Trek to the Base of the World's 2nd Highest Mountain
At a Glance
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE: 160 km
TOTAL TREKKING DAYS: 12-13 days
MAX ALTITUDE: 5650 meters
LODGING: mix of camping and hotels
GROUP SIZE: 12 people max
AGE LIMIT: 55 years old
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K2 Base Camp Trek Overview
Located in the far reaches of the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan on the border of India and China, the Central Karakoram National Park is home to the world’s second-highest mountain and a mighty glacier system: K2 and the Baltoro.
And this isexactly where we are headed.
The K2 Base Camp Trek combined with a crossing of the high-altitude mountain pass of Gondogoro La (5650 M) ticks all of the boxes when it comes to an incredible active adventure; traverse massive glaciers, meet internationally renowned climbers, see FOUR 8000-meter peaks, including the world’s second highest mountain (K2), and countless other 6000 and 7000-meter peaks, along the way gaining experience whilst testing yourself at altitude throughout the trek.
This journey will take you into the depths of beautiful Northern Pakistan by plane, jeep track, footpath, and snow-covered trail to allow you the chance of experiencing one of the last true adventure destinations on earth.
Experience the jaw-dropping landscapes of the awe-inspiring Karakoram Range and the Baltoro Glacier of Pakistan in comfort as we hike amongst some of the planet’s tallest peaks on an expedition-style trek you won’t soon forget.
Why Choose the K2 Base Camp Trek?
- RAW NATURE: Central Karakoram National Park is home to some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes on earth, including the second largest glacier outside the polar regions: the Baltoro.
- EPIC TREKKING: Challenge yourself in a world-class trekking environment. Come rain, sun, snow, and everything in between, it’ll be some of the best hiking of your life.
- COMFORT IN THE WILDERNESS: Make your way to K2 Base Camp in style. We provide quality, hearty meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), excellent group equipment, and professional staff who go above and beyond to make sure everyone is having an awesome time.
- CLIMBING HISTORY: The K2 region is steeped in alpine climbing lore. Learn about the fascinating history of mountaineering and climbing in the area.
- OFF THE BEATEN PATH ADVENTURE: K2 isn’t Everest, which is exactly why we love it. Escape the circus of Everest Base Camp and come discover why Pakistan is the best adventure destination in the world.
- SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE: Our participants hail from all over the world and come from all walks of life, but at least they all have one thing in common: they love adventure and travel.Make friends of a lifetime on a trip of a lifetime.
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K2 Base Camp Trek Gallery
Upcoming Dates: 2024
Dates | Status | Deposit | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1st - June 21st (2024) without Gondogoro LA | $500 | $3900 | |
| June 24th - July 14th (2024) | $500 | $4225 | |
| July 1st - 21st (2024) | $500 | $4225 | |
| July 15th - August 4th (2024) | $500 | $4225 | |
| August 5th - 25th (2024) | $500 | $4225 |
*Just Released*: Upcoming Dates: 2025
Dates | Places | Deposit | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 23th - July 13th, 2025 | $500 | $4150 (early bird price) | |
| June 30th - July 20th,2025 (without Gondogoro La) | $500 | $3900 | |
| June 30th - July 20th, 2025 *Led by Epic founder, Chris Lininger | $500 | $4800 (early bird price) | |
| July 7th - 27th, 2025 | $500 | $4150 (early bird price) |
Have a question or ready to book?
Whether you’re just curious about this trip or are ready to make a deposit, we’re here for you.
To submit an inquiry or make a trip deposit, please fill out and submit the form below.
*If you are over our 55-year-old age limit but think you are up to the physical challenge of the K2 Base Camp Trek, please email us to book a call with our adventure consulting staff to see if you qualify for this adventure.
Your K2 Base Camp Trek Trip Leaders
Chris Lininger
Since 2018, Chris has been to Pakistan 16 times (and counting). Every year he leads group trips to K2 Base Camp, the Everest region, and other destinations in Central Asia. He is the director, lead guide, and founder of Epic Expeditions.
Chris wanted to take the concept of an adventure holiday a step further by combining his passion for photography, trekking, and alpine environments into one-of-a-kind curated adventures for people who are as stoked on challenging high-altitude adventures as he is – thus this trip was born!
Chris deeply believes in the magic of Pakistan, the Karakoram Mountain range, and the local people who call this place home.
Joao Freitas
A veteran of Pakistan travel, João was born in the mountains of Madeira Island in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, and guide – for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare.
With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K. João found out that what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
When not guiding in Pakistan, João is guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails – discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.
Sohail Sahki
Sohail is one of the most experienced members of theExpeditionsTours team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in the Hunza Valley, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains.
Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit-Baltistan and logged more trekking miles in a year than most people will do in a lifetime.
As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions, but specializes in Hunza Valley and K2 Base Camp Trek expeditions.
Highlights of the K2 Base Camp Trek
- Get up-close views of K2, Masherbrum, Gasherbrum 4, Broad Peak, Trango Towers, Laila Peak, and many more massive peaks!
- Walk on the massive Baltoro Glacier.
- Experience an expedition-style trek and walk at high elevation.
- Get to know Balti culture.
- Visit K2 Base Camp and the Art Gilkey Memorial.
- Sleep in comfortable tents under a blanket of stars.
- Eat delicious Pakistani food and be treated to custom-menu meals while hiking.
- Learn about the history of mountaineering in the K2 region.
- Explore magnificent glacial and alpine landscapes.
- Cross a high-altitude mountain pass at Gondogoro La.
- Trek with a fun international group of like-minded individuals.
K2 Base Camp Trek Itinerary - Day by Day Breakdown
Day 1: Islamabad Arrival
Arrive at Islamabad airport where you will be picked up by our driver; we’ll ferry you to the hotel where you can relax after your long journey. We recommend arriving in Islamabad at least one day early so that you can settle in and be ready to go on the morning of day one. Note: accommodation pre-tour is not included.
After our team has assembled, we will have our first group introduction, gear checks, team briefing, and welcome lunch.
Dinner will be at one of our favorite places in Islamabad. Our team will return to the hotel and retire early for a good night’s sleep. We have a flight to catch in the morning!
Day 2: Fly to Skardu
The plan is for our whole group to catch an early morning flight to Skardu (50 minutes), the largest city in Baltistan. If the weather is clear, we can catch some truly epic views of Nanga Parbat and other massive peaks in the area. Once in Skardu guests will have free time throughout the day to rest and explore the city and the bazaar. Today, we will finalize our trekking permits at the local government office and have dinner together as a group.
Over the next few days, your trip leader and local staff are busy preparing all of the final details for the trip.
Day 2 Alternative: Islamabad to Skardu by Road
Unfortunately, flights in Pakistan do not always run on time. If we are unable to take our flight on the morning of day two, it is possible that we will have to drive overland to Skardu from Islamabad (18-24 hours). This journey can take a lot of time as the road from Gilgit to Skardu is not always in the best shape. Epic staff will evaluate what the best options are for the group and go from there. Flying is obviously the best-case scenario!
To break up the drive, we would sleep in Naran or Chilas for the night before pushing on to Skardu the next day.
Day 3: Market Day in Skardu
Today, the Epic team is busy food shopping and packing all of the group supplies. Guests have free time in the city during the morning and afternoon. There are many activities to do in around Skardu including visiting Kharpocho Fort, meandering through the local bazaar, and heading out to the surrounding desert.
We will have dinner again as a group before setting off in the morning.
*If the group is arriving overland from Islamabad, the entire schedule is bumped back a day, to allow for a day of rest in Skardu (that is why we schedule in buffer days!)
Day 4: Drive from Skardu to Askole (3,040 m)
Today, our adventure begins in earnest! Our team will assemble early at the hotel and after breakfast, we will load up the 4×4 jeeps and begin the bumpy, dusty drive past to the end of the line village called Askole (also spelled Askoli); the gateway to Central Karakoram National Park. The journey to Askole from Skardu takes between 6 and 8 hours depending on road conditions. We will eat lunch en route.
It is also possible that we will need to spend an extra day in Skardu finalizing our permits if they are not ready the day before (again, this is why we schedule buffer days!).
We will set up our tents at a family owned campground and stay the night in Askole before starting the trek tomorrow.
Tonight is our first night in tents.
Day 5: Askole to Jhula (3,149 m)
- Trekking distance:20.5km
- Altitude gain/loss:624m up
- Jhula Camp elevation:3,149 m
Today, our trek begins properly! We leave Askole in the early morning and enter Central Karakoram National Park.
After we register our permits for the last time at the park office, we continue on a mix of trail and dirt jeep track.
Today is not overly steep but it is long, so expect 6-7 hours of walking.
Day 6: Jhula to Paiju (3,400 m)
- Trekking distance: 21 km
- Altitude gain: 624 mup
- Paiju Camp elevation: 3,400 m
Early start with 5-7 hours of trekking. Hilly terrain, a few stream crossings and a mix of elevation gains and descents. The day can be hot, exposed to much sun, and dusty. Sunscreen and lots of water will be your greatest friend today! We may be treated to a rowdy Balti music session from the porters after dinner at camp.
Cold “showers” (a faucet basically) are available.
Day 7: Paiju - Khoburtse (3,833 m)
- Trekking distance: 14.3 km
- Altitude gain: 747m up
- Khoburtse Camp Elevation: 3,833 m
6-8 hours of hiking. After about an hour of walking, we will enter onto the Baltoro Glacier. We will be hiking along the mighty Baltoro until we reach Concordia in several days’ time. The terrain is hilly, rocky, and uneven, with a few scattered bits of proper trail.
The final obstacle of the day will be a river crossing (there is a bridge as of 2023) and the water can be quite cold – but it is manageable.
Khoburtse camp can feel a bit cramped, but views are top notch and there is a beautiful waterfall nearby as well as fine opportunities for sunrise viewpoints. Toilets are basic.
Day 8: Khoburtse - Urdukas (4,053 m)
- Trekking distance: 6.3 km
- Altitude gain: 400m up
- Urdukas Camp elevation: 4,052 m
Easy day, finishing after about 6.3 kilometers (2-4 hours). As we gain altitude, we are mindful not to push ourselves too hard or sleep too high too fast.
Urdukas is a truly spectacular campsite, and one of our favorites along the whole trek. Excellent views of Trango Towers, Muztagh Tower, and Lobsang can be seen directly from camp.
Day 9: Urdukas - Goro 2 (4,250 m)
- Trekking distance: 11.5km
- Altitude gain: 481m up
- Goro 2 Camp elevation: 4,250 m
5 – 7 hours of moderate difficulty up and down glacier terrain. Today we are starting to feel the altitude.
Temperatures can drop below zero at night at Goro 2. Basic toilets at the camp.
Spectacular views along the trail of Masherbrum, Gasherbrum IV, and the summit of Broad Peak can be seen from just outside your tent.
Day 10: Goro 2 - Concordia (4,600 m)
- Trekking distance: 14 km
- Altitude gain: 541m up
- Concordia Camp elevation: 4,600 m
Today we reach the “Throne Room of the Gods”, aka Concordia. 5-7 hours of pleasant trekking over the glacier, with more ice present than on previous days.
Amazing views of Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Broad Peak, Marble Peak, and of course, K2 can be seen from camp!
Temperatures at Concordia drop well below freezing at night and snow/snowfall is possible here any time of the year. After a great dinner and solid rest, tomorrow we head to K2 Base Camp!
Day 11: Concordia - K2 Base Camp (5000 m)
- Trekking distance: 11.5 km
- Altitude gain: 500 m up
- K2 Base Camp elevation: 5000 m
Early departure to K2 Base Camp. Total trekking distance to Concordia is roughly 11.5 km. We will visit the Art Gilkey Memorial and then head to K2 Base Camp for tea and to chit-chat with expedition teams hoping for a successful summit bid.
Today is a BIG trekking day, but the terrain is relatively easy. Most of the route follows the Godwin-Austen Glacier directly to the base of the mighty K2.
We sleep at K2 Base Camp tonight, enjoying the views of the mighty Savage Mountain.
Day 12: K2 Base Camp - Concordia (4,600 m)
- Trekking distance: 11.5 km
- Altitude gain:166m up
- Concordia Camp elevation: 4600 m
Today, we trek back down the Godwin-Austen Glacier to the famed Concordia campsite the way we came.
We aim to arrive back at camp by mid-afternoon.
The rest of the day is spent resting and preparing for our trek to Ali Camp the following day.
If the weather is bad, it is possible that we will sleep an additional night at Concordia – giving us the best chance for the Gondogoro La crossing in a few days.
Day 13: Rest day at Concordia and Skills Training (4,600 m)
After all of our big efforts over the last week, today is a day to finally relax and soak in the spectacular surroundings.
Mid morning, we head to the nearby glacier to put on our alpine boots, crampons, harness, and other gear in order to practice some basic climbing skills in preparation for Gondogoro La.
Over all this day is chill and there is lots of free time to relax at Concordia camp.
Day 14: Concordia - Ali Camp (4950 m)
- Trekking distance: 11 km
- Altitude gain: 563m
- Ali Camp elevation: 4950 m
5-7 hours of trekking over glacier and pockets of deep snow, especially as we approach the upper end of the valley close to Ali Camp. Some of our porter team will be leaving us today with the pack mules, as the mules are unable to cross over Gondogoro La.
Ali Camp is set in an absolutely stunning location, though the camp is quite small and can be quite crowded if many teams are present. No established toilet facilities are present, which is something we are working to solve with the Central Karakoram National Park staff.
We will rest for the majority of the afternoon and early evening before setting off to cross the Gondogoro La around midnight. We will have dinner early so that guests can catch a few hours of rest before we begin the climb.
Day 15: Ali Camp - Gondogoro La Pass (5,650 m) - Kuisbang (4,700 m)
- Trekking distance: 10km
- Altitude gain:668 m up
- Kuisbang Camp elevation: 4,700 m
7-10 hours of trekking – all depends on your pace. Our group will set off in the dark by headlamp around midnight. From Ali Camp, it is 4-5 hours of steady climbing to gain the top of the Gondogoro La pass.
Once atop the La, we can enjoy stunning sunrise views of every major peak in the area. We will be praying for clear weather of course! The descent from Gondogoro La into the valley below is done with the assistance of a series of fixed ropes. Extreme care needs to be taken on the descent (helmets will be worn) and all guests will be clipped into the rope from their climbing harness.
Crampons should be carried for the ascent and descent.
Trekking from the top of the pass to Kuisbang Camp takes 3-5 hours, again depending on your pace. If the weather is clear, the group will be treated to incredible views from our camp of Laila Peak, located just down the valley.
Day 16: Kuisbang - Saicho (3430 m)
- Trekking distance: 17.2km
- Altitude gain/loss: 131 m up /1265 m down
- Saicho Camp elevation: 3430 m
6-8 hours of trekking. The first two hours are on glacier moraine before the landscape changes into green, hilly, easy trail. There are a few small river crossings and several steep, exposed sections to be expected as well. The landscape here could not be more different from where we started near Askole. It is green, lush, and there is no dust!
A beautiful, well-spaced campsite with multiple stream systems running through it awaits us at Saicho.
Day 17: Saicho - Hushe - Drive to Skardu
- Trekking distance: 10.6 km
- Altitude gain: 81 m up
- Hishe elevation: 3180 m
2-3 hours of trekking. We end the trek in the beautiful Balti village of Hushe. Here we will take a final cup of chai and say goodbye to our team of porters before making our way back to Skardu by jeep (5-6 hours depending on road conditions).
We will have lunch en route to Skardu. Once we reach the hotel in Skardu, be prepared for one of the best showers of your life!
Day 18: Rest Day in Skardu
After completing the long trek, today the group takes a day to reflect, rest, do laundry, and eat!!
Today is a rest day / contingency day in case we has delays earlier on during our K2 Base Camp Trek itinerary with no planned group activities. Participants are free to do what they wish. We meet as a group for dinner and our daily team briefing.
Day 19: Fly to Islamabad
Early Morning Flight to Islamabad from Skardu
We will have a chill day in Islamabad and an epic feast all together OR we will be driving the KKH en route to Islamabad if we have flight delays.
Day 20: Contingency Day in Islamabad
We booked in an extra day in Islamabad in case of travel complications getting back from Skardu. Since you have just completed the most epic hike of your life, we do not want to add any group stress by making the departure window tight.
Today will be a free day in the city with group breakfast and dinner included. After a final meal together, our epic journey of a lifetime has come to an end and the time has come to say goodbye.
Day 21: Client Departure Day
We arrange for transfers to the airport for those who are flying out over the next 12 hours.
Check out of the hotel is around 11 am on Day 21. You can choose to stay on at the same hotel if you are not flying home right away, though any additional nights at the hotel are not covered by Epic.
What the Trip includes
What the Trip does NOT include
What the Trip includes
What the Trip does NOT include
K2 Base Camp Trek FAQ
We get this question a lot, so let us set the record straight.
It is possible to find the K2 Base Camp Trek being offered elsewhere for cheaper than our price. But as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Epic Expeditions simply won’t compromise on the level of service we offer, the wages we pay our staff, and we try to never cut corners at the expense of our clients’ experience.
When you join Epic on a trip to K2 Base Camp, the differences in how we do things, the kind of services we provide, and the general vibe we cultivate for our international community of travelers become obvious from day 1.
Please check out our full article covering the K2 Base Camp Trek Cost question and how our company values and ethics impact our pricing.
Our trip costs more for a few reasons, but here are a few of the main points:
- We pay our staff and porters a higher than average wage.
- Our cooks strive to prepare quality meals outside the box of the standard Baltoro fair. We put our own twist on hearty trekking food.
- Comfortable camp set up: After a long day of hiking, we want our camp sites to feel as comfortable as they possibly can be and we believe that the little details are what makes this possible. Tables, comfy chairs, a massive mess/dining tent, a proper toilet tent for privacy, a generator for charging electronics, endless pots of French press coffee, tea, and plates of cookies when you arrive at camp; these are some of the little details that provide a second to none camp-life experience.
- We have a minimum of two trip leaders on each trek – one Western leader and one local leader.
- Group size: you will NEVER see an Epic Expeditions team numbering more than 12 people.
- Safety plans and protocols: a big difference between Epic Expeditions and the competition? We have a professional and comprehensive safety plan and the tools we need to manage any emergency situation. All of our guide staff have received wilderness first aid and risk management training.
- Your trip leader is equipped with a satellite communication device (Garmin Inreach) and one Thuraya satellite phone.
- Pre trip one on one phone calls. Before the start of every K2 Base Camp Trek trip we embark on, team members will have one on one phone calls with your western trip leader so that you can be as prepared as possible to have a successful and rewarding trip.
- Check out our full blog article: 10 reasons why you should choose Epic for your K2 Base Camp Trek adventure
- We are one of the few companies to use high quality, imported tents from the USA.
The weather in the Karakoram mountain range can be highly variable. We will be traversing through a number of different climatic zones so it is a good idea to be prepared for a variety of temperature conditions.
Islamabad – Hot and humid with the potential for monsoon rain events. Average temperatures: High: 35°C / 95° F Low: 24°C / 76° F.
Skardu – Warm to hot during the day, but not humid. Dusty, especially along the main bazaar road. Cooler and pleasant at night. Potential for wind and dust storms. July is the warmest month in Skardu. High: 23°C / 73.4° F Low: 10°C / 50° F. The sun is stronger in the mountains so temps. feel hotter than they actually are.
3,000 – 3,500 Meters – Hot, dusty, exposed during the day. Cooler at night, but not freezing typically. Potential for snow around 3500 meters, but very unlikely. Possible cloud cover developing at any elevation.
3,500 – 4,500 Meters – Daily temperatures remain warm, though mornings and evenings are cooler. Above 4000 meters temperatures can easily drop below freezing at night and in the early morning. Rain, snow, cloud cover are all possible at any time. More ice present on the Baltoro Glacier.
4,500 – 5,600 Meters – Freezing temperatures at night and cool to cold temperatures during the day with periods of warm sunshine possible. Rain, snow, cloud cover are all possible at any time. Deep snow is likely on the trail between Concordia and Ali Camp. Trekking on gritty ice and snow the whole way to K2 Base Camp from Concordia. Potentially heavy snow pack on the ascent/descent of Gondogoro La. The coldest possible temperatures to expect hover around -10° C / 14° F.
The K2 Base Camp Trek carries a certain amount of risk since we are trekking DEEP into the mountains in a developing country.
That said, member safety is EBT’s #1 priority and our experienced ground team does everything within their power to set our group up for a safe adventure. The name of the game is safety first and injury prevention.
Epic Backpacker Tours goes above and beyond to ensure that we are fully prepared in case of emergency by bringing the tools we need to manage emergency situations.
This is the reality on the ground in Pakistan:, other local (budget) tour operators won’t bring a satellite phone because they are expensive to own and operate. For us, not being prepared with the right tools to deal with emergencies is unacceptable – and a big reason why our clients decide to go with us – and why they keep coming back to do different adventures with us year after year. On average, 1 in 5 Epic customers is a return client from a past adventure. The feedback from our clients speaks for itself.
Your trip leader is equipped with a satellite communication device (Garmin Inreach) AND at a Thuraya satellite phone.Both of which have communication capabilities to contact outside emergency first responders from any place in Pakistan.
Guests are able to use the satellite phone for personal calls on occasion at the rate of $10/minute (paid in cash on the ground).
Check out our full article covering the question Is Pakistan Safe for travelers here.
Trip participants need to be in good shape and capable of trekking over mixed terrain for long distances (maximum 8 hours). On average our trekking days are 5 hours per day. We employ many local porters and mules to help us carry the supplies that will make the trek to K2 a comfortable and rewarding experience. The best way to prepare for the K2 Base Camp Trek is to – you guessed it – hike as much as possible in the months leading up to the trip.
Even if you won’t be doing any actual mountaineering on this trek, people still need to be in shape before embarking. The distances can be long, the terrain unforgiving, and the oxygen thinner than you’re used to – you need to be ready and able to handle all of these environmental factors.
Physically preparing yourself for the K2 Base Camp Trek is somewhat similar to what you might have done for other multi-day backpacking trips. Endurance is crucial as is strength, particularly in your legs, glutes, back, and joints. Having these will ensure that you can not only complete the day’s walk without exhaustion but also avoid unnecessary injuries like sprains.
When you’re not out on the trail, do workouts that hit the key bodily areas. Squats, lunges, sleds, burpees, stairs, and anything involving a box e.g. step-ups are good exercises to start with. Don’t forget to work on your stability and stretch when you’re finished as well.
The total trek covers about 160 kilometers over the course of 12 days – with the highest max altitude on the trek being 5,600 meters (Gondogoro La).
There is simply no avoiding the fact that your body will feel different given the height at K2 Base Camp.
Nobody feels 100% as they do at sealevel up here – including the professional mountaineers or Nepali Sherpa.
Here are a few things you can do to manage the symptoms of mild altitude sickness:
- Drink plenty of water
- Try to eat when it is meal time
- Avoid eating meat
- Take your time when moving about
- Stay warm, wear enough layers
- Sleep with a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag
- Carry headache medication like paracetamol or Tylenol
- Take time to rest; take naps during free time
- Drink lots of herbal tea
Check out our full article on how to manage the K2 Base Camp Trek Height.
All guests coming on the K2 Base Camp Trek trip MUST apply for a Pakistani Trekking and Mountaineering Visa. The trekking visa is different from the standard tourist visa, thus you will NOT be applying for a tourist visa.
Epic Backpacker Tours provides you with all of the documentation needed to apply for the visa including the Letter of Invitation (LOI).
Since 2017, we have had a 100% success rate when it comes to our clients getting their visas on time – a record we are very proud of!
No you do not. There is only one section of this trek where a harness is needed (crossing Gondogoro La). No ice tools are used and no technical climbing experience is required.
The K2 Base Camp Trek is a great introduction to being at high altitude if your goal is to eventually climb some 6000 or 7000-meter peaks.
Crossing Gondogoro La is a real challenge that is not be under estimated – however, our staff is with you every step of the way to ensure your safety and to make sure you feel comfortable. We have had people as old as 74 successfully tackle crossing Gondogoro La – so if you are fit and able to push your own personal comfort zone, crossing Gondogoro is achievable for you.
Islamabad: 4-star accommodation in a central part of Islamabad
Skardu: 3-star accommodation located near the main market street of the city.
Trip prices are based on the sharing of rooms/tents and single (same sex) members of the group will typically be put together.
In Skardu will be using nice guesthouses/hotels that offer very comfortable, but simple, facilities without air-conditioning (although the rooms in Islamabad will definitely have AC). In Skardu the rooms have fans, but no AC.
Once we arrive in Askole to start the trek, our accommodation will be in tents until we return back to Skardu. The tents are high quality, waterproof, and comfortable. Two large men over six foot tall can easily be comfortable and have enough personal space in our tents
If you wish to bring your own tent, make sure it is sturdy enough for rocky glacier terrain, potentially high winds, and snowfall.
NOTE: Any item(s) that you do not want to bring on the trek can be safely stored with our team in Skardu before leaving for the trek.
Single Room Supplement Costs: If a client would like to reserve a single hotel room and a private tent for the trek, the cost is $600 USD.
You will need to book your round trip flights into/out of Islamabad International Airport.
Islamabad (the capital of Pakistan) is a major city in Pakistan and as such is very well connected.
We advise that you arrive in Pakistan one day before the tour starts. This is so that clients can shake off any jet lag they may be experiencing, and also to give all clients more of a time window in case of schedule changes or flight delays.
We will organize our driver to pick you up at the airport and shuttle you to to hotel if you are arriving within 24 hours of the start of the tour. If you are arriving earlier, we can still arrange the airport pickup for you at cost (around $15 USD).
Breakfast: Typically includes an omelet/fried eggs, fried Pakistani bread (paratha), pancakes, jam, nutella, honey, etc + green tea/French press coffee.
Lunch: Every day, each member is issued a packed lunch. This keeps it easy while hiking as you can stop whenever you want to eat your lunch. A typical packed lunch includes a boiled egg + potato, a few chapatis (local flat bread), cheese, dried nuts/chocolate, and a few sweets.
Dinner: The main event! We pride ourselves on hiring the same cooks every year because they know how to deliver our custom, top notch food menu!
After our nightly soup course, dinner will be a mix of curry vegetables, rice, noodle dishes (like chow mein or pasta with red sauce, daal (lentils), meat (mutton or chicken), French fries, and, salad.
Dessert is something different every night, but for the first week of the trek, expect to have fresh mangoes and melon!
Note: Vegetarians/vegans/gluten/lactose free can be accommodated as well!
On day two of the trip, the plan is to fly to Skardu from Islamabad. This is one of most scenic flights in the world, highlighted by beautiful views of the world’s 9th highest mountain, Nanga Parbat and the greater Karakoram/Himalayan ranges.
Once we finish the trek, we will also catch a flight back to Islamabad from Skardu. Internal flights are included in the trip price of course!
If bad weather cancels the flight, we will go to Skardu by road via the famous Karakoram Highway. The drive takes significantly longer than the flight option, but that is why we have contingency days built into the itinerary. Over the past three seasons, we have had a 90% success rate when it comes to catching our flights.
Each team member has a 20 kilo (44 lbs) porter allowance. This is for your luggage that will be carried to each camp each day of the trek. Members are only required to carry their daypack while trekking – which just has what you need for the day in it, IE water, snacks, layers, suncream, etc.
If your duffel bag weighs more than 20 kilos, you will need to pay for the additional weight. Cost for additional weight will be determined on the ground as prices for porters vary by the season. If you want to bring 25 kg (so 5 kg extra) as an example, the price will +$125 USD.
Most other companies give a porter allowance of 12.5 kg, but with all of the gear required for this trip to be comfortable, we want to give you guys a little bit extra weight so you are not having to leave behind things you really want to bring
We carry a petrol generator and/or solar panels, so that the team can charge batteries, power banks, phones, etc while on the trek. Each night, we run the generator for 3-4 hours.
We have the generator with us the whole time except for the few days after we cross Gondogoro La (the mules who carry the generator can’t cross the pass).
Our staff are able to provide hot bucket showers in a private shower tent. While nothing fancy, the hot bucket shower can go a long way in improving how one feels at the end of the way of trekking in the sun and dust.
Cold showers at the lower camps are also possible (when the temperatures are warm).
Roughly 50% of our clients on the K2 Base Camp Trek are female. Most hail from the USA, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand – but we have had in total over 20 different nationalities of solo women join us on the K2 Base Camp Trek over the years.
You will always be paired to be hotel/tent mates with another solo woman and if there is no other female to pair you with due to odd numbers, then you will not be required to share a tent.
Northern Pakistan is a very safe part of the world – and we often say, you are safer traveling in Northern Pakistan as a woman than you are walking alone at night in Paris or New York City!
What People Have to Say
The owner, Chris, has explored all over Pakistan and is joined by an experienced Pakistani team of cooks, porters, and guides.I honestly had a great time and can wholeheartedly recommend Epic Expeditions.Check out Jackson's K2 Base Camp Trek blog on his website.
Jackson GrovesAustralia
The Karakoram mountain range is absolutely spectacular. The EPIC team did a great job to allow us to experience this wonderful part of the world.
Koos van SittertCanada
Epic Expeditions to K2 Basecamp in Pakistan is without doubt one of the best experiences of my life. The fact that it was so amazing was through the amazing staff we had on our journey. Chris, Zahid, Ali and all of our amazing cooks and porters made this experience one of the best I have ever had. Without doubt I highly recommend to everyone!
Alexander MoryUSA
The K2 basecamp trek with Epic Expeditions was more than I ever could have imagined. From the absolutely stunning scenery to the amazing staff and wonderful food, it was unforgettable...This was my second trip with Epic Expeditions and it far exceeded expectations once again. The entire team is dedicated to the health, safety & enjoyment of the guests and are all wonderful people. Meeting 12 other dope people was the cherry on top for nights of uno while drinking endless cups of chai and soup.
Katharine LevinsUSA
The group was amazing, and the whole team assembled by EPIC Expeditions was extremely organised and experienced.In this kind of tours we never exactly know what to expect, but with EPIC I felt safe the whole time thanks to the experienced guides and team, had great food, was always super comfortable and most important of all had an absolute amazing time!
Vasco CastanheiraPortugal
Chris and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC!Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with 'Epic'. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment.Don't waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!
Brogan GordonNew Zealand
Booking with Epic Expeditions was one of the best decisions I have ever made when it comes to adventure travel! The team does an exceptional job at getting off the beaten path and yet still making it feel so easeful for guests. Everything Epic stands for is inspiring and they truly care about showing the beautiful corners of the world. If you want a trip of a lifetime - book with them!
Sabena LodhiUSA
I went on the K2 Base Camp trek with Epic Expeditions in July of 2022. I highly recommend going with them if you're interested in seeing K2 up close. Pakistan is not an easy country to travel in, and there were some unexpected setbacks in the first few days of our trip (a few of the bridges we were supposed to cross in Jeeps had been destroyed by floods), but the Epic team was always prepared for these setbacks, and we successfully completed the trip despite these delays. They were also highly organized, professional, and supportive the entire time, and they did their best to make everyone feel comfortable despite being in the harsh landscape of the Karakoram.
Alex MuchowUSA
I did the K2 trek with epic in July 2022. I would definitely recommend them to others interested in doing this trek. Chris and Ralph were great guides and everything was well organized. They made a very tough trek much more pleasurable. At the end of this trek you will have seen incredible out-of-this world scenery, feel an incredible sense of accomplishment, and have a great group of friends.
Matthew MoreyUSA
The team at Epic Expeditions were nothing short of amazing. Highly recommend and would 100% love to trek with them again sometime in the future. It was an adventure that I will never forget, memories and experiences that I will remember for a very long time.
Neil BridgemanAustralia
Epic Expeditions has curated an excellent experience for those willing and able to undertake this challenging but exceptionally rewarding life altering trek through the high peaks of Karakoram, a massive mountain range like no other. Chris and team are real, boots on the ground organization that prepare it’s clients well to successfully and safely complete this epic trek. Epic Expeditions underpromises and overdelivers. A trustworthy American organization that works well with their vetted & established local affiliates in Pakistan to deliver an uncompromising experience.
Tony SinghUSA/Pakistan
Customer First, nothing leaved to the case, Keen on the details, what else is needed for one of the best travel agency on the market!? We are talking about something that can lead you through less main stream travel in Countries almost not touristic so far. I joined them in Pakistan for a couple of experience one in 2019 and the last in 2021 in which we achieved K2 Base Camp! Unbelievable experiences! I will highly suggest them always!
Andrea CacciatoriItaly
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K2 the Mountain - Abridged
K2: a mountain so enormous, so unfathomable, so remote in its existence – both in the physical world and in our imaginations – that few people really know or understand it. Even the name, K2, in its current truncated form, can be considered a flawed attempt at capturing this indescribable peak using mere human language – it’s just too much for us to put into words.
Italian climber Fosco Maraini perhaps said it best when talking about K2:
…(the peak is) just the bare bones of a name, all rock and ice and storm, and abyss. It makes no attempt to sound human. It is atoms and stars. It has the nakedness of the world before the first man—or of the cindered planet after the last.”
At 8,611 meters in elevation, K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world. Don’t let your guard down: K2 is markedly more dangerous than all the other 8000-meter peaks, including Everest. Its flanks are littered with alpine obstacles including massive crevasses, erratic weather systems, and enormous overhanging seracs, including the infamously “Bottleneck”. Every year, climbers perish in pursuit of this unforgiving summit, and despite the dangers, they keep coming back.
The first summit attempt was in 1902 and it wasn’t until 50 years later in 1954 that a team (the Italian expedition) actually made it to the top. Since then, there have been roughly 400 successful summits and among them almost 100 deaths: one of the highest summit-death ratios in the mountaineering world.
K2 doesn’t need to be climbed to be appreciated though. Many opt to simply walk up the Baltoro Glacier to visit the legendary base camp of K2, and it is still a fantastic experience. For nearly two weeks, one is treated to non-stop views of some of the world’s most impressive peaks (aside from K2 itself): Mashabrum, the Trangos, G4, Broad Peak, Chogolisa, and many more tower on both sides of the route as you make your way up the Baltoro. By the time one reaches Concordia and is afforded the first glimpses of K2, it becomes obvious why they call this area “The Throne Room of the Mountain Gods”: it is, for a lack of better terms, totally epic.
Additional Resources
10 Reasons Why you Should Choose Epic Expeditions for the K2 Base Camp Trek
May 18, 2023
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K2 Gondogoro La Trek: What you need to know
December 16, 2022
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How to Prepare for the K2 Base Camp Trek
March 2, 2022
Read More
K2 Base Camp Trek Packing List
February 18, 2022
Read More
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