The most famous trekking route in the world is the K2 base camp trek, a strenuous and demanding but rewarding as well. The beauty of the place has no match in the world and the view of K2 Mountain is gorgeous. K2 base camp trek provides one of the most unique and the most spectacular views of the Karakoram Mountains. K2 base camp trek gives you the opportunity to witness the magnificent peaks which range from 5000 to 8000 meters.
For its incredible 360 panoramic views of the mountains, this set of mighty peaks is often referred to as
the ”Throne Room of Mountain Gods”. This is a trekking holiday to Concordia and K2 base camp in the
Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. On the K2 base camp trek, you will experience the ultimate trekking
adventure, spectacular mountain valleys, and the ancient culture of Baltistan. This is once in a lifetime
journey into the heart of the Karakoram Mountains the getaway of many famous Peaks and mountain
regions in Pakistan. Pakistan is home to five of the world’s highest peaks. Three of these peaks lie in the
neighborhood of K2 rising from Baltoro Glacier.
Seeing the K2 and Karakoram mountains quilted in the snow is a sight you will never forget the K2 base camp trek which is purely majestic. We are the local trekking Agency based in Gilgit Baltistan and we send the experienced local mountain guides and field staff on our Concordia and K2 base camp treks while keeping group sizes sustainably small. Sending local mountain guides and field staff on all our K2 base camp treks allows us to deliver an unrivaled level of safety and service for each one of our clients.
Having smaller group sizes allows us to minimize our environmental impact and foster a stronger team dynamic. This experience is truly one of the best in the world with an unrivaled high-mountain trek. Concordia is an exceptional location, at the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers. It is dominated by K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. As if that isn’t enough, Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum 4, and Chogolisa from a circle of giants which some have called ‘the throne room of the gods.’ Concordia has perhaps some of the most remarkable mountain views. Situated at the confluence of the glaciers of Baltoro and Godwin Austen, this is an amazing location, dominated by K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. Gasherbrum 4, Chogolisa, Wide Peak, and Mitre Peak form the rest of an impressive circle of mountain giants named ‘the Gods throne room’. This beautiful trek begins in Askole and follows the Braldu gorge to the Baltoro glacier snout, which we follow to Concordia afterward. We will have an optional day walk to Gilkey Memorial which is just below K2 Base Camp and also a walk to Broad Peak Base Camp.
This is one of the world’s most stunning mountain treks and is wild and remote with the scenery of unmatched grandeur. Each year we organize the Concordia K-2 base camp trek starting from the month of June until the end of September and you can join any of our departures during these months. We operate the Concordia and K-2 base camp trek starting from Islamabad and ending our trip in Islamabad as well.
Islamabad and Back to Islamabad
You will be greeted by the team of Hunza Adventure Tours at Islamabad International airport. Then transfer you along with your luggage to a centrally located hotel in Islamabad.
Overnight stay in Islamabad.
a) Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the northeast. On a clear day, we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains. (It is quite possible adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approx two days.
b) In case of cancellation of flight drive 10-12hrs by air-conditioned coach/car to Chilas (480km) on the Karakoram highway. Overnight in Chilas.
a) Overnight stay in Skardu. Preparations for our trek and depending on our time of arrival into Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus, and Basha Rivers.
b) If we are driving the road journey today will be 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km) or 10-12 from Chilas. On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m) overnight stay in Skardu.
We will travel by jeep with our crew and supplies along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole. Villages in Shigar have changed little in over five hundred years; farms with fields of barley, wheat, and vegetables surrounded by stone walls and stands of poplar, willow, and apricot trees. The apricot is a very important crop in the north, having a multitude of uses for the Balti and Hunzakut people. Villagers greet us as we pass through on the rugged dirt and stone road that leads to Baltoro. As we approach, the landscapes become desert-like, and once within the sheer valley of the Braldu, it is necessary to cross the river several times by suspension bridges. At various points, the road may have collapsed due to erosion and we will transfer the gear across on foot to a vehicle on the other side.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.
After the considerable organization of equipment, supplies, and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Jhola. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier flowing for more than 50 kilometers from the Hispar La pass to the Braldu. We have our first taste of moraine walking as we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to our lunch spot beside the river. We also experience the harsh, stark environment that forms the base of these great mountains.
Our route takes us to the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers where the infamous flying fox or ‘Jola’ is located. It is still there, however, a footbridge has now been built making the passage much easier from every perspective. (Consider individual passage of 50 to 70 people with loads, compared with walking straight across a steel bridge!). In past years it was necessary to make a high traverse across a rocky face and descend steeply to the riverside of the Dumordo to gain the flying fox. There is now a safe and pleasant pathway above the river. It is this valley, fed by the Panmah Glacier that was once a passage between Baltistan and Yarkand across the West Mustagh Pass (5370m) into China. Once across, we descend beside the river to the Braldu and then follow along its banks to our camp.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.
The route is mainly at riverside throughout the day, switching up and down somewhat according to the level of erosion and water levels of the Braldu. The Masherbrum Group may be glimpsed to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The range is a vast array of peaks that extend almost the full length of the southern side of Baltoro. Walking conditions are hot and dry and care must be taken to prevent sunburn, especially when most members will have come from a southern winter! As we approach camp several small glacially-fed rivulets flow down from the north and the first peaks of the Trango and Uli Biaho group appear on the distant ridgeline. The vast snout of the Baltoro glacier, the fourth-longest in Pakistan, is also visible but it’s hard to gather a sense of scale from here.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping
An important preparatory stage for our crew and porters. Our goats are slaughtered and roti (bread) baked throughout the day for the journey ahead on the glacier. It is a welcome opportunity for us to relax, read and take photos. Perhaps do some washing and simply enjoy being in the mountains.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.
Making the short approach to the glacier, the great expanse of ice stretching across the Braldu comes into perspective when we see the many porters forming an ant-like trail across it. Ice cliffs tower more than sixty meters above the turbulent waters at the origin of the Braldu River. As a result of its continually changing nature, the glacial moraine may be difficult to trek upon at this stage and our route varies somewhat each time. One should be prepared for a hard day of walking and carry plenty of fluid. Once at the other side, the trail will hug the side and occasionally necessitate a glacier or river crossing. There are now uninterrupted views of Paiju Peak (6610m), Uli Biaho group, Trango Group, and Cathedral Group – a majestic, spired collection of mountains that the Karakoram is so well known for. Behind us, the steep grassy slopes make high grazing pastures for ibex and the rocks are home to mouse hares (Pikas) and colorful hoopoe birds which forage for food scraps.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.
An easier day’s walk, following a good trail at the side of the Baltoro with two feeding glaciers to cross en route. It is Great Trango (5844m), facing eastwards, that is considered the greatest cliff face in the world and the point from which two Australians made a world record base jump in 1992. On the trail, pony trains carrying supplies to army camps are often passed and occasional helicopters overhead provide a reminder of our proximity to the disputed territory of Kashmir nearby. The grassy camp of Urdukas is well located before the mountains and is our last before continuing glacial camps. If the weather is clear at the head of the valley we may see Broad Peak (8050m) and Gasherbrum IV (7930m), two of the most prominent peaks of the region.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.
Descending rugged terrain onto the glacier, we cross to the center where it is easier trekking.
We weave over rolling mounds of rock and scree, not unlike that of a quarry, and head almost in a direct path to GIV. We are in fact steering slightly northwards to a moraine hollow where Goro II is situated. The vast glacial highway of the Yermanendu feeds in from the south, leading from the many mountains around Biarchedi. Crystal and Marble Peaks are now right before us. Looking back towards Paiyu, the impressive mountain groups that have dominated our views over the last few days are now dwarfed as we trek higher and further away.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.
A special day today as we trek into Concordia and enjoy our first views of K2 (weather permitting). This location
must be considered one of the world’s most spectacular camps as it is totally surrounded by stunning peaks. As
we leave Goro II, the Biange Glacier to the north provides a superb view up to Mustagh Tower (7284m), one of
the most difficult mountains in the Karakoram to climb. The trail continues along fairly easy rolling slopes of
moraine marked by cairns and then passes among ice towers or seracs as we approach the colliding glaciers at
Concordia. Mitre Peak (6030m) rises to our right, with Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri) (7312m) beside it, while
the Gasherbrum Group is directly before us. The expanse of Broad Peak (8050m) is to the left and finally K2
(8611m) looms above the ridge towering over the Godwin Austen Glacier twelve kilometers away. Each mountain
is different in character and its climbing history. It is awe-inspiring to know that many of these mountains were
explored and climbed upon around the turn of the century but were not submitted until the fifties and sixties due
to their difficult technical routes and severe climatic conditions. One presumes they have little changed since
these first explorations. Concordia, the junction of the Baltoro, Godwin Austen, Gasherbrum, and Vigne Glaciers,
makes a perfect base from which to explore and enjoy some of the highest mountains in the world. Very few
people are fortunate enough to witness this sight.
Our schedule is somewhat flexible according to the prevailing weather conditions and group preference. One of
our objectives is to visit K2 Base Camp (approx. 5150m) and the Gilkey Memorial, a spectacular full-day trip from
camp. The most exciting day of this trek as you walk past Broad peak and get nearer to K-2 and arrive at the strip
which is the most popular camping area for nearly all the expeditions to K-2. Here some of the top climbers of the
world can be seen busy in preparations for the challenges ahead. Return to your camp at Concordia for overnight
(K-2 base camp is too high and trekkers can get seriously ill from altitude if they stay for the night at this altitude,
therefore the group must return to Concordia).
We will return by the no-less-spectacular journey back down the Baltoro glacier to the road head at Askole.
Heading in a different direction, the views are always different and the weather always changing in the mountains;
one could not consider this route as repetitious by anyone’s standards.
We begin the return trek descending first to Goro II where we have magnificent views of the surrounding
granite spires and towers Camp.
We continue our descent of the Baltoro glacier, today reaching as far as Urdukas where we make camp off the
glacier for the first time in several days.
Crossing the Baltoro to its north side beneath the towers of Uli Biaho we finally climb down its snout to reach a
the good trail back to the spring oasis of Paiju.
Following the Braldu River downstream, we make the detour into the Panma Valley to the bridge across its
tributary to reach Jhola or Korofon.
The final day of trekking to the village of Askole. Here we say goodbye to our porters who will return to their villages.
Making an early start we drive to Skardu through the relatively verdant Shigar Valley. We check into the hotel and the afternoon is free for sightseeing.
a) Weather permitting, we will fly to Islamabad today, on arrival transfer to the Invite Inn Guest House for overnight.
b) In case of flight cancellation, it is necessary to drive to Chilas and overnight at the Chilas Inn or Panorama hotel on the banks of the Indus. We cannot guarantee air travel at any time between the north and south and we expect members to be as reasonable and flexible as possible on this matter. Should we travel by surface, we will have a private minibus that will take us via Chilas which is a day’s drive from Islamabad. The road is good for most of the journey but occasionally subject to landslide breaks which can delay us. We follow right beside the Indus from Skardu and view the incredible force of the river by the deep gorges it has carved out. We then join the Karakoram Highway (KKH) which was built by the Chinese over twenty years and runs from Kashgar to ‘Pindi. As we wind our way southwards down to the plains, we cross several passes thickly forested in pine and birch. The hills open out to the vast plains and deltas of Punjab province.
The traffic becomes more chaotic as we approach Rawalpindi and one feels the temperatures of the plains once again. Should we be able to fly, the additional time will be well spent in ‘Pindi; shopping and sightseeing. The Bazaars have endless numbers of streets to explore and traders to bargain with.
Extra ‘cushion’ day!
*Note: Day 20 will be used as a ‘cushion’ day in case of delays in travel due to weather, route change, health, acclimatization issues during the trek, etc.
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your return flights
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for any kind of trip, trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, wild safaris and other services being operated so far by the company. The terms and conditions set forth will bring forward its limitations before any interested visitor advances for the programs alluded.
ALFALAH BANK PAKISTAN
Account Title: HUNZA ADVENTURE TOURS.
Account # 1006067881.
Branch Code : 0407.
Swift Code. ALFHPKKA.
IBAN: PK09ALFH0407001001006067881.
Branch: Alfalah Bank Pakistan,stock exchange ISE Tower,
Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area Islamabad Pakistan.
1: REFUND:
No refund will be made for 50% deposit amount in case of cancellation of trip for any other else reason. Having paid full amount of any trip, you’re entitled to incur refund in case if you want to cancel your trip. Still, cancellation charge is invoiced to you. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip. Nevertheless, you’re imposed cancellation charge as advised below: –
2: SUPPLEMENT CHARGE:
On our holidays tour / trek packages, rooms or tents are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room / tent with.
3: INCOMPLETE TOUR:
No refund will be made to clients who drop out from the journey regardless of whatever portions remain unused in the itinerary.
4: CLIENTS’ RESPONSIBLE:
A tour / trek guide who represents Hunza Adventure Tours deserves all authority during your tours. If you commit any unlawful act, you are compelled to leave the tour. No refund will be made in such case.
5: IMPACT ON YOUR JOURNEY:
We put our every effort to ensure comfortable traveling of yours,but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the western affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impact on your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before head is must to venture into journey.
6: TRAVEL INSURANCE:
You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance package against medical, natural calamity, helicopter evacuation, personal accident, trip cancellation etc. This is suggested to all our esteemed clients.
7: TOUR AMENDMENT:
To make alterations of any trek / tour itinerary, prior notice is requested. You’re advised to stay in touch with us thus. But occasionally, you may be obliged to do so en route under certain circumstance for instance bad weather etc.
8: PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS:
All necessary documents should be presented in sequence for example to issue visa, necessary permits etc. We’re not accountable in case of any trip formality not completed in time before the trip departs on the absent of essential papers and documents.
9: RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY:
Your safety and enjoyment is our prime concern. We therefore carry out our responsibility honestly & sincerely to ensure your holiday trouble–free as well as you have desired. Nevertheless, unless stated otherwise, trip may be change under uncertain and inherent circumstances such as land-slides, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents etc. Any extra cost incurring there is your personal responsibility and should be borne on the spot.
10: FLIGHT DELAY / CANCELLATION:
There is virtually possibility of flight delay or postponement for notorious weather in Karakoram & Himalayan Mountain regions of Pakistan which could be happened, especially during off season, you’re highly advised to reserve extra days to prepare with some delays and avoid frustrating consequence. In case of flight cancellation pre-tour/post-tour, you need to meet your accommodation and food costs yourself.
Hunza Adventure Tours puts every effort to ensure your comfortable traveling, but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the other affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impacts your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before beginning is must to venture into journey.
