Baltoro-Concordia-K2 Basecamp Trek

Baltoro – Concordia – K2 Base Camp Trek

Baltoro Concordia – K2 Base Camp

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Duration

24 Days / 23 Nights

Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

The Baltoro-Concordia-K2 Base Camp Trek, also known as the Baltoro Glacier Trek, is one of the world’s most celebrated and demanding high-altitude trekking adventures in the Karakoram, Pakistan. Counted among the top ten classic treks globally, it leads deep into the Karakoram Range in northern Pakistan—a region home to some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes on Earth.

The journey begins in Islamabad, followed by a scenic flight or full-day drive to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. From Skardu, a thrilling off-road jeep ride takes you through remote mountain valleys to the trek’s trailhead. The trekking portion spans approximately two weeks, following the mighty Baltoro Glacier, the world’s fifth-longest non-polar glacier, stretching over 65 kilometers. As you march along the glacier, towering rock and ice formations rise around you, offering mesmerizing views of legendary peaks such as Trango Towers, Cathedrals, Uli Biaho, Payju Peak, Masherbrum, Urdukas, and Mustagh Tower, among others.

The climax of the journey is Concordia—a vast amphitheater at 4,720 meters, famously called the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” by photographer Galen Rowell. Here, trekkers are treated to one of the greatest mountain panoramas in the world, with four of the five 8,000-meter peaks in Pakistan—K2 (8,611m), Gasherbrum I (8,080m), Broad Peak (8,047m), and Gasherbrum II (8,035m)—visible within a 21-kilometer radius. Other prominent peaks surrounding Concordia include Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum III & IV, Baltoro Kangri, and Chogolisa.

From Concordia, a rewarding day hike leads to K2 Base Camp, with Broad Peak Base Camp situated en route. The landscape is enriched with glacial lakes, hanging glaciers, and surreal ice formations, making every step visually captivating.

Challenging yet profoundly rewarding, the Baltoro-Concordia-K2 Base Camp Trek offers an unforgettable journey through one of the planet’s last true wildernesses—a pilgrimage for mountain lovers and adventurers alike.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the capital city of Islamabad and the scenic beauty of Skardu, a gateway to the Karakoram Range.
Enjoy a picturesque road journey to Skardu, surrounded by towering mountains, rivers, and lush valleys.
Discover the serene and breathtaking valleys of Skardu and Shigar, known for their natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Balti people and undertake an adventurous jeep safari to Askole, the last village before the trek begins.
Encounter seasoned mountaineers at the base camps of some of the world's highest peaks, sharing stories of their expeditions.
Trek along the Baltoro Glacier, the 5th longest glacier in the world and the largest outside the polar regions, surrounded by majestic peaks.
Visit the base camps of K2 (8,611 meters) and Broad Peak (8,051 meters), where climbers prepare for their summit attempts.
Camp in Concordia, the "throne room of the mountain gods," surrounded by some of the highest and most dramatic peaks in the world.
Hike up to the Godwin-Austen Glacier, passing the Gilkey Memorial, a tribute to climbers who lost their lives in the mountains.
Enjoy the views of towering 8,000-meter peaks, including Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and K2, from key vantage points like Goro II, Concordia, and the base camps.
Admire the stunning array of peaks between 5,000 and 8,000 meters, including Gasherbrum III and IV, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, and Urdukas Peak.
Witness the grandeur of numerous glaciers, such as Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, and Mandu, along with stunning glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine mountain streams.
Explore the powerful rivers that carve through the rugged landscape, including the Indus, Panmah, and Braldu rivers, adding to the region's dramatic scenery.

Itinerary

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. You will be warmly received by our team and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore nearby attractions such as the Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, or Lok Virsa Museum. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Embark on a scenic full-day drive to Chilas. In the summer months, the journey is typically taken via the Babusar Pass (4,173m), offering breathtaking views. Alternatively, if Babusar is closed, the route follows the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH) through Besham and Dassu. Overnight in Chilas.

Drive along the Indus River, passing through narrow gorges and remote valleys to reach Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. Stop en route to admire sites like Nanga Parbat view point and the junction of the Indus and Gilgit rivers. Overnight in Skardu.

A buffer day to adjust for weather or delays. Optional activities include sightseeing in Skardu, visiting Kharpocho Fort, Sadpara Lake, or browsing local bazaars. Overnight in Skardu.

A rugged jeep journey along the Braldu River takes you to Askoli, the last village before the trek begins. Overnight in tents near the village.

Begin your trek with a gentle walk along the Braldu River to Korofong, passing beautiful meadows and dramatic landscapes. Overnight in tents.

A scenic trek with views of the Bakhordas range and occasional glimpses of glaciers. Camp at Bardumal.

Continue along the valley to Payju, nestled at the foot of the Trango Towers. Enjoy views of the Baltoro Glacier’s snout. Overnight in tents.

A vital acclimatization day. Porters prepare for the glacier section ahead. Optional hikes to nearby viewpoints or relax at camp.

Enter the Baltoro Glacier. Navigate rocky and icy terrain with stunning views of Trango Towers, Cathedral Peaks, and Uli Biaho. Overnight in tents.

A challenging but rewarding day with increasingly spectacular views. Camp at Urdukas, one of the few green campsites on solid ground.

Trek entirely on ice today. Witness panoramic views of Masherbrum and surrounding peaks. Overnight in tents on the glacier.

Reach the spectacular Concordia—the confluence of major glaciers and the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.” Enjoy unforgettable views of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrums. Overnight at Concordia.

Undertake a full-day round-trip hike to K2 Base Camp, passing Broad Peak Base Camp en route. Soak in the grandeur of the mighty K2 before returning to Concordia. Overnight in tents.

Begin your descent, retracing your steps along the glacier to Goro II. Overnight in tents.

Continue the descent past Urdukas with views from a new perspective. Camp at Khoburtse.

Return to Payju, leaving the glacier behind. Enjoy the greenery and fresh water. Overnight in tents.

Retrace your earlier route to Korofong. This is your last full trekking day. Overnight in tents.

End the trek with a short hike back to Askoli. Celebrate with your support team. Overnight in tents or a basic guesthouse.

Board jeeps for the return journey through the mountains to Skardu. Rest and enjoy a hot shower. Overnight in hotel.

Begin the return to Islamabad with an overnight stop in Chilas. Drive along the Indus River. Overnight in Chilas.

Complete the journey back to Islamabad via Babusar Pass or Karakoram Highway. Transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Enjoy a relaxed day visiting cultural and historic highlights: Faisal Mosque, Rawal Lake, Daman-e-Koh, and the Lok Virsa Museum. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Islamabad.

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward journey. End of services.

Included/Exclude

All domestic flights and ground transportation, including airport transfers
Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the tour
Dome tent accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during trekking
Single supplement available on request (including for solo female travelers)
Camping gear (member, mess, kitchen, and toilet tents)
Kitchen equipment and cooking utensils
All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hot drinks: coffee, green tea, and hot water
Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
Satellite phone for emergencies
Professional tour guide
Support staff: cook, assistants, helpers, and porters
Insurance for all support staff
Basic First Aid Kit
Trekking permits and paperwork
Waste management fee
Toll and bridge crossing charges
Visa assistance

Visa fee
Personal travel insurance (for foreign participants)
International flight tickets
Personal clothing (shoes, jackets, trousers, etc.)
Personal trekking equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) – can be arranged on request
Extra hotel nights not included in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for staff
Personal or miscellaneous expenses
Anything not listed under “Services Included”

Tour's Location

Baltoro Concordia – K2 Base Camp

FAQs

The Baltoro Glacier Trek is ranked as one of the most strenuous hikes in the world and obviously demands a good physical condition. This trek is suitable for people with great enthusiasm and determination for trekking besides being physically fit. The age is not a limit - it’s the zeal for a high adventure and love for nature besides being physically fit for this ultimate adventure.

Please share your plan, dates and other people planning to travel with you so that we can arrange accordingly.

To easily do this trek, you need to be able to walk along a rugged terrain, including rough, rocky trails and glacial track on an average 8 hours a day while gaining a fair amount of altitude. To get acclimatized, you will be required to go through some hard physical exercises and some expert advice before doing this trek. Running, long walks, hiking, cycling, cardio exercises, and yoga can be a great help.

Starting from an elevation of 2500m in Skardu town, you find yourself at 4700m at Concordia or 5130m at the base camp of K2 in about a week time ascending trek on the dry and glacial terrain of Baltoro Glacier.

There is a detailed list of must-carry and optional equipment’s which covers the required equipment and baggage to carry. If you have previous trekking experience, you may select your personal requirement.

● Important medicine/first aid kit
● Hiking backpack and sticks
● Head-torch/flashlight with extra batteries
● High altitude sleeping bag
● Sunglasses
● Sunblock and lip balm
● Water bottle
● Glows and warm pairs of socks
● Warm cap, hat, and scarf
● Full sleeves shirt and thermal suit
● Waterproof trousers and raincoat
● Trekking shoes and flip-flops
● Trekking poles
● Warm layers of clothing
● Camera with additional batteries (optional)
● Cell phone with charger and charging bank (optional)
● Binoculars (optional)

Certain basic equipment’s (either brand new or in used condition) can be purchased in Skardu but it’s not guaranteed whether you can get everything you want. The equipment includes tents, mattresses, backpack, hiking rope, sunglasses, crampons, harness, helmet, trekking poles, gloves, socks, jackets, trousers, etc. Price for used equipment is negotiable. Most trekking groups/expeditions sell equipment on their way back instead of carrying back home.

We are a Member Company of Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) and helicopter rescue plan is part of the program we offer.

For any rescue mission we are required to deposit advance payment in favor of PATO out of which a small percentage is non-refundable (will be discussed at the time of confirmation) while rest is refundable (in case service was not availed). This entire amount is required to be paid by the client in advance. If there is any insurance policy on part of the client that can cover the impending bill, that needs to be submitted.

We do. We can organize customized tours/treks for solo trekkers and groups of any volume, but we prefer not more than 12. All we need is the information on the interest, dates, and number of persons with special instructions if any.

The maximum size of our groups is 12 persons. The average size of our groups is 8 members.

During this trek, all three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan. The ingredients for the food will be procured in Pakistan. Breakfasts will have coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, bread/chapatti included. Lunches will be consumed during lunch breaks on the trek with options include canned/tinned meals (meat, fish), pickles, crackers, chapatti, pate, cheese etc. Weather has a very important role in deciding our lunch menu for the day; the participants will begin the lunch with consuming or end it with tea or coffee, juice, soup etc.

The dinner will always be served in the mess tent and the participants will gather to eat the food freshly prepared by the cooks travelling with our group. The first few days of the trekking, fresh vegetables will be served in food if they are fresh and healthy. All the participants who are vegetarian, they must communicate with our office and inform us on advance basis if they need a vegetarian food plan during the trek.

During the trek, Iodized water will be available for the participants throughout the mornings, while taking breaks and camping. Everyone will be consuming spring water every time its available otherwise if we run out of options for the participants may drink glacier water that possibly have silt. The kitchen containers which are very large in size are used to keep the water storage and it is also helpful in settling down the silt particles at the bottom. If any participants have any issue with odor of iodine, they may bring their own supplies of bi-carbonated soda. Traditional methods are effective and work very well for everyone there is no harm in the experimentation of new methods.

While few nights will be spent in the capital city of Islamabad and the town of Skardu, the rest of the nights will consist of camping in tents between the magnificent mountains. The accommodation arrangement is Islamabad is of standard hotels while our hotels selected in Skardu town are among the best. Rooms at our provided hotels will be on twin sharing basis with en-suite amenities.
At the time of camping, the participants will be sharing a tent fit for two persons. If any participant is coming alone on this trek, he/she will be accommodated with one of the other members for tent and room sharing. For strangers and solo trekkers, first preference will be given to same gender stays. Nevertheless, a participant can opt for separate tent of hotel rooms as he/she likes, however additional cost will be incurred for making separate arrangement. Any participants seeking separate accommodation must inform our office in advance.

During the trekking days, our guide will wake up the participants for coffee or a warm cup of tea which we be followed by a decent breakfast inside the mess tent. There will be plenty time before the breakfast to pack the bags. After the breakfast the camps will be closed, and the porters will get back to their work handling supplies and luggage ahead of the participants to reach at the lunch site and make preparation for meals. Porters will repeat the process as they will follow ‘trek earlier’ approach in order to prepare dinner for the participants. Standard trek duration before the lunch will be between 3-4 hours.
Generally, one hour is required for the lunch which makes it a very good time to gain your strength back, relax, write and read etc.
Trekking after the lunch will be shorter as compared to trek before the lunch. Once you arrive at the next camp site, the camps will already be setup or in progress. Upon arrival to the camp the participants will be served a hot beverage and dinner will be served when it’s prepared. Participants can rest, read, write, socialize, film and photograph upon reaching a camp. Temperature decreases at night normally; participants can get comfortable in their sleeping bags and get a good sleep before next day.

All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city. For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/

Portable chargers, storage cards and extra batteries may be required during the trekking holiday. We advise you to make a relevant list of adapters, sockets and any other kind of electrical items you might require keeping your devices function as long as possible.
To find out the best portable battery chargers please visit this link.

Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

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