K2 Basecamp Trek: Throne Room of The Mountain Gods

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Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad

You are picked up by one of our representatives upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport and taken to the group hotel. Most international flights arrive in the early morning and you may want to rest before lunch. The first group get together is at lunch, during which the tour leader gives a pre-trip briefing. In the afternoon, it may be necessary for the whole group to visit the offices of the Ministry of Tourism to receive an official briefing about visiting restricted areas whilst the permit formalities are completed. The trip leader organises this if required. Depending on the time available to us, there may be the option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, a city purpose built in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan. Alternatively, we can visit the twin city of Rawalpindi, a town from the days of the British Raj. The two cities are very different, the older settlement is rather sprawling with enormous and complicated bazaars. Islamabad, by contrast, is much more open, a modern city with many parks and wide streets arranged on a grid system.

• Accommodation: Ramada Islamabad or similar

Day 2: Islamabad – Skardu

We take the early morning flight (1h) from Islamabad to Skardu, skirting past the Rupal and Diamir faces of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the world’s ninth highest peak. Before landing at Skardu, it is possible to catch a fleeting glimpse of K2 and the other high mountains of the Baltoro in the distance. Here, we check into the group hotel and can spend the afternoon looking around the bazaar, visiting nearby Kharpocho Fort, Sadpara Lake, and Manthal Rock Budha.

In the event of a flight cancellation due to inclement weather, we drive from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway with short stops at viewpoints along the way.

• Accommodation: Concordia Hotel or similar

Day 3: Skardu

Today, you have free time for acclimatisation, shopping and local visits.

In the event of flight cancellation, you are driven from Chilas to Skardu (7-8h) with multiple short stops.

• Accommodation: Concordia Hotel or similar

Day 4: Skardu – Jhola

Making a reasonably early start, we leave Skardu by jeep for the long drive to the beginning of our trek. The road is well surfaced as we pass through the Shigar Valley but deteriorates after three hours as we turn eastwards to follow the Braldu River. By mid-afternoon, we reach Askole, a single street of wood and mud-brick houses backed by irrigated fields of corn, potatoes and groves of apricot trees. Leaving the highest village in the valley, we continue our drive through a wild landscape, crossing the Braldu twice as we pass the snout of the mighty Biafo Glacier. We cross a suspension bridge and set up camp at Jhola Camp (3,100m).

• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 5: Jhola – Paiju | 21km

We make an early start today for our first proper day of trekking. The trail takes us out of Panama Valley and turns east to follow the Braldu River again. We continue on a good path, passing a couple of old camping places at Chowblok and Bardomal, which are now rarely used as much of the level ground has been eroded by the shifting river. Beyond these old camping places, the path runs at the very edge of the river before climbing to higher ground, allowing us excellent views of Paiju Peak. We have to negotiate a couple of streams today, and depending on the melting of the glaciers above, we may have to ford these (sports sandals or old trainers are required here). At our high point today, we have views ahead to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and the granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups. On a clear day, it is possible to see K2, partially obscured by Lobsang Spire. After dropping down to the main Braldu River again, we reach the camp at Paiju (3,420m).

• Walking for the day: 21km, ­↑580m, ↓260m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 6: Paiju

Paiju is the traditional stopping point for all groups headed for Concordia, located at a widening of the Braldu Valley and within sight of the snout of Baltoro Glacier. This is a key staging point for climbing expeditions and trekking groups due to having spring water and a sparse population of trees. There are several levelled pitches for tents, and the site is equipped with toilets and wash basins – a ‘bathroom’ with one of the best views in the world. We spend a whole day at Paiju, not only for acclimatisation but also for our porters to bake as much bread as they can for the trek before we climb onto the glacier. For those with energy to spare, there is the opportunity to hike up the hill above camp for extensive views of the granite towers of Trango and Cathedral peaks and potentially another glimpse of K2. We spend a second night at Paiju.

• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 7: Paiju – Khoburtse | 15km

Another early start today. After about an hour’s walk, we enter Baltoro Glacier. After viewing the outpouring of meltwater from the ice, we climb up onto the back of this great beast. The trail undulates as we climb over the swells of the flowing glacier. It is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, or K2. Gradually we work our way across the glacier to its south side, where we can use a path along the lateral moraine. At this point, it may be possible to continue more directly by climbing up onto the glacier. Alternatively, if the glacier is not easily accessible, we turn off into the valley for approximately half an hour to reach a point where we can cross the melt water stream (again, sandals or old trainers are required). Finally, reaching the camping place at Khoburtse (3,795m), we have sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, Trango Group and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho. A great day of trekking over rugged and mixed terrain.

• Walking for the day: 15km, ↑640m, ↓265m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 8: Khoburtse – Urdukas | 6km

We have a shorter day today, mindful of the need to increase our sleeping altitude slowly. We continue east beside the Baltoro Glacier either along the lateral moraine or sometimes on the glacier itself, passing the ship-like prow of Great Trango and the isolated pillar of Nameless Tower, to our next camp at Urdukas (3,900m). This campsite is perched 100m above the glacier on terraces hacked initially out of the hillside by the Duke of Abruzzi’s K2 expedition of 1909. It has sensational views of Trango Towers to the west and directly opposite. Almost a mile away across the valley, the vast rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang rise like ramparts above the glacier. We should reach here in time for a late lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free to tend to camp chores or to soak up the extraordinary landscape.

• Walking for the day: 6km, ↑250m, ↓145m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 9: Urdukas – Goro | 12km

Leaving Urdukas behind, we follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. We now cross to the centre ground, where the flow is generally smoother and soon we come within sight of the spectacular Masherbrum (7,821m) on our right hand side. Ascending and descending the mountains of rubble strewn over the ice, we also have glimpses ahead to the peaks surrounding Concordia. Especially prominent is Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) at the head of the glacier. There are good views back towards the Trango and Cathedral peaks as we approach our camp at the place known as Goro (4,295m). We are now camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions, and wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead.

• Walking for the day: 12km, ↑485m, ↓90m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 10: Goro – Concordia | 11.7km

Our approach to Concordia continues along the heaving swells of the Baltoro Glacier as we pass Mustagh Tower (7,284m), an imposing monolith of rock first climbed by Joe Brown and Ian McNaught-Davis in 1956. Ahead of us, Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) acts like a beacon drawing us on, whilst at some points on today’s walk, we can also see Gasherbrum ll (8,035m), which peeks out to the right of Gasherbrum lV. As we make our way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad Peak (8,051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left. K2 keeps itself hidden until we reach Concordia, whose full face is suddenly revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4,000m from the valley floor to the summit, a sight that will never be forgotten. Concordia is a vast area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on the planet, and here you can stand within 24km of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks. We camp at approximately 4,500m on a moraine ridge surrounded by jagged peaks, including Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak and K2.

• Walking for the day: 11.7km, ↑290m, ↓85m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 11: Concordia – K2 Base Camp – Concordia | 17km

Getting an early start, we make our way out of the immediate area of our camp and are soon in a maze of crevasses and melt water rivers. During the climbing season, this is a trade route for the porters who supply expeditions up at the Broad Peak and K2 Basecamps, so there is an established trail, but a guide is essential here. After negotiating the difficult ground where two glaciers meet, we eventually reach easy terrain and follow the medial moraine of the Godwin Austen Glacier, named after the surveyor who first established the height of K2 in 1860. Coming first to Broad Peak Basecamp after approximately three hours of trekking, we can stop and admire the sensational view of K2 in one direction and look back to Concordia framed by Mitre Peak, the bulk of Chogolisa, also known as Bride Peak. Beyond Broad Peak Basecamp, the going gets a little more challenging as we negotiate the swells of the glacier and more glacial streams. After three hours, we reach the moraine island known as the strip, the traditional basecamp area for attempts on the Abruzzi Ridge, the usual route on K2. If time permits, we can also visit Gilkey Memorial, where the names of those who have died climbing K2 are inscribed on a collection of plaques and plates. For those taking the option to visit K2 Basecamp, this is a strenuous but rewarding day of approximately 10-12h of walking on rough glacial terrain with at least 600m of ascent and descent. Anyone who does not wish to make this excursion can trek to Broad Peak Basecamp and get all of the truly fantastic views back towards Concordia, plus the best views of K2 within a 5-6h round-trip. It is also possible to take today as a rest day if you wish, enjoying the marvellous situation of Concordia.

• Walking for the day: 17km, ↑650m, ↓650m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 12: Concordia – Shachspong | 16km

This morning we can take a last look at K2 before packing the gear and heading back down the Baltoro. In descent, we can make longer stages, and today we go past Goro to a campsite of our approach route at a place known as Shachspong (4,100m). The word Shachspong is Balti for a large pile of stones which seems ironic considering the landscape through which we are trekking. Still, this is a reasonably elevated part of the stone-covered glacier, making for a perfect viewing platform. Down the valley, the serried ranks of granite towers and spires of Lobsang, Cathedral and Trango move into the distance, beyond which lie the peaks of Uli Biaho and Paiju. Directly opposite to the south is the snowcapped red granite spire of Masherbrum. This is an atmospheric place, and now that they are headed for home, our crew may want to have a party. Almost anything can be a musical or percussion instrument and if you have the chance, listening to the voices of the Balti people in full song is a fantastic experience.

• Walking for the day: 16km, ↑30m, ↓400m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 13: Shachspong – Khoburtse | 14km

We continue our descent of the Baltoro Glacier. The drop in altitude becomes more noticeable as the granite walls and spires lining the glacier, which yesterday looked almost lower than us, now tower to lofty heights above. It is also a little warmer, with more oxygen in the air. Passing through the campsite of the Duke of Abruzzi at Urdukas, we can marvel at the tenacity of those early pioneers who endured untold hardship to get to their base camps. After taking lunch on the Duke’s terrace, with sensational views across the glacier to Biale Peak, which remains hidden except from this vantage point, we continue trekking down this huge valley, until we reach Khoburtse, our first off glacier camp for some days. Now we can make out the end of the glacier and the start of the valley of Braldu. We can even see patches of green on the lower slopes of Paiju Peak, which mark the location of the spring water camp.

• Walking for the day: 14km, ↑165m, ↓470m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 14: Khoburtse – Paiju | 15km

As on our approach, we must first detour to the south to cross Liligo Glacier. This glacier defies world trends in that it is steadily growing. Twenty years ago, its snout was half a mile up the valley, and now it has collided with the main Baltoro Glacier, resulting in the churning forces making it impossible to cross without the detour. We have a superb view of Trango’s Nameless Tower (6,239m), first climbed by Joe Brown and Mo Anthoine in 1976. To the left of the Tower, a smaller pinnacle is known as The Monk, and to the right is the graceful prow of Great Trango (6,286m), first climbed in 1977 by John Roskelly and Galen Rowell. In August of 1992, two Australians, Nic Feteris and Glenn Singleman, climbed to a ledge on Great Trango at 5,955m and then base jumped, falling hundreds of metres close to the rock walls before opening their chutes and landing on the glacier. At the time, this was the highest base jump on record. Having made the detour and returned to the main Baltoro Glacier, we now cross to its north side, climbing over the huge swells of the glacier towards the ramparts of Uli Biaho. On the other side, we then work our way down to the valley, where we pick up the main trail and pass by the snout, where the underground river, which flows through the length of the glacier, erupts out in a cascade to become the Braldu. The last hour of the day is an easy walk on a good paths, although there is a final uphill push to reach the campsite at Paiju.

• Walking for the day: 15km, ↑265m, ↓640m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 15: Paiju – Jhola | 21km

Now we are off the glacier, and at a lower elevation, it is considerably warmer, and we may make an early start to use the cool of the morning to our advantage. Leaving Paiju, we walk on a good trail down the valley. Once again, it is surprising how different the experience is compared to our ascent. The trail rises and falls as we cross several alluvial fans. We have to cross some side streams today, mainly using makeshift bridges or stepping stones, but it may be necessary also to wade across, especially later in the day. All these streams are a source of melt water, so they grow more prominent as the day gets warmer. We follow the main Braldu River downstream to its confluence with the Panma River, where we turn north-east to reach a camping place beside the toll bridge at the site known as Jhola.

• Walking for the day: 21km, ↑450m, ↓770m
• Accommodation: Full service camping

Day 16: Jhola – Askole – Skardu

Taking advantage of the recently constructed jeep track above Askole, we set off on the long drive back to civilisation after almost two weeks in the wilderness. We pass the traditional camping place at Korofon beside the Biafo Glacier, cross the Braldu twice and drive through the level area known locally as the King’s Polo Ground to reach the green fields and stone walls and houses of Askole. Continuing, we follow the remarkable jeep road through the Braldu Gorge and then travel down the fertile Shigar Valley to its confluence with the Indus. Arriving in Skardu, we check in at our hotel, and there is time for a welcome shower and clean up before sitting down to dinner. Tonight we enjoy the comfort of a real bed.

• Accommodation: Concordia Hotel or similar

Day 17: Skardu – Islamabad

Skardu airport is a 2h drive from the hotel along a good road lined with poplar trees. Boarding our plane, we have an exciting flight out of the valley, once again passing by Nanga Parbat before turning south for Islamabad. Our private bus is waiting at the airport to transfer us to the group hotel. Once we have settled in, we take lunch (unless we have experienced flight delays). After lunch, the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing or to relax at the hotel. Your trip leader advises you on the possibilities for sightseeing. Shopping for handmade rugs is usually a popular option. This evening we come together again for a celebratory meal at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

• Accommodation: Ramada Islamabad or similar

Day 18: Contingency day in case of delays

Skardu is a weather dependent airport which means the planes only fly here if the visibility allows line of sight to the runway by the pilot on approach. Fortunately, the weather is mostly clear in the Karakoram, but local weather conditions can bring clouds and rain from time to time. If we cannot fly, we travel down to Islamabad by road along the spectacular Karakoram Highway. If we fly up to Skardu, this is a bonus as it is a fantastic travel experience in its own right. The drive down the Indus River to Islamabad takes two days, so this is an important contingency day to allow for this. If we have flown to Islamabad, this will be a further day for sightseeing in the capital.

• Accommodation: Ramada Islamabad or similar

Day 19: Departure day

Transfer to Islamabad Airport after breakfast.

Click to view default hotels

• Ramada Islamabad (Islamabad)
• Concordia Hotel (Skardu)

*Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.