- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
K2: The Vertical Wall of Death
Nestled amidst the Karakoram Range in Northern Pakistan, K2 Basecamp offers an unforgettable adventure for trekkers and climbers alike. This remote outpost serves as the starting point for those seeking to conquer the formidable K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, often referred to as the “vertical wall of death.” The journey to K2 Basecamp follows the Baltoro Glacier, passing beneath a range with the highest concentration of massive mountains on Earth, including 18 peaks above 7,500 meters and four peaks over 8,000 meters.
The trek to K2 Basecamp is a physically demanding but not technically difficult undertaking. It requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization, as well as the ability to navigate challenging glacial terrain. The journey typically takes 12-14 days, with the highest point reached being K2 Basecamp itself at 4,950 meters. Along the way, trekkers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of towering peaks, glaciers, and serene alpine lakes.
For those seeking a truly unforgettable experience, the K2 Basecamp trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most remote and dramatic regions on Earth.
Main Highlights
- Witness K2
- Trek the Baltoro Glacier
- Explore the Karakoram Range
- Reach K2 Basecamp Immerse yourself in nature
- Interact with Balti people
- Create unforgettable memories
- Experience diverse landscapes, including lush valleys, barren glaciers, and towering peaks
- Spot Marco Polo sheep, ibex, and other wildlife
- Connect with like-minded adventurers and form lasting friendships
- Challenge yourself physically and mentally
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Day 2: Fly from Islamabad to Skardu
Day 3: Free day in Skardu
Day 4: Drive from Skardu to Askole
Day 5: Trek from Askole to Jola
Day 6: Trek from Jola to Paiyu
Day 7: Rest day in Paiyu
Day 8: Trek from Paiyu to Korofon
Day 9: Trek from Korofon to Goro 2
Day 10: Trek from Goro 2 to Concordia
Day 11: Trek from Concordia to K2 basecamp and back to Concordia
Day 12: Rest day in Concordia
Day 13: Trek back from Concordia to Goro 2
Day 14: Trek from Goro 2 to Paiyu
Day 15: Trek from Paiyu to Jola
Day 16: Trek from Jola to Askole
Day 17: Drive from Askole to Skardu
Day 18: Free day in Skardu
Day 19: Drive from Skardu to Chillas
Day 20: Drive from Chillas back to Islamabad
Day 21: Islamabad sightseeing and departure
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Islamabad
Arrive in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city’s attractions like Faisal Mosque or Daman-e-Koh.
Day 2
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu
Catch an early morning flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram Range. The aerial views of the mountains are spectacular. Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time in Skardu town.
Day 3
Free day in Skardu
Spend the day at your pace in Skardu. Visit local markets, enjoy the beauty of Satpara Lake, or simply prepare for the trek ahead with a relaxing day.
Day 4
Drive from Skardu to Askole
Embark on a thrilling drive to Askole, the last village before entering the wild mountain regions. Experience the rugged beauty of the Karakoram as you pass through scenic valleys and villages.
Day 5
Trek from Askole to Jola
Begin your trek towards Jola, navigating rocky trails and crossing the Braldu River on a suspension bridge. The trail offers your first taste of the majestic mountain scenery.
Day 6
Trek from Jola to Paiyu
Continue trekking towards Paiyu, where the mighty Baltoro Glacier comes into view. As you move deeper into the Karakoram, the peaks grow taller, giving a preview of the grandeur ahead.
Day 7
Rest day in Paiyu
Take a rest day to acclimatize to the altitude and enjoy the serene surroundings of Paiyu. Relax and prepare for the more strenuous days of trekking to come.
Day 8
Trek from Paiyu to Korofon
Continue along the Baltoro Glacier, gradually ascending towards Korofon. The landscape becomes more rugged as the glacier begins to dominate the path.
Day 9
Trek from Korofon to Goro 2
This is a challenging day as you trek further up the Baltoro Glacier to reach Goro 2. The stunning mountain vistas surrounding you make every step worth the effort.
Day 10
Trek from Goro 2 to Concordia
Trek to the famed Concordia, where the grandeur of K2, Broad Peak, and other towering mountains reveals itself. This spot is known as the "throne room of the gods."
Day 11
Trek from Concordia to K2 basecamp and back to Concordia
Undertake a rewarding trek to the K2 basecamp, standing at the foot of the world’s second-highest peak. Return to Concordia by the evening.
Day 12
Rest day in Concordia
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Concordia. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and reflect on the journey so far.
Day 13 - Day 17
Trek back from Concordia to Askole
Begin the descent, retracing your steps along the Baltoro Glacier. The return trek offers a new perspective of the Karakoram’s rugged beauty.
Day 18
Back to Skardu from Askole
After the trek, drive back to Skardu, where you'll have a chance to relax and celebrate the successful completion of the adventure.
Day 19
Drive from Skardu to Chillas
Begin your journey back towards Islamabad, stopping at Chillas for the night. Enjoy the changing landscape as you leave the mountains behind.
Day 20
Drive from Chillas back to Islamabad
Complete the drive back to Islamabad, taking in the final sights of Pakistan’s diverse landscapes as you transition from mountains to plains.
Day 21
Islamabad sightseeing
Spend your last day exploring Islamabad’s landmarks, including museums, parks, and historical sites, before concluding your unforgettable journey.
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotels during non-trekking days
- Transportation: Airport transfers, domestic flights, and all ground transportation
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Trekking Logistics: Planning, permits, and on-the-ground support
- Guides: Experienced travel guides and porters for carrying luggage
- Equipment: All necessary camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)
- Experiences: Unforgettable moments, laughter, and life-changing adventures
- Flights to Pakistan: You will need to arrange and pay for your flights to and from Pakistan.
- Visa application fees: The visa application fee for Pakistan varies depending on your nationality and visa type.
- Pre-tour or post-tour accommodation: If you require accommodation before or after the trek, you will need to book and pay for it separately.
- Travel insurance: It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unexpected events.
- Tips for staff: Tipping the guides, porters, and other staff.
- Personal snacks: You may want to bring extra snacks for personal consumption.
- 5-star hotel accommodation: If you prefer a premium hotel stay, there will be additional charges.
The K2 Basecamp trek is considered challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. It involves trekking on rugged terrain, glacial moraine, and high altitudes. Prior trekking experience in similar conditions is recommended, and participants should be prepared for long trekking days and variable weather.
Yes, prior trekking experience is highly recommended. The trek involves multiple days of walking on difficult terrain, often on glaciers and rocky paths. Experience with multi-day treks at high altitudes will be beneficial.
The best time to trek to K2 Basecamp is from mid-June to mid-September. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, and the routes are open. Outside of this period, the harsh winter conditions make trekking difficult and dangerous.
Physical preparation is crucial. You should be in good cardiovascular shape, with strong leg muscles and good endurance. A training regimen that includes regular hiking, cardio workouts, and strength training is recommended. It’s also helpful to practice walking with a loaded backpack and get used to trekking on uneven terrain.
K2 Basecamp is located at approximately 5,150 meters (16,896 feet) above sea level. During the trek, you will be consistently trekking above 3,000 meters, with Concordia being around 4,600 meters. Altitude acclimatization is an important part of the trek.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. To minimize the risk, we follow a gradual ascent plan with rest days to help your body acclimatize. It’s important to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and listen to your body. Our guides are trained to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and will ensure your safety.
The accommodation during the trek is in campsites with basic facilities. You will sleep in tents, and while some campsites may have basic toilet facilities, most will be quite basic. Be prepared for rustic conditions, but our team will ensure your comfort with high-quality camping equipment.
We provide all meals during the trek. Our team prepares nutritious meals to keep you energized, and we ensure safe drinking water is available by purifying it or using boiled water. You can also bring water purification tablets if preferred.
You’ll need sturdy, waterproof trekking boots, warm layers, a good sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures), a high-quality backpack, and trekking poles. We’ll provide a full packing list upon booking to ensure you have all the essential gear for the trek.
Safety is our top priority. Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the terrain, weather conditions, and safety protocols. We carry basic medical kits, and our itinerary allows time for proper acclimatization. We also stay updated on weather conditions and adjust the plan if necessary.
The trek typically takes 21 days, including days for acclimatization, travel, and rest. The trekking days themselves vary from 5 to 9 hours of walking, depending on the terrain and altitude.
Cell service is extremely limited, and there is no reliable internet during the trek. It’s best to prepare to be off the grid for the duration of the trek. You can communicate with family or friends before starting the trek and after you return to Skardu.
Weather can vary significantly. During the day, temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C at lower altitudes, but at night, temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at higher camps like Concordia. Expect a mix of sun, wind, and possibly rain or snow at higher altitudes.
Yes, trekking to K2 Basecamp requires a trekking permit, which we will arrange for you. Additionally, as the trek is in a restricted zone near the Pakistan-China border, a special permit from the Ministry of Tourism is also required.
Our trekking groups are usually small, with around 8 to 12 people. This allows for personalized attention from guides and creates a more enjoyable group dynamic. However, we can also accommodate private groups upon request.
We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Our trekking meals are designed to be hearty and nutritious, but please inform us of any specific dietary needs in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
Yes, porters will carry most of your heavy gear, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek. You will only need to carry a daypack with your essentials like water, snacks, and personal items.