The Grand Five Base Camps Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad 🛬🌆

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for some rest after your flight. Later in the evening, a professional briefing will be provided by your mountain guide, introducing you to the adventure ahead. If you arrive early in the morning, we may also arrange a short sightseeing tour of Islamabad, including the iconic Faisal Mosque and a drive through the Margalla Hills. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay. (Altitude: 540m | Meals: Dinner | Clothing: Light casual wear, jacket for evening)

Day 2: Islamabad to Skardu ✈️🏔️

In the morning, we attempt the scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, offering breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, and the mighty Karakoram peaks. In case of bad weather, the journey will continue by road along the legendary Karakoram Highway, with an overnight stop in Chilas. Road travel may extend to 2 days due to sightseeing breaks. Overnight stay in Skardu (or Chilas if by road). (Altitude: 2,230m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Clothing: Comfortable travel attire, fleece for evening | Duration: 1 hr flight or 12–14 hrs drive)

Day 3: Rest and Exploration in Skardu 🕌🏞️

After breakfast, today is dedicated to exploring the hidden gems of Skardu while also resting from the journey. Highlights include a visit to the ancient Kharphocho Fort overlooking the town, the picturesque Shangri-La Resort (Lower Kachura Lake), the cold desert of Sarfaranga, and the sparkling waters of Sadpara Lake. This day allows your body to gradually adapt before the trek. Overnight in a comfortable Skardu hotel. (Altitude: 2,230m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Clothing: Light trekking clothes with warm layers | Duration: Leisure day with short drives)

Day 4: Official Briefing & Final Preparations 📝🎒

The Ministry of Tourism in Skardu will conduct a mandatory briefing session for all trekking and climbing parties heading towards Central Karakoram National Park. You’ll meet local guides, finalize permits, and double-check gear. The remainder of the day is free for strolling around Skardu bazaar or enjoying a cup of tea with views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight stay in Skardu hotel. (Altitude: 2,230m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Clothing: Casual | Duration: Half-day briefing & shopping)

Day 5: Skardu to Askole Village 🚙🌄

The adventure begins as we set out in sturdy 4x4 jeeps on a bumpy but scenic ride towards Askole, the last inhabited village before the wilderness. The drive may take 6–8 hours depending on road and landslide conditions, with stunning views of the Braldu Gorge along the way. At Askole, tents will be pitched beneath shady trees where you’ll meet the porters and kitchen staff who will accompany you. Overnight in tents under a sky full of stars. (Altitude: 3,000m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Clothing: Trekking trousers, fleece, sturdy boots | Duration: 7–8 hrs drive)

Day 6: Trek from Askole to Jhola ⛰️🥾

Your first trekking day begins! Following the Braldu River, we hike past fields and stone houses, crossing side streams until reaching Korophon for lunch. Continuing along sandy trails, we arrive at Jhola campsite near the confluence of the Braldu and Domordo rivers. The day involves 7–8 hours of trekking over mixed terrain. Overnight stay in tents, with the melody of rushing waters close by. (Altitude: 3,100m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Clothing: Trekking gear, sun hat, sunscreen | Duration: 7–8 hrs trek)

Day 7: Jhola to Paiju 🏞️🔥

Today’s trek follows the Braldu River upstream toward Paiju, one of the most famous campsites on the Baltoro trek. After a full day’s hike of 7–8 hours, enjoy spectacular views of the Trango Towers and Cathedral Peaks, standing tall like stone cathedrals against the sky. The campsite at Paiju is lively, with porters preparing for the glacier journey ahead. In the evening, you may experience cultural songs and dancing around a bonfire. Overnight stay in tents. (Altitude: 3,418m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Clothing: Trekking clothes, fleece for evening | Duration: 7–8 hrs trek)

Day 8 – Rest & Acclimatize 🛶🌄

Today is reserved for rest and careful acclimatization at Paiju: after breakfast you’ll enjoy gentle acclimatization walks nearby, photography sessions of the towering Trango Towers, and a relaxed lunch camp. The porters and kitchen crew will prepare loads for the glacier crossing ahead while guides give hands-on demos about crampon use and glacier safety. The warm valley sun can be strong during the day (carry sunscreen) but nights cool rapidly, so wear layers and a warm hat for evening. Meals are communal and the evening is perfect for swapping stories around the stove before sleeping in tents. (Duration: easy day | Meals: B L D | Clothing: light trekking layers + fleece, sunhat, warm night layers | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime 5–15°C, night −2–5°C | Altitude: 3,418 m)

Day 9 – Paiju to Khoburtse 🏔️

Today you step onto more complex glacier moraines as the trail transitions from valley trail to icy paths; the route winds past broken moraine and offers close-up views of Cathedral Peak and the Trangos that dominate the skyline. After a packed lunch at Liligo, you continue across mixed glacial terrain where rope technique and steady steps matter — your guide will keep a measured pace. Dress in layered clothing with waterproof shell and sturdy boots; poles help on loose scree. The camp at Khoburtse is stark but the evening glow on surrounding summits is unforgettable. (Duration: 5–7 hrs trek | Meals: B L D | Clothing: trekking boots, shell jacket, midlayer, gloves | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime 0–8°C, night −5–0°C | Altitude: 3,788 m)

Day 10 – Khoburtse to Urdukas ☕🏕️

Although shorter in hours, today’s climb is steady and you’ll feel the altitude change — the trail climbs gently to Urdukas, a grassy, sheltered camp with slightly better facilities (boxes for waste, toilet areas). En route, take time to sip tea and admire the cliffs and the first clear lines of Muztagh Tower and Masherbrum in the distance. Keep sun protection handy and a warmer down jacket for late afternoon. The shorter day allows a restful afternoon for journaling, stretching, and photography. (Duration: 2–3 hrs trek | Meals: B L D | Clothing: light layers + down jacket for afternoon/evening | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime 2–10°C, night −8–−2°C | Altitude: 4,050 m)

Day 11 – Urdukas to Goro II 🧭🧗

You’ll depart Urdukas early after a brief prayer ceremony at the porters’ graves and cross increasingly crevassed glacial terrain, gaining altitude slowly but steadily. The route here is alpine in character with vistas of Masherbrum and Mustagh Tower; be prepared for rocky moraines and short, steep glacier steps. The campsite at Goro II can be chilly — pack a good insulated sleeping bag — and evenings reward you with crystal-clear starlit skies above the Baltoro moraines. (Duration: 5–7 hrs trek | Meals: B L D | Clothing: crampon-capable boots, gaiters, shell + insulated midlayer | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime −2–6°C, night −12–−5°C | Altitude: 4,380 m)

Day 12 – Goro II to Concordia 🌌🏔️

A short but awe-inspiring trek brings you into Concordia, the legendary junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austin glaciers. As you approach the amphitheatre of peaks, K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums unfold across the skyline — photography opportunities are endless. This day is kept deliberately light so you can soak the scenery, share tea with fellow trekkers, and prepare for the K2 approach. Layers are essential as wind can be strong on the glacier; keep camera batteries warm. (Duration: 3–4 hrs trek | Meals: B L D | Clothing: heavy midlayer, windproof shell, warm hat | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime −5–2°C, night −15–−8°C | Altitude: 4,650–5,000 m)

Day 13 – Concordia to K2 Base Camp & Return 🎯📸

An early start takes you along the Godwin-Austin glacier toward K2 Base Camp; the moving ice, towering seracs and Broad Peak on your flank make this a dramatic day. The final approach is a mix of glacier walking and moraine steps; you’ll stop at the Art Gilkey memorial to reflect upon mountaineering history before reaching K2 BC where spectacular vistas make the effort worthwhile. After a picnic lunch we return to Concordia for a restful evening; hydrate well and keep careful watch for signs of altitude strain. (Duration: 5–8 hrs round trip | Meals: B L D | Clothing: glacier boots, crampons available if needed, insulated jacket | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime −8–0°C, night −18–−10°C | Altitude: K2 BC 5,135 m → Concordia 4,650–5,000 m)

Day 14 – Broad Peak / Gasherbrum Excursions 📷🏔️

Today can be a relaxed Concordia day or a focused excursion to Broad Peak or nearby Gasherbrum bases depending on weather and group energy. You may spend the morning watching K2’s changing light, then set out on a longer photography hike or rest with tea and stories. The kitchen crew will prepare hearty meals while porters manage gear; this slack day is perfect for slow exploration, journaling and altitude consolidation. (Duration: variable, 0–7 hrs | Meals: B L D | Clothing: layered system with warm midlayer and windproof shell | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime −6–2°C, night −15–−8°C | Altitude: Concordia 4,650–5,000 m)

Day 15 – Gasherbrum Day & Return to Concordia 🍵🗺️

If you visited Gasherbrum bases yesterday you’ll have another chance today for deeper exploration; otherwise this day offers flexible time to hike to vantage points, scout photographic angles, or enjoy a guided geology brief on the Baltoro’s glacial features. Guides may recommend a short acclimatization hike to keep legs active. Evenings are calm and the whole valley seems to hum with alpine silence. (Duration: easy to moderate | Meals: B L D | Clothing: warm layers + windproof, sunglasses | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime −6–2°C, night −15–−8°C | Altitude: Concordia 4,650–5,000 m)

Day 16 – Concordia to Ali Camp (approach to Gondogoro) 🏕️🌄

You depart Concordia trekking toward Ali Camp, the staging point for the Gondogoro La crossing. The path winds over lateral moraines with occasional views into the Vigne Basin and features like Mitre Peak and Chogolingsa. Guides will assess weather conditions here: if the pass looks dangerous, an extra rest day at Ali Camp is common. Prepare for colder nights and pack crampon socks and heavier mitts for the coming pass attempt. (Duration: 5–8 hrs trek | Meals: B L D | Clothing: insulated jacket, waterproof shell, gloves, crampon-capable boots | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime −2–6°C, night −12–−6°C | Altitude: 5,010 m)

Day 17 – Ali Camp to Khuspang (Gondogoro La day) 🌄

This is the expedition’s toughest and most exhilarating day: a pre-dawn start (often around 1–2 am) sees the team roped up and using headlamps to climb toward the Gondogoro La col. The ascent to the pass (about 5,580 m) requires fixed ropes, careful footwork, and breath-steady pacing; when the summit ridge opens at sunrise, you’ll witness a panoramic cathedral of 8,000-meter peaks like K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. The descent into the Hushe side is steep and technical; guides fix ropes and manage belays. Celebrate safely at Khuspang with hot drinks and a hearty meal — this day is physically demanding so warm layers and full glacier kit are essential. (Duration: long, 10–14 hrs with early start | Meals: B L D | Clothing: full glacier kit — crampons, harness, helmet, insulated layers, gloves | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime −10–0°C, night −15–−10°C | Altitude: Khuspang 4,830 m; Gondogoro La 5,585 m)

Day 18 – Khuspang to Saicho 🌿🏔️

After the emotional high of the pass, today is a long descent into greener terrain; the trail drops through moraines into the Saicho area where alpine meadows and streams reappear. This day is scenic — you’ll see the contrast between glacial wastelands and the lush Charakusa/Hushe valleys — and your legs will welcome slightly gentler walking. Keep sun and wind protection handy and enjoy casual conversations with porters and guides. (Duration: 6–8 hrs trek | Meals: B L D | Clothing: trekking layers, sun protection, light fleece for evenings | Overnight: Tent | Temp: daytime 5–12°C, night 0–5°C | Altitude: Saicho 3,300 m)

Day 19 – Saicho to Machulu (Hushe Valley) 🚶‍♂️🏞️

Today you’ll descend further into human habitations as you approach Hushe valley; after stopping for lunch in Hushe village (3000 m), a scenic jeep transfer of 1–2 hours brings you to Machulu Valley where village life, terraced fields, and friendly faces create a warm welcome. Activities include visits to local houses, a chance to buy fresh local bread, and photography of traditional Balti architecture. Overnight is typically a guesthouse or basic lodge, with hot showers possible depending on local facilities. (Duration: 4–6 hrs trek + jeep | Meals: B L D | Clothing: trekking apparel + casual village wear for evenings | Overnight: Guesthouse / Basic lodge | Temp: daytime 8–18°C, night 2–8°C | Altitude: Machulu ~2,900–3,000 m)

Day 20 – Machulu to Skardu (Jeep Transfer) 🚙🌅

A long but comfortable jeep drive returns you toward Skardu, crossing river valleys and high desert features; the route sometimes takes 6–8 hours on rough roads, passing through Khapulu and the dramatic Shyok-Indus confluence. Afternoon arrival in Skardu includes hot meals and restful hotel accommodation — a great night to launder gear, enjoy local Baltistani cuisine, and celebrate the Karakoram portion of the trek. (Duration: 6–8 hrs drive | Meals: B L D | Clothing: comfortable travel clothes + light fleece for evening | Overnight: Hotel | Temp: daytime 10–25°C depending on season, night 5–12°C | Altitude: Skardu 2,230 m)

Day 21 – Skardu to Gilgit / Juglot 🚗🛣️

Today you drive from Skardu toward Gilgit, either via the Skardu Road or via Deosai and Astore depending on conditions; the journey takes approximately 7–8 hours and traverses high passes, river terraces and changing landscapes. Stops en route allow photographs of the Karakoram Highway, local bazaars, and river confluences. On arrival near Juglot or Gilgit you’ll rest in a comfortable hotel, with dinner featuring regional specialties and time to reflect on the last weeks. (Duration: 7–8 hrs drive | Meals: B L D | Clothing: travel layers, sun protection | Overnight: Hotel | Temp: daytime 12–25°C, night 5–12°C | Altitude: Gilgit ~1,500 m / Juglot ~1,100–1,300 m)

Day 22 – Drive & Trek to Fairy Meadows (Tattu → Fairy Meadows) 🌲🥾

An early drive takes you to Raikot Bridge and then via a thrilling jeep track to Tattu village; from Tattu you trek to Fairy Meadows, a lush alpine plateau offering postcard views of Nanga Parbat’s Rupal and Diamir faces. The walk is a delightful change from glaciers — expect meadows, pine groves, and local shepherds. After arriving, you’ll relax in simple cottages or camps, enjoy local tea, and take in the emerald fields that give Fairy Meadows its name. (Duration: drive 3–5 hrs + trek 2–4 hrs | Meals: B L D | Clothing: trekking layers, light rain shell, comfortable shoes | Overnight: Cottage / Tent | Temp: daytime 8–20°C, night 2–8°C | Altitude: Fairy Meadows ~3,300 m)

Day 23 – Fairy Meadows to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (Beyal / Viewpoint) 🔭🔥

Today’s trek ascends to Nanga Parbat Base Camp or to Beyal viewpoint depending on your chosen route; the hike is scenic and steep in parts, passing meadows, juniper trees and spectacular viewpoints of the Rupal Face that plummet dramatically to the valley below. After lunch at base camp you’ll have time for photography, walk the ridgelines and enjoy a communal bonfire and BBQ in the evening — a memorable alpine celebration. Bring warm clothing for high winds and clear nights. (Duration: 4–6 hrs trek | Meals: B L D | Clothing: warm jacket, windproof, trekking boots | Overnight: Cottage / Tent | Temp: daytime 5–15°C, night −2–5°C | Altitude: Nanga Parbat BC ~3,850 m)

Day 24 – Descend to Jeep Road & Drive to Chilas → Naran via Babusar/Bisham 🚙🛣️

You’ll descend from base camp to the jeep road, then travel by vehicle toward Chilas for lunch and onward through either Babusar Pass to Naran (seasonal and scenic) or via Bisham and the Karakoram Highway depending on weather. This day is a long transfer that showcases Pakistan’s varied landscapes — from alpine meadows to high mountain passes and fertile valleys — and concludes with an overnight in a partner hotel where hot showers and comfortable beds await. (Duration: trek descent 2–3 hrs + drive 6–9 hrs | Meals: B L D | Clothing: comfortable travel clothes + warm layer for passes | Overnight: Hotel | Temp: daytime 10–20°C (passes cooler), night 5–10°C | Altitude: Chilas ~1,250 m; Naran/Babusar ~3,350 m if via Babusar)

Day 25 – Drive to Islamabad 🇵🇰🏙️

Today you travel back to Islamabad, passing through historic towns like Abbottabad, Haripur and Taxila — a chance to see Pakistan’s cultural and archaeological heritage en route. Expect a long but scenic day on the road; evening arrival in Islamabad includes a special farewell dinner at La Montana (Margalla Hills) or a recommended local restaurant with panoramic views of the city. Rest well at your hotel ahead of departure. (Duration: 6–9 hrs drive depending on route | Meals: B D | Clothing: travel comfortable; light jacket for Margalla evening | Overnight: Hotel | Temp: daytime 20–30°C (varies by season), night 10–18°C | Altitude: Islamabad 540 m)

Day 26 – Sightseeing in Islamabad 🕌🌿

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Islamabad’s highlights: visit Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, and the local craft bazaars; an optional walk on the Margalla Hills offers easy viewpoints over the city. This day is ideal for souvenir shopping, urban photography, and sampling Pakistani cuisine at recommended eateries. Evening is free to pack and prepare for departure, and a light dinner completes the final night in Pakistan. (Duration: sightseeing day | Meals: B D | Clothing: casual city wear + comfortable shoes for short hikes | Overnight: Hotel | Temp: daytime 20–30°C, night 10–18°C | Altitude: 540 m)

Day 27 – Depart Islamabad ✈️🌍

After breakfast, our representative transfers you to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home or onward travel. Depending on your flight schedule there may be a short window for last-minute shopping or a drive past key monuments. This is a day for goodbyes, photo backups and making plans to return — Pakistan’s mountains have a way of calling you back. (Duration: airport transfer depends on flight | Meals: B (breakfast only) | Clothing: comfortable travel wear | Overnight: N/A | Temp: depends on season | Altitude: Islamabad 540 m)