K2 Base Camp is ‘one of the greatest hikes on earth’ (Lonely Planet 2021). The Karakoram are a unique part of the mighty Himalayan chain, quieter and more rugged than its Nepal neighbour, our trek takes us to base camp 5,150m (16,896ft) of the worlds 2nd biggest mountain, K2 at 8,611m (28,251ft). The journey along the Baltoro glacier to Concordia allow us a vantage point to see four 8000m peaks from one location; K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II. Whilst in Islamabad and Skardu we dedicate time exploring the fascinating cultural side to Pakistan.

Transfer from the airport to Hotel Serena 5*. After your long journey you can enjoy a swim in the heated pool, use of the fitness centre, Maisha spa or maybe a peaceful walk around the 14 acre gardens.

In the evening you will meet the group and enjoy a shared dinner.

Accommodation: 5* Hotel Serena.

After an early breakfast we return to the airport for the flight to Skardu, which usually departs mid-morning.

Return to the airport for the flight to Skardu, which usually departs mid-morning. Given good weather this is perhaps the most spectacular commercial flight in the world, with magnificent views of Nanga Parbat the ninth highest mountain in the world. The flight however will not operate in poor weather, and you must be prepared for a wait in Islamabad if the flight is cancelled.

Accommodation: Skardu Mountain Lodge/ Concordia Hotel (or Islamabad).

In case of cancellation of flight (13-14 hrs) drive by coach to Chilas (480 km) on Karakoram Highway.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel https://www.shangrilahotels.pk

Complete road journey (10-11 hrs) to Skardu (275 km). The route has good views of Nanga Parbat (8125m) at the junction of Indus River and the rapids and fall of Indus River.

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge/ Concordia Hotel https://concordia-motel-baltistan.business.site

Full day for official formalities and final preparation of trek at Skardu. We also have an opportunity to enjoy some sightseeing including Kachura Lake, and Budha rock.

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge/ Concordia Hotel https://concordia-motel-baltistan.business.site

After a free day in Skardu, we travel by Jeep, setting off early to avoid the heat of the day. We follow the Braldu river valley through green pastures and after crossing the Biafo river we skirt around the base of the terminal moraines of the Glacier for lunch at Korophon. The road is prone to landslides so the condition of the track varies, however our local team have lots of experience to negotiate these challenges. 9 to 11 hours driving.

Accommodation: Camping

A gentle start, following the river on wide trails before. An opportunity to adjust our equipment and stretch our legs after lots of travel. Beautiful scenery. 3 - 5 hours walking.

Accommodation: Camping

We continue up the Braldu River, sometimes close to the raging water, sometimes taking a higher path used by pack animals. If the weather is clear we get our first glimpse of Broad Peak. We have several river crossings today which we cross by foot. Our camp is situated below Paiju Peak (6611m). 3 to 5 hours walking.

Accommodation: Camping

The first hour is an easy trail before reaching the start of the Baltoro glacier, ascending up through the glacial moraine. 6 to 7 hrs walking.

Accommodation: Camping

Today we should get our first distant sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. We ascend to where the Trango Glacier meets the Baltoro Glacier. Hiking up the glacier to the campsite which is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most dramatic mountain views in the world, dominated by ‘Nameless Tower’. The Trango towers dominate the sky line. 4.5 hours walking.

Accommodation: Camping

We continue gently upwards, passing the Yermanandu glacier which flows down from Masherbrum (7821m), while the Muztagh Tower (7800m) pierces the sky on the north side. At the head of the glacier Gasherbrum 4 (7925m) looms large. Tonight we camp on the glacier. 7 to 8 hours walking.

Accommodation: Camping

Goro II - Rest day / optional acclimatisation day

Accommodation: Camping

A shorter trek takes us on up to ‘Concordia’. Here we are at the junction of the Baltoro, the Goodwin Austen and the Broad Peak glaciers. Within sight to the north and east are four of the world’s 8000m peaks, and a further 37 peaks in excess of 6500m! An amazing location with huge peaks all around. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Accommodation: Camping

Today we trek to reach the mighty K2 base camp where our Expedition team pitch our tents. We will spend one day extra at base camp to talk with climbers and better understand the challenges involved in scaling the world’s 2nd highest mountain - K2 at 8611m / 28 251ft. 6 to 8 hours walking.

Accommodation: Camping

An opportunity to spend time with Sherpa’s and climbers to explore the undertaking of whats involved in climbing the world’s 2nd highest mountain. From BC we can see the Abruzzi Spur, right up the shoulder of K2 at 7950m, the most advanced camp

Accommodation: Camping

Descending past Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum’s to meet Concordia. 6 hrs walking

Descending from Concordia returning to Goro I. 7-9 hrs.

Accommodation: Camping

Departing early with spectacular views of the Baltoro glacier and many 6000m / 7000m peaks we descend to our camp. 6 - 7 hrs

Accommodation: Camping

Returning to Paiju camp for lunch (where we stayed on day 6) before to heading to our overnight camp at Bardumal. 7 - 8 hrs.

Accommodation: Camping

Our final day of trekking in the incredible Karakoram mountains we hike to Iqbal Soqbu before saying goodbye to our porters and taking a jeep to drive to Skardu.

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge/ Concordia Hotel https://concordia-motel-baltistan.business.site

Fly from Skardu to Islamabad.

Accommodation: 5* Hotel Serena https://www.serenahotels.com/islamabad

After breakfast we enjoy some city sightseeing, Margala Hills, Pakistan monuments, Taxila museum and Faisal Mosque.

Accommodation: 5* Hotel Serena https://www.serenahotels.com/islamabad

Depart to where your heart is content! Cost €4100 pp. Deposit of €1250 due to confirm place. Balance due 3 months before departure. Our terms and conditions are as per our website. In the event of the trip being cancelled due to COVID your advance payment will be transferred to the following season.