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K2 Base Camp Trek

DURATION

22 days

ACCOMMODATION

Guesthouses & Camping

Trip Difficulty
DIFFICULTY
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Long strenuous and technical trek at high altitude
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LOCATION

Asia, Pakistan

MEETING POINT

London or Islamabad Airport

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FROM
£3000

Challenge rating

difficulty
K Base Camp
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K2 is the crown of the Karakoram Range. The second-highest mountain in the world is extremely challenging to climb, however, the expedition to K2 Base Camp makes for one of the most exciting and breathtaking treks in existence. The expedition begins in the remote village of Askole; the trail winds its way along the grand Braldu Valley before mounting the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia. Concordia is one of the few places on Earth where it’s possible to see four 8000-metre peaks from one place: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II.

Of course, this is no Sunday afternoon ramble. The K2 Base Camp trek requires willpower, with multiple days of challenging trekking at altitudes of up to 5400 metres. However, the views, the people and the experiences make every step worth it. 

K Base Camp

What is 'K2 Base Camp Trek' like?

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K2 Base Camp Trek Gallery

K2 base camp trek - Paiju scaled
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K2 base camp trek - Goro II scaled
K2 base camp trek - Concordia scaled
K2 base camp trek - Baltoro Glacier scaled
K2 base camp trek - K Pakistani lady scaled

What's Included In Our K2 Base Camp Trek

K2 Base Camp Trek Itinerary

  • DAY 1: DEPART UK

    DEPART UK You will meet your Bucket List Leaders at the airport and fly out as a group for Bucket Lister + Trips.

  • Day 2: ARRIVE IN ISLAMABAD

    ARRIVE IN ISLAMABAD Arrive at Islamabad Airport. There will be a private transfer to your accommodation. Special Information: Your adventure begins with a pre-trek briefing at lunchtime today.

  • Day 3: ISLAMABAD TO SKARDU

    ISLAMABAD TO SKARDU This morning we will fly to Skardu, and enjoy the spectacular views of Nanga Parbat from the air. As the flight time is only 1 hour, once we have checked into the hotel you will have the afternoon free to explore Skardu.

  • Day 4: TRAVEL FROM SKARDU TO ASKOLE

    TRAVEL FROM SKARDU TO ASKOLE It's an early start today, for a 7-hour jeep drive to Askole, through the beautiful Shigar Valley. We'll start on surfaced roads, but as the road heads east to follow the Braldu River its condition deteriorates. The valley narrows as we enter the Braldu Gorge, and by mid-afternoon, we arrive in Askole; the last village in the valley. Situated at 3000 metres, we'll camp just outside the village overnight.

  • Day 5: ASKOLE TO JHOLA

    ASKOLE TO JHOLA After preparing supplies the porters will load them for the trek to Jhola. Today we will cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier, before descending to Korophon for lunch. The route continues to the point where the Braldu and Domordu rivers converge; we continue upstream and cross the river using a bridge, before descending to the edge of the Braldu River. We then follow the river to our campsite at Jhola. Trekking Distance: approximately 20km (5 - 8 hours of trekking)

  • Day 6: JHOLA TO PAIYU

    JHOLA TO PAIYU Our route today follows the Braldu River where, as we reach higher ground, the beautiful Paiyu Peak will present itself. At our high point today we'll be able to spot the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and the granite peaks of the Trango Towers and Cathedral Peaks. Paiyu is a fixed campsite at an elevation of around 3500 metres. Located close to the snout of the Baltoro glacier, this site has toilets and running water. Trekking Distance: approximately 22km (7 - 8 hours of trekking)

  • Day 7: REST DAY AT PAIYU

    REST DAY AT PAIYU Today is a rest day for our porters and an acclimatisation opportunity for the group. There will be an optional easy walk to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier.

  • Day 8: PAIYU TO KHUBURTSE

    PAIYU TO KHUBURTSE After walking for an hour we reach the snout of the Baltoro Glacier, where our trek on Baltoro begins. The scenery becomes rugged, wild and even more spectacular as we progress, with stunning views emerging of granite peaks on the north side of the glacier. It will take a few hours to cross the glacier and as part of the crossing, we may be required to cross a meltwater stream. We then follow a rocky trail along the edge of Baltoro to Khuburtse where we have sensational views of the Grand Cathedral, the Trango Towers and the striking Uli Biaho tower and peak. Trekking Distance: approximately 13km (7 - 8 hours of trekking)

  • Day 9: KHUBURTSE TO URDUKAS

    KHUBURTSE TO URDUKAS We continue eastwards beside the Baltoro Glacier, either along the lateral moraine or on the glacier itself. Eventually we will see the Trango Towers and the isolated pillar of the Nameless Tower as we reach Urdukas (3900m). The campsite is set above the lateral moraine, in an area covered in grass and flowers. Trekking Distance: approximately 6.5km (4 - 6 hours of trekking)

  • Day 10: URDUKAS TO GORO II

    URDUKAS TO GORO II Today we walk on to the centre of the glacier. Another 2-3 hours of walking brings us to our campsite at Goro I where we will stop for lunch. The campsite is opposite the Yermanendu glacier which flows down from Masherbrum pass. It will take another 3-4 hours to get to walk to Goro II, as we head toward Gasherbrum IV. Here we will spend our first night on the glacier. Trekking Distance: approximately 12km (6 - 8 hours of trekking)

  • Day 11: GORO II TO CONCORDIA

    GORO II TO CONCORDIA We wake up to views of Masherbrum; at 7821m the 24th highest peak in the world.  As we trek we will pass Mustagh Tower, an imposing monolith of rock. Ahead of us is Gasherbrum IV whilst to the right we will get peeks of Gasherbrum II. As we make our way up the Baltoro, Broad Peak comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left. K2 remains hidden until we reach Concordia when suddenly its full height is revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4000 metres from the valley floor to the summit. We camp on a moraine ridge surrounded by jagged peaks. Trekking Distance: approximately 11.7km (5 - 7 hours of trekking)

  • Day 12: REST DAY AT CONCORDIA

    REST DAY AT CONCORDIA Relax and enjoy the scenery today; this extra day will let us pick the optimal time for our trek to base camp.

  • Day 13: CONCORDIA TO K2 BASECAMP

    CONCORDIA TO K2 BASECAMP Concordia, the joining of five glaciers, is an immense sea of ice covered in stone. In every direction the views are stunning; K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa and Sia Kangri are all prominent, along with dozens of smaller peaks. The first few kilometres after leaving Concordia are covered with crevasses and meltwater rivers. It will take approximately 3 hours to reach Broad Peak base camp, where we will have an excellent view of K2 in one direction. Looking back we see Concordia, framed by Mitre Peak and the bulk of Chogolisa. After lunch, we will continue to K2 base camp. It will take another 2-3 hours to reach the Gilkey memorial. We will have dinner and camp here for the night, rather than returning to Concordia; this greatly reduces the trekking distance today. Trekking Distance: approximately 8km (4 - 6 hours of trekking)

  • Day 14: K2 BASECAMP TO CONCORDIA

    K2 BASECAMP TO CONCORDIA We'll walk back to Concordia today; this will mostly be downhill. Rest, and enjoy the views. Trekking Distance: approximately 8km (4 - 6 hours of trekking)

  • Day 15: CONCORDIA TO GORO I

    CONCORDIA TO GORO I After our last look at K2, we'll pack up the gear and head back down the Baltoro Glacier. We will camp at Goro I tonight. Trekking Distance: approximately 11.7km (5 - 7 hours of trekking)

  • Day 16: GORO I TO KHUBURTSE

    GORO I TO KHUBURTSE As we descend our treks get longer; today we'll descend back to Khuburtse after stopping at our previous campsite in Urdukas for lunch.  Trekking Distance: approximately 18km (7 - 9 hours of trekking)

  • Day 17: KHUBURTSE TO PAIYU

    KHUBURTSE TO PAIYU After crossing the north side of the Baltoro Glacier we walk down to the valley and the main trail. As we pass the snout of the glacier we can see the origin of the Braldu River. The last hour of today's trek is an easy walk on a good path, with a final uphill to our campsite. Trekking Distance: approximately 13km (5 - 6 hours of trekking)

  • Day 18: PAIYU TO JHOLA

    PAIYU TO JHOLA We follow the trail to the Braldu Gorge today, reversing our route from earlier in the trip. Although the trekking will be easier some river crossings may be required. Trekking Distance: approximately 19.8km (5 - 7 hours of trekking)

  • Day 19: JHOLA TO ASKOLE AND SKARDU

    JHOLA TO ASKOLE AND SKARDU Today is our final day of trekking; we walk beside the river back to Askole. After lunch, we head back to Skardu by jeep; here you will finally get a chance to take a hot shower, and relax before your flight back to Islamabad. Trekking Distance: approximately 20km (3 - 5 hours of trekking)

  • Day 20: SKARDU TO ISLAMABAD

    SKARDU TO ISLAMABAD We fly from Skardu to Islamabad this morning; following a private transfer to your hotel you will have the afternoon free for sightseeing or relaxation.

  • Day 21: CONTINGENCY DAY

    CONTINGENCY DAY We include this day in case of flight cancellations from Skardu; should this be the case we switch to a road journey. The road journey takes two days, but is via the Karakoram Highway, tracing the Indus River, so is a spectacular experience. If the contingency day is not required for travel we have a day free for sightseeing in Islamabad.  

  • Day 22: FLY HOME

    FLY HOME Today marks the end of our K2 adventure.

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Our Different Types Of Trips

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Bucketlister trips are our standard for all our incredible trips. When you book a Bucketlister trip we will organise everything for you from the first to the last location on your adventure and you'll have a local guide with you every step of the way. All you'll need to organise is your own flights and transfers. (Additional Options for Land Only Transfers)

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Bucketlister+ Trips

Bucketlister+ trips are a done-for-you service from start to finish. We organise everything for you. You'll have a UK Guide with you all steps of the way and all you'll have to do is just pack you bag. (Additional Options for UK Group Flights & Transfers)

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Trailblazer Trips

Trailblazer trips are our first run throughs of our trips. Get the benefits of a Bucketlister+ Trip at the cost of a Bucketlister and all we'll ask for in return is your feedback! For more information click here!

Bucketlister trips are our standard for all our incredible trips. When you book a Bucketlister trip we will organise everything for you from the first to the last location on your adventure and you’ll have a local guide with you every step of the way. All you’ll need to organise is your own flights and transfers. (Additional Options for Land Only Transfers)

Bucketlister+ trips are a done-for-you service from start to finish. We organise everything for you. You’ll have a UK Guide with you all steps of the way and all you’ll have to do is just pack you bag. (Additional Options for UK Group Flights & Transfers)

Trailblazer trips are our first run throughs of our trips. Get the benefits of a Bucketlister+ Trip at the cost of a Bucketlister and all we’ll ask for in return is your feedback! For more information click here!

K2 Base Camp Trek Dates & Availability

K2 Base Camp Trek Reviews

Here’s what some of our awesome customers had to say:

Great company to book with, easy payment options, clear communication, and responds quickly to any enquiries. Have booked with The Bucket List Company twice now. Looking forward to my next trip in 2024 to K2 Base Camp. They arrange everything about your trip, you simply have to pay & go! They make it affordable for every budget. Highly recommend. – Mark, Nov 23

The Bucket list company are an amazing find for solo adventure’s,I’ve been on three trips so far and have just booked another, If you fancy climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking though the Andes mountains or visiting the Treasury at Petra have a look at the bucket list company I would highly recommend them, The itinerary of all the trips has been well thought out from start to finish, The main thing that attracted me to use the bucket list company in the first place was having a uk guide go on the adventure with you.. – Rowena, Nov 23

The bucket list company do exactly that, offer bucket list trips. Just come back from climbing Kilimanjaro with them, Keith was there the whole way through to guide and advise us, he used exceptional porters and guides on the mountain to make our experience just that “bucket list” can’t fault them – Craig, Sept 2023

TBLC’s customer service; passionate team; mixed age groups; expert planning; networks of highly knowledgeable local tour guides and local chefs, combine for amazing experiences! We have enjoyed two great adventures with TBLC (including successful summits of Kilimanjaro, in 2019, and Mt Toubkal, in April 2023) and look forward to booking the next. I highly recommend TBLC to anyone considering an altitude challenge. I would also strongly recommend TBLC’s four day Toubkal trek over a two day trek (as offered by other companies). The extra two days mean you have chance to bond more with your group ahead of the summit night, as well as getting to spend more time walking in the stunning Atlas Mountains. The traditional Moroccan food served throughout this trip is another real selling point! – Eleanor May 2023

    K2 Base Camp Trek Frequently Asked Questions

    Take a look at the frequently asked questions for K2 Base Camp Trek

    • Why opt for the K2 Base Camp Trek?

      K2 grabs far fewer headlines, but that’s likely to change over the next few years – the current Pakistani government are keen to encourage tourism, and they’ve made it much easier for people to get into the country for tourism purposes.

       

      As a result, British Airways resumed direct flights to Islamabad, making it much easier to fly in and out.

       

      Having said all that, if you’re thinking it’s going to be majorly touristy, think again – despite rising numbers of tourism, there are still only around 1500 trekkers going to K2 Base Camp each year, compared to the 30,000 that take on Everest Base Camp.

       

      As a result, the trails aren’t busy, and you can really soak up the experience and enjoy peace and tranquillity as you trek.

    • How skilled do you have to be to trek to K2 Base Camp?

      The K2 Base Camp trek isn’t for novices.  It takes a full 14 days, so you’ll need to be able to trek for that length of time.

       

      On the flip side, you don’t need any specialist equipment, as long as you’re not going back via the Gondogoro La pass, in which case you’ll need to use ropes and an ice axe.

       

      The trek is also at altitude, so you should have done at least one high-altitude trek in the past.

    • Is the K2 Base Camp Trek safe?

      As long as you’re fit and healthy, you listen to your guide and you don’t take any unnecessary risks, this trek is pretty safe.

       

      Yes, you’ll need to keep your wits about you and be careful, but it doesn’t require any specialist equipment (as long as you avoid the Gondogoro La pass on the way back).

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