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
