The K2 Basecamp and Gondogoro La Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition into the mighty Karakoram range of Pakistan. This legendary route takes you to the base of K2 (8,611m) — the second-highest mountain on Earth — and over the Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m), offering surreal views of four 8,000-meter peaks: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II.
Duration: 21 Days
Max Altitude: 5,585m (Gondogoro La)
Trek Difficulty: Challenging
Best Season: Mid-June to late August
Trekking Style: Camping trek with porters & guides
Start/End Points: Askole to Hushe
The K2 Basecamp and Gondogoro La Trek is one of the most thrilling and iconic high-altitude treks in the world, located in the heart of the Karakoram Range, Pakistan. This challenging adventure takes trekkers deep into the stunning Baltoro Glacier, all the way to the foot of K2 (8,611m) — the second-highest mountain on Earth.
Along the way, you’ll witness awe-inspiring views of legendary peaks such as Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, Masherbrum, Trango Towers, and the towering Cathedral Ridge. The highlight of the trek is the dramatic crossing of Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m), offering panoramic views of four 8,000-meter giants from one vantage point — a truly unmatched experience.
The trek begins in Askole and ends in Hushe, passing through glacial valleys, alpine camps, and raw mountain wilderness. It’s a full-service camping trek supported by experienced guides and porters. Best time to attempt this trek is from mid-June to late August.
Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a real adventure, this trek offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters with the Balti people, and memories that last a lifetime. It’s the ultimate trekking challenge in Northern Pakistan.
🏔️ Reach K2 Base Camp (5,150m) – the world’s second-highest peak
🧊 Cross the thrilling Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m)
🏞️ Camp at Concordia with 360° views of giant peaks
📸 See four 8,000m peaks: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II
🚶 Trek on the vast Baltoro Glacier
🏕️ Alpine camping in remote wilderness
🧭 Traverse from Askole to Hushe Valley
🧑🌾 Interact with the local Balti culture
📅 Duration: 20–21 days (including transfers & buffer days)
🧗 Difficulty: Challenging – for experienced trekkers
🏔️ Max Altitude: 5,585m (Gondogoro La Pass)
🕒 Best Time: Mid-June to late August
🏕️ Accommodation: Full-service camping (tents)
🥾 Trek Style: Guided expedition with porters & technical gear
❄️ Terrain: Glaciers, rocky trails, crevasses, and high passes
🛂 Permits Required: Trekking NOC, environment fee, and police clearance
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Islamabad, Islamabad | ||||
| WEAR | Comfortable clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. | ||||
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Airport pickup & transfer to hotel
Briefing at the Alpine Club of Pakistan (NOC formalities)
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad
Option 1: Scenic flight to Skardu (if weather permits)
Option 2: 2-day drive via Babusar Pass or Karakoram Highway (overnight in Chilas)
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu
Final preparations, gear check, and acclimatization
Visit Kharpocho Fort or Satpara Lake (optional)
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu
6–8 hours jeep drive through rugged terrain to Askole
Last village before the trek begins
Overnight: Camp in Askole
Trek begins! ~6 hours walk along Braldu River
Easy trail to warm up
Overnight: Camp in Jhula
~6–7 hours trek with incredible views of Trango Towers
Camping beneath the Baltoro Glacier
Overnight: Camp in Paiju
Rest day with short hikes and glacier preparation
Porters prepare food for glacier crossing
Overnight: Camp in Paiju
Walk on the Baltoro Glacier begins
Stunning views of Uli Biaho and Cathedral Towers
Overnight: Camp in Khoburtse
One of the most scenic days on the glacier
Camp perched on a ledge with Broad Peak in view
Overnight: Camp in Urdukas
Traverse icy terrain with views of Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV
Colder and windier climate
Overnight: Camp on glacier
“Throne Room of the Mountain Gods”
Views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I–IV, and Mitre Peak
Overnight: Camp at Concordia
Day trip to K2 Base Camp (~12 hours round trip)
Visit Gilkey Memorial
Return to Concordia for overnight camp
Buffer day for weather or acclimatization
Optional short hike or rest
Cross heavily crevassed Baltoro Glacier to reach Ali Camp
Final prep for Gondogoro La crossing
Overnight: Camp in Ali Camp
Early alpine start (2–3 AM)
Rope-assisted ascent to pass; spectacular views from the top
Descend to Khuispang (~8–10 hrs total)
Overnight: Camp in Khuispang
Easier descent through lush Hushe Valley
Views of Laila Peak and Masherbrum
Overnight: Camp in Saicho
Final trek (~3 hours) to Hushe village
Drive back to Skardu
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu
Well-deserved rest, optional souvenir shopping or sightseeing
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu
Option 1: Flight to Islamabad (weather dependent)
Option 2: Start return journey via road
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad or Chilas (if by road)
Extra day in case of flight delays or poor weather
Transfer to airport for international flight
