A 20-day K2 Base Camp trek via Askole, the Baltoro Glacier and Concordia, returning by the same classic glacier route with local guides and full camp support.
A booking deposit applies. See our booking terms & cancellation policy.
The K2 Base Camp trek follows the classic Karakoram approach from Askole through Paiju, Urdukas, Goro II and Concordia, then up the Godwin-Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp and the Art Gilkey Memorial.
It returns through Concordia and down the Baltoro Glacier to Askole. It is designed for trekkers who want the complete K2 Base Camp experience without a high-pass crossing. Great Adventure coordinates the permits, local guide team, porters, camp crew, meals and ground logistics from Skardu. If you also want to cross the Gondogoro La pass, see our Gondogoro La Crossing trek.
Fit hikers and experienced trekkers who want to reach K2 Base Camp through the Baltoro without a technical pass crossing. You should be ready for consecutive long walking days, remote tented camps, glacier moraine and changing mountain weather.
Concordia — Where the glaciers meet. The junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, ringed by K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrum peaks and Mitre Peak.
K2 Base Camp — Beneath the second-highest mountain. The end of the trail at about 5,150 m, below the Abruzzi Spur.
Art Gilkey Memorial — A place of remembrance. The memorial near base camp honours climbers who died on K2, and is a quiet moment on the trek.
Airport welcome, hotel transfer, team briefing and a check of your documents. The rest of the day is for recovery after the journey.
540 mA scenic mountain flight to Skardu, weather permitting. If flights are cancelled, we follow the road alternative.
2,228 mPermit formalities, equipment checks, food, fuel and porter loads, followed by an evening briefing on the route.
2,228 mA 4x4 drive through the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the last permanent village before the trek.
3,000 mThe trek begins along the Braldu River, with the first camp near Jhola.
3,200 mOn below the granite towers to Paiju, the gateway to the Baltoro Glacier.
3,400 mA planned rest day to adjust to altitude and get ready for the glacier.
3,400 mStep onto the Baltoro Glacier and follow the moraine to camp.
3,800 mGlacier and moraine ground to the terraced campsite at Urdukas.
4,050 mHigher along the Baltoro, with views of Masherbrum and the surrounding granite peaks.
4,250 mConcordia, the meeting of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, with K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums around you.
4,650 mA flexible acclimatisation day: rest at camp or walk toward Broad Peak Base Camp.
4,650 mUp the Godwin-Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial, then back to Concordia.
5,150 mA contingency day for weather, recovery or a shorter viewpoint walk.
4,650 mRetrace the upper Baltoro Glacier.
4,250 mDescend the glacier past Urdukas.
3,800 mContinue down the Baltoro to Paiju.
3,400 mLeave the glacier and follow the Braldu valley back to Jhola.
3,200 mThe last walking day, then a 4x4 drive to Skardu, subject to road conditions.
2,228 mFly to Islamabad, or use the road if the weather cancels the flight, and continue with your departure.
540 mNo. This itinerary reaches K2 Base Camp and returns to Askole along the Baltoro Glacier. For a pass crossing, see our Gondogoro La Crossing trek.
No technical climbing is planned, but strong fitness, previous multi-day trekking experience and confidence on rough moraine and glacier terrain are recommended.
The planned high point is about 5,150 metres around K2 Base Camp and the Art Gilkey Memorial area.
Summer and early autumn, roughly June to September, when the glacier route is open and the weather is most stable.
Train for at least 10 to 12 weeks with long hill days, back-to-back walks and a loaded daypack. Bring broken-in trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag, layers, waterproofs, sun protection, trekking poles and a headlamp.
Yes. The domestic flights between Islamabad and Skardu, the trekking permits and the national park fees are part of the package. International flights and your visa fee are not.
The fair price depends on group size, dates, porter allowance, oxygen choice and the level of high-altitude support. We prefer to understand your team first and then send a clear written proposal.
Gondogoro La Crossing & K2 Base Camp Trek — The same Baltoro route with the Gondogoro La pass crossing into the Hushe valley.
K2 Expedition — The summit attempt on K2 by the Abruzzi Spur.
Peaks of Baltistan — Heights, first ascents and stories of the peaks you see on the trek.
Everything required for a fully compliant, safe trek in Baltistan — some of it handled by us, some to prepare before you fly.
6 months valid Passport, Pakistan E-Visa (you apply online — we provide the invitation letter), CNIC/ID copies.
Great Adventure manages restricted area & climbing permits, plus liaison officer arrangements (requires passport submission 8 weeks prior for expeditions).
Must explicitly cover Emergency Helicopter Evacuation and high-altitude trekking.
Altitude sickness (AMS) preparedness, fitness levels, and personal first-aid kits.