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A legendary Himalayan adventure to the heart of Karakoram—stand beneath mighty K2, cross the dramatic Gondogoro La Pass, and witness the world’s greatest mountain amphitheater in one unforgettable journey.
🕐 22 days / 21 nights
🏔️ Trek Overview
Embark on one of the world’s most dramatic high-altitude trekking circuits: the K2 Base Camp + Gondogoro La journey. Beginning in the rugged valleys of Baltistan, you’ll traverse the legendary Baltoro Glacier to the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” at Concordia, stand at the foot of K2, then return by crossing the challenging Gondogoro La (≈ 5,585 m) into the Hushe Valley. Along the way, you’ll witness panoramic vistas of multiple 8,000-meter peaks, navigate ancient glacial pathways, and experience life in remote mountain settlements.
This is a circular route (not a simple out-and-back), offering more variety in terrain and scenery. It is strenuous, but for well-prepared trekkers, it's deeply rewarding.
Key highlights:
Trekking over Baltoro Glacier, Vigne Glacier, and Gondogoro Glacier
Crossing Gondogoro La Pass at ~5,585 m (or slightly higher depending on route)
Superb views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, Masherbrum, Laila Peak, and other giants
Immersive trek through pristine high mountain wilderness and communities
🧗 Activities & Experiences
On this trek, you’ll:
Walk glacier routes (Baltoro, Vigne, Gondogoro)
Cross high alpine pass with possible rope/ice travel (semi-technical section)
Camp under dramatic peaks with night skies unspoiled by light pollution
Acclimatization walks and short side excursions in high valleys
Interact with local Balti communities in villages like Hushe
Enjoy countless photographic opportunities of snow-clad peaks, glacial moraines, icefalls, and dramatic landscapes
Observe mountain flora and occasional high-altitude wildlife (if lucky)
✈️ Itinerary – 22 Days
🌍 Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan! Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. Rest, freshen up, and join the evening trek briefing & gear check. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
🏔️ Day 2 – Flight/Drive to Skardu
Take a spectacular flight (weather permitting) over the mighty Karakoram, with breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat 🌄. If flights are delayed, the backup is an adventurous drive along the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Overnight in Skardu (2,300 m).
🏡 Day 3 – Explore Skardu
Spend a relaxed day in Skardu for last-minute shopping, permit formalities, and acclimatization. Visit the local bazaar or enjoy a stroll to Kharpocho Fort. Overnight at hotel in Skardu.
🚙 Day 4 – Drive Skardu to Askole
Board rugged 4x4 jeeps and follow the Braldu Valley to Askole, the last permanent settlement before the glaciers. Tonight, camp under a starlit sky ✨.
🥾 Day 5 – Trek Askole to Paiju
Your trekking adventure begins! Walk through rocky trails and riverside paths to reach Paiju Camp (3,400 m). This is where the Baltoro Glacier first comes into view. Overnight in tents.
⛺ Day 6 – Trek Paiju to Urdukas
Continue along the glacier’s edge, surrounded by jagged peaks. Today’s camp is at Urdukas (4,100 m), a scenic grassy terrace offering incredible views of the Trango Towers 🗻.
🧘 Day 7 – Acclimatization at Urdukas
Take a rest and acclimatization day. Short hikes are possible to nearby ridges for panoramic views. A perfect day to relax, adjust to altitude, and enjoy the wilderness.
❄️ Day 8 – Trek to Goro II
Step onto the Baltoro Glacier itself! Walk over ice, moraine, and gravel until you reach Goro II (4,500 m). The campsite is surrounded by peaks, with Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV watching over.
🌌 Day 9 – Goro II to Concordia
This is one of the most exciting days! Arrive at Concordia (4,700 m), famously called the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.” From here, you’ll see K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrums, and more—truly a once-in-a-lifetime panorama.
🏔️ Day 10 – Concordia Exploration
Spend the day soaking in Concordia’s magic. Short walks to different vantage points offer incredible photos of the 8,000-meter giants. Overnight at Concordia.
🚩 Day 11 – Excursion to K2 Base Camp
Make the unforgettable trek to K2 Base Camp (5,150 m)! Walk alongside the mighty Godwin-Austen Glacier. Spend time at the base of the world’s second-highest peak 🏔️, then return to Concordia for the night.
🌿 Day 12 – Rest Day at Concordia
Take a well-deserved break. Enjoy tea, photograph the peaks, or simply relax in your tent while admiring one of the greatest mountain amphitheaters on Earth.
🧭 Day 13 – Concordia to Ali Camp
Leave Concordia and trek across the Vigne Glacier to reach Ali Camp (~5,000 m). This base camp will be your staging point for the Gondogoro La Pass. Early dinner and early night!
🧗 Day 14 – Practice & Preparation at Ali Camp
Spend a preparation day at Ali Camp. Your guides will check gear, brief you about rope safety, and conduct a short glacier practice session. Rest well—you’ll need energy for tomorrow’s big adventure.
🌄 Day 15 – Cross Gondogoro La Pass
The highlight of the trek! Start before dawn, roped up with crampons, and climb steadily to the Gondogoro La Pass (5,585 m). From the top, you’ll see K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, Laila Peak, Masherbrum—a 360° mountain panorama few ever witness. Descend carefully into the Hushe Valley. Overnight camp.
🌲 Day 16 – Trek into the Hushe Valley
The landscape changes as you descend—glaciers give way to alpine meadows and streams. Overnight camp among greener valleys.
🏞️ Day 17 – Continue through Hushe Valley
Walk through welcoming villages and terraced fields, with warm smiles from locals. This is a chance to experience Balti culture up close. Overnight stay in camp or lodge.
🚙 Day 18 – Hushe to Skardu
Board jeeps for the drive back to Skardu. After days in the mountains, the comfort of a hotel and a hot shower feels heavenly! 🛁 Overnight in Skardu.
🛍️ Day 19 – Rest Day in Skardu
A full day to relax, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy Skardu’s lakes and bazaars. Evening debrief with the group.
✈️ Day 20 – Return to Islamabad
Fly back to Islamabad (or travel by road if flights are cancelled). Transfer to hotel. Evening free for exploring the city.
☔ Day 21 – Buffer / Contingency Day
Reserved in case of weather delays in flights or trekking. If unused, enjoy a city tour of Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi markets.
🌐 Day 22 – Departure Day
Transfer to Islamabad Airport for your international flight home. Leave with unforgettable memories of K2, Concordia, and Gondogoro La. Safe travels and thank you for joining this once-in-a-lifetime adventure ❤️.
Notes / Flexibility:
This sample itinerary includes buffer time for weather delays, rest, and acclimatization.
The actual route segments may vary slightly depending on snow/ice conditions, permit constraints, and group pace.
The key technical section is the Gondogoro La crossing, which demands good fitness, careful timing, and possible use of ropes/crampons.
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.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Primary trekking season: Late June to early August
The pass tends to be easier earlier in the season before snow melt and rockfall risk increase
Late August can bring greater objective hazards (crevasses, rockfall)
Always plan with buffer days for weather delays
Early season (late June) may require trail breaking through snow
Avoid monsoon / late summer storms which can make glacier travel dangerous
🚐 Transport & Access
International arrival: Islamabad
Domestic leg: Islamabad to Skardu either by flight (weather dependent) or by road via the Karakoram Highway (KKH)
Jeep / 4x4 segment: From Skardu → Shigar → Askole (start of trekking)
Trek route: Fully on foot (camping)
Exit: From Hushe Valley onward via jeep / road back to Skardu
Note: Domestic flights may be cancelled due to weather; road travel is longer but more reliable in some seasons
✏️ Reservation Help
Fill in a booking form or request a custom group quote
Submit passport details, emergency contact, fitness profile, gear list
Pay deposit (e.g. 30 %) with final balance due X weeks before departure
Permit processing handled by operator working with Gilgit-Baltistan authorities
Provide health certificate / medical insurance proof
Confirm domestic flight bookings once group size is fixed
Maintain flexibility for schedule changes due to weather
📺 Videos
ℹ️ Important Common General Information
🎒 What to Pack
Clothing & layers:
Base layers (moisture-wicking)
Insulating mid-layers (fleece, down jacket)
Outer shell (waterproof, windproof)
Warm gloves, liner gloves
Hat / balaclava / neck gaiter
Trekking pants, shorts (for lower altitudes)
Sunglasses (UV rated) and glacier goggles
Footwear & equipment:
Sturdy mountaineering boots (suitable for crampons)
Gaiters, crampons, ice axe (for pass crossing)
Trekking poles
Crampon-compatible glacier boots or booties
Headlamp + spare batteries
Sleeping bag (rated to –20 °C or lower)
Sleeping pad
Duffel or gear bag
Daypack (30–45 L)
Dry sacks / waterproof covers
Accessories & essentials:
Water bottles / hydration bladder (insulated)
Water purification (filter / iodine tablets)
High-calorie snacks, energy bars
Sunscreen (high SPF) & lip balm
Personal first aid / blister kit
Toiletries, wet wipes, quick-dry towel
Camera, spare batteries, memory cards
Power bank / solar charger
Trekking permit, passport, insurance documents
🥾 Fitness & Activity Level
This trek is demanding: long days of walking (5–8+ hours), often over glacier terrain with crevasses, moraine, steep snow slopes
Prior training in hiking, stair climbing, weighted pack work, cardiovascular conditioning recommended
Good core strength, balance, and leg strength essential
Being physically fit reduces fatigue, helps acclimatize better
While technical climbing skills are not strictly required, some basic rope / crampon familiarity is beneficial
Many groups have participants without previous mountaineering experience who succeed with good support and pacing
🏔️ Altitude Awareness
The highest point is the Gondogoro La Pass (~5,585 m)
Acclimatization days are built in; ascend gradually
Symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness) can appear
Use “climb high, sleep low” approach on acclimatization days
Drink plenty of water, eat well, rest
Carry Diamox (acetazolamide) if recommended by physician
Guides monitor group and may enforce rest days or descent if symptoms worsen
📄 Permits & Entry Info
Trekking permits must be obtained via the local authorities (Gilgit-Baltistan / mountain tourism department)
Liaison officers and permit fees included in many operator packages
Submit passport, photographs, and personal details well ahead of time
The trek area falls under sensitive zones; route approvals may take time
Cross-check restrictions or updates from local authorities before departure
📶 Mobile Coverage & Internet
Very limited or no reliable mobile network beyond Skardu / Shigar
Some remote villages may have weak 2G/3G signals depending on provider
In high camps or glacier zones, no service; satellite or radio communications used by guides
Carry a satellite phone or SPOT / InReach device for emergencies
Bring portable power banks and solar panels for device charging (camp may have limited solar setup)
⚕️ Health & Safety Tips
Undergo a medical check-up before booking—particularly heart/lung health
High-altitude travel involves cold injury risk (frostbite, hypothermia)
Be cautious of glacier crevasses—always follow guides, use rope teams
Use helmets when crossing pass (rockfall risk)
Be aware of avalanche risk on steep slopes, especially during warm parts of day
Practice good hygiene to avoid GI illness (boil or purify water, wash hands)
Keep blister prevention supplies handy
Emergency evacuation plan and oxygen backup should be in place
🛡️ Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (up to ≥ 6,000 m)
Must include emergency evacuation (helicopter or high-alt rescue)
Medical coverage, repatriation, lost baggage
Claim eligibility may require itinerary submission
🙏 Cultural Etiquette
Respect local Balti / Shina / other mountain communities’ traditions
Ask before photographing locals
Dress modestly when in villages
Avoid loud behavior, littering, or causing disturbances
Support local businesses by buying supplies or handicrafts
Follow “leave no trace” ethos—carry all non-biodegradable waste out
💳 Currency & Payments
Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is local currency
In Skardu / larger towns, some use of credit card or digital payment may be possible—but unreliable
Bring ample PKR cash for local expenses, tips, small purchases
Inform your bank of travel to avoid card blocks
Exchange currency in Islamabad or major towns—not in remote areas
👥 Group Size & Guide Details
Optimal group size: 6–12 trekkers to maintain flexibility, camaraderie, and safety
Professional lead guide with high-altitude experience, plus local assistants, porters, cook team
Many operators maintain strict ratio of guides-to-trekkers (e.g. 1 guide per 4–6)
Local porter support helps reduce pack load for trekkers
Guides handle route planning, glacier safety, pace, emergency response
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