K2 Base Camp Trek (2025-26) – 15 Days
For those who prefer to handle their own logistics in Skardu and Islamabad while only requiring hiking services from our Tours, we’ve designed this “trek only” package. The services for this itinerary begin and end in Skardu with hotel pickup and drop-off. Participants in this Skardu-to-Skardu trek will be joining the same groups that have booked the 21-day trek from Islamabad to K2 base camp.
Dates & Cost – K2 Base Camp Trek (15 days)
The dates listed in the table below correspond to your arrival in Skardu and departure from Skardu after the trek. The groups arriving from Islamabad are ideally expected to arrive on the same date. If a flight cancellation occurs, the group will begin the journey by road (via the Karakoram Highway) from Rawalpindi airport and reach Skardu in two days.
Flight cancellations may also impact the conclusion of the expedition. As we cannot afford to risk delays from trying to board a flight the next day, road travel is the backup plan. Any costs incurred in Skardu before the journey begins, such as lodging, meals, or other expenses, will be the responsibility of the travelers. Similarly, after being dropped in Skardu, any extra expenses will be borne by the travelers.
Highlights – K2 Base Camp Trek
The key highlights of the 15-day K2 base camp trek are as follows:
- Base Camps of K2 and Broad Peak
- Concordia – the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods
- Trek to the Godwin Austin Glacier via the Baltoro Glacier (the fifth longest glacier and the largest outside the polar regions)
- Gilkey Memorial
- Views of the world’s tallest peaks including Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), and K2 (8,611 m) from Goro II, Concordia & base camps
- Other notable peaks between 5,000 m to 8,000 m such as Gasherbrum 3 and 4, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marbel Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, and Urdukas Peak
- Views of glaciers like Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, Mandu, and more, as well as glacial lakes, waterfalls, and streams
- Rivers such as the Indus, Panmah, and Braldu
- Exploring the valleys of Skardu and Shigar
- Experiencing Balti porter life and Askole jeep safari
- Meet mountaineers at the base camps
Itinerary – K2 Base Camp Trek
The K2 base camp trek itinerary is outlined below.
Day 01: Arrive in Skardu
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Those joining this Skardu-to-Skardu service will meet the same group traveling from Islamabad for the 21-day trek. Your arrival should be in Skardu, where you can either visit our office in person (located in Kushu Bagh near House Finance building, Mohib Chowk) or contact us directly. Our office is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there’s a signboard to guide you.
Foreign visitors will receive a Foreign Registration Card (FRC) upon arriving in Skardu – either at the airport if flying or at the checkpoint if driving. Our manager will collect essential documents for a final government verification, which may take at least 14 hours to complete. During this time, stay in contact with our manager and attend a briefing at the provincial tourism office.
Ideally, the group from Islamabad will arrive today as well, but if their flight is delayed, they will take the road route via the Karakoram Highway and reach Skardu the following day. Any expenses incurred in Skardu before the trek begins (such as lodging, meals, etc.) will be the responsibility of the travelers. We will not be accountable for additional costs after being dropped off in Skardu.
If you’d prefer these costs covered, we recommend you join the 21-day trek, which starts in Islamabad.
What happens if you don’t reach Skardu on this day?
If you fail to arrive in Skardu on this day, you will miss the trek, and no refunds will be given. The names submitted with the documents are included in the government’s approval list. However, if the Islamabad group is delayed, you can submit your documents the next day. Don’t take this chance!
Note: All costs for lodging, meals, and transportation on this day are to be paid directly by you and are not part of the holiday package. If you’d prefer these costs covered, you can opt for the 21-day trek and join us in Islamabad.
Day 02: Free Day in Skardu
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Today, you’ll have a free day in Skardu to relax or do any last-minute shopping in Skardu Bazaar. Our team will be awaiting the official government approval letter, which could take up to two days (in 2% of cases). If there are any delays, we’ve built in extra days at the end of the trek. It’s essential to remain in contact with our manager as you may need to attend a government office for further verification.
This day’s expenses (accommodation, meals, transportation, etc.) are not covered by the tour package, and you will be responsible for them.
Day 03: Drive to Askole Village
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,015 m
You’ll start a jeep safari heading towards Daso, passing through the scenic Shigar Valley, following the Braldu River towards Askole. From Askole, you’ll switch to hiking, covering 6-8 hours depending on road conditions.
Day 04: Trek from Askole to Jhola via the snout of Biafo Glacier
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,103 m
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5-8 hours
Porters will load up for the journey to Jhola, passing the mouth of the Biafo Glacier. This route involves moraine trekking, offering stunning views as you descend to the Korofon River, where you’ll enjoy a picnic and continue on to Jhola camp.
Day 05: Trek from Jhola to Paiju
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Today, you’ll follow the Braldu River, with views of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak, crossing streams along the way. You’ll end the day at Paiju camp, where trees will be visible after a long, hot day of hiking.
Day 06: Rest and Acclimatization at Paiju
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Today is for rest and acclimatization at Paiju. Porters will prepare for the next section of the trek, and an optional acclimatization walk to Paiju Peak base camp is available.
Day 07: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
You’ll ascend Baltoro Glacier’s moraine, with beautiful views of Uli Biaho and Trango Tower. After crossing the glacier, you’ll reach Khoburtse camp.
Day 08: Cross small glaciers to Urdukas
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,905 m
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 4-6 hours
After crossing two small glaciers, you’ll catch sight of Trango Towers. You’ll camp at Urdukas, located just above the glacier.
Day 09: Trek to Goro II
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,285 m
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Continuing along Baltoro Glacier, you’ll walk to Goro II. Views of Broad Peak, K2, and Gasherbrum peaks will greet you.
Day 10: Trek to Concordia
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,535 m
Distance: 12.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
This is the day to experience one of the most magnificent vistas on Earth. At Concordia, you’ll stand among the giants: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum 1, 2, and 3, and other incredible peaks.
Day 11: Trek to K2 Base Camp
On this day:
GPS Data
Altitude: 5,150 m
Distance: 4 km
Time: 2-4 hours
After an early start, you’ll trek to the legendary K2 Base Camp, where the grandeur of K2 looms above you.
Day 12: Rest Day at K2 Base Camp
On this day:
You’ll have the opportunity to rest and absorb the incredible atmosphere at K2 Base Camp, with optional excursions available.
Day 13: Trek back to Concordia
On this day:
Retrace your steps back to Concordia.
Day 14: Trek to Goro II
On this day:
You’ll trek back to Goro II for the night.
Day 15: Trek to Paiju and Return to Skardu
On this day:
Finally, you’ll hike back through the Baltoro Glacier, past Paiju, and return to Skardu by jeep.