Region
Gilgit-Baltistan · Karakoram
Duration
18 days · 17 nights
Style
Adventure
Group
Small group · 4 to 12 trekkers (private departures available)
Overview
Considered by Reinhold Messner the most beautiful trek in the world. We follow the full classic route: Skardu → Askole → Jhula → Paiyu → Urdukas → Goro II → Concordia (4,650 m) → K2 Base Camp (5,150 m) → Gondogoro La option (5,585 m) or return via the Baltoro. Run as a fully-supported expedition with our own kitchen team, porters under the Adventure Foundation Pakistan ethical-portering charter, satellite communications and a qualified trip doctor on departures of six or more.
Highlights
- Four of the world's 14 eight-thousanders visible from Concordia: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II
- Trango Towers, Cathedral Group and Masherbrum
- K2 Base Camp at 5,150 m and the Gilkey Memorial
- Optional Gondogoro La crossing for a high-pass exit to Hushe
- Fully supported camp with mess tent, kitchen team and ethically-paid porters
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Arrive Islamabad
Met on arrival. Group briefing and kit check at the hotel.
Day 2
Fly to Skardu (2,230 m)
Stunning 50-minute flight along Nanga Parbat. Afternoon at leisure in Skardu bazaar.
Day 3
Skardu acclimatisation
Walk to Kharpocho Fort, drive to Shigar Fort for lunch, final permit checks.
Day 4
Drive to Askole (3,050 m)
Long, spectacular 7-hour jeep ride along the Braldu gorge, the road ends at Askole, last village before the glacier.
Day 5
Trek to Jhula (3,180 m)
Easy first day along the Braldu river. ~6 hours walking.
Day 6
Jhula to Paiyu (3,420 m)
Cross the Dumordo river by bridge. First clear view of the Trango Towers ahead. ~7 hours.
Day 7
Rest day at Paiyu
Acclimatisation, porter food preparation day (tradition on the Baltoro).
Day 8
Paiyu to Khoburtse (3,930 m)
Step onto the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. ~7 hours on moraine.
Day 9
Khoburtse to Urdukas (4,050 m)
Famously beautiful campsite with grass terraces looking straight at the Trango Towers.
Day 10
Urdukas to Goro II (4,380 m)
On the glacier proper. Masherbrum dominates to the south. ~7 hours.
Day 11
Goro II to Concordia (4,650 m)
The day you came for. Arrive at Concordia by lunchtime with K2 directly ahead. Afternoon to absorb it.
Day 12
K2 Base Camp (5,150 m) excursion
Long, hard day-trip to K2 Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial. Return to Concordia to sleep.
Day 13
Concordia to Ali Camp (4,800 m)
Move toward the Gondogoro La. Optional rest day at Concordia for groups returning via the Baltoro.
Day 14
Gondogoro La (5,585 m) to Khuispang
Pre-dawn start, fixed-rope ascent of the pass, long descent into the Hushe valley. The single hardest day.
Day 15
Khuispang to Saicho
Final trek day down to road head at Saicho. Jeeps meet you for the drive to Hushe village.
Day 16
Drive Hushe to Khaplu / Skardu
Half-day jeep transfer. Hot showers, real beds. Celebration dinner at Serena Khaplu Palace.
Day 17
Fly Skardu to Islamabad
Buffer day in case of weather-delayed flights.
Day 18
Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International.
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- +All in-country accommodation: 4 hotel nights (Islamabad/Skardu) + 13 trek camp nights
- +Islamabad-Skardu return flights (with road backup via KKH if cancelled)
- +Central Karakoram National Park trekking permits and all NOCs
- +All trek meals prepared by our expedition kitchen team
- +Two-man Mountain Hardwear tents, mess tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent
- +Porters for all common loads (15 kg personal allowance per trekker)
- +IFMGA-certified or senior Pakistani mountain guide + assistant guides
- +Satellite phone, comprehensive first-aid kit, portable altitude chamber
Not included
- −International flights, Pakistan visa, personal trekking insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (mandatory)
- −Personal trekking equipment (kit list provided)
- −Sleeping bag rated to -15°C (rentable in Skardu)
- −Helicopter rescue/evacuation costs
- −Tips for guides, kitchen staff and porters (approx. USD 280 per trekker, pooled)
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