K2 Base Camp Trek — 20 Days
Overview
The greatest walk on Earth for mountain lovers: up the 60 km Baltoro Glacier past Trango Towers, Masherbrum and Gasherbrum to Concordia: the "Throne Room of the Mountain Gods": where four 8,000 m giants stand in one panorama, then on to the foot of K2 itself. A fully supported expedition: government permits, experienced high-altitude crew, quality camp food and honest acclimatisation.
Plan the journey with our private Hunza tours, hotels in Hunza, Hunza car rental, guided Hunza treks and international Hunza tours.
Trip Highlights
- Concordia: four 8,000 m peaks in one view
- K2 Base Camp (5,150 m) and the Gilkey Memorial
- Trango Towers, Masherbrum, Gasherbrum IV en route
- Full expedition support: permits, cook crew, porters
- Skardu flights (weather backup by road)
- Gondogoro La upgrade available
Day by Day Itinerary
20-day planIslamabad: briefing
Day 1 follows the Islamabad: briefing stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Permit formalities and gear check. The day is arranged in a practical sequence that balances the main visits with realistic travel and rest time. The guide confirms local access before departure, explains the purpose of each stop and avoids adding rushed activities that would reduce the quality of the experience. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 540 mFly to Skardu (road backup)
Day 2 follows the Fly to Skardu (road backup) stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: The Nanga Parbat flight. Airport reporting and baggage timing are confirmed in advance. As mountain flights depend on operational conditions, the team monitors the service and explains the practical road contingency while protecting the main experiences planned for the following days. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 2,228 mSkardu preparation day
Day 3 follows the Skardu preparation day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Permits, crew intro, last supplies. The day is arranged in a practical sequence that balances the main visits with realistic travel and rest time. The guide confirms local access before departure, explains the purpose of each stop and avoids adding rushed activities that would reduce the quality of the experience. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 2,228 mDrive to Askole
Day 4 follows the Drive to Askole stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Jeep road up the Braldu gorge. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 3,000 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 3,000 mAskole to Jhola
Day 5 follows the Askole to Jhola stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Trek begins along the Braldu. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 3,200 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 3,200 mJhola to Paiju
Day 6 follows the Jhola to Paiju stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: First Trango views. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 3,450 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 3,450 mPaiju rest day
Day 7 follows the Paiju rest day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Acclimatisation beneath the towers. Arrival arrangements are kept straightforward so guests can recover from the journey. The representative confirms the transfer, assists with hotel check in, reviews essential documents and explains the next departure time without adding unnecessary sightseeing after a long trip. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 3,450 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 3,450 mPaiju to Urdukas
Day 8 follows the Paiju to Urdukas stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Onto the Baltoro ice; camp on the moraine terrace. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,050 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 4,050 mUrdukas to Goro II
Day 9 follows the Urdukas to Goro II stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Continue across the glacier with broad views toward Masherbrum when weather permits. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,250 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 4,250 mGoro II to Concordia
Day 10 follows the Goro II to Concordia stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Arrive the Throne Room; K2 revealed. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,600 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 4,600 mConcordia to K2 Base Camp
Day 11 follows the Concordia to K2 Base Camp stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Along the Godwin-Austen Glacier to BC and the Gilkey Memorial; return to Concordia. The walking programme is managed at a steady, sustainable pace rather than as a race. The guide checks trail conditions, explains footing and rest points, and allows sensible time for water, photographs and altitude adjustment while keeping the group together. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 5,150 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 5,150 mConcordia reserve day
Day 12 follows the Concordia reserve day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Weather margin / Broad Peak BC option. Today’s programme follows a measured pace, giving proper time to the principal experience instead of filling the schedule with brief stops. The guide confirms access, expected conditions and any suitable adjustments before the group leaves the hotel or meeting point. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,600 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 4,600 mConcordia to Goro II
Day 13 follows the Concordia to Goro II stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Begin the controlled descent with the trekking team and established campsite schedule. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,250 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 4,250 mGoro II to Paiju
Day 14 follows the Goro II to Paiju stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Down the Baltoro. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 3,450 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 3,450 mPaiju to Jhola
Day 15 follows the Paiju to Jhola stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Continue through the Braldu Valley with the expedition crew to the planned campsite. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 3,200 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 3,200 mJhola to Askole to Skardu
Day 16 follows the Jhola to Askole to Skardu stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Trek from Jhola to the current road head and continue by jeep toward Skardu where road and timing conditions allow. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 2,228 mSkardu rest day
Day 17 follows the Skardu rest day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Rest in Skardu, organise equipment and attend the planned team dinner. Arrival arrangements are kept straightforward so guests can recover from the journey. The representative confirms the transfer, assists with hotel check in, reviews essential documents and explains the next departure time without adding unnecessary sightseeing after a long trip. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 2,228 mFly to Islamabad (road backup)
Day 18 follows the Fly to Islamabad (road backup) stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Take the scheduled flight to Islamabad, with a road contingency if weather causes cancellation. Airport reporting and baggage timing are confirmed in advance. As mountain flights depend on operational conditions, the team monitors the service and explains the practical road contingency while protecting the main experiences planned for the following days. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 540 mContingency day
Day 19 follows the Contingency day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Protects against flight/weather delays. The flight schedule is checked again before departure because mountain services can change with weather and visibility. The guide keeps the road alternative and revised sightseeing order ready, so a delay does not create unrealistic promises or compromise the remaining programme. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Departure
Day 20 follows the Departure stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Transfer to Islamabad International Airport according to the confirmed departure time, with assistance for the final check-out. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. The programme concludes after the planned final service, with enough time to check luggage, travel documents and the confirmed transfer or onward arrangements.
What’s Included
Included
- Licensed local mountain guide
- Porters and camping equipment where required
- All meals on trek days
- Islamabad pickup and drop (private transport)
- Hotel nights before/after trek
- First-aid kit and oximeter
- Trekking permits & CKNP fees
- Full expedition cook crew
- Skardu flights (at cost, road backup)
- Insurance-required rescue registration
Not included
- Sleeping bag (rentable)
- Personal trekking gear and boots
- Lunches/dinners on non-trek days
- Tips and personal expenses
- International flights
- Personal high-altitude gear
- Staff tips (customary)
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit must I be?
Very: 6 to 8 hour days at altitude for two weeks. Prior multi-day trek experience at 4,000 m+ is strongly advised.
Best season?
Mid-June to early September: the classic Karakoram expedition window.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes: your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Skardu Airport?
Yes: fly Islamabad to Skardu (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically: you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan: this itinerary focuses elsewhere: but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May to Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect a mix of hotels and full camping support on trek nights (tents, mats, mess tent and cook crew). See our Hotels page for the full 65-hotel partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Not for young children: this is a demanding route; we advise 16+ with genuine trekking fitness.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
This route’s altitude and daily effort make it unsuitable for most senior travellers; see our Luxury or By-Air plans instead.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely: add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.