Gondogoro La Pass Trek

Gondogoro La Pass Trek Overview

Introduction

The Gondogoro La Trek is one of the most breathtaking adventures in the Karakoram, combining the legendary K2 Base Camp with the thrill of crossing the Gondogoro La Pass (5,585 m / 18,323 ft). This circular trek takes you through the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, known as the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods,” before climbing over Gondogoro La into the Hushe Valley. With unmatched panoramas of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I–IV, and Laila Peak, it is considered one of the most scenic treks on earth.

Why Choose Gondogoro La Trek?

  • See four 8,000 m peaks in one trek: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II.
  • Cross the Gondogoro La Pass, offering a 360° mountain panorama.
  • Explore Concordia, one of the most famous high-altitude campsites in the world.
  • Experience Balti culture in Askole and Hushe village.

Trek Overview

  • Duration: 17 days (Islamabad to Islamabad)
  • Highest Point: Gondogoro La Pass – 5,585 m / 18,323 ft
  • Difficulty Level: Strenuous (steep pass crossing, high altitude)
  • Best Time: Mid-June to August
  • Region: Baltistan, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan

Best Time to Trek Gondogoro La

  • June – August: Best trekking season, clear skies and stable weather.
  • September: Cooler, fewer trekkers, but more unpredictable weather.

Packing List (Essentials)

  • Mountaineering boots with crampons (for Gondogoro La crossing)
  • Down jacket & warm layers
  • Sleeping bag (–15°C rating)
  • Trekking poles & harness (for pass crossing)
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves
  • Water purification tablets & first aid kit

FAQs about Gondogoro La Trek

1. How difficult is the Gondogoro La Trek?

It is strenuous, involving glacier travel and a steep pass crossing. Previous trekking or mountaineering experience is advised.

2. Do I see K2 on this trek?

Yes! The trek includes Concordia and K2 Base Camp, with the best views from Gondogoro La Pass.

3. Is it more difficult than the K2 Base Camp Trek?

Yes, because of the Gondogoro La crossing at 5,585 m, which requires mountaineering gear.

4. Can beginners join the trek?

It is not suitable for complete beginners. A good fitness level and some trekking experience are required.

Duration

17 Days

Difficulty

Strenuous

Price

$2500.00



 Book your spot today

The trip initial deposit is mandatory to book your place earlier, Cancellation policy can be reviewed and term approval is required.

Trip Dates

Destination Trip Date Extra Information
Gondogoro La Pass Trek 2026-06-30 00:00
Gondogoro La Pass Trek 2026-07-03 00:00
Gondogoro La Pass Trek 2026-07-10 00:00
Gondogoro La Pass Trek 2026-07-15 00:00
Gondogoro La Pass Trek 2026-08-05 00:00
Gondogoro La Pass Trek 2026-08-14 00:00
Gondogoro La Pass Trek 2026-08-21 00:00
Gondogoro La Pass Trek 2026-09-01 00:00

Trip Details

Duration: 17 Days

$ Price (per person) :
$2500.00

Difficulty: Strenuous

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad
Arrive in Pakistan’s capital. Final gear checks and briefing. Special: Chance to explore Faisal Mosque or Lok Virsa before departure.
540 m
Islamabad to Skardu
By air: A short but legendary mountain flight over Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram giants. By road (Karakoram Highway): A 2-day scenic drive through the Indus Valley. Special: Skardu Bazaar, serene Sadpara Lake.
540 m to 2,500 m
Skardu to Askole
Rugged jeep track through Braldu Gorge to the last inhabited village before the glaciers. Special: Meeting the Balti people and feeling the true “edge of civilization.”
3,050 m
Askole to Jhola
Gentle start following the Braldu River. Visible Mountains: Bakhor Das Peak (5,809 m / 19,055 ft). Special: First glimpse of the Baltoro Glacier’s distant snout.
3,050 m
Jhola to Paiju
Sandy trails lead to the lush Paiju campsite beneath Paiju Peak. Visible Mountains: Paiju Peak (6,610 m / 21,686 ft), Cathedral Towers, Trango Towers. Special: Often a rest day here to acclimatize and enjoy music from Balti porters.
3,500 m
Paiju to Khoburtse
First full day trekking on the Baltoro Glacier. Visible Mountains: Trango Towers, Uli Biaho Tower, Lobsang Spire. Special: Walking on ancient ice covered by moraine.
3,800 m
Khoburtse to Urdukas
A short but steep day climbing moraine ridges to one of the most scenic camps on earth. Visible Mountains: Masherbrum (7,821 m / 25,659 ft). Special: Grass terraces for camping, rare above the glacier.
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II
You leave green earth behind and enter the high glacier world. Visible Mountains: Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m / 26,001 ft), Muztagh Tower (7,273 m / 23,862 ft). Special: Sleeping directly on the glacier ice.
4,300 m
Goro II to Concordia
The “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods”, the heart of the Karakoram. Visible Mountains: K2 (8,611 m / 28,251 ft), Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, Chogolisa. Special: 360° panorama of the world’s highest concentration of 8,000 m peaks.
4,750 m
Concordia to K2 Base Camp and back
A day trip to stand at the foot of the Savage Mountain. Visible Mountains: K2, Broad Peak. Special: Walking on the Godwin-Austen Glacier.
5,150 m
Concordia to Ali Camp
Approach the Gondogoro La crossing. Visible Mountains: Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Gasherbrum range. Special: Evening briefing for the next day’s climb.
5,100 m
Ali Camp to Khuspang via Gondogoro La Pass
An early start to cross the spectacular pass into the Hushe Valley. Visible Mountains from the pass: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I–IV, Laila Peak. Special: Sunrise from the pass, one of the world’s greatest mountain views.
5,585 m to 4,600 m
Khuspang to Saicho
Descending into meadows and warmer air. Special: Wildflowers in summer and the dramatic spear of Laila Peak.
3,650 m
Saicho to Hushe
Final walk through the green Hushe Valley. Special: Meeting locals of the Hushe village, known for legendary mountain guides.
3,050 m
Hushe to Skardu
Jeep drive along the Shyok River back to Skardu.
2,500 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Return by air or road. The Karakoram slowly disappears into memory.
540 m
Islamabad
Free day for sightseeing or shopping. Trek celebration dinner.
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Major Mountains You’ll See

K2 (8,611 m / 28,251 ft), Broad Peak (8,051 m / 26,414 ft), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m / 26,509 ft), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m / 26,362 ft), Masherbrum (7,821 m / 25,659 ft), Laila Peak (6,096 m / 20,000 ft), Paiju Peak (6,610 m / 21,686 ft), Trango Towers (6,286 m / 20,623 ft), Uli Biaho Tower (6,109 m / 20,043 ft).

Hedda Asmussen

What a lovely day out! We did two hours of paddling and Phil was an amazing guide. I hadn't done much paddle boarding before but it was easy to pick up with his instructions and we had a nice relaxing journey down the river. Would definitely recommend even for those that haven't tried it before! The location is also amazing, super quiet and beautiful scenery!

Hedda Asmussen

Ansa

Great adventure on River Arun with my paddle bestie and Phil. Phil's trips are very well planned and organised! He asks your interests. With us it was wildlife and paddling techniques. Phil was very knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife and I can't wait to continue practicing paddle strokes he showed us. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience and felt safe and confident on the water with Phil around. Especially as this was my longest paddle. The area is beautiful and it feels like you are on holiday and not just outside London. Looking forward to joining in on another Cave Active Adventure trip soon!

Ansa

JAMES Howe

I have been on two trips with Phil now. One to Scotland and one to the river Thames. Both were spectacularly special for me. Phil is a caring and considerate guide and will really look after you, he takes his job seriously and goes that extra mile to make the experience memorable.

JAMES Howe

Andy

My wife and I booked a 3 day Thames Tour with Cave Active. We arrived at The Barefoot Campsite, which would be the base for the 2 nights camping. Phil arrived, and we set up camp in a great little area with a fire pit. The first paddle was upstream a 4 mile round trip to The Maybush for dinner, I think this was a chance for Phil to assess the standard of paddling and for the guests to get to know each other. After a great dinner, we paddled back down and settled in for our first night under canvas, whilst Phil got the Kelly Kettle fired up for a brew. Day 2 started with bacon and egg baps and hot tea. We then made our way to the Trout at Buckland Marsh for our launch site. A pleasant 8.5 mile paddle through beautiful tranquil countryside. A great lunch stop at Shifford lock with sandwiches from The Trout. We then continued on back to the campsite via the Rose Revived. That night dinner was cooked by Phil with burgers provided by Linthwaite Farms, which were well worth the wait. The last day started with porridge, and we broke camp. The last paddle was a 9.6 mile paddle finishing in Woolvercote, taking in 4 locks and a great alfresco lunch once at Pinkhill Lock, again prepared by Phil. The whole trip was relaxed and enjoyable but also very informative. I think my paddle stroke definitely improved. Phil also has a lot of knowledge about the areas you paddle through. You can tell Phil doesn't do this for a job. He does it for the passion he has for paddling. He has taken on some big paddles, both solo and in groups, and all the knowledge he has, he is happy to pass on. Everything is planned meticulously, and from the start, client safety is the top priority. I would definitely recommend Cave Active and am seriously considering booking on with Phil for his longer 5 day Loch Shiel Trip. He is definitely a man who knows what he is talking about and someone who gets a genuine pleasure from passing on what he has learned.

Andy

Josie Cohen

Phil gave me and my partner an amazing lesson in wind supping at Pagham beach. He was a great teacher - super lovely and patient and clear with his instructions. He brought all the kit (including helmets and walkie talkies) which was all top notch. Plus he happily went over our allocated time without an issue. Overall, we had a great lesson and it has left us very excited to buy a wing and get wind supping ourselves. Would highly recommend Cave Active Adventures to anyone and everyone!

Josie Cohen

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