Italian mountaineer and author Fosco Maraini famously described Concordia as “the world’s greatest museum of shape and form” in his book Karakoram—a description that still perfectly captures the grandeur of this extraordinary place.
At Concordia, six peaks rising above 7,925 meters tower into the sky, including K2 (8,611 m), the second-highest mountain in the world. This is one of the most spectacular high-altitude landscapes on Earth.
The journey begins in Islamabad, followed by a flight to Skardu and an overland drive to the trek’s starting point, where we meet our expedition porters—experienced and resilient mountain men of the Karakoram. As the trek progresses, we enter a vast wilderness of rock, ice, and sky, moving deeper into one of the most dramatic mountain regions in the world.
Upon reaching Paiju Camp, at the edge of the Baltoro Glacier, the raw power of nature becomes unmistakable. The sounds of melting ice, shifting rocks, and the deep creaks of the glacier create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Arrival at Concordia is the ultimate reward. Here, trekkers are surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic peaks, including K2, Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m), and the razor-edged Mitre Peak. There is truly no other place on Earth like Concordia—it is often called the Roof of the World, a place that feels like shaking hands with the heavens.
The K2 Base Camp & Concordia Trek is a challenging and demanding high-altitude trek, designed for trekkers with previous mountain trekking experience. It is not recommended for beginners or those without prior exposure to strenuous trekking at altitude.
Arrive in Islamabad. The day is spent finalizing trekking permits with the Ministry of Tourism and attending a briefing with the Deputy Chief of Operations.
Evening free.
Overnight in Islamabad.
Morning transfer to Islamabad Airport for the flight to Skardu (2,287 m), subject to weather conditions.
In case of flight cancellation, we drive along the Karakoram Highway with an overnight stay at Chilas on the banks of the Indus River.
(1-hour flight or 12-hour drive)
Free day in Skardu, the capital of Baltistan. Visit the local bazaar, Kharpocho Fort, and the turquoise-blue Satpara Lake.
Overnight at a motel or resort.
Drive east from Skardu toward Shigar Valley. Jeeps take us to Thongol, followed by a short walk to the campsite.
6–7 hours jeep drive. Overnight at camp.
After porters receive their loads, we begin trekking along the Braldu River to Askole, the last permanent settlement.
Cross the Biafo Glacier to reach Korofan (3,110 m).
6–7 hours trekking
Cross the Dumordo River via a wooden bridge and continue trekking through scree and river crossings.
First views of Gasherbrum IV and Broad Peak.
Arrive at Paiju (3,600 m).
4–5 hours trekking
Ascend gradually to the Baltoro Glacier, walking through moraine and ice with views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Range.
Camp at Khobursay (4,000 m).
5–6 hours trekking
Traverse the lateral and medial moraines of Baltoro Glacier.
Views of Gasherbrum II and Mashabrum Peak.
Camp at Biango (4,350 m).
7–8 hours trekking
Walk along the medial moraine toward Concordia, the meeting point of five glaciers.
Spectacular views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, and surrounding peaks.
4–5 hours trekking
Full-day excursion to K2 Base Camp (5,030 m) via the Godwin-Austen Glacier.
Strenuous round trip over snow, rock, and ice.
Return to Concordia for overnight.
9–10 hours trekking
Begin return trek, descending along the Baltoro Glacier.
Camp at Gore with views of Mashabrum Peak.
5–6 hours trekking
Trek to Urdukas, a scenic campsite opposite the Trango Towers.
5–6 hours trekking
Continue descending along the Baltoro Glacier to Khoburzay.
Overnight at camp.
Retrace the route back to Paiju.
Overnight at camp.
Descend toward Jhola, located at the confluence of Baltoro and Dumordo Rivers.
Cross the newly constructed wooden bridge.
Overnight at camp.
Cross Dumordo River and trek back to Askole.
Depending on road conditions, the jeep transfer to Skardu or walk to Thongal for transport.
Jeep ride back to Skardu. Farewell to trekking staff.
Enjoy a hot shower and an overnight at a motel or resort.
5–6 hours drive
Flight to Islamabad (subject to weather).
If canceled, drive via the Karakoram Highway with an overnight stop at Chilas.
Visit the Ministry of Tourism for trek debriefing.
Free time to explore Rawalpindi and Islamabad before departure.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
Accommodation:
Twin-sharing standard hotel rooms in towns.
2-person dome tents during the trek.
Meals:
Half board at hotels (breakfast + dinner).
Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee).
Transportation:
Air-conditioned transport along the Karakoram Highway.
Soft-top 4×4 jeeps to/from the trek head and trek end.
Camping Facilities:
2-person dome tents with mattresses.
Dining tent with folding table & chairs.
Kitchen tent with full kitchenette and staff.
Toilet tent.
Portage:
13 kg per person during the trek.
Other Services:
Tips and portage at airports & hotels.
Entrance fees to sites and museums.
English-speaking mountain guide.
Domestic or international airfare and airport taxes.
Any expenses due to forced measures, flight cancellations, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, or other events beyond the control of Rock Valley Tours, their staff, and suppliers.
Personal expenses not mentioned under “Included,” such as souvenirs, snacks, phone/internet charges, or laundry.
Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
Optional activities or services not listed in the itinerary.
Travel or health insurance, including evacuation or rescue costs.
Luggage
Large Duffel Bag: Maximum 12.5 kg, with lock. Easier for porters to carry; avoid using a backpack.
Day Pack: For items you need during trekking, jeep rides, or bus travel (camera, jacket, water bottle, etc.).
Extra Carry-On: To store city clothes in the respective city.
Money Belt/Fanny Pack: For passport, travel documents, and cash.
Sleeping & Camping
Sleeping Bag: Rated 0 °F / -18 °C. Down bags are lightweight; synthetic bags perform better when wet. Waterproof shell or bivy recommended.
Camp Shoes: Jogging shoes or Tiva sandals, ideal for streams and campsite strolls.
Mattress/Close-Cell Matrices: We provide, but personal comfort items are optional.
Footwear
Trekking Boots: Medium-weight, fabric or fabric/leather combination. Well broken-in. Compatible with crampons.
Crampons: Required for certain high-altitude treks (e.g., Gondogoro La, Biafo-Hispar, Wartum Peak).
Thermal Socks: Cotton/wool blend for glaciers; synthetic/cotton for warmer sections.
Liner Socks: Thin, wickable material like polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, or Drylete.
Clothing
Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket & Pants: Warm, even when wet.
Rain Gear: A waterproof and windproof suit that fits over fleece layers.
Wicking Long Underwear: Tops and bottoms, two sets recommended.
Down Jacket/Parka: Essential for high-altitude or evening cold.
Shalwar Kameez (Women): Comfortable, loose-fitting for warm conditions and culturally appropriate.
Cotton/Wool Shirts & Trousers: Layering for trekking and evenings.
Gloves/Mittens & Ski Hat: Protect against cold and wind.
Brimmed Sun Hat: Protects from low morning sun.
Personal Gear
Sunglasses: High-quality UV protection.
Water Bottle: Durable screw-top recommended.
Headlamp & Extra Batteries/Bulbs
Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Skin Lotion
Toiletries & Laundry Soap
Swiss Army Knife / Multi-Tool
Nylon Cord / Clothesline
Personal Medical Kit
Pocket Sewing Kit
Lighter or Matches
Wristwatch
Optional Items
Extra sleeping mat for comfort.
Stuff sacks for used clothing.
Travel tissues or toilet paper.
Notebook and pen for journaling.
Snacks (energy bars, dried fruits, candy).
Camera, extra batteries, lenses, and cleaning supplies.
Lightweight sports gear (Frisbee, playing cards).
Water purification tablets.
Bathing suit (for rivers/lakes).
Tips
Pack one large duffel and one small day pack for convenience.
Wear durable, comfortable, and easily washable clothes.
Layer clothing to adjust to varying temperatures: warm days, cold nights.
Men can wear shorts after leaving populated areas; women should stick to loose, long clothing.
If you’re traveling to Pakistan, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your nationality, you can get it on arrival or apply online before your trip. You can also go to your local Pakistani embassy for a tourist visa. The length of stay varies: e-visas can be up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months), while visas on arrival are valid for 30 days. Make sure to check visa requirements with the authorities, as they might change.
In Pakistan, what you wear depends on when and where you’re going. In hot areas, wear light, loose clothes like a shirt and trousers. For cold places, bring warm clothes like a jacket and layers. When visiting mosques, cover your head, arms, legs, and shoulders. Dress modestly and avoid shorts. If you’re unsure, it’s best to dress conservatively.
June–September: Monsoon season with unpredictable rains, reaching over 45°C (113°F) in June. Floods can occur.
October/November: Post-monsoon season with decreasing temperatures and rainfall. Days are warm, nights cool.
December–February: Winter months with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and colder nights, especially in the northern mountains where it snows.
March–May: Hot and dry season with temperatures in the mid-30s°C (95°F) in low-lying areas, getting hotter towards the north.
Although Pakistan has faced challenges in recent years, it’s now generally safe to visit as long as you stay in busy areas. Some people might worry about coming here, but trust us, there’s a lot to discover beyond what you see in the news. You can be confident that Rock Valley Tours wouldn’t take you anywhere unsafe.
