Sunlit peaks above Concordia at the head of the Baltoro Glacier

K-2 Classic Trek

Concordia · K-2 Base Camp Trek — a pilgrimage to the throne room of the mountain gods.

Overview

Among the top ten classic hikes in the world

Concordia K-2 Base Camp Trek is a wilderness hike that is a lifetime experience for mountain lovers. Starting from Islamabad, we head towards Skardu, the entry point of the mighty Karakorams. Driving by jeep to Askole — a remote, last dwelling — begins our camping days, followed by Jhula and Paiju, a green oasis under the shadow of Paiju Peak with the first view of the immense Baltoro Glacier.

Urdukas offers a panoramic view over the Baltoro and the dramatic rock spires opposite — Trango Towers, Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower. We continue to Concordia, "the throne room of the mountain gods," a surreal 360° panorama at the junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austin glaciers, base for K-2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,047m), Gasherbrum IV and Chogolisa.

Despite its challenges, the trek requires no technical climbing skills — only good physical fitness and a spirit of adventure. Daily distances average 14–16km over 5–6 hours, allowing gradual acclimatization. Beyond the scenery, the trek offers a profound cultural immersion into the life of the Balti people.

  • Stand at Concordia — the 'throne room of the mountain gods'
  • See four 8,000m peaks including K-2 and Broad Peak
  • Walk the immense Baltoro Glacier past the Trango Towers
  • Visit K-2 Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial
Day by day

Standard itinerary

Shorter & longer itineraries available on request.

  1. DAY01

    Islamabad → Skardu

    2,250 m

    Morning 45-minute flight to Skardu. After arrival, transfer to hotel; rest of the day at leisure.

  2. DAY02

    Skardu

    2,250 m

    Half-day sightseeing: Kharpocho Fort, Manthal Buddha Rock and Sadpara Lake. Last chance to shop for souvenirs.

  3. DAY03

    Skardu → Askoli

    3,100 m

    Drive through the lush green Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askoli, the last settlement. Overnight in tents.

  4. DAY04

    Askoli → Jhola

    3,200 m

    Trek through barren land with views of the Biafo Glacier and Bakhor Dass Peak (5,809m). 17.5 km / 5–6 hrs.

  5. DAY05

    Jhola → Paiju

    3,600 m

    Trek through the Bardumal valley with views of Broad Peak (8,051m). 18.8 km / 7–8 hrs.

  6. DAY06

    Paiju → Khuburtse

    4,000 m

    Step onto the Baltoro Glacier and enjoy views of the Trango Towers (6,251m). 13 km / 5 hrs.

  7. DAY07

    Khuburtse → Urdukas

    4,240 m

    Spectacular views of Biale (6,729m) and the Trango group from a scenic campsite. 8.1 km / 4–5 hrs.

  8. DAY08

    Urdukas → Goro-II

    4,500 m

    Continue along the Baltoro Glacier, passing Goro I. 11.6 km / 6 hrs.

  9. DAY09

    Goro-II → Concordia

    4,687 m

    Arrive at Concordia for a 360° panorama of K-2 and the surrounding giants. 12.9 km / 6 hrs.

  10. DAY10

    Concordia — Rest Day

    4,687 m

    A day to relax, acclimatize and soak in one of the greatest mountain views on Earth.

  11. DAY11

    Concordia → Broad Peak BC

    4,900 m

    A short but dramatic 3-hour walk to Broad Peak Base Camp amid giant peaks and glaciers.

  12. DAY12

    Broad Peak BC → K-2 BC → Concordia

    5,050 m

    Reach K-2 Base Camp, meet mountaineers and visit the Gilkey Memorial before returning to Concordia.

  13. DAY13

    Concordia → Goro-I

    4,020 m

    Begin the descent, trekking back via Goro-II. 18.5 km / 7–8 hrs.

  14. DAY14

    Goro-I → Khuburtse

    4,000 m

    Trek down via Urdukas. Approx. 6 hrs.

  15. DAY15

    Khuburtse → Bardumal

    3,253 m

    A long descent to Bardumal, in a grove of willow and poplar with a fresh-water stream. 7–8 hrs.

  16. DAY16

    Bardumal → Askoli

    3,100 m

    Finish the trek at Askoli, the last camping night. Jeeps wait; say goodbye to the porters. 7–8 hrs.

  17. DAY17

    Askoli → Skardu

    2,250 m

    Jeep drive back to Skardu; transfer to hotel for overnight and dinner. Approx. 6 hrs.

  18. DAY18

    Skardu → Islamabad

    Breakfast, then transfer to the airport for the flight to Islamabad; transfer to hotel.

  19. DAY19

    Islamabad

    Day at leisure for shopping or an excursion to the ancient ruins of Taxila.

  20. DAY20

    Departure

    Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your homebound flight.

Fixed departures

Dates for 2026

Ex-IslamabadFromToDuration
1st Departure29 Jun 202618 Jul 202620d / 19n
2nd Departure12 Jul 202631 Jul 202620d / 19n
3rd Departure17 Jul 202605 Aug 202620d / 19n
4th Departure09 Aug 202628 Aug 202620d / 19n
5th Departure16 Aug 202604 Sep 202620d / 19n
6th Departure23 Aug 202611 Sep 202620d / 19n
Good to know

Additional information

All nationalities need a valid passport with six months remaining validity and a Pakistan visa, applied online at the Pakistan Visa Portal. We provide a Letter of Invitation (LOI) along with our license copy and the host's National Identity Card. A trekking visa is usually issued for three months with 30 days validity from the date of arrival.

Reviews

What trekkers said

I trekked from Askoli to Hushey via Gondogoro La. Impeccable organisation, fantastic guidance and top-of-the-range equipment.
Gian Luca · IT
The best trekking agency in Pakistan. Super organised from the first contact until they got us on the plane home.
Steve Fedyna · US