K2 Base Camp Trek and Return by Helicopter
Situated in the far reaches of the Karakoram mountain range at the intersection of the borders of India, China, and Pakistan, the Central Karakoram National Park is a realm of awe-inspiring natural wonders. Within this pristine landscape lies the K2 Base Camp, beckoning adventure enthusiasts to discover an extraordinary journey. The trek, coupled with a traverse of the formidable Gondogoro La at 5650 meters, promises an unforgettable active adventure featuring massive glaciers, encounters with renowned climbers, and the majestic presence of multiple towering peaks.
Location:
The K2 Base Camp Trek unfolds in the heart of the Karakoram mountain range, nestled within the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. The Karakoram Range marks this captivating region. This natural barrier runs along the borders of China, India, and Pakistan. The trek takes intrepid travellers to the summit of the world's second-highest mountain, K2 (8611 meters), offering an immersive experience in one of Earth's last adventure destinations. The journey involves diverse modes of transportation, including plane, jeep track, footpath, and snow-covered trails, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of Northern Pakistan's stunning landscapes.
Weather:
The K2 Base Camp Trek exposes trekkers to a range of climates as they traverse through the Karakoram Range. The weather varies from temperate conditions in the lower regions to the challenges of high-altitude conditions near the summit. Trekkers should be prepared for fluctuating temperatures, with colder conditions at higher elevations. The expedition-style trek allows one to witness the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Karakoram Range and the Baltoro Glacier while navigating through snow-covered trails. The tour offers a unique experience, combining comfort with the thrill of hiking amidst some of the world's tallest peaks.
K2:
K2, known as Chhogori or Mount Godwin-Austen, is the second-highest mountain on Earth, towering 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level. Situated in the Karakoram Range on the border between Pakistan and China, K2 is revered for its formidable beauty and challenging ascent. Renowned for its steep, icy slopes and unpredictable weather, K2 has earned the nickname "Savage Mountain," demanding respect and awe from mountaineers worldwide. Despite its daunting reputation, K2 continues to captivate climbers with its unparalleled allure, beckoning them to test their limits and experience the raw power of nature.
Guide:
We start in Islamabad and explore landmarks like the Faisal Mosque. Fly or take a scenic road journey to Skardu for acclimatization. Trek from Skardu to Askole, passing Shigar Fort and gemstone mines. Continue through stunning landscapes, camping at Paiju, Khuburse, Urdukas, and Goro, with rest days at Urdukas and Concordia. Reach K2 Base Camp and return to Concordia before starting the return journey. Marvel at glaciers, grassy slopes, and wildlife. The trek concludes with a return to Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway, offering cultural richness and unforgettable experiences.
Tour Detail:
D-1) ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:
Welcome to Pakistan. Today, you will arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Our representative will meet and greet you at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel in Islamabad. You will be served tea/coffee at the hotel as a welcome drink, and use this opportunity to get to know your fellow trekkers. After the drink, have a rest to recover from your long flight. We will meet over dinner to give you a detailed briefing about your K2 base camp trek.
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-2) ISLAMABAD TO SKARDU FLIGHT (45 minutes) 2,230 m/7,316ft:
We will transfer you to the airport for a breathtaking mountain view flight to Skardu. Beautiful view of Gondogoro La pass, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), and other famous Karakorum peaks during the flight. Arrive at Skardu airport, and our representative will transfer you to your group hotel, where you will meet some of your porters and trekking crew. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town.
Skardu is the Capital and administrative town of the historical Baltistan region. Baltistan was once one of the largest kingdoms of the Himalayas. The inhabitants of Baltistan are called the Balti people, and they are descendants of Tibet and Mongolia. People of Baltistan speak the Balti language, which comes from Sanskrit, and it is very similar to the Tibetan language. Baltistan is also known as Little Tibet because of similarities in culture, traditions and architecture.
Please note: Flights to and from Skardu only occur if the weather is clear. Skardu Airport is in a narrow valley, and the pilots need a clear view to land the plane. The weather in the mountains mostly stays clear, so flights rarely get cancelled.
Skardu Airport was upgraded to international status and underwent a re-inauguration on December 2, 2021, following extensive enhancements to transform it into a prominent tourism hub. The airport now facilitates direct flights from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Dubai. Since the upgrades, flight cancellations have significantly decreased, and cancellation chances are currently very low. Last summer, we had only one flight cancellation, and our clients had to travel by road on KKH. While we travel on KKH, we avoid travelling through the area, which the UK and US foreign offices do not recommend.
In case of flight cancellation, you will travel on Karakorum Highway to Naran for a night stay, and the next day continue to Skardu. Islamabad to Naran distance is 281 km, a 9-hour drive. Naran to Skardu is a 10-hour drive on the Karakoram highway along the mighty Gilgit and Indus rivers. Traveling by road on the Karakoram Highway is as spectacular as taking a flight.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-3) SIGHTSEEING & PREPARATION DAY, SKARDU
Another free sightseeing day while we prepare your documents, transportation, and logistics for your base camp trek. Enjoy this historic town, the getaway to Gondogoro La, Leila Peak, Mitre Peak, Muztagh Tower, Vigne Glacier, and other mountain valleys.
Skardu lies along the south bank of the Indus River, which separates The Karakorum from the Himalayas. It has a long bazaar with different shops along both sides of the main road. The center of the town is Yadgar Chowk, a memorial inscribed with the names of those who died fighting for the liberation of Gilgit Baltistan from the Dogra rule in 1947-48.
Kharpocho Fort is one of the main attractions. Visit the historical Kharpocho Fort, built in the late 16th century on the top of a rock overlooking the town. After visiting the Kharpocho fort, head to see the crystal clear blue water Sadpara Lake, which is only a 20-minute drive from town, have lunch at the lake, and visit the famous 8th-century Buddha rock on the way back. Buddha Rock is evidence of traces and influences of Buddhism in the area before the arrival of Islam in the 14th century.
From Buddha Rock, you can travel to Kachura village to explore the village life of this mountain valley. Kachura village is famous for its two natural lakes, Upper Kachura Lake and Shangrila Lake. Perhaps you would like to have a tea break at one of the restaurants along the banks of the upper Kachura Lake. After visiting Kachura village, head back to your hotel for dinner.
Have a good sleep in your bed as from tomorrow you will be sleeping in sleeping bags in tents until you return to Skardu.
Note: If the road is blocked between Askoli and Johla, we will drive to Askoli today and spend the night in Askoli.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-4) DRIVE TO JOHLA VIA ASKOLE, (141 km), 3,075 m/10,332ft, 8 HOURS DRIVE:
Rise early and hop on a jeep to drive on the winding Shigar road along the Indus and Shigar Rivers to reach Askole. Askole is a small mountain village and the last human inhabitant of Shigar Valley. Arrive in the early afternoon, meet the rest of your porters and trekking crew, visit the single-street town with traditional wooden houses, and learn about the culture, tradition, and daily life at this altitude.
The people of this village have been hosting mountaineers for many centuries. They are the most welcoming, friendly, and humble people you will ever meet. They will invite you to their homes for tea and offer snacks to show their hospitality.
As you trek through the village, it is fascinating to see the locals getting on with their daily farming tasks in their corn and barley fields. Enjoy the view of Apricot trees and the greenery as you are about to leave them behind. Sun rays at this altitude are stronger, so keep sun creams, a hat, and a water bottle to avoid sunburn and dehydration.
In 2021, the road from Askole to Johla was extended, so we no longer stay in Askole. After a short break in Askole, we will drive to Johla camp for a night stay. Leave Askole behind and enter into the wilderness of The Karakorum mountains. The drive is gentle as the road is on flat and dry land. The valley will open out soon, revealing the mighty Biafo Glacier. Have your first experience on the moraine, which will lead you to the old oasis-like camp of Korfong. Korfong camp is the starting point for other famous trekking routes, including the Gondogoro la circuit, Snow Lake, and Hispar Lake trek. Snow Lake Glacier offers unique trekking and ski holiday experience.
After the old Korfong camp, you will continue along the Braldu River to reach the junction of the Panama River. A detour up the mountain valley will take you to cross a bridge that will lead you to Jhola camp. There was an adventurous and exciting pulley system to cross this river before this bridge-building. Jhola camp is one of the first campsites, built by the tourism department with Basins, washing and toilet facilities.
The trekking distance to the K2 base camp is 80 kilometers from Johla. It is possible to complete the K2 base camp trek distance in fewer days if you are a fit trekker and short on time.
Check our Blog and news section for more detailed information about the K2 base camp trek distance.
Pitch up your tent and enjoy your first evening in your sleeping bag under the stars with the spectacular views of Bakhor Das peak (5,809 meters) and the needles of Paiju peaks. Unlike the Everest base camp trek, you will sleep in a tent during the entire K2 trekking session.
Night stay at Johla campsite.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-5) TREK TO PAIJU, (21 km) 3,420 m/11,220ft, 6 HOURS TREK
Today is the first trekking day of your K2 base camp trek. Pack all your equipment, and start trekking towards Paiju campsite in the central Karakoram National Park. Your porters and kitchen staff will always leave ahead of you throughout the trek to prepare lunch and set up tents before you arrive at the camp sides.
Start trekking along the Braldu Gorge for a while before you climb higher grounds. Be prepared to cross a few small streams if the water levels are high. Sports sandals and old trainers help cross slippery streams. You will arrive at Paiju campsite after crossing a small stream.
Paiju Camp is on a hillside under the shadow of the Paiju Peak, with good camping facilities, litter bins, washbasins, and toilet cubicles built and maintained by the Tourism department. It is one of the main stops for all trekking and climbing expeditions. Paiju provides an opportunity to meet members from other trekking teams and learn about their experiences. Expect a musical night over a bonfire by the local Balti porters, followed by singing and dancing. From here, you can see the immense Baltoro Glacier and Trango Towers,
ASCENT 580 meters, DESCENT 335 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-6) TREK TO KHOBURTSE, (15 km) 3,795 m/12,450ft, 7 HOURS TREK:
On the 6th day of this base camp trek, you will be introduced to the mighty Baltoro Glacier, the large piece of ice outside the polar region. One-hour walk from the camp will bring you to the snout of Baltoro Glacier. Enjoy the sound and the view of the outpouring of water coming out from Baltoro while you are walking on the rubble and rocks that cover the surface of Baltoro. You do not need an ice axe, ropes and other special climbing equipment to walk on the Baltoro Glacier. Although, trekking on an uneven surface can be tricky for some people. We recommend bringing spikes or crampons that can be helpful for a good balance.
While trekking on the Baltoro Glacier, imagining that the stones under your feet possibly came from the summit of Broad Peak, Gondogoro La, or the Gasherbrum Mountains is fascinating.
After walking for four hours, you will arrive at Liligo camp, where you will have a lunch break. Expect to see Himalayan ibex, snow leopards, and other wildlife above the rocks of Liligo camp. After lunch, continue walking on the moraine for a while, then climb a steep hill to arrive at a grassland with alpine meadows, which leads you to Khoburtse campsite.
Khoburtse campsite is on flat land at the side of Baltoro Glacier. This campsite has no washing facilities like the previous camps. Still, it does offer a sensational view of Uli Biaho and Trango Tower.
- Night stay at Khorburtse campsite.
- ASCENT 640 meters DESCENT 220 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-7) TREK TO URDUKAS, (6 km) 3,900 m/12,795ft, 4 HOURS TREK:
Wake up early in the morning with a hot cup of tea and witness an impressive sunrise view over Trango Tower. Today will be a short but strenuous trekking day as you walk up the undulating moraine while gaining height. Most of the time, you will trek along the lateral moraine and sometimes on the surface of Baltoro. Pass the Nameless Towers to arrive at Urdukas camp by early afternoon. It is located around 100 meters above the Baltoro glacier.
Urdukas camp is a historical site. It is beautifully located above the Baltoro glacier with a spectacular view of Cathedral Peak. In 1909, the Duke of Abruzzi and his men built this camp on their way to K2. It is the last campsite with toilets, basins, and litter bin facilities, so make the most of it.
The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or walk up the slope behind the camp for a spectacular panorama view of the mighty Baltoro.
- Night stay at Urdukas Camp.
- ASCENT 250 meters, DESCENT 40 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-8) ACCLIMATISATION & REST DAY AT URDUKAS
Today is a free day at Urdukas. It is important to ascend slowly at a high altitude, so having a break and free day at Urdukas will give your body more time to get used to the thin air of the high altitude. High altitude starts at 1,500 meters (4,921 feet).
At high altitudes, air pressure decreases (hypobaria), resulting in thinner air—that molecules spread farther apart. We breathe less oxygen when breathing at high altitudes, resulting in less oxygen being absorbed in the lungs and delivered to the body.
A low-oxygen state, whether in ambient air or the body, is called hypoxia. Hypobaric hypoxia causes multiple effects: Heart and respiratory rates increase immediately, improving oxygenation. Muscle fatigue, sleep apnea, changes in metabolism, altered hormone secretion, fluid retention, and swelling of the hands, feet, and face are common.
Other trekking groups spend their free day at Paiju. Instead of staying at Paiju, we spend our free days at Urdukas to get acclimatized before reaching a higher altitude. Over the last 40 years, we have learned that spending a free day at Urdukas has proven much more effective for safety and acclimatization. Resting here has worked well for all our K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro la Trekking groups.
Urdukas is a historic campsite on a grassy place on the side of the Baltoro glacier with cleaning and washing facilities. There are short walks around the camp, so enjoy a short walk and the magnificent panorama view of Gasherbrum and Broad Peak.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-9) TREK TO GORO, (12 km) 4,295 m/14,091ft, 7 HOURS TREK
After spending a free day at Urdukas, today you will trek to Goro. As you leave the Urdukas camp, you will pass a graveyard of porters who have died in the Baltoro region. Porters usually stop and gather around the graves to pay their respects and say a short prayer. Trek along the moraine until you find easy access to climb on the surface of Baltoro Glacier. And once you are on the surface, then walking becomes smothering. Soon, you will have a spectacular close-up view of Masherbrum Peak (7,821m/ 25659 ft), also known as the queen of the Karakoram because of its beauty.
Continue trekking upwards with a view of Gasherbrum IV, which looks like standing at the head of Baltoro glacier, guiding you to the K2 base camp like a beacon. The trekking path continues to be on the uneven rocky surface of Baltoro, with many ice dunes to Goro I camp. Lunch and a short break at Goro I, then trek for a few more hours to reach Goro II campsite by early afternoon for a night stay.
Goro II camp is on the rocky surface of Baltoro glacier after an army campsite. The campsite is spread out, giving plenty of room to pitch your tent. Tonight, you will be sleeping on the surface of the Baltoro glacier, so make sure to put many layers of clothes on to keep yourself warm.
- ASCENT 330 meters DESCENT 90 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-10) TREK TO CONCORDIA, (12 km) 4,500m/14,763ft, 5 HOURS TREK
Today is one of the top highlights of your K2 base camp trek. Wake up early and Trek to Concordia. Concordia is known as the throne room of the mountain gods. Concordia is 4,500 meters above sea level, located at the junction of the upper Baltoro Glacier and Godwin-Austen Glacier. Famous alpinist and explorer Sir Martin Conway gave the name "Concordia to this place. Concordia is one of the most spectacular places on earth.
All the Karakoram giants you have been looking at from a faraway are now right in front of you. You are surrounded by the mighty Gasherbrum II (8,035m/26,361ft), III (7,952m/26,089ft) & IV (7,925m/26,000ft), Mitre Peak, Chogolisa (7,665m/25,147ft), Broad Peak (8,047m/26,401ft), and visible for the first time, the second-highest mountain on the earth after Everest, the spectacular K2 (8,611m/28,251ft).
Concordia has a much wider area, so there is plenty of space to set up your tent. This place can be windy in the evening, so wear many layers of clothes to keep yourself warm.
Set up your camp at Concordia and spend a night in your sleeping bag with spectacular views, which you will not find anywhere else.
- ASCENT 290 meters, DESCENT 5 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-11) TREK TO BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP, (6 km) 4,800m/15,748ft, 4 HOURS TREK
Many tour companies do not take you beyond Concordia. Still, this adventure holiday is incomplete without visiting the actual K2 base camp. After all, this is a base camp trek, so you must see the K2 base camp.
Today, our mountain guide will lead you on the Godwin-Austen glacier to the base camp of Broad Peak for a night stay. You will arrive at Broad Peak Basecamp by lunchtime, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the scenery. Broad Peak base camp provides a spectacular and close-up view of K2. Enjoy a beautiful sunset view over Broad Peak and other Karakoram giants.
- Enjoy your base camp day and spend the evening at Broad Peak Base Camp.
- Participants can stay at Concordia or trek to Broad Peak Base Camp and K2 Base Camp.
- ASCENT 300 meters, DESCENT 5 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-12) TREK TO K2 BASE CAMP & RETURN TO CONCORDIA, (11 km) 5,150 m/16,896ft, 7 HOURS TREK
Rise and shine early to witness a spectacular sunrise view over K2 and Broad Peak. Today is the top highlight of your Base camp trek as you will be walking to K2 base camp.
Pack all your gear and trek to the Gilkey Memorial. Gilkey Memorial is At the bottom of K2, a testament to those who died while climbing K2. It is named after Art Gilkey, who died during the 1953 American expedition to summit K2.
Visit the Gilkey memorial and trek to the K2 base camp, the second-highest mountain in the world. After starting this epic trek that took nearly a week, you finally arrived at the K2 Base Camp in Pakistan. One of the primary reasons for your visit was to pay your respects at the Gilkey Memorial, a significant landmark near the base camp.
Once you arrive at the base camp, you can not help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnificence of your surroundings. Stand in front of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, towering high above you and radiating a sense of grandeur that is impossible to ignore. As you gaze upon the impressive sight, take a deep breath and allow yourself to take in the awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Having journeyed for days to get to this point, you felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that was difficult to put into words. You had pushed your physical limits to their absolute extremes, traversing challenging terrain and battling harsh weather conditions to reach this moment. And now, standing at the base of one of the world's most significant natural wonders, you could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation for the journey that brought you there.
K2 Base Camp's height is 5,150 meters above sea level. It is the biggest campsite for mountaineers (outside Everest base camp) who want to climb K2. From the base camp, you will have a rare panoramic view. Enjoy the spectacular view of Concordia, Broad Peak, and other peaks rising from the majestic Baltoro.
We will have some snacks and take a group photo at the base camp with the climbers, who are there to climb K2. Mountain climbers spend nearly two months at the base camp while trying their luck. Use this opportunity to talk to the climbers, enjoy your lunch and the scenery, and then trek back to Concordia for a night's stay. You have completed the ascending part of the K2 base camp trek. The descending journey will begin by retracing your steps back to Islamabad.
- Night stay in your tent at Concordia.
- ASCENT 350 meters, DESCENT 650 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-13) TREK TO GORO, (12 km) 4,295 m/14,091ft, 7 HOURS TREK
Ascending of your K2 base camp trek is now officially completed. Today, you will start trekking back toward Islamabad by following the same travel itinerary backward. Pack all your gears, say goodbye to K2, and start descending on Baltoro. As you are trekking down the Baltoro glacier, K2 and other giants will slowly disappear in the background, except Gasherbrum IV, which resumes its prominence at the head of Baltoro.
Down the mountain valley, the serried ranks of granite towers, spires of the Lobsang, Cathedral, and Trango Towers have moved into the close distance. Masherbrum Peak's snow-capped red granite spire is directly opposite to the south.
You will arrive at the Goro camp early in the afternoon. Goro camp is an atmospheric place, and now that you are heading home, your crew might want to have a party at the campsite to celebrate the success. Anything can be a musical or percussion instrument. Listening to the voices of Balti porters in their full local song will give you a unique experience.
- Night stay in your tent at Goro camp.
- ASCENT 30 meters, DESCENT 400 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-14) TREK BACK TO KHOBURTSE, (14 km) 3,795 m/12,450ft, 7 HOURS TREK:
Continue retracing your steps on Baltoro Glacier towards Khoburtse campsite. It is amazing how different everything looks in the descending part of this base camp trek, with a constant field of vision filled with an entirely different view.
You will notice that the temperature is warmer, and more oxygen in the air as the altitude drops. Yesterday, the granite spires lining the Baltoro glacier were lower than you, and now they are lofty towers above.
Passing through the campsite of Urdukas and the Duke of Abruzzi, you can marvel at the tenacity of those early pioneers who endured untold hardship to get to their base camps in these mountains. You will have lunch on the Duke's terrace with spectacular views across the Baltoro glacier to Biale Peak, which remains hidden except from this point. After lunch, trek down the narrow valley, sometimes on the Baltoro glacier and sometimes along the moraine until you reach Khoburtse campsite. Khoburtse camp is the Braldu Valley's starting point and almost the Baltoro glacier's end. You can see the patches of green on the lower slopes of Paiju Peak, which mark the location of the spring water camps.
- Night stay in Khoburtse, your first off-glacier camping for some days.
- ASCENT 100 meters, DESCENT 470 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-15) TREK BACK TO PAIJU, (15 km) 3,420 m/11,220ft, 5 HOURS TREK
Following your breakfast, you will embark on your trek back to Paiju, with a breathtaking view of the world-renowned Trango Tower as your backdrop. To get there, you will head south and cross the Liligo Glacier.
It is worth noting that two decades ago, the snout of the Liligo Glacier was situated half a mile up the valley. However, the glacier has moved and collided with the main glacier over time. As a result, the combined churning forces have made crossing the glacier difficult, and it is now considered a dangerous undertaking without a detour.
After the detour and return to the main Baltoro glacier, you now cross its north side, climbing over the huge swells of the glacier towards the ramparts of Uli Biaho. On the other side, you then trek down to the mountain valley, where you pick up the main trail and pass by the snout, where the underground river erupts out in a cascade to become the Braldu River.
The last part of the day is an easy trek on a good path, although there will be a final uphill pull to arrive at the Paiju camp. Night stay in your tent at Paiju.
- ASCENT 220 meters, DESCENT 6400 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-16) TREK BACK TO JHOLA, (21 km) 3,150 m/10,334ft, 7 HOURS TREK
It is the last trekking day of your K2 Base Camp Trek, but this epic journey is not over yet. After breakfast, leave the Paiju campsite and continue retracing your steps on a good trail down the valley. Now you are off the glacier and at a lower elevation, it is considerably warmer, and you may make an early start to use the cool of the morning.
You are returning to civilization after two weeks in the wilderness of the Karakorum Mountains. Soon, you will trek on a pleasant trail down to the little ablation area beside the Biafo glacier known as Korofong, surrounded by sparse grasses and tamarack bushes.
After Korofong, you follow the glacial moraine of the Biafo glacier and then trek beside the river that emerges from its snout until you reach a bridge that allows you to cross to its north side. The trail passes through a wide, flat area known locally as the King's Polo Field before climbing through a convenient cleft on the ridge of a big rock. Descending steeply down the other side of this window, you have a pleasant stroll through a boulder-strewn landscape before climbing onto a shallow plateau.
Surprisingly, it is a different experience compared to your ascent to the base camp of K2. The trail rises and falls as you cross several alluvial fans. You have to cross some side streams using makeshift bridges or stepping stones. Still, it may be necessary also to wade across, especially later in the day. The source of all these streams is meltwater from the glaciers that grows as the day gets warmer. At one point, the trail passes close to the river beside the walls of the conglomerate, and you may feel its tremendous power. You follow the main Braldu River downstream to its confluence with the Panama River, where you turn northeast to reach a camping place beside the toll bridge at Jhola.
Today, you will celebrate the successful journey to the K2 base camp with the porters and hand out their tips as a token of your appreciation for their hard work. You can also give them any spare kits that are not needed, which is also a way of saying Thank You. You will sleep in your tent for the last time, so enjoy the Night stay in your tent at Johla campsite.
- ASCENT 450 meters, DESCENT 600 meters.
- Accommodation
- Full-service Camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-17) DRIVE BACK TO SKARDU (141 km) 2,230 m/7,316ft, 8 HOURS:
After spending the last evening under the stars in the tent, start driving towards Skardu via Askole. You will cross several small side valleys and begin to see signs of habitation before reaching an irrigation channel that brings meltwater to the field of Askoli village. Following the water channel for a while, one can appreciate the tremendous skills of the local Balti people, who have harnessed an entire area to grow their crops in this high-altitude desert. Eventually, you reach green fields and stone walls, which lead you back to Askole village.
You will have a short break in Askole to farewell your porters. Most of your porters will be from this village, and they will be happy to be back at home and see their families. Say goodbye to your porters, and continue your journey to Skardu via Shigar Valley. Drive along the Braldu River to reach Shigar, cross the bridge over the Indus River, and follow the Indus River to arrive back in Skardu.
- After spending two weeks in the wilderness of the Karakoram mountains, a hot shower and a warm bed await you.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-18) FLY BACK TO ISLAMABAD (45 Minutes):
We will transfer you to the airport for a spectacular mountain view flight back to Islamabad. Skardu Airport is a short distance from your hotel. Board the plane and have an exciting journey to Islamabad with a view of Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), Gondogoro La, and other Himalayan giants. It is a 45-minute long flight.
Our staff will meet you at Islamabad Airport and transfer you to the group hotel.
You may feel strange to be back in the city after spending over two weeks in the wilderness of the Karakoram mountains, trekking, and camping. It takes time to get used to the hustle and bustle of busy city life again.
After checking into your hotel in Islamabad, you can relax and spend the rest of the afternoon in the hotel or head out for a self-guided sightseeing tour of Islamabad city. We can guide you on the possibilities for sightseeing and places to buy souvenirs. Shopping for hand-made Iranian & Afghan rugs is usually a popular option.
You can have dinner in your hotel, or have dinner in a famous food street. Pakistan is known for its delicious cuisine, so make sure to taste traditional Pakistani dishes in Pakistan to make your K2 Base camp trek trip more memorable.
Note. The Skardu to Islamabad flight is weather-dependent. Should the flight be canceled due to bad weather, the journey to Islamabad will continue by road to Astore/Naran in a Land Cruiser via Deosai Plains/kk. Night stay in Astore/Naran.
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-19) CONTINGENCY DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS:
If you managed to fly to Islamabad yesterday, then it is a free day to explore the green capital city. Visit Parliament Square, Faisal Mosque, and Islamabad Monument and head to the neighbouring Rawalpindi city. Rawalpindi is a historical and traditional place that will give you the flavor of southern Pakistan. It is on the Pothohar Plateau, known for its ancient Buddhist heritage, especially in the neighboring town of Taxila.
After a full day of sightseeing, have your last dinner in Pakistan at the Magnificent Food Streets to treat your taste buds to a local Pakistani curry, a taste sensation to remember your trip to the K2 base camp.
Should the flight be canceled due to the bad weather, you will continue your journey to Islamabad by road from Astore. In the backdrop, travel with a spectacular view of Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters) (the 9th highest mountain in the world). Follow the Karakoram Highway for a while, then cut through Babusar Pass (4,067 meters) and Kaghan Valley to Mansehra City. From Mansehra, you will rejoin the Karakoram Highway and pass through culturally rich and historical Abbottabad city, Hassan Abdal, and Taxila to Islamabad. You will arrive late in the afternoon.
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-20) DEPARTURE DAY - FLY BACK HOME:
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Islamabad Airport for your flight back to your home country. The "K2 base camp trek" is now officially over.
In conclusion, completing the K2 Base Camp trek is an unforgettable experience that leaves you with a profound sense of accomplishment and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of Pakistan. The journey requires strength, resilience, and determination. Still, the reward of standing at the base of K2, one of the world's most magnificent peaks, is well worth the effort. With memories of the stunning landscape and challenging terrain and welcoming locals, you leave Pakistan with a newfound respect for the power and beauty of nature and a sense of awe that will stay with you for a lifetime.
