Embedded Files
Pakistan’s Ultimate 8,000 m Odyssey
Push boundaries, wander through giants — trek to five 8,000-metre base camps in a single epic journey across Pakistan’s highest ranges.
🕐 23 days / 22 nights
🏔️ Trek Overview
This is Pakistan’s most ambitious alpine trekking odyssey: over twenty memorable days, you will traverse rugged valleys, glaciers, and high passes to visit the base camps of five of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks. You’ll see K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II in the Karakoram and then connect to Nanga Parbat in the Himalaya, combining the grandeur of Concordia with the serene beauty of Fairy Meadows. It’s a journey for experienced trekkers seeking a high-altitude, multi-base-camp challenge with unforgettable panoramas.
🧗 Activities & Experiences
Multi-day trekking across glacial terrain and high moraines
Crossing the Gondogoro La (5,585 m) pass with rope and crampons
Camping in remote valleys under the shadow of 8,000 m giants
Spectacular views at Concordia — the junction of Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers
Side excursions to Nanga Parbat’s base via the Raikot Face / Fairy Meadows route
Cultural immersion in Baltistan and Gilgit, meeting local mountain communities
Photography, glacier studies, high-altitude acclimatization walks
✈️ Itinerary – 23 Days
Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad
Meet at Islamabad International Airport, transfer to hotel, orientation and gear check. Evening free to explore the capital city.
Day 2 – Fly to Skardu (or drive via Karakoram Highway)
Morning flight over Nanga Parbat and the mighty Karakoram (weather dependent). If flight is canceled, full-day drive along the Karakoram Highway.
Day 3 – Rest & Acclimatization in Skardu
Explore Skardu bazaar, visit Kharpocho Fort or Satpara Lake. Final preparation for trek.
Day 4 – Skardu → Askole (Jeep ride)
Drive through the Shigar Valley, passing orchards and villages, into the Braldu gorge to reach Askole, the last settlement before the glaciers. Camp overnight.
Day 5 – Askole → Jhola
Trek begins! Follow the Braldu River to Jhola campsite. Views of Bakhordas Peak welcome you.
Day 6 – Jhola → Paiju
A long but scenic walk brings you to Paiju, with the first magnificent view of Paiju Peak and the snout of the Baltoro Glacier.
Day 7 – Rest / Acclimatization Day at Paiju
Short hikes and preparation for glacier trekking ahead. Porters prepare bread (traditional "balti roti") for the coming days.
Day 8 – Paiju → Khoburtse
Walk along the Baltoro Glacier’s lateral moraine with views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peaks.
Day 9 – Khoburtse → Urdukas
Trek to Urdukas, campsite on a grassy slope with commanding views over the Baltoro.
Day 10 – Urdukas → Goro II
Enter the heart of the glacier. Stunning panoramas of Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower.
Day 11 – Goro II → Concordia
Arrive at the legendary “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.” Views of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrums surround you.
Day 12 – Excursion to K2 Base Camp
Day trek to the base of K2 (8,611 m) — the world’s second highest mountain. Return to Concordia.
Day 13 – Concordia → Broad Peak Base Camp
Trek to the foot of Broad Peak (8,051 m), set against vast icefields. Overnight at camp.
Day 14 – Broad Peak → Gasherbrum BC
Walk to the twin bases of Gasherbrum I (8,080 m) and Gasherbrum II (8,035 m). Camp amidst towering seracs.
Day 15 – Rest / Exploration at Gasherbrum BC
Optional acclimatization hike and photography day.
Day 16 – Gasherbrum → Ali Camp
Return toward Vigne Glacier, reaching Ali Camp, staging point for Gondogoro La.
Day 17 – Cross Gondogoro La (5,585 m) → Khuspang
Alpine start with ropes and crampons. Ascend the high pass for breathtaking sunrise views of four 8,000-metre giants, then descend into the Hushe Valley.
Day 18 – Khuspang → Saicho
Gradual trek along lush meadows and moraines, reaching Saicho village.
Day 19 – Saicho → Hushe → Drive to Skardu
Easy walk to Hushe, followed by a jeep ride back to Skardu.
Day 20 – Skardu → Gilgit (Drive)
Travel along the Indus River valley, with time to stretch legs at roadside villages.
Day 21 – Gilgit → Raikot Bridge → Fairy Meadows
Drive on the Karakoram Highway to Raikot Bridge, then transfer to local jeeps climbing to Tato. From here, a short trek leads to Fairy Meadows, with its idyllic green pastures.
Day 22 – Nanga Parbat Base Camp Excursion → Return to Islamabad
Morning hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (4,100 m) with dramatic views of the “Killer Mountain.” Return to Fairy Meadows, then descend to Raikot Bridge and continue by road/flight back to Islamabad.
Day 23 – Departure towards Home
Transfer to Gandhara Airport (Islamabad International Airport) and bid farewell to Pakistan en route homebound.
Notes / Flexibility:
Depending on weather, flights in or out of Skardu may be replaced by road travel.
One rest / buffer day could be built in in Skardu if flights are delayed.
If you prefer a more gentle pace, you could spread some of the uphill into two shorter days.
This is a compressed version; depending on weather, acclimatization, and logistics, you may spend extra rest days or shift segments.
📅 Best Time to Visit
June to early September is the ideal window — snow has melted on the high passes, glaciers are more stable, and skies tend to be clearer. Pre-monsoon (late May) or late season carry higher risk of snow and unstable weather.
🚐 Transport & Access
International arrival at Islamabad (ISB)
Domestic flight to Skardu (weather permitting) or alternatively road journey via Gilgit
Jeep / 4x4 access up to Askole, the trailhead of the Baltoro trek
Trekking onward then return by jeep or mix of jeep + foot to Fairy Meadows / Nanga Parbat side
Finally, long drive or flight back to Islamabad
✏️ Reservation Help
Secure bookings 4-6 months ahead
You’ll need to submit a trek registration form, passport copies, emergency contact
A non-refundable deposit is required, with balance payable before start
We’ll supply a detailed gear list, pre-departure briefing, and guide contact ahead of time
📺 Videos
ℹ️ Important Common General Information
🎒 What to Pack
High-altitude trekking clothing (thermal base layers, down jacket, shell)
Waterproof outer layer, insulated gloves, warm headwear
Crampons, harness, ice axe (for Gondogoro La)
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
Lightweight sleeping bag rated to –20 °C
Water purification (tablets or filter)
Trekking poles, headlamp, first-aid kit
Personal items, camera, battery packs
Snacks, energy bars
🥾 Fitness & Activity Level
This is a high-demand trek. You should be in excellent physical shape, familiar with long daily hikes (6–8 hours or more at altitude), and able to carry a ~10–12 kg daypack. Prior experience with glacial or high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended.
🏔️ Altitude Awareness
You will ascend gradually, with acclimatization built into the itinerary. The highest pass is Gondogoro La (5,585 m). You’ll need to monitor for acute mountain sickness, rest when needed, and follow guide instructions for safe ascent and descent.
📄 Permits & Entry Info
Permits for trekking in Central Karakoram National Park
Entry to restricted / buffer zones
Nanga Parbat base passes
MINSA (mountain info) registration
Local administration and security clearances
📶 Mobile Coverage & Internet
Mobile network is largely unavailable in high-altitude stretches. Occasional satellite phone or team radio will be used. In towns like Skardu, Gilgit, and villages, basic mobile coverage and limited internet might be possible.
⚕️ Health & Safety Tips
Stay hydrated, eat well, and rest when needed
Avoid overexertion especially above 4,000 m
Use sun protection (UV risk high)
Watch for signs of AMS (headache, nausea, fatigue)
Travel with a well-stocked first-aid kit and guide-trained in altitude medicine
Always trek with a rope group over crevassed zones
🛡️ Travel Insurance
Obligatory: a comprehensive travel + trekking insurance covering rescue, helicopter evacuation, medical, trip cancellation, lost gear. Make sure it explicitly covers high-altitude ( ≥ 6,000 m) trekking and emergencies.
🙏 Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly in villages and towns
Request permission before photographing locals
Respect traditions, religious practices, and local property
Support local economy by buying from village shops
💳 Currency & Payments
Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
Cash is essential in remote areas; ATMs are only in big towns
Bring USD or major currency as backup
Credit cards accepted only in major hotels in cities
👥 Group Size & Guide Details
Typical group size: 4 to 15 trekkers
Experienced, certified high-altitude guides (often local + lead)
Support staff: porters, cooks, helper guides
Fixed rope teams for pass sections
Report abuse