K2 Winter Trek

K2 Winter Trek Overview

Introduction

The K2 Winter Trek is one of the most extreme adventures in the Karakoram of Pakistan. Unlike summer trekking, winter in the Baltoro Glacier means deep snow, sub-zero temperatures, frozen rivers, and total silence. The journey leads to K2 Base Camp (5,150 m), standing beneath the world’s second highest mountain (8,611 m). This trek is not just a walk, it’s a test of endurance and willpower. Few dare to attempt it in winter, making it one of the most unique Himalayan journeys on Earth.

Quick Facts

  • Region: Baltoro Glacier, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan
  • Height (Highest Point): 5,150 m – K2 Base Camp
  • Duration: 20–25 Days (Islamabad → Islamabad)
  • Difficulty: Very Hard (deep snow, freezing cold, limited daylight)
  • Best Season: December – February (Winter Trekking)

Safety & Difficulty

  • The K2 Winter Trek is not for beginners.
  • Expect temperatures below –25°C, heavy snowfall, and limited daylight hours.
  • Trails are icy and more dangerous than summer.
  • Only recommended for strong, experienced trekkers with proper gear and support.

FAQs about K2 Winter Trek

1. How difficult is the K2 Winter Trek?

It is one of the hardest treks in Karakoram due to extreme cold, deep snow, and lack of facilities.

2. How long does the trek take?

Around 20–25 days depending on weather and pace.

3. What is special about trekking in winter?

Silence, isolation, frozen glaciers, and no crowds, only the raw Karakoram wilderness.

4. Can beginners attempt it?

No, this trek is only for experienced trekkers with a winter trekking background.

Duration

20�25 Days

Difficulty

Very Hard

Price

$2900.00



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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
No trip dates available.

Trip Details

Duration: 20�25 Days

$ Price (per person) :
$2900.00

Difficulty: Very Hard

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad
Arrival, briefing at Ministry of Tourism.
540 m
Islamabad to Skardu
Flight (1 hr, weather permitting) or 2-day drive via Karakoram Highway. Scenic Destination: Skardu city surrounded by mountains. Mountain seen en route: Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).
540 m to 2,228 m
Skardu
Rest day & final preparations.
2,228 m
Skardu to Askole
Jeep ride to Askole.
3,050 m
Askole to Jhola
First day of trekking.
3,200 m
Jhola to Paiju
Camp under Paiju Peak (6,610 m).
3,400 m
Paiju
Rest & acclimatization day.
3,400 m
Paiju to Urdukas
Trek to Urdukas. Views of Trango Towers (6,286 m).
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II
Trekking entirely on the Baltoro Glacier.
4,380 m
Goro II to Concordia
Trek to Concordia, “Throne Room of the Gods.” Surrounded by: K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m).
4,600 m
Concordia to K2 Base Camp
Trek to the foot of K2.
5,150 m
K2 Base Camp
Rest & exploration. A rare experience standing under K2 in winter silence.
5,150 m
K2 Base Camp to Concordia
Begin return trek to Concordia.
4,600 m
Concordia to Goro II
Trek back to Goro II.
4,380 m
Goro II to Urdukas
Trek back to Urdukas.
4,050 m
Urdukas to Paiju
Trek back to Paiju.
3,400 m
Paiju to Jhola
Trek back to Jhola.
3,200 m
Jhola to Askole
Trek back to Askole.
3,050 m
Askole to Skardu
Jeep ride to Skardu.
2,228 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Flight or drive to Islamabad.
540 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Continue flight or drive to Islamabad (if needed).
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Beautiful Destinations

Skardu & Shigar Valley, Askole – last village before Baltoro, Baltoro Glacier trek (Paiju, Urdukas, Goro II, Concordia), K2 Base Camp in winter silence.

Famous Peaks Seen on Trek

K2 – 8,611 m, Broad Peak – 8,051 m, Gasherbrum I – 8,080 m, Gasherbrum II – 8,035 m, Gasherbrum IV – 7,925 m, Masherbrum – 7,821 m, Chogolisa – 7,665 m, Trango Towers – 6,286 m, Paiju Peak – 6,610 m.

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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