K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Pass Trek
K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Pass Trek
About this trek
Starts in Islamabad
Pickup included from anywhere in Islamabad
20 days
For ages 18 to 60
Best suited for the specified ages
Guided in English
Led by experience local guides
Cancellation options
Refund amount depends on when you cancel before the departure.
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Operated by
Broad Peak Adventures
Details
The Gondogoro La Pass & K2 Trek is one of the most thrilling and rewarding trekking experiences in the Karakoram. This high-altitude route, reaching 5,585m, offers a breathtaking alternative to the st...
Highlights
Breathtaking View of K2 & Four 8,000m Peaks
Thrilling Gondogoro La Pass Crossing (5,585m)
Remote & Rugged Karakoram Landscapes
Experience Traditional Balti Culture
Challenging Yet Rewarding High-Altitude Trek
360-degree panorama at Concordia
K2 Base Camp at 5,150m
Circuit trek avoiding return route
Technical challenge with ropes and crampons
Descent into beautiful Hushe Valley
What's Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Pakistan! Meet our team, transfer to the hotel, and attend a trek briefing. Your journey begins as you land at Islamabad International Airport, typically in the morning. Our enthusiastic Broad Peak Adventures team will greet you warmly and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in Pakistan's vibrant capital. Rest and recover from your flight, perhaps exploring nearby markets or relaxing in the hotel's serene ambiance. In the evening, join your fellow trekkers for a detailed briefing on the K2 and Gondogoro La trek, followed by a delicious welcome dinner.
Enjoy a scenic flight to Skardu, surrounded by towering peaks. After breakfast, head to Islamabad Airport for a thrilling 45-minute flight to Skardu, the heart of Baltistan. Weather permitting, this flight offers jaw-dropping views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the Himalayas, and possibly K2 on a clear day. Upon arrival at Skardu's upgraded international airport, our team will escort you to a cozy hotel. In case of flight cancellations, an alternative drive via the Karakoram Highway will be arranged.
Take the day to explore Skardu's culture, visit historical sites, and finalize trek preparations. Today is a perfect blend of exploration and trek preparation in Skardu, a historic hub for Karakoram adventures. Start with a morning walk to Kharpocho Fort, a 17th-century relic offering panoramic views of the Indus River and Skardu. Visit the Organic Village, where locals grow crops without chemicals, offering a glimpse into sustainable Balti life. Our team will finalize permits, transport, and gear checks, ensuring you're ready for the trek.
Begin your journey by jeep through the Shigar Valley to Askole, the last inhabited village before the trek begins. Drive through Shigar Valley and follow the Braldu River to Askole, the last inhabited village before the Karakoram wilderness. Meet your porters, explore the village, and settle in for the night before starting the trek. This marks the beginning of your adventure into the remote wilderness.
Start your trek along the Braldu River with beautiful views of Bakhor Das Peak. The trek begins along the Braldu River, passing fields and small settlements. Cross small bridges and rocky terrain to reach Jhola Camp. Cross bridges and follow trails amid stunning mountain scenery to reach Jhola camp in the afternoon, with views of Bakhor Das and Paiju Peak. The trail skirts the Braldu River's edge offering your first taste of the wilderness ahead.
Walk through a mix of rocky trails and river crossings to the green oasis of Paiju. Your K2 and Gondogoro La trek continues with a 6-hour trek to Paiju, a green oasis beneath Paiju Peak (6,611m). The trail skirts the Braldu River's edge before climbing to higher ground. Cross a few streams and enjoy stunning views of Paiju Peak. Paju offers your first full view of the Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak. At Paiju, catch your first glimpse of the Baltoro Glacier and the granite spires of the Trango and Cathedral groups.
Follow the Baltoro Glacier with breathtaking views of Trango Towers and Uli Biaho. Start early for a 7-hour trek to Khoburtse, beginning with a one-hour walk to the Baltoro Glacier's snout. Climb onto the glacier's rubble-covered surface, navigating a challenging but exhilarating trail. The path undulates over the glacier's swells, with stones possibly originating from K2, Broad Peak, or Gasherbrum. Arrive at Khoburtse camp, perched on a moraine with breathtaking views of Cathedral Towers, Trango Group, and the striking Uli Biaho rock tower.
A shorter but steep day, bringing you to Urdukas Camp with sweeping views of Masherbrum. Today's 4-hour trek is short but strenuous, climbing the Baltoro Glacier's lateral moraine and occasionally its surface. Pass the ship-like Great Trango and the isolated Nameless Tower, arriving at Urdukas camp by early afternoon. Perched above the glacier, Urdukas offers sensational views of Trango Towers to the west and Cathedral Peak's vast rock walls across the valley, making it one of the trek's most scenic campsites.
Rest and adjust to the altitude with panoramic views of the Karakoram peaks. Rest and acclimatization are key at 4,130m, where thinner air demands adjustment. This grassy campsite, the last off the glacier, offers washing facilities and a serene setting. Enjoy a leisurely day, take a short walk through alpine flower-filled slopes, or join an acclimatization hike to aid your body's adaptation. Our guides will monitor your health, share high-altitude tips, and recount tales of Balti culture.
Walk on the glacier with views of Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, and other Karakoram giants. Leave Urdukas for a 6-7 hour trek to Goro II, starting along the moraine edge before climbing onto the Baltoro Glacier's broad surface. Pass the Yermanandu Glacier flowing from Masherbrum (7,800m), with views of Muztagh (7,270m) and Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) guiding you toward Concordia. The glacier's icy expanse, one of the largest outside polar regions, demands warm layers for the chilly night ahead.
Helpful answers
The optimal time is during summer months, from late June to early September when weather is most stable and trails are accessible.
This trek is considered strenuous and best suited for experienced trekkers. High altitude and challenging terrain require physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
Our itinerary includes acclimatization days to help trekkers adjust gradually. Our experienced guides are trained to recognize and manage altitude sickness symptoms.
Yes, porters carry group equipment. They typically carry up to 20-25 kilograms per person, including camping gear and supplies.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. It should include coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuation in case of emergencies.
Yes, you need trekking permits for the Karakoram National Park. These permits are included in the package, and we assist in obtaining them.
What to know
- Trek requires technical skills including use of crampons and ropes
- Weight limit of 20kg for trek bags enforced by local authorities
- Weather can change rapidly even in summer months
- Basic mountaineering knowledge recommended for Gondogoro La crossing
- Acclimatization days are crucial for altitude adaptation
- Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is local currency, cash preferred in remote areas
- Trekking visa required (different from tourist visa)
- Flight to Skardu weather dependent with road backup available
- Multiple 8000m peaks visible from Gondogoro La pass
- Circuit route avoids retracing steps unlike standard K2 trek
- People with serious heart conditions
- Those with severe respiratory problems
- Individuals afraid of heights or exposure
- Trekkers without prior high-altitude experience
- People with limited mobility or joint problems
- Those uncomfortable with basic camping facilities
- Individuals requiring constant medical supervision
- People with severe altitude sickness history
- Those unable to walk 7-8 hours daily
- Trekkers uncomfortable with technical rope work
- 4-season sleeping bag rated to -15°C
- High-quality trekking boots, well broken-in
- Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
- Warm layers including down jacket and fleece
- Crampons, harness, and helmet for Gondogoro La crossing
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen
- Personal first aid kit with altitude sickness medication
- Water bottles (2-3 liters capacity) and purification tablets
- Trekking poles for stability on rough terrain
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