K2 Base Camp & Concordia Trek: Gondogoro La Crossing — 20 Days
Alpine crossing of the Karakoram's highest passes — 62km Baltoro Glacier, Concordia amphitheater, and the Gondogoro La at 5,610m
This 20-day trek traverses the Karakoram's most challenging high-altitude terrain, following the Baltoro Glacier 62 kilometers through a corridor of granite towers to Concordia at 4,650 meters, where four 8,000-meter peaks converge around K2. The route passes K2 Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial, then climbs to the formidable Gondogoro La at 5,610 meters — a high pass requiring alpine fitness and acclimatization discipline — before descending through wildflower meadows and cedar valleys to the Hushe Valley. The itinerary demands strong trekking experience, high-altitude acclimatization, and proper preparation; weather, permits, and porter availability are subject to seasonal conditions and external factors beyond the operator's control.
Best time to go: June- Sept
Highlights
- Trekking the Baltoro Glacier: 62 kilometers of ice and moraine beneath Cathedral Towers, Trango Towers, and Gasherbrum IV
- Standing at Concordia (4,650m): 360-degree panorama of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II
- Visiting K2 Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial: tribute to climbers who died on the mountain, with active expedition activity in June and July
- Overnighting at Broad Peak Base Camp (4,850m): elevated vantage of K2's north face across the Godwin-Austen Glacier
- Conquering the Gondogoro La at 5,610m: strenuous high-altitude crossing with unparalleled Karakoram panoramas
- Descending Dalzampa's flower meadows: lateral moraines lined with wild roses, cedar, tamarisk, and glacial spires
- Finishing through Hushe Valley and Khaplu: traditional gateway villages of Baltistan's high-altitude porter and guide community
Day by day
1Arrival in Islamabad & Twin Cities OverviewIslamabad · Faisal Mosque · Shakar Parian Park · Pakistan Monument · Lok Virsa heritage museum · Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi · Saidpur village · Daman-e-Koh
Arrive in Islamabad and meet your guide for transfer to the hotel. The morning is reserved for rest and recovery from your flight. In the afternoon, visit Islamabad and Rawalpindi at a measured pace. Depending on your interests and available time, the sightseeing may include the Faisal Mosque, Government buildings on Constitution Avenue, Shakar Parian Park with its rose and jasmine gardens, the Pakistan Monument, the Lok Virsa heritage museum, Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi, Saidpur village, and Daman-e-Koh for views across the twin cities. Overnight in Islamabad.
2Islamabad to Skardu by AirIslamabad · Islamabad to Skardu · Skardu · Skardu Tourism Department
Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Skardu at 2,300 meters. Clear weather often permits views of Nanga Parbat and other northern ranges from the aircraft. In the event of flight cancellation, the route switches to a two-day overland journey via the Karakoram Highway. Trek briefing at the Skardu Tourism Department occurs today or the following day. An optional extension to Fairy Meadows via Chilas can be added with two additional days. Overnight in Skardu.
3Rest Day in SkarduSadpara Lake · Skardu Bazaar · Kharpocho Fort
Free day in Skardu. Optional sightseeing includes Sadpara Lake, Skardu Bazaar, and Kharpocho Fort. Overnight in Skardu.
4Skardu to Jhola via the Braldu GorgeSkardu to Jhola via the Braldu Gorge · Jhola
After breakfast, a six-hour jeep journey departs for Jhola at 3,140 meters via Askoli. The road ascends through the Braldu Gorge, a steep and dramatic canyon, to Askoli — historically the trekking trail's starting point but now extended to Jhola by vehicle. Lunch occurs en route. Camp and overnight in tents at Jhola.
5Jhola to Paju: Entry onto BaltoroPaju · Burdumal campsites · vantage point near Paju
A relatively easy 5–7 hour trek begins across Burdumal campsites, following a sandy river beach for 2 kilometers. The route then climbs toward Paju at 3,450 meters over 2–3 hours. A vantage point near Paju provides views of the Baltoro Glacier snout and a distant panorama of the Cathedral Towers. Paju is a frequently crowded campsite. Overnight in tents.
6Rest Day at PajuPaju
Rest day at Paju for local exploration and acclimatization. The camp includes a traditional music and dance program by local porters and trekking staff. Overnight in tents.
7Paju to Khuburse: Ascending the Baltoro GlacierPaju to Khuburse · Khuburse · Baltoro Glacier
A 5–8 hour trek begins with a gradual climb along the southern edge of the Baltoro Glacier. After approximately two hours, the path divides at the glacier snout; the route continues right onto the main Baltoro, which stretches 62 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. A long diagonal ascent climbs to the glacier's far side over 2–3 hours. The southern edge is followed to Liliwa and onward to Khuburse at 3,930 meters, a 90-minute walk with clear glacial meltwater. Overnight in tents.
8Khuburse to Urdukas: Lateral Moraine TraverseKhuburse to Urdukas · Urdukas
A 4–5 hour walk follows the crest of lateral moraine, offering views of Paju Peak, Chorichi Biaho, and Trango Tower. Urdukas at 4,050 meters is a spectacular campsite. Overnight in tents.
9Urdukas to Ghoro II: Upper Baltoro CrossingUrdukas to Ghoro II · Ghoro I · Ghoro II
A 6–8 hour glacier traverse begins with difficult, crevassed terrain for approximately one hour, then transitions to smoother ground mid-glacier. After 2–3 hours, Ghoro I sits opposite the Yermanendo Glacier, which descends from Masherbrum Pass. The route continues east up the main Baltoro for 3–4 hours, following an Army HQ telephone wire toward Gasherbrum IV. Ghoro II at 4,380 meters is a rocky and icy campsite in the glacier's center, with water from glacial melt. Overnight in tents.
10Ghoro II to Concordia: Amphitheater of 8,000-Meter PeaksGhoro II to Concordia · Concordia
A 5–6 hour relatively easy walk leads across the upper Baltoro with expanding panoramic views. Concordia at 4,650 meters lies at the convergence of multiple glaciers and opens to a 360-degree vista of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and surrounding peaks. Named by mountaineer Martin Conway after the Piazza della Concordia in Rome, the site is a natural amphitheater. Overnight in tents.
11Concordia to Broad Peak Base CampConcordia · Broad Peak Base Camp · Godwin-Austen Glacier
Departure from Concordia requires passage through difficult terrain where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers meet. A 3-hour generally easy walk follows the Godwin-Austen Glacier to Broad Peak Base Camp at 4,850 meters. This elevated site offers an even more direct view of K2's north face than Concordia. The afternoon allows rest and informal interaction with other expedition groups. Overnight in tents.
12K2 Base Camp Visit and Return to ConcordiaK2 Base Camp · Concordia · Gilkey Memorial · Godwin-Austen Glacier
An early departure leads to K2 Base Camp, approximately 3 hours distant. Upon arrival, the group visits the Gilkey Memorial, where fallen mountaineers are commemorated. During June and July, numerous climbing expeditions operate from the base camp, creating visible expedition activity and atmosphere. Following lunch, the return walk to Concordia retraces the Godwin-Austen Glacier over 5–6 hours. Overnight in tents at Concordia.
13Concordia to Ali Camp: Vigne Glacier ApproachAli Camp · Vigne Glacier
A 5–6 hour continuous walk on Vigne Glacier offers extended views of Chogolisa and Mitre Peak. The rare mountain panorama continues to expand. Ali Camp at 5,010 meters is positioned just below the Gondogoro La. Overnight in tents.
14Crossing the Gondogoro LaGondogoro La · Khuspang
An early start begins a strenuous 4–5 hour ascent to the Gondogoro La at 5,610 meters — a high-altitude pass requiring alpine fitness and proper acclimatization. The descent on the far side spans 3–4 hours to Khuspang at 4,680 meters, the high camp and base for Gondogoro Peak. Overnight in tents.
15Khuspang to Dalzampa: Descent into Flower MeadowsKhuspang to Dalzampa · Dalzampa · lateral moraine
A 4–5 hour easy descent follows lateral moraine from Khuspang toward the beautiful campsite of Dalzampa at 4,300 meters, known as a field of flowers. A climb to the lateral moraine provides views of glaciers and jagged spires. This day can function as a reserve day if conditions or group pace require additional time. Overnight in tents.
16Dalzampa to Shaicho: Descent Through Cedar and TamariskDalzampa to Shaicho · Shaicho
A 4–5 hour walk on lateral moraine descends through wild roses, gooseberry, cedar, and tamarisk scrub. The Charakusa Valley joins the Gondogoro at Shaicho at 3,330 meters, and the route heads toward the base camps of K6 and K7. Overnight in tents.
17Shaicho to Hushe Valley and Return to SkarduHushe · Skardu · Hushe River · Khaplu · Skardu Tourism Department · Hushe to Skardu
A 4–5 hour easy walk follows the east bank of the Hushe River through agricultural fields to the village of Hushe at 3,050 meters, marking the trek's final stage. A jeep transfer then travels to Skardu at 2,300 meters, with a brief stop at Khaplu, the second-largest historical kingdom of Baltistan, which guards the historic trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. Trek debriefing occurs at the Skardu Tourism Department. Overnight in a hotel in Skardu.
18Skardu to Chilas or IslamabadSkardu to Chilas · Chilas · Islamabad · junction where three of Asia's greatest mountain ranges converge · viewpoints overlooking Nanga Parbat · Skardu to Islamabad
Today marks your departure from Baltistan. The group travels by jeep toward Chilas, a small bazaar town positioned near ancient petroglyphs dating to the first century BCE. The route offers several notable stops: at the junction where three of Asia's greatest mountain ranges converge—the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush—and at viewpoints overlooking Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest peak. For groups preferring to fly, a one-hour domestic flight to Islamabad is available as an alternative to the full overland journey. Those choosing the flight arrive with the afternoon free for rest or independent exploration. Should the flight be cancelled, the group proceeds overland to Chilas for an overnight stay, continuing to Islamabad the following day.
19Chilas to Islamabad via Karakoram Highway or Kaghan ValleyChilas to Islamabad · Islamabad · Taxila
The final overland day departs Chilas toward Islamabad. If the Babusar Pass is open, the route traverses the Kaghan Valley and Naran, a scenic alternative. Otherwise, the famous Karakoram Highway is used, offering diverse landscapes over a full day of driving. Arrival in Islamabad is followed by a farewell dinner. Overnight accommodation at the hotel depends on the flight departure time the following morning. If a flight to Islamabad occurred on Day 18, today may be spent at leisure in the capital, with optional sightseeing, souvenir shopping, or a day trip to Taxila to visit the museum and archaeological sites of the Buddhist Gandhara Kingdom (extra fees apply). Overnight in Islamabad.
20Departureairport
Midnight or early morning transfer to the airport for the return international flight. End of services.
Included
- Liaison with ministry of tourism in Islamabad for trekking permit process
- Trekking permit fee
- Visa Invitation Letter & Supporting documents
- 4x4 Jeep to/from Skardu and return
- Domestic airfare Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad including taxes, excess baggage charges, if any
- In case of flight cancellation: private air-conditioned transport by road in 2 days from Islamabad to Skardu (or vice versa) with overnight stay
- Standard tourist class hotel / guest house accommodation based on twin sharing & breakfast (6 nights)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) while on the trek
- Baggage allowance of 15 KG per trekker – which will be carried by a porter (additional luggage can be left in the hotel or in our Skardu office storage)
- Sleeping tent, mess/kitchen tent and toilet tent (for smaller groups there will be a mess-kitchen tent combined
- for larger groups these will be separate and include tables and chairs)
- Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel and related community gear
- Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook and assistants
- English-speaking trekking guide
- Sightseeing in Islamabad including transport & English-speaking guide
- Bridge crossing and campsite fees
- Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue)
- Portage at airports, hotels, toll taxes and parking fees etc.
Not included
- International airfare, airport tax, excess baggage charges
- Sleeping bags and mattresses
- Meals on general days are not included
- Medications, ground evacuations and helicopter rescue charges of any kind (please note that helicopter rescues in Pakistan are very expensive, if required the client will need to have proper insurance coverage for this)
- Room service, mini-bar, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills and other items of personal nature
- Insurance liability (all clients need to arrange their own travel & medical insurance – Adventure Pakistan is not liable for any accidents, illness, damages, theft or any force majeure conditions)
- Tips to our staff (if you are happy with their services)
- Any unforeseen cost related to unplanned changes in the program (caused by severe weather, natural disasters, extreme currency devaluation or any other external factors)