K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Expedition
A fully supported 21-day Karakoram expedition across the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, with a condition-dependent crossing of Gondogoro La into the Hushe Valley.
Scheduled expedition windows
| Dates | Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 25 June–15 July 2027 | EP-012 | Registering interest |
| 16 July–05 August 2027 | EP-012 | Registering interest |
| 06–26 August 2027 | EP-012 | Registering interest |
Final pricing depends on group size, permits, porter allocation, technical support, accommodation and operating conditions.
Request dates & priceThrough the heart of the central Karakoram
K2 rises to 8,611 metres on the Pakistan–China frontier and is the world’s second-highest mountain. Its survey name dates to 1856, when Thomas Montgomerie recorded peaks of the Karakoram during the Great Trigonometrical Survey. The first successful ascent was completed on 31 July 1954 by Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni.
This journey follows the Braldu corridor from Askole, crosses the Baltoro Glacier beneath the Trango Towers and Masherbrum, and reaches Concordia at the meeting of major glaciers. After the K2 Base Camp excursion, qualified participants may cross the technical Gondogoro La. The pass is never guaranteed: snow, ice, rockfall, fixed-rope condition, permits and the guide’s assessment determine whether it is attempted.
Camping among the giants of the Karakoram
One of Pakistan’s defining mountain journeys
Twenty-one days from Islamabad to K2
Arrival in Islamabad
Airport reception and private transfer to the hotel. The expedition briefing covers permits, equipment, medical considerations, weather, communications and the Gondogoro La decision process.
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu
Take the scheduled mountain flight to Skardu. In clear conditions the route offers views toward Nanga Parbat and the western Himalaya. A road contingency is used if flights are cancelled.
Skardu acclimatisation and preparation
A measured day for acclimatisation, permit formalities, equipment checks and final expedition purchases. Optional short walks introduce the Indus landscape and the historic gateway town of Skardu.
Skardu to Askole
Drive through Shigar and along the Braldu River to Askole, the final permanent settlement before the high Baltoro. Camp and meet the wider Balti support team.
Askole to Jhola
Begin on a broad valley trail beside the Braldu, passing the Biafo Glacier junction and Korofong before continuing toward the Jhola camp.
Jhola to Paiju
Follow the Braldu corridor toward Paiju, the last substantial green camp before the glacier. Granite towers begin to dominate the skyline.
Rest and acclimatisation at Paiju
A planned acclimatisation day allows recovery, hydration, equipment adjustment and preparation of loads before stepping onto the Baltoro Glacier.
Paiju to Khoburtse
Enter the Baltoro system and negotiate changing moraine beneath the dramatic rock architecture of the Trango Towers and Cathedral group.
Khoburtse to Urdukas
Continue across moraine to the terraced camp at Urdukas, one of the route’s celebrated viewpoints toward the spires and icefields of the Baltoro.
Urdukas to Goro II
Move onto the central glacier, with Masherbrum and surrounding summits shaping an increasingly austere landscape. Camp on the ice at Goro II.
Goro II to Concordia
Approach Concordia, the celebrated junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glacier systems. K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums dominate the horizon in clear weather.
Concordia acclimatisation and weather reserve
A reserve and acclimatisation day protects the expedition schedule and allows additional photography or a measured walk when conditions are favourable.
K2 Base Camp and Gilkey Memorial
Make an early excursion along the Godwin-Austen Glacier toward Broad Peak and K2 Base Camps. Visit the Gilkey Memorial area when safe and return to Concordia after a demanding high-altitude day.
Concordia to Ali Camp
Leave Concordia toward the Vigne Glacier and Ali Camp. The technical team reviews weather, snow, fixed ropes and every participant before authorising the pass attempt.
Cross Gondogoro La to Khuspang
Begin before dawn using harnesses, crampons and fixed ropes as instructed. Cross the pass only when the lead guide considers conditions acceptable, then make a careful descent to Khuspang. If unsafe, the expedition returns by the Baltoro route.
Khuspang to Saicho
Descend from the high glacier environment toward greener terrain, following the Gondogoro Glacier and reaching the sheltered camp at Saicho.
Saicho to Hushe
Complete the trekking circuit through the lower valley to Hushe, a renowned Balti mountaineering community and the first permanent village after the high route.
Hushe to Skardu
Drive through the Hushe and Shyok valleys toward Khaplu and Skardu. Hotel check-in and recovery after the expedition.
Skardu recovery and contingency day
A deliberate reserve day absorbs weather or route delays. When unused, it becomes a recovery day with optional light sightseeing in Skardu.
Fly to Islamabad
Fly to Islamabad when operating. If cancelled, begin the road journey with the program adjusted according to safe driving times and the international departure schedule.
Islamabad departure
Private transfer to Islamabad International Airport. Because Karakoram flights and passes are weather dependent, an additional post-expedition buffer night is strongly recommended.
Day-by-day expedition map
The map shows the expedition sequence and approximate route only. It is not for independent navigation; glaciers, camps, fixed ropes and the pass route change with conditions.
What is included and excluded
Included
- Private ground transportation with fuel
- Airport transfers in Pakistan
- Hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis
- Expedition tents, kitchen and communal camp equipment
- Licensed high-altitude guide and experienced support crew
- Porter support according to the final expedition plan
- Required trekking permits and Central Karakoram National Park fees
- Group safety equipment and fixed-rope coordination for Gondogoro La
- Visa-supporting documentation
Not included
- All meals and beverages
- International and domestic flights; booking assistance is available
- Pakistan visa fee
- Personal climbing and trekking equipment, including harness, crampons, ice axe and sleeping bag
- Insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
- Tips, laundry, telephone or satellite use and personal expenses
- Costs caused by flight cancellation, weather, route change or evacuation
Best time, access and preparation
Best time: Late June through August is the principal operating window. The narrower Gondogoro La window depends on seasonal snow and the establishment of safe fixed ropes.
Access: The journey begins in Islamabad with a weather-dependent flight to Skardu, followed by 4WD access through Shigar to Askole. The expedition finishes by descending to Hushe and returning to Skardu by road.
Preparation: Previous multi-day high-altitude trekking experience, excellent fitness, appropriate technical equipment and evacuation insurance are essential. Participants should train for consecutive 6–10 hour days over moraine, ice and uneven ground.
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Prepare for Pakistan’s great Karakoram traverse.
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