One of the world's top treks. The magnificent Karakoram, the famous Baltoro glacier and the magical K2.
Difficulty: 7 / 10Date: 11. 7. - 1. 8. 2027 Visa deadline: 12. 3. 2027Guide: Michal Group size: max 10 pax
Price: 3 190 Eur
Itinerary Day 1: Arrival Islamabad, transfer to hotel, alt. visit Fasal Mosque Day 2: Fly Skardu, gear check Day 3: Jeep to Askole, camping (3000 mnm, 6 - 8 hours) Day 4: Askole - Johla, camp (3300 mnm, 6 - 8 hours) Day 5: Johla - Paiju, camp (3425 mnm, 6 - 7 hours) Day 6: Rest day Paiju. Day 7: Paiju - KorbutseDay 8 Korbutse - Urdukas, camp (4050m, 8 - 9 hours) Day 9: Urdukas - Goro II, camp (4380m, camp 5 - 7 hours) Day 10: Goro II - Concordia (4650m, 4 - 5 hours) Day 11: Concordia - K2 base camp - Concorsia (8 hours) Day 12: Concordia rest day (5000m) Day 13: K2 base camp - Ali camp (4800m): 9 - 10 hours Day 14: Ali Camp - Gondongoro La (5580mnm), descent to Kyuspang, camp Day 15: Kyuspang - Saicho, camp Day 16: Saicho - Hushe, camp Day 17: Jeep Hushe - Skardu, hotel Day 18: Minibus z Islamabádu do Tatto, trek to Fairy Meadows (3 hours) under Nanga ParbatDay 19: Back to Jeep, way to Islamabad (12 hours) Day 20: Rest/reserve day Islamabad Day 21: Fly home
An absolute gem in mountain trekking. Located in northern Pakistan’s Kashmir region, in the area known as Baltistan, this trek leads to the base camp of the world’s second-highest mountain, the mountain of all mountains - K2. In the immediate vicinity, there are also three other eight-thousand-meter peaks: Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. The K2 itself forms the border with Tibet (currently China), and the Indian border is nearby. Because of this, the area is monitored by the military, which ensures relatively high security. The entire trek is done in tents with local staff and complete camping equipment, including a dining tent, tables, and chairs. The adventure begins with a flight to Islamabad, followed by a transfer along the famous Karakoram Highway next to the sacred Indus River to the 'metropolis' of Baltistan – Skardu. Here we will have our last bed and the opportunity to purchase any last-minute trekking supplies. Skardu is the starting point for nearly all Karakoram expeditions. However, don’t expect the cozy charm of Sherpa towns with cafes and ubiquitous little shops. The local people, however, are generally kind and friendly. From Skardu, we will embark on a several-hour drive in old Land Cruisers to the last oasis of civilization – the village of Askole. The journey to Askole itself would be an adventure in itself. We will often marvel at the driving skills of the locals and the endurance of the Land Cruisers. In Askole, we will meet our staff, reorganize our equipment and supplies, spend the night in the camp near the village, and the following day, we will set off with a caravan into the wilderness. For the first two days, the trek follows a dusty and rocky valley along the Braldo River. We will camp in tents in small green oases by the river. A skilled cook and his assistant will prepare our meals, and all the camping equipment will accompany us. Every morning and evening, we will have the comfort of large dining tents, complete with tables and chairs. On the second day of the trek, the famous peaks marking the beginning of the valley will begin to appear, such as Uli Biaho, Trango Towers, and the Nameless Tower. On the third day, we will enter the Baltoro Glacier itself and begin ascending its moraine towards the third camp, called Urdukas, in front of the Great Trango Towers and the Cathedral. At the end of the valley, we will encounter the massive Gasherbrum peaks, with the dominating Gasherbrum IV (nearly 8,000 meters) from our perspective. On the fourth day, we will camp at a site called Goro II, beneath the 4,000-meter-high wall of Masherbrum (almost 8,000 meters), which was named K1 by British cartographers. On the fifth day, we will enjoy views of Broad Peak and, most notably, the stunning K2 from the famous spot called Concordia, where several glaciers converge. The following day, we will reach the base camp at the foot of K2, on the Godwin-Austen Glacier. In base camp, we will undoubtedly meet climbers and commercial clients with their professional Sherpas. After return to Concordia we'll spend one rest day at Concordia. Next day transfer to Ali Camp, situated beneath the Gondongoro La Pass. We will rise early because we have a long day ahead of us. We will circumnavigate the Chogolisa massif and cross the pass at an elevation of 5,585 meters into the Hushe Valley. The pass is usually snow-covered, so we will need crampons. On the way, we will enjoy views of one of the most beautiful peaks in the world – Laila Peak. On the way to Hushe, we will spend two nights in the beautiful camps of Kyusang and Seitcho. The next day, a hotel bed in Hushe awaits us, followed by a jeep transfer to Skardu and a journey along the Karakoram Highway to Islamabad. This trek is one of the more difficult ones, but not because of the challenging terrain or large daily ascents (except for crossing the Gondongoro La Pass) – it is a remote area without the comfort of accommodation. Sleeping in tents, with a need for a high-quality sleeping bag, down jacket, and winter clothing. For crossing the Gondongoro La Pass, at least chain crampons are required. Daytime temperatures can reach around +20°C, but at night, the temperature drops below freezing, especially at higher altitudes. For more information about trekking in Pakistan, visit our blog here.
The K2 & Gondogoro La trek is a moderately demanding trek and should be manageable for anyone who exercises regularly, enjoys high-altitude hiking, and likes mountain challenges. Trekking in the Karakoram is not significantly different in terms of difficulty compared to hiking in Europe. The pace of the trek is slow, as acclimatization requires time and does not respond well to rushing. So there is no need to worry about having weak fitness during the trek. The entire trek takes place outside inhabited areas, so it is a fully camping-based trek. All tents, personal belongings, and camping equipment are carried by porters, so we only carry a small backpack with the items we need for that day on the trail. The final ascent to the Gondogoro La is more demanding — it involves climbing a steep snowy slope and requires proper acclimatization to high altitude. You also don’t need to worry about mass tourism — the trekking group is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. You can find more about trekking in Pakistan in this article.
All necessary transfers, Kathmandu – Phaplu flight, Lukla – Ramechhap flight, helicopter flight from Thagnag to LuklaAll required permits and their arrangement Slovak UIMLA guide Nepalese guide (mandatory)Nepali climbing guide (safety) Nepali porter (for climbing boots and sleeping bags)Accommodation in Kathmandu in a European-standard hotel with breakfast Accommodation during the trek (lodge / tea house) Use of a satellite device in case of necessary medical emergency assistance Trek consultation and advice
International flight to Kathmandu Meals / drinks in Kathmandu (except breakfast) Meals / drinks during the trek Shower during the trek Tips for the staff (local guide) Use of the satellite device (Thuraya) for private purposes Insurance (Alpenverein) Visa to Nepal (30 USD)
Visas for Pakistan are processed online and the process is not entirely simple; however, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to complete the application correctly. These are specific trekking/mountaineering visas for the Kashmir region, which fall under a special regulatory regime. We will also arrange all the necessary supporting documents required for this type of visa. Approval takes approximately 6–8 weeks. Of course, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
Accommodation in Islamabad is at the Envoy Continental hotel. During the trek, accommodation is provided in triple tents shared by two people. It is necessary to bring your own sleeping bag. Sleeping mats are included in the rented camping equipment, so there is no need to bring them from home. The mobile tented camp includes a large communal tent, tables, chairs, and complete camping equipment, as well as a kitchen tent, toilet tent, and shower tent. The camp is packed up every morning and travels with us to the next location along our route. Our excellent cook and his assistants will prepare meals for us. The equipment also includes a diesel generator, which will provide electricity in the evenings for charging electronic devices and lighting in the communal tent.
As a rule, the tour price does not include airfare. The flight ticket will be invoiced separately according to the current price at the time of purchase. We usually arrange the flights ourselves once the minimum number of participants has been reached. It is also possible to arrange your own flight ticket, provided that you arrive at the agreed destination (Islamabad) on the specified day. The preferred departure airport is usually Vienna, but we can оперативly find flight options from another departure location if needed. Airport pickup in Islamabad is, of course, provided. If you have specific comfort requirements (business class, a more premium airline, etc.), we will be happy to accommodate your request.
The transfer to the airport in Vienna is not included in the price. All transfers within Pakistan are included. Transportation within Pakistan is arranged by private jeeps and vans. We also arrange flights from Islamabad to Skardu with the local airline Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The quality of Pakistani roads is not very good, so patience is required. However, it is also a way to see parts of the country beyond the trekking trails. The Karakoram Highway is an iconic section of the ancient Silk Road.
Meals on the trek are included in the price and reflect local possibilities. However, they are exceptionally tasty. The diet mainly consists of rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, soups, eggs, and various flatbreads. Meat is also available almost every day. I am confident that you will be satisfied with the culinary skills of our cook. In Islamabad and in Skardu, there are restaurants of satisfactory quality. You certainly won’t make a mistake if you bring a few pieces of vacuum-packed sausage or bacon from home to occasionally diversify your meals. Water in Pakistan is not drinkable. During the trek, it is sometimes possible to buy bottled water, Coca-Cola, or Sprite from locals. In the kitchen and the mess tent, boiled drinking water will always be available. You won’t go wrong if you bring a carbon filter, as the water often contains various mechanical impurities.
Pakistan does not have the very best reputation when it comes to security. The reality, however, is that people in Pakistan are generally extremely kind and friendly. The region of Baltistan, where we will be traveling, is administered by the Pakistani army (a border zone) and is closely monitored, and therefore safe. In recent years, Pakistan has shown a strong interest in developing tourism, which is reflected in the helpful attitude of local authorities and the willingness of military and police forces to cooperate. We have been operating in Pakistan for several years and have never encountered any problems. Of course, it is appropriate to show basic respect for cultural specifics – women are advised to wear a headscarf and keep their legs and shoulders covered. Avoid drinking alcohol in front of locals and treat local people with respect and courtesy. You will meet very kind and friendly people.
During the tourist season – July to August – the weather in northern Pakistan is relatively stable, although periods of worse weather may occur. The climate is continental, and the monsoon from the Indian Ocean does not reach the Karakoram. In Islamabad, temperatures are often above 35°C. During the trek, it usually feels warm throughout the day, but after sunset—especially at higher altitudes—it can cool down dramatically, and nighttime temperatures may drop below freezing. The crossing of Gondogoro La Pass takes place entirely on snow, and you should expect sub-zero temperatures (the pass is crossed at night). In the event of heavy snowfall, the pass may become impassable and we will have to return via the Baltoro Glacier.
In Pakistan, payments are made in Pakistani rupees. The approximate exchange rate is 1 Euro : 330 PKR. It is almost impossible to pay with euros anywhere. We recommend bringing cash and exchanging it at the hotel in Skardu. ATMs often do not cooperate well with European banks. However, you will not need a large amount of cash; prices in local restaurants are very low. The main expense requiring cash will be tips for the numerous staff (porters, drivers, cooks, local guides, etc.).
Electrical sockets in Pakistan are of various types, but in most cases European plugs can also be used. During the trek, electricity is available via a liquid-fuel generator, usually for about two hours per day in the evening. Consider bringing a solar panel.
Internet and mobile signal are unavailable during the trek. It is possible to purchase an eSIM before arrival, but it will only work in cities. The guide will carry a satellite phone for emergency situations.
All our treks are led by mountain guides with an international UIMLA license. We will also be accompanied by a mandatory local licensed guide.
Insurance covering evacuation and medical treatment is mandatory for all treks. For this trek, standard insurance from Alpenverein (e.g. alpenverein.sk) is valid, or alternatively commercial insurance, for example from Union (e.g. union.sk). The policy must cover evacuation costs of at least EUR 25,000.
Reccomended equipment list for download here.
As a Muslim country, Pakistan has certain specific customs. Women are expected to keep their hair covered (with a headscarf) and to wear long sleeves and long trousers. This applies in cities and villages; during the trek itself, it is generally less strict. Alcohol is not readily available here, although it is possible to discreetly bring a reasonable amount, for example in a thermos in your luggage. However, we strongly recommend not being intoxicated in the presence of locals. It is also wise to avoid doing anything that could offend local residents. Choose kindness, smiles, and politeness — they will respond in the same way.
enjoy the atmosphere of our treks
Enjoy atmoshere of Northen Pakistan
The trek will take place with a minimum of 6 participants, and the maximum number of participants is 10. For Pakistan, it is recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid. Pakistan, as a Muslim country, has an absolute prohibition. Please consider importing alcohol and avoid consuming it in front of locals. In case of unfavorable snow conditions at Gondongoro la pass, we will make the return journey via Baltoro glacier.
We are looking forward! Michal & Miro