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K2 needs no introduction – the world’s second-highest peak, legendary yet one of the most dangerous eight-thousanders on the planet. The circular route to K2 Base Camp via the Gondogoro Pass is considered one of the most beautiful, yet most challenging, mountain treks in the world. This epic route passes through the heart of the Karakoram mountain range along the Baltoro Glacier to the ‘Throne Room of the Gods’ – Concordia. You can expect to spend nights in tents on the snow and glacier moraines, use crampons at altitudes of over 5,000 m, and there may be sections requiring ropes on the pass. It is not yet a Himalayan climb, but it is no longer just a trek.
We recommend that only those with experience of multi-day mountain treks and/or ascents of 5,000-metre peaks (Mont Blanc, Ararat, Kazbek) join this expedition, as the trek is classified as moderately difficult to difficult. The ideal preparation for the K2BC trek would be experience of Nepalese treks – such as EBC or Gokyo (similar number of walking days and altitude). The trek to K2 Base Camp is a natural next step after classic routes in the Himalayas.
In addition to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, the route offers breathtaking panoramic views of four eight-thousanders: K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,047 m), Gasherbrum I / Hidden Peak (8,080 m) and Gasherbrum II (8,035 m). As well as dozens of world-famous peaks and walls: Gasherbrum III (7,952 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m), Chogolisa (7,665 m), Masherbrum (7,821 m), Mustag Tower (7,273 m), Mitre Peak (6,010 m), Trango Towers (6,286+ m), the Cathedral Group and others. It is precisely because of this concentration of giants that the region is known as the ‘amphitheatre of the gods’.
The highest point on the route: Gondogoro La Pass – 5,650 m.
Despite the challenges of this trek, it also offers a high level of comfort and service – porters carry your luggage, so you only need to carry a small daypack; three hot meals a day prepared by the group’s own chef, plus snacks, nuts, tea and unlimited hot water for flasks; fully equipped two-person tents, domestic flights, the services of a local guide and a Kuluar team leader – all of this is included in the price.
Upon arrival in Islamabad, all main expenses are included in the price, including meals on the trek, domestic flights and a personal porter.
A well-planned programme featuring excellent acclimatisation and a gradual increase in difficulty.
Throughout the entire walking route, you will have a personal porter who will carry 14 kg of your equipment and personal belongings.
In Islamabad we’re staying in a hotel; during the trek, we’ll be staying in good-quality expedition tents.
We do not cancel or reschedule tours. If a consultant has given the go-ahead for you to buy a ticket, you can go ahead and purchase it. The tour will not be cancelled due to any fault of ours.
Arrival in the capital of Pakistan. Transfer to the hotel, time to rest after the journey.
Briefing at the Ministry of Tourism; finalisation of paperwork for the trek. Tour of Islamabad. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Domestic flight to Skardu – the region’s main mountaineering hub. Transfer to the hotel, a stroll around town, and preparation of equipment.
A 7–8-hour jeep journey along the Braldu River through the Shigar Valley. The first sweeping views of the Karakoram come into view. Overnight stay in tents in the village of Askole – the last settlement on the way to K2.
We set off on our trek. The route follows the Braldu River, passing through Korofong, and leads to the edge of the glacier zone. This is the last ‘green’ campsite before entering the Baltoro Glacier. We’ll be spending the night in tents.
Distance: ~14 km, journey time: 5–7 hours
A trek deeper into the Baltoro Valley, gaining altitude. The route follows moraine terraces, offering the first sweeping panoramic views of the Trango Towers, the Cathedral Group and Uli Biaho. On a clear day, you can catch your first glimpse of the ‘pyramid’ of K2. Overnight in tents.
Distance: ~19–20 km, journey time: 6–7 hours
Recovering after the first few tough days. Doing the washing, having a shower, going for walks in the local area. Spending the night in tents.
We’ll ascend the Baltoro Glacier and trek along its southern flank. Panoramic views of Masherbrum, the Baltoro Cathedrals, Gasherbrum IV and Broad Peak will come into view. The trek is more technical: moraines, boulders and ice ridges. Tonight we’ll be spending the night in tents at a harsher, colder camp on the glacier.
Distance: ~14–15 km, journey time: 6–7 hours
A short but fairly technical traverse along the high lateral moraine of the Baltoro. Magnificent views of the Trango Towers, Paiyu Peak and Uli Biaho Tower. Overnight in tents.
Distance: ~6 km, journey time: 3–4 hours
A challenging 7-hour trek across the central section of the Baltoro Glacier, navigating around crevasses and huge boulders, and crossing ‘rivers’ of meltwater. The scenery becomes increasingly spectacular – Gasherbrum IV, Masherbrum, Mustag Tower. Overnight in tents.
Distance: ~11–12 km, duration: 6–7 hours
A less strenuous but spectacular trek into the heart of the Karakoram. Panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, Muztagh Tower and Mitre Peak unfold before you. We will spend the night at Martin Conway Camp, surrounded by 7,000- and 8,000-metre peaks. The camp is situated on a moraine at the legendary confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, known as the Concordia Amphitheatre – the ‘Pearl of Karakoram’ or the ‘Throne Room of the Gods’.
Sir William Martin Conway was one of the first Western explorers to complete this route in 1892. It was he who named the local glacier confluence ‘Concordia’ (by analogy with a similar site in the Swiss Alps) and lent his name to our current camp.
Concordia is also known as the point through which the trails to the base camps of several major peaks (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum) pass. From there, climbers set off for the respective base camps or continue on to begin their ascent.
Distance: ~11 km, journey time: 5–6 hours
The highlight of the route. A visit to the historic K2 base camp, with panoramic views of the south face of the ‘Mountain of Mountains’. Second night spent in tents at Concordia.
Distance: ~16 km (there and back), journey time: 7–8 hours
Crossing the Vigne Glacier beneath the southern faces of Chogolisa, Hunchback Peak and Mitre Peak. The final camp before the Gondogoro La pass. Our highest night in tents.
Distance: ~10–12 km, journey time: 5–6 hours.
A key section of the route. A technically demanding day with an early start at 1–2 am. Ascent to the pass using crampons, with sections along the handrails. At the top of the pass – a magnificent panorama of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I–IV. Descent to the Gondogoro Glacier to Khuspang High Camp, which also serves as the base camp for Gondogoro Peak. Night in tents.
Distance: ~12 km, total walking time: 8–10 hours. This depends on the condition of the glacier and the route.
A beautiful stretch of the route. First, a short descent to Dalzampa (4,300 m), known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’. Then a pleasant trek through wild greenery – roses, gooseberries, cedars and tamarisk. It’s a real treat for the eyes after many days of seeing nothing but snow, ice and rocks. The trek follows the Charksa Valley towards the base camps of K6 and K7. Overnight in tents.
Distance: ~12–13 km, journey time: 6–7 hours.
The final day of the trek. A peaceful walk along the River Hushe through pastoral meadows and country lanes. We’ll spend the night at a campsite on the outskirts of the village of Hushe. Overnight in tents.
Distance: ~8–10 km, duration: 3–4 hours.
Transfer by jeep to Skardu (5–6 hours).
Overnight stay at a hotel.
City tour, leisure time. Farewell dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Flight to the capital, transfer to the hotel.
A spare day in case of flight delays between Skardu and Islamabad (which are very common due to the weather).
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport.
Significant temperature fluctuations: up to +30°C during the day and down to -15°C at night. Even at +30°C in the mountains, T-shirts and shorts are out of the question. The sun is so intense that you’ll get burnt in the blink of an eye. Light trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are essential. Closer to base camp, there’s likely to be snow. Possibly a lot of it. You’ll need good trekking boots and gaiters. Strong winds are possible.
Depending on weather conditions, the group’s condition and general preferences, the team leader reserves the right to make changes to the route.
A visa is required to visit Pakistan. Please see the FAQ section for further details.
To take part in the hike, you must not have any of the conditions listed in this list.
The route runs through the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is considered Pakistan’s safest tourist area. It is the country’s main mountaineering hub, and it is here that dozens of international expeditions set out each year for K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum and other peaks.
The route runs well clear of unstable or border areas, and we take great care to avoid any high-risk zones. All travel and logistics are carried out via officially designated safe routes, approved by the tourist police and local authorities.
The following applies in the cities of Islamabad and Skardu, and along the entire tourist route:
In northern Pakistan, there is a special tourism police force responsible for the safety of travellers. On our route, a police escort is not required, as the Gilgit-Baltistan region is officially considered completely safe for trekking.
We also work exclusively with partners who are officially registered and licensed by the Pakistan Ministry of Tourism.
There are no restrictions on this route for Ukrainian citizens or other foreign nationals. The only requirements are:
We arrange all of this in advance.
As in any mountainous country, the situation can change due to natural disasters, so we always check the latest protocols and guidelines before setting off, and provide participants with up-to-date instructions.
Avalanches are possible on the route from K2 Base Camp to Gondogoro La, but in summer, when our trek takes place, the risk is minimal. The main part of the route (Askole → Concordia → K2 BC) follows moraines and a glacier, where the avalanche risk is low. The most sensitive area is the Gondogoro La pass. Avalanches occur more frequently here, but the crossing takes place at night or at dawn, when the snow is at its most stable. During the high season (July–August), a local rescue team is on duty at the pass, fixed railings are in place, and conditions are monitored.
If snowfall increases the risk, the group does not attempt the pass but returns via the same route through Concordia to Askole — this is standard and safe practice in the Karakoram.
Yes, you will need a visa for Pakistan to take part in the K2 + Gondogoro La trek. To be more precise, the local government states that: ‘Holders of Ukrainian passports who plan to visit Pakistan for tourism purposes do not need a traditional visa for short-term trips, but must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA or eVisa) prior to entry’. This means that all documents can be submitted online before your trip and, at present, this is free of charge.
For a route such as this, you will generally need to obtain a special trekking/mountaineering visa, rather than a standard tourist visa. You will also need to obtain special permits – authorisations to stay and trek in the Baltoro, Godwin-Austen Glacier and GLA Pass areas. All tourist fees for these permits are already included in the programme price; you do not need to pay anything extra.
To apply for all permits and an e-visa, you will need a passport valid for at least six months (scanned copy), a digital copy of your photo, a completed application form, a letter of confirmation from a local partner, and an itinerary. We will provide the last two documents. Without these documents, access to the trail area may be denied.
Of course, as the organiser, we take care of preparing all the necessary documents for the group, as well as arranging permits and supporting letters; however, you will need to apply for the visa yourself or with our assistance, depending on your preference.
The currency used in Pakistan is the Pakistani rupee (PKR).
We recommend bringing US dollars in cash, which can be easily exchanged in Islamabad or Skardu. Bank cards do not work everywhere, and in mountainous areas and along the route they are not accepted at all, so cash is essential.
For small expenses (tips, souvenirs, additional services), it is worth having some small-denomination US dollars or exchanging them for rupees as soon as you arrive in the city. Exchanging around 50–100 USD for PKR should be sufficient. It will not be possible to exchange money en route.
Important! Do not take so-called ‘old dollars’ (green) – banknotes issued before 2009 – with you to Pakistan. Such banknotes are not accepted in many Asian countries, or are exchanged at a very poor rate. Unfortunately, we are also unable to accept such notes from you, as this will cause problems when settling accounts with local partners. ‘New’ or ‘blue’ dollars are accepted everywhere without any issues! The same applies to banknotes bearing any markings. Thank you for your understanding and for the new dollars :)
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Pakistan, and no special vaccinations are required to take part in the trek to K2 Base Camp.
There is no malaria in the high-altitude regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, so anti-malarial prophylaxis is not required.
As always, we recommend that you consult your GP or a travel clinic before travelling, particularly if you have any chronic conditions or are taking specific medication.
On the route to K2 Base Camp, infrastructure is very limited, as the entire trek takes place in a high-altitude glacial region. Expect no mobile signal or internet access. Mobile coverage will be available in the towns of Islamabad and Skardu. Hotels do have Wi-Fi, but it is sometimes slow or unreliable. Once you leave Askole, the signal disappears completely and will only reappear once you return to civilisation in Skardu, or perhaps a little earlier – in Khush. There is no Wi-Fi on the trail itself. There is a chance you might be able to pick up a bit of Wi-Fi at K2 base camp.
There are no organised shower facilities along the route. At the camps, you can wash down with warm water (subject to weather conditions). You can have something resembling a shower on the rest day – there is a special tent, and they bring you a bucket of hot water. A proper shower will only be available at the hotel after returning to Skardu. It is best to have a large supply of wet wipes.
Most camps have no electricity. In some camps, you may be able to charge small devices using solar panels, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the weather. We recommend bringing your own power banks (minimum 20,000–30,000 mAh).
The Karakoram is a mountain range characterised by an unpredictable climate, with significant temperature fluctuations, strong winds and intense sunshine. You should therefore pack several sets of clothing for this trek:
For more details, please see our equipment list.
The Gondogoro La Pass (5,650 m) is considered a technically challenging high-altitude crossing. In international classifications, it is rated as:
The ascent and descent take place on a steep, snow- and ice-covered slope (up to 40–45°), with belaying on fixed ropes. Crampons, an ice axe, roping up, and solid experience of moving on a glacier are essential.
All technical aspects are managed by an experienced local team.
The pass is only crossed in stable summer weather, when conditions are as safe as possible.
Yes, photography is permitted, but you must obtain prior authorisation. Unlike in Nepal, this is straightforward to arrange and not particularly expensive. We can help you arrange this NOC (permit) in advance through our partners. The permit costs approximately $150–$200.
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | 3600$ |
| 4 | 3700$ |
| 3 | 3950$ |
| 2 | 4600$ |
The total amount of compulsory expenses, which are not included in the price, will be approximately $300 plus the cost of the flight to Pakistan ($400–$700). It is advisable to bring around $500 with you as a contingency.
You can also add the following, if you wish:
If the deposit amount is too high for you at the moment but you’d like to book a place, please contact a consultant and they will split it into manageable instalments.
👉 Please note: payment methods and refund policy in the event of cancellation or departure from the route
Friends! Please ensure you use US dollar notes issued in 2009 or later. Notes from the 1990s are not accepted in many countries, and we sometimes encounter issues when settling accounts with local partners. Thank you for your understanding, and here’s to everyone getting some new dollars :)
*Please note: the consultant will assist you in selecting and searching for flights and will recommend insurance, but they are not responsible for making the purchase. Participants must do this themselves or contact our partners; all contact details can be found in the article: flights, hotels and insurance