Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad
Arrive in Pakistan's vibrant capital. Final gear checks, permit formalities, and a night's rest before heading into the mountains.
540 m
Islamabad to Skardu
Fly over the snow-laden spine of the Himalayas into Skardu, gateway to the Karakoram. Turquoise lakes, apricot orchards, and rugged cliffs set the tone for the days ahead.
2,500 m
Skardu to Askole
A thrilling jeep ride takes you through the Shigar and Braldu Valleys to Askole, the last inhabited village before the high mountain wilderness begins.
3,050 m
Askole to Jhola
The trek begins along the Braldu River, past sheer rock walls and wildflower meadows. Camp by the riverside under a starlit sky.
3,050 m
Jhola to Paiju
A green oasis beneath the soaring Paiju Peak (6,610 m). The mighty Trango Towers come into view -- granite spires piercing the sky.
3,300 m
Paiju to Khoburtse/Goro I
Step onto the Baltoro Glacier. Its icy surface crunches underfoot as you pass between fortress-like cliffs and jagged towers.
3,700-3,900 m
Goro I to Urdukas
Urdukas camp perches high above the glacier, offering front-row views of the Trango Towers and Muztagh Tower. Evenings here glow gold in the last light of day.
4,050 m
Urdukas
A gentle day for your body to adjust. Short hikes reveal glacier crevasses and endless mountain panoramas.
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II/Concordia
The glacier widens as you approach Concordia -- where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers meet. Here you are surrounded by a crown of giants: K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums.
4,600 m
Concordia
A day to absorb it all. Dawn light ignites the icy faces, and the scale of the peaks humbles even the most seasoned adventurers.
4,600 m
Concordia to K2 Base Camp
A demanding day's march across moraine to the foot of K2. The mountain towers above in perfect symmetry, a monument of ice and rock.
5,150 m
K2 Base Camp to Concordia
One last look at K2 before retracing your steps back toward Concordia.
4,600 m
Concordia to Urdukas
The descent offers fresh perspectives, peaks glowing in different light, valleys widening into the horizon.
4,050 m
Urdukas to Paiju
Continue descending, retracing steps with new views of the surrounding peaks.
3,300 m
Paiju to Jhola
Further descent along the Braldu River, with the landscape opening up.
3,050 m
Jhola to Askole
Return to the last village, completing the trekking portion of the journey.
3,050 m
Askole to Skardu
Return to the comfort of beds, hot showers, and warm Baltistani hospitality.
2,500 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Fly or drive back to Islamabad. Keep a buffer for weather delays.
540 m
Islamabad/Departure
Bid farewell to Pakistan, carrying memories and perhaps a part of the Karakoram to home with you.
540 m
