The K2 Base Camp Trek is high above sea-level. It’s an epic trek for hardened adventurers and those looking to take their overseas experiences to the next level.
Trek through the incredible Gondogora La for stunning views and a chance to test your crampons and ice axe skills.
There’s virtually no light pollution in this area of Pakistan so you can enjoy the nights sky in all it’s glory.
You’ll have a unique experience to meet people from the Hunza Valley.
Your challenge begins in Isalamabad, Pakistan's vibrant capital, before you depart on a spectacular flight into Skardu, far to the North. From here you will continue on your trek into the heart of the Karakoram on your journey toward K2, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way.
Expert guides and porters accompany the group, meaning you can focus on your ascent with the assurance of an experienced safety team on the mountain.
Professionally-organised package includes accommodation, transport, guides, permits, meals, safe drinking water and more.
To qualify for this trip, participants must have previous experience of high-altitude trekking, in excess of 4,000 metres above sea level, preferably including prior use of crampons and an ice axe.
The grading of this challenge is extreme! It is is a multi-day trek to significant altitude (5,100m above sea level) and there are several hours of trekking per day for a total of 14 days; you will need to be in good physical shape to complete the challenge. Although acclimatisation is slow and gradual, you will feel the effects of altitude and therefore stamina is essential for all participants.
To qualify for this trip, participants must have previous experience of high-altitude trekking, in excess of 4,000 metres above sea level, preferably including prior use of crampons and an ice axe. You will be asked to provide details of your experience during the registration process.
The best English-speaking guides who have years of experience of guiding participants will be used on this challenge. They will not only be there to ensure that you are healthy, safe and well looked after, they’ll also be more than happy to give you a real insight into the culture and traditions of Pakistan.
The campsites are very basic yet comfortable. You will be housed in good-quality 3-person tents on a twin-share basis. There will also be kitchen and dining tents, and your food will be served communally in the dining tent by the cooks each night.
Islamabad International Airport
Airport Road
Islamabad
Pakistan
After weeks of preparation and excitement, you will board your flight(s) to Islamabad International Airport.
After breakfast, you will make an early start for your spectacular flight to Skardu. On a clear day, you'll be able to see K2 (8,611m) and Nanga Parbat (8,124m) as you fly into the high mountain region of Baltistan. On arrival in Skardu you will be able to relax and explore, will receive a trek briefing from your guides, and will stay overnight in basic accommodation.
Today, you will have some free time in Skardu to explore and prepare for your trek. If you were unable to fly into Skardu and had to drive via Chilas, then you will use this day for the second leg of the drive, arriving into Skardu in the afternoon.
Today, you will have some free time to explore Skardu and prepare for your trek.
Today you will travel by 4x4 vehicle along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, and on to Jhola. The journey will take you through a stunning landscape dotted with villages and farms, some of which have scarcely changed in some 500 years. Approaching Askole, the landscape will become more barren and the road conditions will become more worn and weathered. After Askole, the valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier, where you'll pass by the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo rivers. You will reach your night's camp located on the banks of the Braldu.
Today, your trek will commence, with the route closely following the Braldu river. Depending on the erosion and the water level, you will vary your path up-and-down the bankside. Walking conditions today will be hot and dry, and will offer spectacular views of the Gasherbrum - a group of spectacular peaks reaching elevations of 6,900m to 8,100m. Gasherbrum I, the highest of these, is the 11th highest mountain on Earth, and within the Karakorum it is dwarfed only by K2 itself. Camp is at Paiju, a traditional stopping point for all groups headed to Concordia.
Located at a widening of the Braldu valley and within sight of the snout of the Baltoro glacier, Paiju is a key staging point for climbing expeditions. The campsite at Paiju is equipped with long-drop toilets and wash basins - a bathroom with one of the best views in the world! You will spend an acclimatisation day here, to allow your body to adapt to the lower oxygen levels at this altitude.
As you approach the glacier, which is the origin of the Braldu river, you will see ice cliffs towering over 60 metres high. Today will be a hard day's trekking over varied and changeable terrain. It will also bring spectacular views of the high peaks including Paiju Peak (6,610m), Uli Biaho group, Trango group and Cathedral group - the majestic, spired mountains that the Karakoram is so well known for.
A much shorter and easier trekking day, you will follow a well-kept trail at the side of the Baltoro, with two glacier crossings en route. The occasional sound of helicopters overhead will provide a reminder of your proximity to the disputed Kashmir region nearby. The grassy camp at Urdukas is well located, and is the last camp before the glacial camps further into the mountains. If the weather is clear, you'll catch glimpses of Broad Peak (8,050m) and Gasherbrum IV (7,930m) which are two of the most prominent peaks of the region.
Descending the rugged terrain from Urdukas you will trek downward onto the glacier, crossing to its centre, where it is easier to walk. You will weave over rolling mounds of rock and scree, heading in almost a direct trajectory towards Gasherbrum IV. The impressive mountain groups that have dominated your views over the past few days will now be dwarfed as you trek higher and further into the mountains. Camp is at Goro II, on the glacier.
Leaving Goro II, the trail will continue along relatively easy rolling slopes of moraine. You will pass among ice towers and your guides will point out some of the surrounding peaks - such as Mustagh Tower (7,284m), Mitre Peak (6,030m) and Baltoro Kangri (7,312m) - each with their own character and history. Weather permitting, you will enjoy your first glimpse of K2 today. The campsite at Concordia is considered one of the most spectacular camps in the world, positioned at the junction of four glaciers, and surrounded on all sides by stunning peaks.
Today is a shorter trekking day to allow you the best possible chance of reaching K2 Base Camp tomorrow morning. You'll camp high in the mountains at Broad Peak Base Camp, rubbing shoulders with some of the top climbers in the world undertaking their own ascents.
Today, your main objective will be to endeavour upwards to K2 Base Camp and the humbling Gilkey Memorial. Pushing from Broad Peak camp towards K2, you will finally reach its Base Camp - the narrow strip of land where nearly all expeditions to the summit begin - in the late morning. After spending a short amount of time there and conquered the main part of your trekking adventure, you will steadily begin to retrace your steps to Condordia.
Heading towards the final stage of your adventure, you will journey across the Vigne glacier towards Ali Camp. Today is a short day's trek, but comes accompanied by superb views of Chogolisa and Mitre Peak.
It's important to remember that adverse weather conditions may prevent the group from crossing Gondogoro La. Today is a contingency day in your itinerary to allow you the best chance of being able to make the crossing.
You will start your ascent of the La during the night, approximately 1am. After 4-5 hours of steep and strenuous ascent with crampons and ice axes (provided by our team), you will reach the top of the pass, being rewarded with stunning views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums. Having witnessed this spectacular sight, you will descend to Xhuspang camp at 4,600m.
Continuing along the lateral moraine you will descend to Shaieshcho, a particularly picturesque campsite nestled amongst wild flowers on the riverside. Having crossed the Gondogoro La, there will be time for celebrations during your penultimate night under the stars.
Today is your final day of trekking in Pakistan, with 3-4 hours of easy descent into the village of Hushe, nestled in the Hushe valley, and the gateway to many expeditions to Masherbrum, the Charakusa and Nangma.
This morning you will pack up your gear onto the 4x4 vehicles and descent the Hushe valley, crossing the Shyock river and back into the warm climes of Skardu.
Farewells, free time and flights home.
As per the itinerary.
This challenge follows a carbon offsetting programme in partnership with WeForest, a European non-profit organisation who work tirelessly with local people and projects around the globe to fight climate change by planting trees across the world.
A proportion of your trip costs go towards a tree-planting project in Zambia, where WeForest works with hundreds of small-scale farmers to plant trees to sequester the carbon emissions that your trip produces.
The project also assists the local community by providing these farmers with training and tools to diversify their sources of income while they plant and protect local forests. As a result, they receive a higher income, diversify their economic activities and learn new skills. This allows the local farmers to become self-sufficient.
This challenge is operated in a sustainable, ethical and transparent manner - from the initial booking, to your return home, there is a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in all areas.
This challenge is locally led, made up of local people with expert local knowledge and a genuine passion for the sites and communities in which they are based. All guides and support staff are paid a fair wage.
This challenge is operated with members of multiple accreditation agencies and the organisers are always working towards new schemes to ensure they remain the most informed, transparent, sustainable, safe and inspiring travel company around. Currently members of multiple standards agencies, including ABTA and ATOL, and accredited by Travellers Against Plastic (TAP) and Tourism Concern as an Ethical Tour Operator.
Commercial partners are granted access to risk assessments, as well as all up-to-date licences and certificates, providing reassurance that they are collaborating with a professional tour operator.
The Travellers Against Plastic (TAP) pledge was established in 2018 to help fight the harmful consumption of single-use plastics through challenge operations. In all destinations, water is purified from local sources for challenge participants.
In remote areas where this is not possible, the team prioritise large, decantable cooler bottles which are later recycled. Where the provision of safe drinking water is not possible, teams adhere to a ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ mantra.
Animal welfare is taken extremely seriously, so itineraries which facilitate or encourage the mistreatment of animals are not produced or promoted. Animal welfare policies are strongly influenced by industry-standard ABTA guidelines on the treatment of animals. When sourcing ground agents, there would be no partnership with non-compliant agents and the opportunity is taken to help to educate non-compliant agents in best practice.
As an active member of ABTA’s Animal Welfare Working Group, the organisers are up to date with all animal welfare issues the world over.
The full cost of this challenge is £2890. You will be required to pay the registration fee of £440 at the time of booking and the final balance of £2,450 which is due 10 weeks before departure.
Once your final balance has been settled at or before 10 weeks prior to departure, your place on the trip will be confirmed and you'll be ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime!
Deposit
£490.00
Price per person (inc deposit)
£2940.00
If you have any questions or would like to check availability or make a booking, please provide a few details about you, your group size and any preferred dates. A member of the team will then get back to you or you can go ahead and book online.