Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan

Your adventure begins as you land at Islamabad International Airport, where our warm and welcoming Broad Peak Adventures team will greet you with open arms. We’ll whisk you away to a comfortable hotel in Pakistan’s lush, modern capital, nestled against the scenic Margalla Hills. After settling in, enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee as you meet your fellow trekkers, already buzzing with excitement for the journey ahead.

Take the afternoon to rest and recover from your flight, perhaps strolling through Islamabad’s tree-lined streets or visiting the iconic Faisal Mosque, a masterpiece of contemporary Islamic architecture. In the evening, we’ll gather for a delicious welcome dinner, where our guides will provide a comprehensive briefing about the K2 Base Camp trek, check your gear, and answer any questions. This is the perfect moment to bond with your group and feel the thrill of what’s to come!

• Stay: Hotel (twin-sharing, en-suite)
• Meals: Dinner
• Altitude: 540m

Day 2: Scenic Flight to Skardu (2,230m, 45 minutes to 1 hour 5 mins)

Wake up to a hearty breakfast, then head to the airport for a breathtaking 45-minute flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. This flight is an adventure in itself, offering jaw-dropping views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the Gondogoro La pass, and the Karakoram’s snow-capped peaks—possibly even K2 on a clear day! Upon landing at Skardu’s upgraded international airport, our team will transfer you to a cozy hotel in this charming town, often called Little Tibet for its Balti heritage and Tibetan influences.

Spend the afternoon exploring Skardu’s vibrant bazaar, where you can browse local handicrafts, or simply relax by the mighty Indus River. You’ll meet some of our Balti porters and crew, who bring warmth and expertise to the trek. Skardu, the historic capital of Baltistan, is steeped in culture, with its Balti people descending from Tibetan and Mongolian roots, speaking a Sanskrit-derived language. If weather prevents flying, we’ll embark on a scenic 9-hour drive to Naran for an overnight stay, continuing to Skardu the next day along the iconic Karakoram Highway.

• Stay: Hotel (twin-sharing, en-suite)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 2,230m

Day 3: Sightseeing & Preparation in Skardu

Today is a delightful blend of exploration and preparation as you acclimatize to Skardu’s altitude. After breakfast, join our guided tour to Kharpocho Fort, a 16th-century stronghold perched dramatically above the town, offering panoramic views of the Indus River. Next, we’ll visit Sadpara Lake, a turquoise gem just 20 minutes away, perfect for a relaxing lunch by the water. On the way back, stop at the 8th-century Buddha Rock, a fascinating relic of Baltistan’s Buddhist past before Islam arrived in the 14th century.

For a deeper dive into local life, we’ll head to Kachura Village, home to the serene Upper Kachura and Shangrila Lakes. Sip tea at a lakeside restaurant and wander through the village’s orchards and traditional homes. Back in Skardu, explore the bustling Yadgar Chowk, a memorial honoring the 1947-48 liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan, or shop for souvenirs in the bazaar. Our team will handle logistics—permits, transport, and gear checks—ensuring you’re trek-ready. If the road to Jhola is blocked, we may drive to Askole for an overnight stay to keep things on track.

• Stay: Hotel (or camping in Askole if needed)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 2,230m

Day 4: Drive to Jhola via Askole (3,075m, 141km, 8 hours)

Rise early and fuel up with breakfast before boarding jeeps for an 8-hour drive through the stunning Shigar Valley, tracing the Indus and Shigar Rivers to Askole, the last village before the Karakoram wilderness. In Askole, you’ll meet the rest of our incredible Balti porters, known for their hospitality and centuries of supporting mountaineers. Take time to wander this single-street village, where wooden houses and barley fields paint a picture of resilient mountain life. Locals may invite you for tea, sharing stories of their high-altitude world.

Thanks to a 2021 road extension, we’ll continue driving to Jhola camp, entering the raw beauty of the Karakoram. The valley opens to reveal the Biafo Glacier, and you’ll pass Korfong, a historic oasis and starting point for treks like Snow Lake and Gondogoro La. Cross a bridge over the Panama River to reach Jhola, a well-equipped campsite with basins and toilets, nestled under Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju’s needle-like peaks. Pitch your tent and savor your first night under a star-filled sky, with the 80km trek to K2 Base Camp ahead.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Jhola
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 3,075m

Day 5: Trek to Paiju (3,420m, 21km, 6 hours)

Your K2 Base Camp trek officially begins! After breakfast, pack your gear and set off along the Braldu Gorge, covering 21km to Paiju camp in the Central Karakoram National Park. Our porters and kitchen crew will head out early to set up lunch and tents, ensuring a seamless day. The trail starts with a gentle climb out of the gorge, weaving through flat paths and crossing small streams—pack sports sandals or old trainers for slippery crossings, as water levels can rise by afternoon.

Paiju camp, tucked beneath the towering Paiju Peak, is a lively hub for trekkers and climbers, with excellent facilities like washbasins, toilets, and litter bins maintained by the Tourism Department. As the sun sets, join the Balti porters around a bonfire for singing and dancing, a heartwarming tradition. From here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Baltoro Glacier and the iconic Trango Towers, with K2 teasingly visible in the distance. Settle into your tent, fueled by the excitement of the journey ahead.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Paiju
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 3,420m
• Ascent: 580m
• Descent: 335m

Day 6: Trek to Khoburtse (3,795m, 15km, 7 hours)

Today, you’ll meet the Baltoro Glacier, one of the largest non-polar glaciers on Earth. After breakfast, trek about an hour to its snout, where meltwater roars out in a dramatic cascade. The 15km journey takes you across the glacier’s rocky, rubble-strewn surface—no ice axes or ropes needed, but sturdy boots and optional spikes or crampons help with balance on uneven terrain. Imagine the stones beneath your feet tumbling from Broad Peak or Gasherbrum, a testament to the Karakoram’s raw power.

Stop for lunch at Liligo camp, a scenic spot where you might spot Himalayan ibex or even a snow leopard on the cliffs above. Post-lunch, climb a steep hill to a grassy meadow, leading to Khoburtse camp on flat land beside the glacier. While lacking Paiju’s facilities, Khoburtse offers unrivaled views of Uli Biaho and Trango Towers, their golden spires glowing at sunset. Settle into your tent, savor a hot meal, and let the wilderness embrace you.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Khoburtse
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 3,795m
• Ascent: 640m
• Descent: 220m

Day 7: Trek to Urdukas (3,900m, 6km, 4 hours)

Wake to a steaming cup of tea and a mesmerizing sunrise over Trango Tower. Today’s 6km trek is short but demanding, climbing the Baltoro Glacier’s lateral moraine and occasionally its surface. The undulating path passes the striking Nameless Towers, leading to Urdukas camp by early afternoon. Perched 100m above the glacier, Urdukas is a historic site established in 1909 by the Duke of Abruzzi’s K2 expedition, with sweeping views of Cathedral Peak and the Baltoro’s expanse.

As the last camp with toilets, basins, and litter bins, Urdukas feels like a small oasis. Spend the afternoon relaxing, snapping photos, or hiking up the slope behind camp for a panoramic view of the glacier and surrounding peaks. This historic spot, steeped in mountaineering lore, is the perfect place to reflect on your journey so far and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Urdukas
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 3,900m
• Ascent: 250m
• Descent: 40m

Day 8: Rest & Acclimatization at Urdukas

Today is all about rest and acclimatization, giving your body time to adjust to the thinning air at 3,900m. High altitudes bring lower oxygen levels (hypobaric hypoxia), which can cause fatigue, swelling, or other symptoms. By resting at Urdukas instead of Paiju, as many groups do, we maximize safety and comfort for the climb ahead—a strategy honed over 40 years of leading K2 treks.

Urdukas’ grassy campsite, perched on the Baltoro’s edge, offers cleaning facilities and a serene vibe. After breakfast, relax in your tent, read, or join a short acclimatization walk to soak in views of Gasherbrum and Broad Peak. Our guides will check in, share tips for high-altitude trekking, and tell stories of Balti culture. This day of rest is your chance to recharge and connect with the Karakoram’s timeless beauty.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Urdukas
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 3,900m

Day 9: Trek to Goro II (4,295m, 12km, 7 hours)

Refreshed from your rest day, set out for Goro II, a 12km trek that begins with a poignant moment: passing a small graveyard where porters pause to honor those lost in the Baltoro region. The trail transitions from moraine to the Baltoro Glacier’s smoother surface, making for easier walking. Soon, Masherbrum (7,821m), the Karakoram’s radiant queen, comes into view, followed by Gasherbrum IV, a beacon guiding you toward K2.

Stop for lunch at Goro I, then continue over ice dunes to Goro II, a sprawling campsite on the glacier’s rocky surface near an army outpost. The air is crisp, so layer up for a chilly night. Pitch your tent with views of Broad Peak and other giants, and marvel at the starry sky above—this is camping like nowhere else on Earth.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Goro II
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 4,295m
• Ascent: 330m
• Descent: 90m

Day 10: Trek to Concordia (4,500m, 12km, 5 hours)

Today is a pinnacle of your trek: reaching Concordia, the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.” This 12km journey climbs steadily over the Baltoro Glacier to 4,500m, with the altitude demanding a slow, steady pace. As you crest the glacier, Concordia reveals itself—a breathtaking amphitheater of peaks, including K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,047m), Gasherbrum II (8,035m), III (7,952m), IV (7,925m), Mitre Peak, and Chogolisa (7,665m).

Named by explorer Sir Martin Conway, Concordia is one of Earth’s most spectacular places, with 10 of the world’s top 30 peaks in view. Set up camp in this wide, windy expanse, layering up for the chilly evening. Spend the afternoon soaking in the 360-degree panorama, snapping photos, and feeling the magnitude of this alpine wonderland. This is a moment you’ll carry forever.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Concordia
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 4,500m
• Ascent: 290m
• Descent: 5m

Day 11: Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp (4,800m, 6km, 4 hours)

While Concordia is a highlight, we believe a true K2 Base Camp trek goes further. Today, trek 6km along the Godwin-Austen Glacier to Broad Peak Base Camp at 4,800m, arriving by lunchtime. The shorter distance lets you savor the journey, with K2 and Broad Peak growing ever larger. The glacier’s icy patches require focus, but the reward is a front-row seat to the Karakoram’s giants.

Settled at Broad Peak Base Camp, spend the afternoon marveling at K2’s pyramid shape and the surrounding peaks. Enjoy a hot meal, watch the sunset paint the mountains, and feel the thrill of being so close to these legendary summits. For those preferring a rest day, you can stay at Concordia, but we highly recommend this unforgettable detour.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Broad Peak Base Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 4,800m
• Ascent: 300m
• Descent: 5m

Day 12: Trek to K2 Base Camp & Return to Concordia (5,150m, 11km, 7 hours)

This is the day you’ve been dreaming of! Wake early to catch a stunning sunrise over K2 and Broad Peak, then trek 11km round-trip to K2 Base Camp at 5,150m, the highest point of your journey. The path winds over the Godwin-Austen Glacier, where surreal ice formations dazzle like an alien landscape. Stop at the Gilkey Memorial, a somber tribute to climbers like Art Gilkey, who perished on K2 during the 1953 American expedition.

At K2 Base Camp, stand in awe beneath the world’s second-highest peak, its grandeur overwhelming. Share lunch with mountaineers preparing for their climbs, swapping stories and soaking in the panoramic views of Concordia, Broad Peak, and other giants. This moment—after days of challenging terrain and harsh conditions—is a triumph of resilience and spirit. Trek back to Concordia for the night, buzzing with pride and wonder.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Concordia
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 5,150m (K2 Base Camp), 4,500m (Concordia)
• Ascent: 350m
• Descent: 650m

Day 13: Trek to Goro II (4,295m, 12km, 7 hours)

With the ascent complete, begin your descent by retracing your steps 12km to Goro II. As you trek down the Baltoro Glacier, K2 and other peaks slowly fade into the distance, while Gasherbrum IV resumes its commanding presence at the glacier’s head. The granite spires of Lobsang, Cathedral, and Trango Towers shift into closer view, and Masherbrum’s red granite glows across the valley, offering fresh perspectives on the landscape.

Arrive at Goro II by early afternoon, settling into the familiar campsite on the glacier’s surface. The lower altitude brings slightly warmer air, and our crew might celebrate your journey with a lively evening of Balti songs and makeshift percussion. Join in the festivities, savoring the unique camaraderie of this remote wilderness.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Goro II
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 4,295m
• Ascent: 30m
• Descent: 400m

Day 14: Trek to Khoburtse (3,795m, 14km, 7 hours)

Continue your descent with a 14km trek to Khoburtse, marveling at how the landscape transforms on the way down. The Baltoro Glacier’s granite walls now tower above, and the air feels richer with oxygen as the altitude drops. Pass Urdukas, reflecting on the Duke of Abruzzi’s 1909 expedition, and stop for lunch on Duke’s terrace, where Biale Peak reveals itself in a rare glimpse.

Arrive at Khoburtse, your first off-glacier camp in days, with patches of green signaling Paiju’s proximity. The views of Trango Towers and Uli Biaho are as stunning as ever, and the campsite’s flat terrain offers a comfortable night’s rest. Reflect on the pioneers who braved these mountains with far less, and feel a sense of accomplishment as your journey nears its end.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Khoburtse
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 3,795m
• Ascent: 100m
• Descent: 470m

Day 15: Trek to Paiju (3,420m, 15km, 5 hours)

Trek 15km back to Paiju, starting with a detour south to avoid the Liligo Glacier, which has merged with the Baltoro, creating a churned, impassable surface. Two decades ago, Liligo’s snout was half a mile up the valley, but glacial shifts have changed the terrain. Rejoin the Baltoro’s north side, crossing its massive swells toward Uli Biaho’s ramparts, then descend to the valley floor where the Braldu River erupts from the glacier’s snout.

The final stretch follows a good path with a short uphill pull to Paiju camp, where greenery and facilities welcome you back. The campsite buzzes with trekkers and porters, and you might join another musical evening by the fire. Savor the familiar comfort of Paiju, a stark contrast to the icy heights you’ve conquered.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Paiju
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 3,420m
• Ascent: 220m
• Descent: 640m

Day 16: Trek to Jhola (3,150m, 21km, 7 hours)

Your final trekking day covers 21km to Jhola, a bittersweet farewell to the Karakoram’s wilderness. Start early to beat the heat, following a pleasant trail down the Braldu Valley. Off the glacier and at a lower elevation, the air feels warm and oxygen-rich. Pass Korofong, a grassy ablation area beside the Biafo Glacier, and cross a bridge to the river’s north side, entering the wide King’s Polo Field.

The trail rises and falls over alluvial fans, crossing side streams with makeshift bridges or stepping-stones—sandals are handy for wading as meltwater strengthens later in the day. Near the Braldu River’s conglomerate walls, feel its thunderous power before reaching the Panama River confluence. Cross a toll bridge to Jhola camp, where you’ll celebrate with your porters, sharing tips and spare gear as a thank-you for their hard work. Enjoy your last night in a tent, under the stars, with Bakhor Das in view.

• Stay: Full-service camping at Jhola
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 3,150m
• Ascent: 450m
• Descent: 600m

Day 17: Drive to Skardu (2,230m, 141km, 8 hours)

After your final night under the stars, trek to Askole, where you’ll bid a heartfelt farewell to your porters, most of whom call this village home. Celebrate their invaluable support with a short break, then board jeeps for an 8-hour drive back to Skardu via Shigar Valley. The route follows the Braldu River, crosses the Indus, and passes lush fields irrigated by Balti ingenuity, a testament to life in this high-altitude desert.

Arriving in Skardu feels like a luxury after two weeks in the wild. Check into your hotel, indulge in a hot shower, and sink into a soft bed. Over dinner, reflect on your journey, from the Baltoro’s ice to K2’s base, with the Indus River’s gentle flow outside your window.

• Stay: Hotel (twin-sharing, en-suite)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 2,230m

Day 18: Fly to Islamabad (45 minutes to 1 hour 5 mins)

After breakfast, drive 30 minutes to Skardu Airport for a thrilling 45-minute flight to Islamabad, soaring past Nanga Parbat, Gondogoro La, and the Himalayan giants. Our team will meet you at Islamabad Airport and transfer you to your hotel, where the city’s bustle contrasts with the Karakoram’s serenity. Spend the afternoon relaxing, shopping for handcrafted rugs, or joining a guided tour of Islamabad’s highlights, like the Pakistan Monument.

In the evening, gather for a grand farewell dinner, savoring Pakistani cuisine and sharing stories of your trek. If weather cancels the flight, we’ll drive to Astore via the stunning Deosai Plains for an overnight stay, continuing to Islamabad the next day in a comfortable Land Cruiser.

• Stay: Hotel(or Astore if driving)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Altitude: 540m (Islamabad)

Day 19: Contingency Day in Islamabad

This day serves as a buffer for any travel delays. If you’re already in Islamabad, dive into the capital’s treasures: visit the majestic Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, or Parliament Square, then explore Rawalpindi’s historic markets, steeped in Buddhist heritage from nearby Taxila. Treat yourself to a final dinner at Islamabad’s famous Food Street, where spicy curries and local flavors cap off your adventure.

If driving from Astore, enjoy a scenic journey via Babusar Pass (4,067m) and Kaghan Valley, passing historic towns like Abbottabad and Taxila. Arrive in Islamabad by late afternoon, with Nanga Parbat’s silhouette in the backdrop. Our team ensures a smooth, memorable day, whether you’re sightseeing or traveling.

• Stay: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast
• Altitude: 540m

Day 20: Departure Day

Your K2 Base Camp trek concludes as we transfer you to Islamabad International Airport after breakfast. As you board your flight home, carry with you the profound sense of achievement from standing at K2’s base, the warmth of Balti hospitality, and memories of the Karakoram’s untamed beauty. This journey—demanding strength, resilience, and awe—leaves you with a deep appreciation for Pakistan’s natural wonders and a story to inspire for years to come. Until we meet again!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Altitude: 540m