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The hike to K2 Base Camp is often called the finest mountain walk in the world, and we would not argue. Over two weeks you follow one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions into an arena of granite towers and 8,000 metre peaks, and you finish by standing at the foot of the second highest mountain on Earth.
It is also a serious undertaking. There are no lodges, no villages and no roads once you leave the trailhead. We organise this trek from our base in Skardu every summer, and this guide sets out what the K2 hike actually involves so you can decide whether it is right for you.
K2 Hike at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start and finish | Askole village, reached by jeep from Skardu |
| Highest point | K2 Base Camp, about 5,150 m |
| Highest point with Gondogoro La | 5,585 m |
| Walking distance | Roughly 90 km each way from Askole |
| Time on the trail | 12 to 14 days |
| Total trip length | 18 to 21 days from Islamabad |
| Difficulty | Strenuous, with no technical climbing on the standard route |
| Accommodation | Camping throughout |
| Best season | Mid June to mid September |
Where Does the K2 Hike Start?
Every K2 trek begins in Skardu, the main town of Baltistan. You can fly there from Islamabad in about an hour or drive in two days. Most groups spend two nights in Skardu to sort out permits, meet their crew and adjust to the altitude.
From Skardu, a jeep journey of six to seven hours leads through the Shigar Valley and up the Braldu gorge to Askole, at about 3,000 metres. Askole is the last village on the route. Beyond it there is only the trail, the river and the ice.
The Route to K2 Base Camp, Stage by Stage
Askole to Jhola
The first day follows the Braldu River across open, dusty terrain, passing the snout of the Biafo Glacier. It is long but fairly flat, and it gives your legs a chance to warm up.
Jhola to Paiju
The trail continues along the river to Paiju, a campsite shaded by trees at around 3,400 metres. From here you get your first sight of the Baltoro Glacier and the Trango and Cathedral spires. Most groups take a rest day at Paiju to acclimatise while the crew prepares food for the days ahead.
Paiju to Khoburtse and Urdukas
This is where you step onto the Baltoro Glacier. The surface is not smooth ice but a rolling mass of rock and rubble, and the walking is slow and uneven. Urdukas, at about 4,050 metres, is a grassy ledge above the glacier with one of the great campsite views anywhere, looking across to the Trango Towers.
Urdukas to Goro II
A full day on the glacier brings you to Goro II at roughly 4,300 metres. Masherbrum dominates the view to the south, and Gasherbrum IV appears at the head of the valley. Nights here are cold, since you are camping directly on ice.
Goro II to Concordia
This is the day everyone waits for. As you approach Concordia, at around 4,600 metres, the Baltoro meets the Godwin-Austen Glacier and K2 finally comes into view. Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak and Chogolisa surround the camp. Four of the world’s fourteen highest mountains stand within a day’s walk.
Concordia to K2 Base Camp
From Concordia, a long day leads up the Godwin-Austen Glacier, past Broad Peak Base Camp, to K2 Base Camp at about 5,150 metres. Many trekkers also visit the Gilkey Memorial, a rocky cairn covered with plaques for climbers who lost their lives on the mountain. Some groups camp at Broad Peak Base Camp to break the journey, and others return to Concordia the same day.
The Way Out
There are two options for the return.
- Back down the Baltoro: You retrace your steps to Askole in four to five days. This is the safer and simpler choice.
- Over Gondogoro La: You cross a 5,585 metre pass to the Hushe Valley. The crossing involves fixed ropes, crampons and a very early start, and it suits fit trekkers with some experience. The sunrise view of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums from the top is unforgettable.
How Hard Is the K2 Hike?
We describe the K2 Base Camp trek as strenuous. You do not need climbing skills for the standard route, but you do need to be fit and comfortable with discomfort.
Several things make it demanding.
- The terrain. Most of the route is on glacial moraine, which means loose rock, constant ups and downs and careful foot placement.
- The length of the days. Expect five to eight hours of walking daily for nearly two weeks.
- The altitude. You spend about a week above 4,000 metres.
- The remoteness. There are no teahouses or villages. Everything is carried by porters and mules, and you sleep in a tent every night.
- The weather. Days can be hot under strong sun, and nights on the glacier fall well below freezing.
Compared with Everest Base Camp, the K2 hike is wilder, rougher underfoot and far less crowded. If you have completed a multi day trek at altitude and train properly beforehand, it is well within reach.
Best Time to Hike to K2 Base Camp
The season runs from mid June to mid September.
- June: There is more snow on the upper glacier and Gondogoro La may still be closed early in the month. The trail is quiet.
- July and August: This is the peak period, with the most stable weather and climbing expeditions in residence at base camp.
- September: Colder nights, clear air and very few other groups.
The Karakoram lies largely beyond the reach of the monsoon, so summer conditions are much drier than in Nepal.
Permits, Visa and Rules
K2 Base Camp lies in a restricted zone inside the Central Karakoram National Park. That means a few requirements apply to every trekker.
- A trekking visa. A standard tourist visa is not sufficient. You apply online with an invitation letter from a licensed Pakistani operator.
- A trekking permit. This is arranged by your operator through the Gilgit-Baltistan authorities.
- A licensed guide. Independent trekking is not allowed on the Baltoro.
- Park and trekking fees. At the time of writing, the government trekking fee for foreign visitors is about 150 US dollars per person in the summer season, with additional national park and waste management charges. These fees have been revised several times in recent years, so confirm the current figures when you book.
We handle all of this paperwork for our guests and send clear instructions for the visa form.
How Much Does the K2 Hike Cost?
Prices vary with group size, the level of service and whether you include Gondogoro La. As a rough guide, a fully supported K2 Base Camp trek with a local operator usually costs between 2,000 and 4,000 US dollars per person, not including international flights.
A good package should include airport transfers, hotels in Islamabad and Skardu, domestic flights or road transport, jeeps to and from Askole, permits and fees, a guide, a cook, porters, all meals on trek and camping equipment. Budget separately for your visa, travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,600 metres, personal gear and tips for the crew.
What to Pack
- A sleeping bag rated to at least minus 15 degrees Celsius
- Sturdy, well worn trekking boots and a pair of camp shoes
- A down jacket, a waterproof shell and warm layers
- Trekking poles, which make a real difference on moraine
- Sunglasses, a sun hat and high factor sunscreen
- A head torch, water bottles and purification tablets
- A power bank or solar charger
- Crampons, a harness and a helmet if you plan to cross Gondogoro La, which your operator can usually supply
See the full packing list at: K2 Trek Packing List
How to Prepare
Start training three to four months ahead. Long hikes with a loaded pack on hilly ground are the best preparation, supported by running, cycling or stair climbing for general endurance. If you can, spend a few days at altitude before the trek. Break in your boots fully, and see your doctor about altitude medication and vaccinations well before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to K2 Base Camp?
The trek covers roughly 90 kilometres each way from Askole and takes 12 to 14 days on the trail. The full trip from Islamabad lasts 18 to 21 days.
Can beginners do the K2 hike?
Fit beginners with some multi day trekking experience can complete the standard route. It is not recommended as a first ever trek.
How high is K2 Base Camp?
K2 Base Camp is at about 5,150 metres. Concordia, the main viewpoint, is at around 4,600 metres.
Is the K2 hike harder than Everest Base Camp?
Yes. The trail is rougher, there are no lodges and the route is more remote. The altitude is similar.
Do you need a guide for K2 Base Camp?
Yes. The trek passes through a restricted area, and a licensed guide and permit are compulsory.
Ready to Walk to the Foot of K2?
There is nothing quite like the first evening at Concordia, when the clouds lift and K2 turns gold. Our K2 Base Camp trek is led by Balti guides who know every campsite on the Baltoro, with the option to finish over Gondogoro La. Contact our team in Skardu for departure dates and a detailed itinerary.
Last updated . Prices, dates and conditions can change, so confirm details with our team before booking.