The classic Karakoram trek, up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, where K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums stand around a single meeting of glaciers. After a night in Skardu, you travel to Askole and walk for ten days, with a rest day at Paiju, two nights at Concordia and a day out to K2 Base Camp. It is a serious trek for fit, experienced walkers.
You're met at Islamabad International Airport and taken to your hotel. Later, visit the Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh at sunset, or have dinner in Saidpur Village.
Weather permitting, fly to Skardu with views of Nanga Parbat from the plane. A walk up to Kharpocho Fort helps with acclimatisation, followed by a full kit check and trek briefing.
Travel by 4x4 through the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the last permanent village on the way to K2, usually 6 to 8 hours. Depending on conditions, you may start walking before Askole.
The porters load up and the trail passes the snout of the Biafo Glacier, one of the longest outside the polar regions. A suspension bridge over the Braldu brings you to camp at Jhola, about 5 to 8 hours.
Walk through a gorge lined with granite spires, with Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak in view on clear days, about 6 to 7 hours. The Baltoro Glacier comes into sight as you reach Paiju.
A day to rest and acclimatise while the porters bake bread for the days ahead. A gentle walk towards Paiju Peak helps with the altitude.
Onto the Baltoro Glacier, crossing moraine with Trango Towers and Uli Biaho in the distance. Pass Liligo and Khoburtse to Urdukas, a camp perched above the ice with wide views.
Follow the medial moraine of the Baltoro, with Masherbrum (7,821 m) filling the southern skyline, about 6 to 8 hours. Camp at Goro II, near the confluence of the Baltoro and Younghusband glaciers.
Climb through moraine into Concordia, ringed by K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I to IV, Mitre Peak and Sia Kangri, about 5 to 7 hours. Watch the sunset on K2 from camp.
Set off early across the Godwin-Austen Glacier to Broad Peak Base Camp, then on to K2 Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial, before returning to Concordia. You can upgrade to an overnight at Broad Peak Base Camp, adding a day.
Retrace the Baltoro past Goro II to Urdukas, seeing the peaks from new angles on the way down.
Walk down past Khoburtse and Liligo, leaving the ice behind and returning to the trees at Paiju.
Walk down the Braldu gorge to meet the jeeps and travel back through the Shigar Valley to Skardu. Hot showers and a celebration are waiting.
Weather permitting, fly back to Islamabad, with views of the Himalaya and Nanga Parbat. The afternoon is free, with a celebration dinner in the evening.
This day is held in reserve in case weather delays the Skardu flight. If everything has run to plan, visit Taxila or walk in the Margalla Hills before your transfer to the airport.
Slower pace: a 19-day version, with extra acclimatisation days, is available on request.
Every journey is tailored to you through consultation, and your final price is confirmed once we've planned it together.
EnquireReturn Islamabad–Skardu
A boutique hotel in Skardu (two nights) and two nights in Islamabad; Ten nights' camping with sleeping tents and mattresses
All meals
Private 4x4 with driver
Professional English-speaking guide
Entry tickets, permits and park fees
4 to 12 guests
Challenging. Long days on glacier moraine at high altitude.
Not included: international flights, visa, travel insurance and tips.
Blossom season
Blossom season
Summer walking and trekking
Summer trekking season
Summer trekking season
Autumn colour
Autumn colour
Apricot blossom usually peaks in April; timing varies each year.
High-trek window usually begins
Summer high-trekking window
Summer high-trekking window
K2 trek season: June to August. These temperatures are for K2 Base Camp; conditions vary with camp altitude.
April and May are for our blossom and valley journeys. Treks run from June.
Typical daytime temperatures. Nights are cooler, and mountain weather can change quickly.
Towering peaks rise above quiet valleys, where rivers cut through green pastures. Pristine wilderness beneath Masherbrum's sheer, snow-draped face, without the crowds.
Skardu's crystal-clear lakes and tranquil valleys meet Hunza's lush terraces and emerald orchards. Rich traditions and unforgettable encounters in the heart of the Karakoram.
Lush terraces, emerald orchards and the towering silhouettes of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. Skardu's crystal-clear lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes complete the journey.
