K2 Base Camp Trek: The Ultimate Karakoram Adventure

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport where your NorthNomads representative greets you with a traditional welcome. Private transfer to our guest house.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely evening to rest and acclimatize. Pre-trek briefing with your tour leader over dinner at the guest house.

Catch the early morning PIA flight to Skardu—one of the world’s most spectacular commercial flights, soaring past Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and over the snow-capped Karakoram Range. Upon arrival in Skardu, transfer to your lakeside resort. After lunch, explore Skardu town: visit the 8th-century Kharpocho Fort perched above the Indus River, browse the vibrant bazaars for local handicrafts, and take in views of the Skardu Valley. Evening at leisure with dinner at the hotel.

Depart early for the adventurous jeep safari to Askole, the last inhabited village before the wilderness of the Baltoro. The rough road winds through the stunning Shigar Valley, passing ancient rock carvings, the 17th-century Shigar Fort, apricot orchards, and the dramatic confluence of the Shigar and Braldu rivers. Cross swaying rope bridges and navigate hairpin turns as the landscape grows increasingly remote. Arrive in Askole by late afternoon, where porters and supplies are organized for the expedition ahead. Overnight in a traditional Balti guesthouse.

The trek begins. Leave Askole and follow the Braldu River valley through a landscape of sand, rock, and scrub vegetation. The trail undulates over moraines and across seasonal streams, with views of snow-capped peaks appearing ahead. Pass through the small settlement of Korophon before reaching Jhola camp, set on a grassy riverside terrace. This first day establishes your trekking rhythm and introduces the scale of the Karakoram.

Continue along the Braldu Valley on an undulating trail with several stream crossings. The massive granite walls of Paiju Peak (6,610m) dominate the horizon as you approach camp. Paiju is a beautiful oasis with trees and grass—the last significant vegetation you’ll see until the return journey. The camp sits in a natural amphitheater with views of the Baltoro Glacier snout ahead and the towers of the Trango group beginning to reveal themselves.

A crucial acclimatization day at Paiju before tackling the glacier. Options include a hike toward the Paiju Peak viewpoint for panoramic vistas, exploring the surrounding moraines, or simply resting at camp. This is an opportunity to interact with your Balti porters and support team, learning about their mountain culture and the traditions that have sustained communities in this harsh environment for centuries. Your guides will conduct an equipment check and briefing for the glacier section ahead.

Today you step onto the Baltoro Glacier for the first time—one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions at 63 kilometers. The initial section involves navigating the chaotic ice and moraine of the glacier’s snout. As you progress, the legendary Trango Towers emerge in all their impossible verticality—the Great Trango Tower features the world’s largest nearly vertical rock face. Camp at Khoburtse on a rocky platform beside the glacier, with the Towers looming overhead.

A shorter day allows further acclimatization. Trek along the lateral moraine of the Baltoro with constantly improving views of the Cathedral Spires, Uli Biaho, and Trango group. Urdukas (“Fallen Rocks” in Balti) is one of the most scenic campsites in the Karakoram—a green terrace perched above the glacier with sweeping views of Masherbrum (7,821m), the Baltoro ice river, and countless unnamed granite spires. Afternoon free for photography or short explorations.

Leave the last vegetation behind and enter a world of pure ice, rock, and sky. The trail traverses the glacier itself, navigating between ice pinnacles and crevasses with your experienced guides. Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) reveals its dramatic pyramid ahead, while Masherbrum dominates the view behind. Camp at Goro II is directly on the glacier—a surreal experience sleeping on ancient ice surrounded by some of Earth’s highest peaks.

The anticipation builds with every step as you approach one of the world’s most legendary locations. Concordia is where the Baltoro meets the Godwin-Austen Glacier, creating a natural amphitheater surrounded by four 8,000-meter peaks: K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,051m), Gasherbrum I (8,080m), and Gasherbrum II (8,034m). Arrive at camp and witness sunset paint the summit pyramid of K2 in golden alpenglow—a moment that defines a lifetime of adventure.

The culmination of the expedition. Depart early from Concordia and trek up the Godwin-Austen Glacier toward the south face of K2. The mountain grows impossibly large as you approach, its sheer walls and hanging seracs becoming ever more intimidating. Reach K2 Base Camp at 5,150 meters and stand where legendary mountaineers have launched their attempts on the world’s second-highest and most dangerous peak. Continue to Broad Peak Base Camp before returning to Concordia, having touched the heart of the Karakoram.

Begin the return journey with a final morning at Concordia—time for sunrise photography and a last look at the K2 massif. The descent retraces your route down the Baltoro, though the perspective reveals new angles on familiar peaks. The going is easier now, with altitude in your favor and the satisfaction of achievement in your stride. Camp again at Goro II with the Gasherbrums as your backdrop.

Continue descending the Baltoro with Masherbrum now directly ahead. The return journey offers different light and fresh perspectives on the granite towers and ice formations. Arrive at the green oasis of Urdukas and appreciate the first grass and wildflowers seen in days. Celebrate with your team as the technical glacier section is now behind you.

A longer day covering the stretch through Khoburtse and off the glacier. The Trango Towers provide a dramatic farewell as you leave the ice behind and return to the moraine trails. Paiju’s trees and relatively lush surroundings feel like a return to civilization after days in the high alpine zone. Evening celebration with your porter team.

Trek back through the Braldu Valley with the satisfaction of a successful expedition. The trail feels familiar now, and the pace is relaxed. Arrive at Jhola camp by early afternoon with time to rest, wash clothes in the river, and reflect on the journey.

The final trekking day returns you to Askole, completing the Baltoro circuit. The village feels remarkably developed after two weeks in the wilderness. Say farewell to most of your porter team, whose strength and skill made the expedition possible. Overnight in a local guesthouse with the luxury of solid walls and a roof.

Jeep journey back through Shigar Valley to Skardu. The rough road feels less daunting after the challenges of the glacier, and you’ll appreciate the dramatic scenery with new eyes. Arrive in Skardu by late afternoon. Check into your lakeside hotel and enjoy the first hot shower in over two weeks. Celebratory dinner at the hotel.

Weather permitting, fly back to Islamabad on the morning flight with spectacular aerial views of the Karakoram. If flights are cancelled due to weather (common occurrence), travel overland via the legendary Karakoram Highway—one of the world’s most dramatic road journeys. The KKH route passes through Chilas and along the Indus River, with views of Nanga Parbat. Arrive Islamabad late evening.

Reserved for weather or road delays—essential flexibility given the unpredictable nature of Skardu flights. If not needed for travel, enjoy a free day in Islamabad: visit the stunning Faisal Mosque, drive to Daman-e-Koh viewpoint in the Margalla Hills, explore the Pakistan Monument, or shop for souvenirs at the local markets. Farewell dinner with your expedition team.

Complimentary half-day city tour including Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, and Pakistan Monument. Contact us for details.

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight. End of the NorthNomads K2 Base Camp Experience.