19 Days Trek to K2 Base Camp – A Journey to the Heart of the Karakoram
Deep in the mighty Karakoram mountain range of Northern Pakistan lies an unforgettable adventure—one that leads you to the base of the world’s second-highest mountain, K2, and across some of the wildest landscapes on Earth.
This trek isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about the entire journey. You’ll travel through the stunning Central Karakoram National Park, hike alongside the vast Baltoro Glacier, and cross the high-altitude Gondogoro La Pass (5,650 meters / 18,536 feet). Along the way, you’ll walk under the shadows of four 8000-meter giants, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I & II, and pass by countless dramatic 6000 and 7000-meter peaks.
The path will take you by plane to Skardu, then by jeep into the remote valleys, and finally on foot through icy trails and rugged terrain. It’s a journey that will challenge you, reward you, and leave you with stories you’ll never forget.
Expect to meet climbers from around the world, camp under clear starry skies, and experience the raw beauty and silence of high mountains. This trek is tough, but it’s also one of the most breathtaking things you’ll ever do.
We’ve guided hundreds of adventurers on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, and it remains our most loved and talked-about trek. If you’re looking for real adventure, unmatched mountain views, and an experience that connects you with nature in its purest form—this is the one.
TREK FACTS:
Check out our detailed itinerary for the K2 Base Camp and Godogoro La Trek below.
Welcome to Pakistan! Most international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the morning. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to rest and recover from your journey. Once all group members have arrived, we will hold a group briefing covering the trek to Pastore Peak, K2 Base Camp, and Gondogoro La Pass.
Depending on arrival times, there may be an option for light sightseeing in Islamabad—a purpose-built city established in 1961 as Pakistan’s capital.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad
Today, we transfer to Islamabad Airport for a spectacular flight to Skardu (weather permitting). This 45-minute flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Karakoram, including Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). On very clear days, glimpses of K2 and Gondogoro La are possible.
Upon arrival in Skardu, transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the local bazaar, visit historic forts, scenic lakes, or see ancient rock carvings, including the famous 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock.
If the flight is cancelled due to weather:
We will drive via the Karakoram Highway to Chilas or Naran.
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu / Chilas / Naran
Skardu, the capital of ancient Baltistan, is the gateway to major Karakoram treks and expeditions.
Optional activities include:
Walk to Kharpocho Fort for sunrise or sunset views
Visit Organic Village
Optional jeep trip to Satpara Lake
Explore Skardu Bazaar
This day also acts as a buffer in case of road travel delays.
Note: If the road between Jhola and Askoli is open, we may drive to Askoli today.
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu / Askoli (if applicable)
We drive along the Indus, Shigar, and Braldu Rivers into Askoli, the last village before entering the Karakoram wilderness.
Meet the porters and prepare loads. Askoli is a traditional Balti village with wooden houses, cultivated fields, and apricot groves.
We continue walking through fields and valleys, cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier, and reach Korofong, then proceed toward Jhola Camp.
Overnight: Camp at Jhola
Our first full trekking day begins along the Braldu River before climbing to higher ground with impressive views of Paiju Peak (6,611 m).
We cross glacial streams (sandals recommended). Paiju is a green oasis and offers the first views of the Baltoro Glacier, Trango Towers, and Cathedral peaks.
Overnight: Camp at Paiju
We reach the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and begin trekking over its rocky, undulating surface. The trail alternates between moraine and ice.
Spectacular views include Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, and Cathedral peaks.
Overnight: Camp at Khoburtse (3,760 m)
A short but demanding day with continuous altitude gain. Trek beside the Baltoro Glacier past Great Trango and the Nameless Tower.
Urdukas offers one of the most dramatic campsites in the Karakoram.
Overnight: Camp at Urdukas
A vital rest and acclimatization day. Optional acclimatization walks through alpine meadows.
Urdukas is the last grassy campsite before Concordia and offers washing facilities.
Overnight: Camp at Urdukas
We move deeper into the Baltoro Glacier, passing views of Masherbrum (7,800 m), Gasherbrum IV, and Muztagh Tower.
Camping is on glacial ice—temperatures drop significantly at night.
Overnight: Camp at Goro II
One of the most spectacular trekking days on Earth. As we approach Concordia, peaks appear one by one—Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II, and finally K2 rising nearly 4,000 meters above the valley floor.
Concordia is surrounded by four 8000-meter peaks.
Overnight: Camp at Concordia (4,500 m)
Early morning trek to K2 Base Camp. Spend time at the iconic site used by climbers.
Return to Concordia in the afternoon.
Overnight: Camp at Concordia
We leave the main Baltoro route and follow the Upper Baltoro / Vigne Glacier toward Gondogoro La.
Arrive at Ali Camp (4,800 m). Practice rope and jumar techniques in preparation for the pass.
Overnight: Camp at Ali Camp
Early start around 2:00 AM. Roped glacier travel, fixed ropes, and crampons are used.
From the summit, enjoy views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, and Laila Peak.
Descend carefully to Khuspang.
A professional rescue team from Hushe assists with the crossing (included in price).
Overnight: Camp at Khuspang
Reserved for weather delays or an additional crossing attempt. If unused, this becomes a rest or exploration day.
Descend through glaciers, flower-filled meadows, and yak pastures. Views of Masherbrum dominate the landscape.
Overnight: Camp at Saitcho (3,350 m)
Easy walk to Hushe Village, then drive through Khaplu Valley back to Skardu.
Hot showers and hotel comfort await.
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu
Fly back to Islamabad (weather permitting). Afternoon free for sightseeing and shopping.
If the flight is cancelled, drive via the Karakoram Highway to Chilas.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad / Chilas
Buffer day for road travel or free sightseeing in Islamabad if already flown.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
End of Trip – An unforgettable Karakoram adventure.
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
Hotel Accommodation
04 nights accommodation in standard category hotels/guesthouses in Skardu
Single or Double occupancy (as per booking)
Transportation
Airport transfers: Skardu Airport ⇄ Hotel
Toyota 4×4 jeeps from Skardu to the trek starting point and return
Local transport for luggage between Skardu and the trailhead
Camping Equipment
High-quality 3-season dome tents (shared)
Sleeping mattresses
Toilet tent
Comfortable camping setup even in harsh high-altitude conditions
Kitchen & Dining Equipment
Large mess tent
Dining table and chairs
Complete kitchen utensils and cooking equipment
Meals
Half Board at hotels in Skardu
Full Board during trekking and at base camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea / Coffee
Fresh, hygienic, high-quality meals throughout the trek
RVT is one of the few expedition outfitters in Pakistan, providing fresh meat and vegetables during the trek
RVT Expedition Staff
Highly experienced, professional, and friendly team
Includes:
Trek Leader / Guide
Cook & Cook Helper
Sardar
Porters
All staff expenses included:
Salaries & daily allowance
Food & accommodation
Insurance
Equipment & kits
RVT internal travel (Islamabad ⇄ Skardu)
Helicopter rescue for staff is not included.
Porterage (Load Support)
Porters from Askole to Base Camp and return
Includes porter food & accommodation
12.5 kg luggage allowance per participant
Extra luggage can be arranged at an additional cost
Equipment Storage Facility (Free Service)
For frequent visitors to Pakistan:
Free storage of personal trekking or climbing equipment
Available in Islamabad or Skardu
Trusted by climbers, expedition leaders, and trekking organizers
This complimentary service is exclusively offered by RVT
Official Formalities & Permits
Submission and processing of trekking/climbing permits
Coordination with Gilgit-Baltistan Ministry of Tourism
Ministry briefing & debriefing arrangements
Invitation letter for visa application (if required)
Processing of:
Satellite permit (if required)
Import & export documentation for mountaineering cargo
The following services are not included in the package price. Some items can be arranged upon request:
Accommodation & Transfers
Accommodation in Islamabad
Islamabad airport pick-up & drop-off
Road transportation if flights to/from Skardu are cancelled (will be arranged at additional cost)
Meals & Personal Expenses
Meals at hotels or during road travel
Soft drinks, snacks, bottled/mineral water
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, liquor, etc.
Flights & Permits
Domestic & international airfares
Trekking permit fee
Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) fees
Personal Equipment & Luggage
Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bag, backpacks, shoes, clothing, etc.)
Porter from Concordia to K2 Base Camp and back
Porter for extra luggage above 12.5 kg
Horse, donkey, or yak services (if required)
A detailed gear list will be shared with participants in advance.
Medical & Emergency
Personal medicines
Rescue & evacuation charges
Helicopter rescue cost: USD 14,000–16,000 (estimated, subject to change)
Refund depends on the insurance policy and the service provider
Other Exclusions
Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled itinerary
Transfers to airports (unless specified)
Room service and gratuities for personal services
Any expense caused by:
Flight cancellations
Landslides
Accidents
Natural disasters
Delays beyond the control of RVT or its suppliers
LUGGAGE & CARGO HANDLING
RVT assists with:
Cargo clearance before arrival
Cargo clearance after departure
Storage of unnecessary belongings in Islamabad or Skardu during the trek
MISCELLANEOUS
A farewell dinner will be hosted by RVT in a selected restaurant or hotel in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, with staff returning from Base Camp
TAXES, FEES & TIPPING
Included:
Camping fees
Bridge crossing fees
Applicable government charges
Not considered included:
Tips for porters, Sardar, and RVT staff
IMPORTANT NOTES
If any participant leaves the expedition for personal reasons, all return transportation costs will be borne by the participant
Any damage to tents or expedition equipment will be charged at full replacement value
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Use of drugs or intoxicants is strictly prohibited
Any participant found using substances during transport or on the trip will be expelled immediately without refund
RVT reserves the right to cancel the trip without prior notice for reasons deemed appropriate
In such cases, a full refund will be issued
Itineraries may change due to:
Weather conditions
Local politics
Transportation issues
Other unavoidable circumstances
Any changes will be decided by the Trip Leader & Guide in the best interest of the group
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all transport
Participants must carry a valid Passport / CNIC
Punctuality and time discipline are mandatory
Participants must wear non-slip trekking shoes/boots
Heels, dress shoes, or smooth-soled footwear are not allowed
On steep mountain roads, air-conditioning may be switched on/off to prevent vehicle overheating
RVT is not responsible for personal injury, loss, or damage during the expedition
