22 Days K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek Pakistan Asia
The trekking route is lined with rugged mountains all the way from Askole, the last village in the Braldu gorge, to Concordia. On our walk up the Baltoro glacier, we will see the Trango Towers, Masherbrum, K2, and BroadPeak among many others.
Concordia has been described as the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” for its unique 360˚ panorama of 7,000m mountains and impressive views of K2. After some time exploring K2 and Broad Peak Base Camps, we start the challenging trek out over the Gondogoro La and descend down the beautiful Hushe valley.
The route up and down the Gondogoro La is maintained by a local team from Hushe who fix the ropes for trekkers. In 2019 and 2020 we are planning to run two treks to K2 Base Camp, in late July we have K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La trek where mountaineering, skills are required to cross this technical pass.
In late August we have the group doing K2 Base Camp & Concordia where you walk back down Baltoro, glacier from Concordia.
- A must do trek for mountain connoisseurs and rightly listed as one of the world’s Top 5 Mountain walks.
- With our itinerary you will camp for the night at Broad Peak Base Camp for the best view of K2 whereas most other operators only camp at Concordia for an unfeasible long walk Concordia to K2 Base Camp back to Concordia in one day!
- A spectacular trek up the Baltoro glacier, over the challenging Gondogoro La pass and down the beautiful Hushe valley.
- Views of K2, Broad Peak, Masherbrum, GI & II, Trango towers and Leila peak among many others.
- We also offer the option to do the K2 & Concordia trek and descend back down the Baltoro rather than go over the Gondogoro La pass.
- Scheduling: Shared Tour
- Languages offered on the Activity / Tour: English, German, French
- Duration: 22 to 23 days
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Live GuideEnglish
- Pick-up serviceAll internal transport and transfers including airport collections on arrival and departure to/ from Islamabad for group flights only. If you are not on the group flights we can arrange airport transfer
- Easy CancellationThere is no cancellation fee once Customers Cancel at least 30 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour. here is 50% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 14 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
There is a 100% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 10 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
- Confirmation will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability
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Cut-off TimeAvailable to be booked until 12 days before the tour starts. We reserve the option to confirm the tour or not due to availability.
- All trekking arrangements including permits and fees, Western and Pakistani guides, cook and porters.
- Twin share domed tents while on trek.
- Breakfast only in Islamabad, all meals included in Skardu and on trek.
- Twin share room at hotel in Islamabad and at Concordia Motel in Skardu.
- Internal flights to/from Islamabad to Skardu (if cancelled then we will drive on KKH).
- All internal transport and transfers including airport collections on arrival and departure to/ from Islamabad for group flights only. If you are not on the group flights we can arrange airport transfer for an extra charge of (US$85). For our 2020 K2 Base
- Other items not listed in “What is included”.
- Personal clothing & equipment, please see the Appendix for suggested kit list.
- Lunch and evening meals in Islamabad.
- Pakistan visa (obtain before departure).
- Travel & trekking insurance.
- International flight to/from Islamabad.
You will be met on arrival at Islamabad airport and driven back to the hotel, Please note we provide complimentary airport pick up and hotel transfer, If you arrive on a different flight and would like an airport pick-up there will be an extra, charge for this service, At some point during the day (time to be confirmed) the trek leaders will give a full trip briefing will be given at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel
Today we will attempt to fly to Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, if the fight is cancelled then we will start driving Karakoram Highway (“KKH”) and spend the night in Chilas. Important note FCO currently warns against travel on the Karakoram, Highway (“KKH”). If the flights to Skardu are canceled then, as per our, itinerary, we plan to drive the KKH, therefore, you need to be aware of this and be still happy to travel. Overnight at Hotel/ Motel in Skardu (B, L, D) or Shangri La hotel in Chilas (Meals: B,L,D).
from Chilas to Skardu on KKH. If we flew to Skardu on Day 2 then this is a day to explore Skardu, it is well worth going into town to see explore, the bazaar and visiting the Skardu fort which has a good view of the Indus river. We might be lucky and get to watch a game of polo in the evening. Overnight at Concordia Motel in Skardu (B, L, D).
An exciting drive on a winding jeep trail with exposed sections passing through the arid landscape past villages with fertile terraces and apricot, trees. Askole is the last village we will see for a few weeks. The time taken to drive to Askole depends on the condition of the jeep track which varies, year to year. This jeep track is prone to blockages if there are landslides as this follows a narrow valley. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
We follow a trail next to the Braldu river and, once passed the snout of the Biafo glacier, we arrive at the green oasis of Korofong. Given that we will be in camp by lunchtime we can spend the afternoon relaxing by the river, and. also, do a short acclimatization walk if we wish. If the sun is out then this can be a very hot day with temperatures often, approaching 40 degrees. It is important to bring plenty of water (at least three liters), wear a sun hat and apply plenty of suncreams. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
From Korofong we follow the path up a side valley and cross the river by a good bridge (rather than the old trolley system or “Jhola” as used in the past). We then walk for another half an hour or so to reach the Jhola Camp. The views are impressive with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s needles in the distance. From Jhola as continuing onto Bardumal campsite (also known as Skambong Scok). Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
After an early start from Bardumal we will arrive at Paiju mid-morning. The path is quite loose in places and again it is likely we will have to take boots off where the river has flooded the path in a few places. Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this camp, we have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
After an hour we will walk up onto the Baltoro glacier for the first time. The path on the glacier is pretty good although care has to be taken as the moraine on the surface is uneven (trekking poles are useful from here on). We will probably stop for lunch at the old campsite at Lilligo. After this break, we cross below the snout of the Lilligo Glacier and then get back on to the Baltoro and walk up and down several moraine ridges before arriving at the Khoburtse campsite. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
During the walk today there are great views of Trango & Cathedral spires and Uli Biaho and Bial mountains. It is a short day but quite hard work as we walk up the undulating moraine and gaining height all the way. The campsite at Urdukas is very impressive with views over the Baltoro and to the dramatic rock spires on the opposite side of the glacier. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
We have found in the past that taking a rest day at Urdukas has worked well, the advantages of spending an extra night here are: it helps the acclimatization process and has proved to more effective than a rest day at Paiju (the traditional place for a rest day after only three trekking days). there is a pleasant walk behind the campsite through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers. Climbing high & sleeping low is the best way to help the acclimatisation process. this is the last campsite on grassy slopes off the main glacier, it also has facilities for washing and cleaning. the western leader will lead a training session in the afternoon explaining in detail the techniques for crossing the Gondogoro La. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu Glacier, which flows from Masherbrum, and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum 7,800m) and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. The campsite at Goro II is on the glacier where ledges have been leveled out for the tents. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
Today we reach Concordia where the Baltoro, Abruzzi and Godwin Austen glaciers converge, within a radius of 15 kilometers there are an incredible 41 peaks over 6,500m with 4 over 8,000m. The 360-degree panorama is simply incredible and has to been seen. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
From Concordia, the route passes through some jumbled ice fins and moraine ridges before gaining the medial moraine of the Godwin Austen glacier. Broad Peak Base Camp is located on this moraine near the base of climbing route on Broad Peak. One of the best views of K2 is from Broad Peak Base Camp. Please be aware that most other operators organizing K2 Base Camp trek with their highest camp at Concordia and this means an unfeasible long, walk Concordia to K2 Base Camp back to Concordia in one day. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
This morning you make an early start for the walk up to K2 Base Camp. On the return, you pass through Broad Peak Base Camp and then continue down to Concordia. From Concordia, our western leader will take our K2 & Gondogoro La group out over Gondogoro La and our K2 Base Camp group will descend Baltoro with our local Pakistani guides. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
From Concordia, there are several moraine ridges to scramble over to reach the Vigne Glacier which is flatter with fewer crevasses. If it is a clear day we will get some spectacular views of K2 and the other mountains around. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
This is a tough day but the views from the top of the pass really make it worthwhile. All four 8000’ers are visible in one direction and the other way looks down the Hushe valley with the beautiful Leila peak.e will start early, probably about 12 o’clock, to minimize the risk of rockfall on the descent down the Hushe side of the pass. If the snow, conditions are good and the trail has already been broken the pass can be ascended quite quickly (in about 5 hours). Depending on snow conditions it may be necessary to rope up for the crossing of the glacier before getting to the base of the pass. You will need crampons and ice axes on the Vigne side of the pass. There are several sections with fixed ropes in place which can be used as an Important note: the crossing of the Gondogoro La is dependent on good weather and conditions on the approach to the pass. If it is not possible to safely ascend the pass the group will walk back down the Baltoro glacier to Askole. We believe our itinerary maximizes our chances of crossing the pass because:
In case of bad weather on Day 16, these days will give us another chance to cross the pass. If we successfully got over the pass on Day 16, you may enjoy rest or exploration days or the other option is to continue down to Hushe to spend a night. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
After a couple of minutes of easy walking, we get onto the glacier where we pick our way across the moraine and ice, finally crossing the glacier up to the camping site to reach Dalsangpa which means 'field of flowers'. There is a spectacular view of Masherbrum and the glacier cascading down from Masherbrum Pass. It is a beautiful walk to Shaisho as we pass yak pastures and see the first, trees since Paiju. Shaisho is a small village and has a shop run by a friendly, local who has worked as a High Altitude Porter on a K2 expedition. Overnight camping (Meals: B,L,D).
An easy day walking to the village of Hushe and then a beautiful drive through villages to Skardu. Overnight at Concordia Motel in Skardu (Meals: B,L,D).
We will hopefully take the early morning flight to Islamabad (inshallah!), if unable to fly we will drive the KKH to Chilas/Narran. Overnight at Hotel in Islamabad (Meals: none) or Shangri La in Chilas/Narran (Meals: B, L, D).
If driving down the KKH we will arrive in Islamabad late afternoon. If we managed to fly the day before then we will spend today sightseeing in Islamabad. In the evening we will have a final group meal. Overnight at hotel in Islamabad (Meals: B)
Transfer to Islamabad airport for the flight back home. End of trip.
- The Rock Valley Tours Pvt Ltd does not book international flights for our holidays. Instead all package prices are Land Only with services starting from arrival to the destination country
- CLIMATE The traditional trekking season in Pakistan is June to September. K2 and Gondogoro La trek will have a wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and the time of day. In the mountains between 1,000m and 3,500m the nights will be cool normally around 5˚C. During the day temperatures can be very hot even as high as 40˚C in the lower elevations. Bring lots of water, sunhat and sunscreen! At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20˚C to -10˚C. The mornings are generally clear with clouds building up during the afternoon and often disappearing at night to reveal beautiful starry nights.
- This is considered to be one of the world’s great treks with breathtaking scenery unsurpassed anywhere else in the high mountains. This is a challenging trek to Concordia and K2 Base Camp followed by crossing the technical Gondogoro La pass.