temperatures and a different viewpoint of the granite spires. Traverse the boulder-strewn landscape and cross side streams on your way to Jhola campsite. Celebrate the successful journey with porters, expressing gratitude through tips and sharing spare kits.

Day 17: Back to  Skardu

Bid farewell to the wilderness as you drive back to Skardu via Askole. Cross valleys and witness signs of habitation before reaching Askole village. Enjoy a short break to say goodbye to porters, many of whom call Askole home. Continue the journey to Skardu via Shigar Valley, relishing the transition from mountainous terrain to green fields and stone walls. A hot shower and a warm bed await in Skardu.

Day 18: Rest Day in Skardu/ Contingency Day

Rest day in Skardu acts as a backup for potential weather-related trek delays.

Day 19: Fly to Islamabad

After an early morning flight from Skardu to Islamabad, the group will spend a relaxing day in Islamabad with a shared feast, or they will be driving the Karakoram Highway (KKH) if there are any flight delays.

Day 20: Contingency Day in Islamabad

To account for potential travel complications, there's an extra day in Islamabad, allowing for a stress-free departure. It's a free day in the city with group meals, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

Day 21: Client Departure Day

Airport transfers are organized for departing flights within the next 12 hours. Check-out is typically around 11 am on Day 21, and if you're not flying home immediately, you can opt to stay at the same hotel, but additional nights won't be covered by EBT.