K2 Base Camp Trek

Today we get our first test of patience and flexibility. There are two possible scenarios for the day. If weather permits, we will board a scheduled one-hour flight to Skardu. Upon arrival, pre-arranged transport will take us to our hotel accommodations.

If the flight is canceled, we will travel overland to Chilas. This is a long journey of approximately 13–14 hours along the famed Karakoram Highway, one of the most dramatic and rugged roads in the world. Today’s drive sets the tone for the adventure ahead and offers an early glimpse into the raw landscapes of the Karakoram.

Today is a “choose your own adventure,” depending on how things unfolded yesterday. If we arrived in Skardu by plane, you are free to rest, explore the town on your own, and prepare for the trek ahead. Alternatively, if we traveled by road, we will continue our journey to Skardu today. Bring a book—today’s drive will take another 10–11 hours—but the sheer fact that this incredible highway was built through such rugged terrain is awe-inspiring. Along the way, we will catch glimpses of the majestic Nanga Parbat, one of the world’s tallest peaks.

Get ready for a rugged mountain drive from Skardu to Askoli today. We’ll spend approximately 5–6 hours in mountain-ready jeeps, traveling over varied terrain as we venture deeper into the heart of the Karakoram Range.

We set off early to avoid the heat of the day, but the route is gentle and enjoyable. We cross the Biafo Glacier along the way and catch our first views of the dramatic Paiyu pinnacles. Although we have some distance to cover, today’s trekking is mostly flat with gentle undulations. It will be important to carry sunscreen and plenty of water.

We make an early start this morning, with 7–9 hours of trekking ahead. Thankfully, the route is largely flat, with slight undulations along rocky and sandy trails as we follow the river. This can be a challenging day due to heat, dust, and limited shade, but the rewards are immediate: towering peaks begin to dominate the skyline. Upon reaching Paiyu Camp, we’re greeted by welcome shade and increasingly spectacular mountain views.

Climbing out of camp this morning, we’re met with a challenging ascent over just 5 miles. Mercifully, this climb brings us up to the mighty Baltoro Glacier, which we will follow for several days until we reach Concordia. The terrain is uneven, steep in places, and rock-laden, though there are occasional sections of well-defined trail.

Reaching the glacier marks a sharp contrast to the exposed, harsh environment of the previous days as we encounter cool glacial caves, intricate ice formations, and meltwater ponds. The views only continue to improve, with the surrounding peaks looming ever more prominently as we hike.

Khoburtse Camp is smaller, but it offers access to a beautiful nearby waterfall where many campers opt for a refreshing cold plunge. Surrounded by peaks in all directions, it’s easy to forget the compact feel of this dramatic campsite.

Today is an easier day, but it’s important to go slow and not overdo it—we are steadily gaining elevation now. We’ll trek mostly along the crest of a lateral moraine during our first glacier traverse of the trip, enjoying stunning views of Paiyu Peak. Urdukas is a genuinely epic campsite and a known favorite of the entire trek. We’ll take advantage of arriving early, giving us time to relax or even enjoy a refreshing glacial shower while taking in expansive views of Chorich, Uli Biaho, and the Trango Towers.

Urdukas is a historic campsite set on a grassy outcropping above the Baltoro Glacier, offering basic cleaning and washing facilities. There are short walks around camp where we can meander and soak in magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Today is a 6–8 hour moderately difficult walk on glacier terrain. This is often where you begin to truly feel the effects of altitude, but it coincides with a turning point in the trek as the surrounding landscape becomes increasingly otherworldly. From camp, you’ll have sweeping views of Masherbrum, Gasherbrum IV, and the summit of Broad Peak. As we move deeper into the Karakoram, the challenge of elevation is offset by the spectacle around us—towering ice formations, meltwater rivers cutting through the glacier, and a dramatic, high-alpine environment that feels far removed from the everyday world. We have officially entered the heart of the Karakoram.

Concordia—situated at the confluence of two massive glaciers—is known as the “Throne Room of the Gods.” Today we have a moderately difficult hike, trekking over glacial terrain toward extraordinary views of Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Broad Peak, Marble Peak, and, of course, K2.

As we continue to gain elevation, temperatures drop noticeably, with nighttime lows often falling below freezing and a chance of snowfall. Concordia Camp is one of the most spectacular campsites in the world, positioned at the intersection of glaciers and surrounded by four of the planet’s highest mountains.

If weather conditions cooperate, the sunset from camp this evening is truly unforgettable.

Today is a well-earned rest day, giving you time to recover and acclimatize in one of the most breathtaking settings on Earth.

We have an early start today, navigating over crevasses and small rivers created by melting ice. Initially, the route involves frequent ups and downs until we are able to make our way onto the smoother “ice highway” of the Godwin Austen Glacier. After a good 6–8 hours of trekking, we arrive at the famed K2 Base Camp.

Because we are so close to the mountain itself, our views of the Savage Mountain are more intimate rather than expansive. Reaching Base Camp often brings a range of emotions, and the atmosphere here is distinctly different—this is the staging ground for one of the world’s most dangerous and demanding climbs. You may also visit the Gilkey Memorial, located on the opposite side of the glacier, honoring climbers who lost their lives on K2.

After breakfast, we have approximately three hours of trekking to reach Broad Peak Base Camp on our return toward Concordia. From here, we enjoy outstanding views of K2, with Mitre Peak rising behind us and Broad Peak dominating the skyline. After a snack break and time for photos, we continue our trek back to Concordia for the night.

Today we begin our trek back out through the valley, once again following the Baltoro Glacier. This time, we’ll vary our camps to keep the journey fresh while ensuring we maintain good daily mileage for a timely return. Our route skips past Goro II (where we stayed on the ascent) and continues a few miles farther down the glacier to Goro I campsite.

Today, we continue along the glacier as far as Urdukas before hugging its edge and descending to Liligo Camp. This marks our first camp on the return journey that is not located on the glacier—a welcome reprieve for many after several nights on the cold ice. Liligo is a quiet, tucked-away campsite that sees fewer trekkers and offers excellent views of the dramatic Trango Towers rising above the valley.

Today we find ourselves back along the river in the valley. As with the previous days, we’re covering a good distance; however, the terrain becomes markedly easier to navigate now that we are off the glacier. Perched right along the river, Mondrung is more spacious than Liligo Camp, though it can also be busier.

Our final hike is a long one, with potential exposure to sun and heat, so we will start very early in the morning. Upon reaching Askole, we load our gear into the jeeps and begin the drive back to Skardu, arriving relatively late—dirty and tired, but completely fulfilled by the journey.

Today we fly back to Islamabad. If weather prevents us from flying, we will instead drive to Chilas and overnight there.

Built-in layover day in case of bad weather delays or travel disruptions.

Depart according to your flight schedule, carrying with you unrivaled memories of a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the mountains of Pakistan.