Trek Overview
The K2 Base Camp and Concordia Trek is widely considered the ultimate high-altitude mountain trek on Earth. Starting from the legendary stone village of Askole in Baltistan, the trail follows the turbulent Braldu River before ascending onto the 62-kilometer-long Baltoro Glacier.
As you ascend deeper into the Karakoram Range, you will pass beneath the world's most dramatic rock monoliths: the Trango Towers (6,286m), Cathedral Peak, Paiju Peak, and Uli Biaho. Reaching Concordia at 4,650m, you stand at the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, encircled by four 8,000m giants: K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,047m), Gasherbrum I (8,068m), and Gasherbrum II (8,035m).
Trek Highlights
- Stand before K2 (8,611m) & visit the historic Gilkey Memorial
- Camp at Concordia, the "Throne Room of the Mountain Gods"
- Gaze up at the sheer 1,000m granite walls of Trango Towers
- Spectacular mountain flight past Nanga Parbat into Skardu
- Full mountain camp service with private chef & Balti high-altitude crew
- 100% locally operated by native indigenous mountain guides
Day-by-Day Itinerary (21 Days)
Arrive in Islamabad – Briefing & Gear Check
Welcome to Pakistan! Our team meets you at Islamabad International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon, we attend the official expedition briefing at the Department of Tourist Services / Alpine Club of Pakistan and conduct a final gear inspection with our head guide.
Mountain Flight to Skardu or Drive via KKH
Board the spectacular 45-minute scenic mountain flight to Skardu, soaring past Nanga Parbat and K2. (In case of flight cancellation due to weather, we drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway along the Indus River canyon to Chilas).
Skardu Acclimatization & Final Trek Logistics
A full preparation day in Skardu. Visit the ancient Kharpocho Fort overlooking the Indus River, explore the lively mountain bazaar for last-minute supplies, or stroll along the turquoise waters of Upper Kachura Lake.
4x4 Jeep Drive from Skardu to Askole (Roadhead)
Embark on an exhilarating 6-7 hour 4x4 jeep journey up the Shigar Valley and Braldu River gorge to Askole, the last inhabited village before the wilderness of the Karakoram.
Trek from Askole to Jhola Camp
Trek past the snout of the Biafo Glacier along the Braldu Valley. Cross the footbridge over the Dumordo River and set up camp at Jhola facing the Bakhor Das peak.
Trek from Jhola to Paiju Oasis Camp
Continue along the banks of the Braldu River. As you approach Paiju, you catch your first breathtaking glimpse of the massive Baltoro Glacier snout and the Cathedral spires in the distance.
Acclimatization & Rest Day at Paiju
A vital rest and acclimatization day. Porters bake flatbread (chapattis) for the glacial trek ahead while trekkers rest, hydrate, and take short exploratory walks around the Paiju camp.
Ascend onto Baltoro Glacier to Khoburtse
Step onto the mighty Baltoro Glacier! Walk over lateral moraines with views opening up to the monumental Trango Towers (6,286m), Uli Biaho, and Great Trango.
Trek from Khoburtse to Urdukas (Trango Viewpoint)
A shorter but stunning day ascending to Urdukas, the last green campsite perched on granite cliffs with the most iconic front-row vista of Great Trango Tower across the ice.
Trek from Urdukas to Goro II (Glacial Camp)
Trek directly down the center of the Baltoro Glacier. Masherbrum (7,821m) towers directly to your right, and Gasherbrum IV looms on the horizon.
Trek to Concordia – "Throne Room of Mountain Gods"
The crown jewel day! Trek across ice moraines into Concordia (4,650m). Suddenly the pyramid of K2 (8,611m) unveils itself in full splendor, alongside Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Baltoro Kangri.
Excursion to Broad Peak BC, K2 Base Camp & Gilkey Memorial
An early morning pilgrimage up the Godwin-Austen Glacier. Visit Broad Peak Base Camp and reach K2 Base Camp (5,150m) and the emotional Gilkey Memorial before returning to Concordia for dinner.
Descent via Baltoro Glacier back to Askole
Retrace your steps down the Baltoro Glacier with new vistas facing west. Overnight at Goro I, Urdukas, Paiju, and Jhola before arriving back in the welcoming village of Askole.
4x4 Drive to Skardu, Flight to Islamabad & Departure
Jeep drive from Askole back to Skardu for hot showers and celebration dinner. Fly back to Islamabad (or drive KKH contingency). Farewell dinner and airport transfers for your onward international flights.
Trek Photo Gallery
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- All domestic flights (Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad)
- Government trekking permits & royalty clearances
- Experienced English-speaking native high-altitude guide
- Professional expedition chef & kitchen helper team
- 3 hot nutritious meals daily during the trek + snacks
- High quality 4-season 2-person tents & foam mattresses
- Mess tent with folding chairs, tables & solar lighting
- Porters to carry member duffel bags (up to 15 kg/person)
- 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser transfers (Skardu – Askole – Skardu)
- Deluxe hotel accommodation in Islamabad and Skardu
- First aid medical kit & emergency oxygen cylinder
Package Exclusions
- International airfare to/from Islamabad
- Pakistan visa fee (online eVisa support provided)
- Personal trekking gear, crampons & sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Travel, medical & emergency helicopter rescue insurance
- Soft drinks, bottled beverages & personal laundry
- Tips for mountain guides, cooks, and porters
Essential Gear Checklist
- Rigid high-ankle trekking boots
- Microspikes / lightweight crampons
- Camp sandals or down booties
- 4-5 pairs of merino wool hiking socks
- Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
- Gore-Tex waterproof jacket & pants
- Heavy down jacket (-15°C rated)
- Fleece pullover & trekking trousers
- 4-season sleeping bag (-15°C)
- UV Category 4 glacier sunglasses
- Sturdy trekking poles with snow baskets
- Headlamp + extra rechargeable batteries
Terms & Conditions
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for any kind of trip, trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, wildlife safaris, and other travel services operated by the company. The terms and conditions set forth will bring forward its limitations before any interested visitor advances for the programs alluded.
Reservation & Advance Payment Requirements
- 40% advance deposit should be made 1 month earlier or as soon as the trip is confirmed to enable the company to manage all required government documents, permits, hotel reservations, and field staff allocations.
- The full balance settlement must be cleared upon arrival in Pakistan before proceeding on the trip.
- Advance deposits can be directly wired to our official corporate bank account through any bank worldwide.
- Advance deposits are non-refundable in case of trip cancellation on behalf of the client, but 100% refundable if the company faces technical impediments.
- For special circumstances, bilateral negotiation can be made between the company and the client.
Official Corporate Bank Account Details
Direct all international wire transfers to our official account at Alfalah Bank Pakistan:
No refund is made for the deposit in case of cancellation on the client's behalf. If full payment was completed and written cancellation is submitted with advance notice, refunds will be calculated after deducting operational cancellation charges and non-refundable permit costs.
All tour and trek packages provide hotel rooms and camp tents on a twin-sharing basis. A single supplement surcharge will apply to clients who request single occupancy or where a compatible roommate is unavailable.
No refund will be made to clients who voluntarily or involuntarily leave the trek or tour early, regardless of any unused portions or days remaining on the itinerary.
The licensed guide representing Hunza Adventure Tours holds full authority in field decisions. Clients who commit unlawful acts or endanger group safety may be required to leave the tour without refund.
Trekking in the high Karakoram wilderness requires flexibility. Wilderness trails and remote infrastructure differ from city conditions. Patience, fitness, and team spirit are essential for high-altitude success.
All clients must obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment, high-altitude helicopter rescue up to 6,000m, trip cancellation, and personal baggage before arrival.
To request itinerary alterations, advance notice is required. En route, the lead guide reserves the right to alter trekking routes if deemed necessary due to weather, snow conditions, or trail safety.
All required passport details, photos, and personal information must be submitted on time. We are not liable for departure delays caused by missing client documentation.
While client safety is our highest priority, adventure travel in the Karakoram carries inherent risks including landslides, sudden weather shifts, and high altitude. Any extra costs arising from force majeure events remain the client's responsibility.
Flights to Skardu are subject to visual flight rules and mountain weather. In the event of flight cancellations, surface travel via the Karakoram Highway will be arranged seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we customize this trek itinerary?
Yes! We love customizing itineraries for individuals, private groups, and mountaineering clubs. We can add rest days, combine the trek with Gondogoro La Pass, or include cultural tours in Hunza Valley. Contact our specialists to tailor your route.
What if I arrive earlier or depart later than the scheduled dates?
We are glad to arrange additional hotel accommodation, private airport transfers, and local sightseeing excursions in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, or Taxila before or after your trek.
Who will meet me upon arrival in Pakistan?
You will be warmly greeted at Islamabad International Airport by our official representative holding a personalized Hunza Adventure Tours signboard. We provide 24/7 emergency dispatch support throughout your trip.
Who will my mountain guide be?
All our guides are licensed native professionals certified by the Alpine Club of Pakistan and Ministry of Tourism. They possess decades of high-altitude Karakoram experience, wilderness first-aid training, and fluent English communication skills.
Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?
Yes. Citizens of over 190 countries can easily obtain the Pakistan Tourist eVisa online via the official NADRA portal. As a licensed operator (DTS # ID-1994), we provide the official Letter of Invitation (LOI) and tour itinerary required for your visa application.
Is it safe to trek to K2 Base Camp and Baltoro Glacier?
Gilgit-Baltistan is universally regarded as one of the safest, most peaceful, and hospitable adventure destinations in the world. The indigenous Balti and Hunzakuts are legendary for their warmth and hospitality. Solo trekking is prohibited by law, but guided group travel is safe, secure, and officially permitted.
How do we manage altitude acclimatization on Baltoro?
Our 21-day itinerary is designed with gradual elevation gain, walking 5-6 hours daily with mandatory rest/acclimatization camps at Paiju (3,450m) and Urdukas (4,050m). We carry pulse oximeters, hyperbaric oxygen protocols, and full wilderness medical kits.
What is the drinking water protocol during the trek?
Our camp kitchen boils and filters fresh glacial stream water every morning and evening. Trekkers fill their insulated bottles and hydration bladders at camp. We also advise carrying water purification tablets or UV sterilizers.
What currency should I bring and are cards accepted?
We recommend bringing USD or EUR in crisp, uncreased bills for exchange into Pakistani Rupees (PKR) in Islamabad or Skardu. Credit cards are accepted at major city hotels, but cash is necessary for rural markets and porter tips.
Are there any restrictions on photography in Pakistan?
Pakistan is a photographer's paradise! Local people generally love having their photos taken, though it is always polite to ask permission first. Photography of military checkposts, bridges, and sensitive installations is strictly prohibited.
