K2 Base Camp Trek (2025-26) – 15 Days
For trekkers who wish to organize their own logistics in Skardu and Islamabad but need assistance with the hiking services, this “trek only” option is ideal. The services will begin and end in Skardu, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided. This Skardu-to-Skardu trek will allow you to join the same group as those on the 21-day trek from Islamabad to K2 Base Camp.
Dates & Cost – K2 Base Camp Trek (15 days)
The dates listed below correspond to your arrival in Skardu and your departure from Skardu after the trek. The group arriving from Islamabad should ideally arrive on the same day. If a flight cancellation occurs, the group will travel by road via the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, taking two days to arrive.
Flight cancellations can also affect the end of the trek. In such cases, road travel will be the backup plan. Any additional expenses incurred in Skardu before the trek begins, such as lodging and meals, will be covered by the travelers. The same applies to expenses after being dropped off in Skardu.
Highlights of the K2 Base Camp Trek
The key highlights of the 15-day K2 base camp trek include:
- Base Camps of K2 and Broad Peak
- Concordia – known as the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods
- Trekking through the Baltoro Glacier, the fifth largest glacier, leading to the Godwin Austin Glacier
- Gilkey Memorial
- Views of Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), and K2 (8,611 m), along with other prominent peaks
- Other peaks over 5,000 m to 8,000 m, such as Gasherbrum 3, Masherbrum, Trango Towers, and more
- Multiple glaciers, including Biafo, Vigne, Muztagh, and others
- The Indus, Panmah, and Braldu rivers
- The Shigar and Skardu valleys
- Interactions with Balti porters and Askole jeep safari
- Meet mountaineers at the base camps
Detailed Itinerary – K2 Base Camp Trek
The itinerary for the K2 Base Camp trek is as follows:
Day 01: Arrival in Skardu
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
On arrival in Skardu, trekkers will meet the group coming from Islamabad for the 21-day trek. You can either visit our office (located near the House Finance building, Mohib Chowk) or contact us directly. Foreign visitors will receive a Foreign Registration Card (FRC) on arrival, either at the airport or at the checkpoint if traveling by road. Our manager will collect documents for final government verification, which may take up to 14 hours. Be in contact with our manager for further steps and attend the briefing at the provincial tourism office.
If the group from Islamabad is delayed due to flight issues, they will reach Skardu by road in two days. Any costs for lodging, meals, and other services in Skardu before the trek are the responsibility of the traveler. We do not cover these costs, but they are included in the 21-day trek package if you choose that option.
What happens if you don’t arrive on Day 01?
If you fail to arrive on Day 01, you will miss the trek, and no refunds will be given. However, if the Islamabad group is delayed, you can submit your documents the following day.
Day 02: Free Day in Skardu
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Today is a free day in Skardu. Enjoy some sightseeing, or prepare for the trek ahead. Our team will await the government approval letter, which may take up to two days. Stay in touch with our manager, and be prepared to visit government offices if needed.
Day 03: Drive to Askole Village
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,015 m
Drive from Skardu to Askole via jeep, passing through the scenic Shigar Valley. From Askole, switch to hiking, which will take around 6-8 hours depending on road conditions.
Day 04: Trek from Askole to Jhola
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,103 m
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5-8 hours
Trek to Jhola, passing the Biafo Glacier’s snout, and continue along moraine paths to the Korofon River. Enjoy a picnic here before heading to the Jhola camp.
Day 05: Trek from Jhola to Paiju
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Today’s hike follows the Braldu River, with stunning views of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. The day ends with a camp at Paiju.
Day 06: Rest and Acclimatization at Paiju
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Today, you’ll rest at Paiju for acclimatization, preparing for the next stage of the trek. An optional acclimatization hike to Paiju Peak base camp is also available.
Day 07: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Ascend the Baltoro Glacier moraine, passing the Uli Biaho and Trango Tower peaks. After crossing the glacier, you’ll camp at Khoburtse.
Day 08: Cross small glaciers to Urdukas
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,905 m
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 4-6 hours
Cross two smaller glaciers and reach Urdukas for the night, where views of the Trango Towers await you.
Day 09: Trek to Goro II
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,285 m
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Today, you will trek through the Baltoro Glacier to Goro II, where magnificent views of Broad Peak, K2, and Gasherbrum peaks greet you.
Day 10: Trek to Concordia
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,535 m
Distance: 12.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Trekking through the Baltoro Glacier leads to Concordia, one of the most beautiful vistas in the world, with stunning views of K2 and surrounding peaks.
Day 11: Trek to K2 Base Camp
GPS Data
Altitude: 5,150 m
Distance: 4 km
Time: 2-4 hours
On this day, you will finally reach the base camp of K2, where the towering peak dominates the horizon.
Day 12: Rest Day at K2 Base Camp
Spend the day resting and taking in the spectacular scenery at K2 Base Camp, with optional excursions available.
Day 13: Return Trek to Concordia
Retrace your steps back to Concordia.
Day 14: Trek to Goro II
Today, you’ll trek back through the Baltoro Glacier and return to Goro II for the night.
Day 15: Trek to Paiju and Return to Skardu
Finally, trek back past Paiju and return to Skardu by jeep, concluding your remarkable journey.