K2 Base Camp Classic (Askole → Askole) – 20 Days

• Distance: Islamabad–Skardu flight (45 min) or jeep via KKH (18–20 h)
• Highlight: Arrive in Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. Check into hotel, acclimatize. Optional visit to local bazaar.
• Terrain: Flight or long road journey.

• Distance: Approx. 130 km jeep ride.
• Highlight: Scenic drive along the Braldu River valley to Askole, the last village. First campsite at Bypas (3,000 m), approx. 3 km trek from Askole.
• Terrain: Rough jeep track, short introductory trek.

• Elevation: 3,000 m → 3,200 m
• Highlight: Start of the trek proper, crossing the Biafo Glacier snout (weather permitting) or following the Braldu River.
• Terrain: Relatively flat trail, river crossings via suspension bridges.

• Elevation: 3,200 m → 3,450 m
• Highlight: First views of the Trango Towers and Paiju Peak. Paiju is a traditional resting point.
• Terrain: Undulating trail along the Braldu River.

• Elevation: 3,450 m → 4,050 m
• Highlight: First steps onto the Baltoro Glacier. Spectacular views of Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peaks. Urdukas campsite offers stunning panoramas.
• Terrain: Steeper ascent, moraine walking on the glacier edge.

• Elevation: 4,050 m → 4,380 m
• Highlight: Trekking on the Baltoro Glacier proper. Views of Masherbrum (K1) and Muztagh Tower.
• Terrain: Glacier moraine walking, potentially icy sections.

• Elevation: 4,380 m → 4,650 m
• Highlight: Arrival at Concordia, the "Throne Room of the Mountain Gods." Unparalleled 360-degree views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum peaks, Mitre Peak.
• Terrain: Glacier moraine walking.

• Elevation: 4,650 m
• Highlight: Rest day for acclimatization. Optional day trip towards Broad Peak Base Camp (approx. 5,000 m) for closer views.
• Terrain: Glacier walking if doing optional trip.

• Distance: 18 km round trip (9-10 h)
• Elevation: 4,650 m → 5,150 m (K2 BC) → 4,650 m
• Highlight: The highlight of the trek! Reach K2 Base Camp at the foot of the world's second-highest mountain. Visit the Gilkey Memorial.
• Terrain: Challenging glacier walking on the Godwin-Austen Glacier.

• Day 10: Concordia → Goro II (descent, 5–6 h)
• Day 11: Goro II → Urdukas → Paiju (descent, 6–7 h)
• Day 12: Paiju → Askole (5 h) → Skardu (jeep 8–10 h) or overnight in Askole if needed
• Day 13: Buffer / Rest in Skardu (optional Shigar Fort visit)
• Day 14: Skardu → Islamabad (flight/jeep)
• Highlight: Retrace steps down the Baltoro, enjoying different perspectives. Celebrate trek completion in Skardu.

These can be added before or after the main trek (adjusting total duration):

• Thale La Trek (2 days): Askole → Thale La (4,200 m) → return Askole
• Burji La Trek (2 days): Urdukas → Burji La (4,350 m) → return Urdukas
• Kharfaq Lake Trek (2 days): Skardu → Kharfaq Lake (3,350 m) → return Skardu

This trek is rated Intermediate to Advanced. You should be comfortable hiking for 6-8 hours per day with a daypack, over multiple consecutive days, on uneven terrain and at high altitudes. Prior multi-day trekking experience is highly recommended. Good cardiovascular fitness is essential.

Our itinerary is designed with acclimatization in mind, including rest days. Our guides are trained to recognize and manage symptoms of altitude sickness. We carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. It's important to stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and communicate any symptoms to your guide immediately.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Pakistan. Many can now apply for an e-visa online. We provide a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to support your visa application after booking confirmation. Please check the specific requirements for your nationality well in advance.