K-2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Treks
K2, the world’s second-highest peak at 8,611 meters, and the Gondogoro La trek, one of the most breathtaking routes in the Karakoram Range, are both located in Pakistan’s Central Karakoram National Park, near the borders with India and China. K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen, was first surveyed in 1856 by Col. T.G. Montgomerie and remains one of the most challenging peaks to climb due to its steep slopes, extreme weather, and high fatality rate. The Gondogoro La Trek, on the other hand, offers trekkers an unforgettable journey through the Baltoro Glacier, past legendary campsites like Concordia, and over the Gondogoro La Pass (5,585 meters), providing stunning panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II. This trek, known for its dramatic landscapes and thrilling high-altitude crossing, connects the Baltoro Glacier to the Hushe Valley, making it a more scenic and adventurous alternative to the standard K2 Base Camp trek. While the ascent of K2 is reserved for elite climbers, the Gondogoro La Trek challenges seasoned trekkers with steep climbs, technical descents, and breathtaking views, making it one of the most spectacular trekking experiences in the world.
The second-highest peak in the world and the second-largest glacier in terms of area are K2 and the Baltoro, which may be found in Pakistan’s Central Karakoram National Park near the borders with India and China.
The K2 Base Camp Trek checks all the boxes for an incredible active adventure: traverse massive glaciers, meet internationally renowned climbers, see FOUR 8000-meter peaks, including the world’s second-highest mountain (K2), and countless other 6000 and 7000-meter peaks, while also gaining experience and pushing yourself to the limit while trekking at altitude.
You will go deep into the stunning Northern Pakistan by plane, jeep track, footpath, and snow-covered trail in order to get the chance to visit one of the last remaining authentic adventure sites on the planet.
| Day 01 | Arrive Islamabad. |
| Day 02 | Briefing at Ministry of Tourism. Meeting with LO (Liaison Officer) |
| Day 03 | Fly to Skardu (1 hr) or drive to Chilas |
| Day 04 | Day free at Skardu or drive Chilas – Skardu (8-10 hrs) |
| Day 05 | Free Day at Skardu for final preparation |
| Day 06 | Skardu – Askole (6-7 hrs) |
| Day 07 | Trek to Jhula near Domardo River. (8-9 hours) |
| Day 08 | Trek to Paiyu provides good views of Baltoro South, Cathedral Towers and triangle of K2 at far view (5-7 hrs) |
| Day 09 | Day free at Paiyu for acclimatization (3600 m) |
| Day 10 | 10 Trek to Urdukus: To Khuburtze (8-9 hrs): A gradual climb up Baltoro Glacier on The southern edge. The walk mostly along the crest of lateral moraine, with stunning views of Paiyu Peak, Chorichi, Uli Biaho, Trango Towers and so on. A good camp site at 4200 m |
| Day 11 | Goro II: The first hour walk is across difficult side crevasses; however the way is Smoother and easy in the center. Continue opposite of Yermanendo Glacier for 3-4 hrs to the camp site at 4500 meters pitched in the center of the glacier. |
| Day 12 | Concordia: 5-6 hours slightly easy walk, with spectacular views and gigantic mountain panorama, including Mustagh Tower, GB IV, Mitre Peak and the mighty K2. Camp at Concordia at 4700 m |
| Day 13 | 4-5 hours trek to K2 base camp |
| Day 14-49 | Climb K2. No. of days depends on weather, fitness, and experience of the climbers |
| Day 50-56 | Return to Askole or Hushe and drive to Skardu. In case of trek via Gondogoro number of trekking days can be lesser |
| Day 57 | Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas. |
| Day 58 | Day free at Islamabad or drive to Islamabad. |
| Day 59 | De-briefing at the ministry of tourism. |
| Day 60 | Fly to destination. |
Equipment List
Equipment List We are providing you with three lists for the Trek. List 1 and 2 contain items and equipments that you must bring. The third list contains optional items you might need on your trekking holiday. Based on your own judgment you can select things that you might need from the third list.
1 – Must Bring Items:
- First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
- Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
- Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
- Mittens or gloves
- Gloves (Thermal)
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
- Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
- Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
- Warm hat
- Warm jacket (down)
- Water bottles 1 liter (x2)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Antibacterial hand wash
- Shirts/T-shirts
- Socks
- Spare laces
- Underwear (normal and thermal)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Wash-bag and toiletries
- Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
- Baselayer – leggings (Thermal)
- Trekking Trousers
- Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)
- Mountaineering equipment (See “List 2” below)
List 2 – Mountaineering Equipments:
- Crampons
- Mountaineering boots that must be compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2.
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2)
- Climbing helmet
- Prusik loops X two (2) – (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2)
- Sling (120 cm)
List 3 – Optional:
- Buff or scarf
- Small padlock (for locking your bag)
- Camera
- Insect repellant
- Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
- Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
- Liner (for sleeping bag)
- Travel clothes
- Bottle for Pee