• k2 base camp Trekking
  • K2 view from Concordia
  • Gondogoro Pass Top
  • Baltoro-Glacier-K2-in-the-Background
  • Trango-Tower
  • Gondogoro La
  • Gondogoro-la-ascent
  • K2 mountain

K2 Gondogoro La Trek

Award Winning Adventures

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Green Environment Friendly

Expert Local Guides

Grading: 4/5

Level: Strenuous

Type:

Trekking

Activities

  • 20 Days Guided Trip
  • 13-14 Days Trekking
  • 2 Days Jeep Travel

Accomodations

  • 2-3 Nights Hotel in Islamabad
  • 3 Nights Hotel in Skardu
  • 14-15 Nights in Tents

Meals

  • 14-15 Dinners Plus
  • 14-15 Lunches
  • 20 Breakfasts

Ways to Travel

  • Fixed Departure
  • Solo/ Tailor Made/ Private
  • Guided
Snowland > Tours > Nature & Parks > Baltoro Glacier > K2 Gondogoro La Trek

K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek

  • See K2 and Broad peak from their base camps
  • Trek beneath and explore around K2, the Gasherbrums, Masherbrum, Broad Peak, Trango Tower, Cathedral Peaks, Mustagh Tower, Chogolisa amongst many others
  • Trek along the mighty Baltoro Glacier and reach Concordia
  • Excursion to Gilkey memorial
  • Cross the famous Gondogoro La (5,585m) pass
  • One of the world`s top 5 trekking adventures
  • Views of Glaciers (e.g. Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, Mandu and more)
  • Indus, Panmah and Braldu rivers
  • Experience the stunning mountain flight from Islamabad to Skardu
  • Experience the picturesque Skardu, Shigar, Hushe  and Khaplu Valleys in Pakistan

Trip Overview

The K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek are among the world’s most renowned and challenging treks, located in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. K2 Base Camp is situated at the foot of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. Approximately 5,150 meters (16,896 feet) above sea level. Stunning views of K2 and surrounding peaks, including Broad Peak and Gasherbrum range. Gondogoro La Pass is a high mountain pass in the Karakoram Range. It reaches approximately 5,585 meters (18,324 feet) above sea level. The pass is challenging due to its altitude, steepness, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Remote and awe-inspiring, the Karakoram’s icy summits and vast glaciers offer outstanding opportunities for adventurous trekking. The Baltoro Glacier, stretching 62 kilometers, is Pakistan’s foremost trekking destination. Seven of the world’s twenty-five highest peaks loom over this glacier, while its lower expanses are encircled by some of the world’s tallest granite walls and spires.

At the vast natural amphitheater of Concordia, the Baltoro Glacier converges with the Vigne and Godwin-Austen glaciers, forming one of the world’s most spectacular mountain campsites. Dominating the scenery just 10 kilometers away is the imposing pyramid of K2, casting a unique ambiance over the surroundings. Our itinerary allows for three days to explore the upper reaches of the Baltoro Glacier and immerse ourselves in the grandeur of this exceptional location. The pinnacle of this trek is the summit of Gondogoro La, reaching 5,650 meters. This challenging and technical route connects the high glacial basin of the upper Baltoro with the lush green Hushe Valley to the south. From the summit, one is rewarded with an awe-inspiring vista featuring four of the Karakoram’s towering 8,000-meter peaks nearby.

Our updated itinerary brings together the highlights of the Karakoram: a journey to K2 Base Camp, a thrilling ascent of a high pass, and the opportunity to explore two distinct valleys. This trek promises a blend of variety and excitement, delivering an unforgettable mountain adventure.

Itinerary

You will be met by a representative of Snowland at Islamabad airport and will be transferred to hotel for relaxation.
Meals Included: None
Accomodation: Hotel

a) Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the north east. On a clear day we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains. (It is quite possible adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approx two days). b) In case of cancellation of flight drive 10-12hrs by air conditioned coach/car to Chilas (480km) on the Karakoram highway.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accomodation: Hotel

a) Preparations for our trek and depending on our time of arrival into Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus and Basha Rivers. b) If we are driving the road journey today will be 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km). On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accomodation: Hotel

Jeep drive. It takes about six hours to drive from Skardu to Askolie or near Askolie. The drive through the Braldu Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

On the day of our first trek we will pass through the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers where the infamous flying fox or 'jola' is located. It is still there, however a bridge has now been built making the passage much easier by jeep. In past years it was necessary to make a high traverse across a rocky face and descend steeply to the riverside of the Dumordo to gain the flying fox. There is now a safe and pleasant pathway above the river. It is this valley, fed by the Panmah Glacier that was once a passage between Baltistan and Yarkhand across the West Mustagh Pass (5370m) into China. Once across, we descend beside the river to the Braldu and then follow along its banks to our camp.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

The route is mainly at riverside throughout the day, switching up and down somewhat according to the level of erosion and water levels of the Braldu. The Masherbrum Group may be glimpsed to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The range is a vast array of peaks that extend almost the full length of the southern side of Baltoro. Walking conditions are hot and dry and care must be taken to prevent sunburn, especially when most members will have come from a southern winter! As we approach camp several small glacially fed rivulets flow down from the north and the first peaks of the Trango and Uli Biaho group appear on the distant ridgeline. The vast snout of the Baltoro glacier, the fourth longest in Pakistan, is also visible but it's hard to gather a sense of scale from here.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

Rest day. Wash up, relax, read, climb on a steep ridge behind the camp, sing and dance with the porters! Depending upon the size of the party, goats or a goat will be sacrificed and meat will be distributed to the porters as a form of thanksgiving and to bring us good luck on our next day’s walk on the Baltoro.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

Trek on Baltoro Glacier. Six to eight hours of walking. A tough day as we climb on the rocky moraines of the Baltoro, but the sight of Baltoro pinnacles and Paiyu Peak is astounding! An earlier alternative campsite is Liligo, but there is no water there. We will cross some gushing streams on the way.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

A short 4 hour plus walk on the rocky moraines and ablation valley of the Baltoro. We will cross couple of icy side glaciers on the way and may have our first sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. The historical campsite is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most intense mountain views in this world. The campsite was prepared by the Duke of Abruzzi in the beginning of this century.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

This is a tough day’s walk on the undulating Baltoro. However, the footing becomes easy as the rocks become smaller and smaller as we move up the Baltoro. It takes about 7 hours to get to Goro II. We walk right smack up the center moraine of the Baltoro. As Masherbrum emerges on the right, it takes our breath away and so does Gasherbrum IV right in front of us. Goro is a cold campsite! It has a great view of the Muztagh Tower.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

A special day today as we trek into Concordia and enjoy our first views of K2 (weather permitting!). This location must be considered one of the world's most spectacular camps as it is totally surrounded by stunning peaks. As we leave Goro II, the Biange Glacier to the north provides a superb view up to Mustagh Tower (7284m), one of the most difficult mountains in the Karakoram to climb. The trail continues along fairly easy rolling slopes of moraine marked by cairns and then passes among ice towers or seracs as we approach the colliding glaciers at Concordia. Mitre Peak (6030m) rises to our right, with Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri) (7312m) beside it, while the Gasherbrum Group is directly before us. The expanse of Broad Peak (8050m) is to the left and finally K2 (8611m) looms above the ridge towering over the Godwin Austen Glacier twelve kilometres away.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

Our schedule is somewhat flexible according to the prevailing weather conditions and group preference. One of our objectives is to visit K2 Base Camp (approx 5150m) , a spectacular full day trip from camp.The most exciting day of this trek as you walk past Broad peak and get nearer to K-2 and arrive at the strip which is the most popular camping area for nearly all the expeditions to K-2. Here some of the top climbers of the world can be seen busy in preparations for the challenges ahead.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

Today we trek for 5-6 hours on the Vigne Glacier with superb views of Chogolisa and Mitre Peak. Overnight will be spent at Ali camp just below the pass.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

Adverse weather conditions may prevent us from our ascent of the La, and it may be necessary to delay our crossing. Your guide will assess the weather, ice and snow conditions.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

8-10 hours, 930m ascent, 1260m descent. We must start very early in the morning (1am) for our crossing of the pass. After 4-5 hours of steep and strenuous ascent we gain the top to be rewarded with stunning views of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. The lovely snow and granite knife edged peak of Laila (6200m), first climbed unofficially in 1987 by a British expedition and unofficially in 1996 by an Italian expedition, rises over the Gondogoro Glacier as we turn to descend. We descend 3-4 hrs to Xhuspang camp (4680m). Xhuspang is named for the turquoise (xhu) flowers which blanket this grassy place in summer.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

Continuing along the lateral moraine we descend to Shaieshcho, a picturesque campsite nestled amongst tamarisks, wild roses and junipers set beside the river. There are views up to the Charakusa Valley towards K7 (6934m). Tonight there is the chance for song and dance as the porters are relaxed and happy with a successful crossing of the Gondogoro La trek behind them.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

Today is our final day of trekking in Pakistan. 3-4 hours of easy descent bring us to the village of Hushe. Nestled in the Hushe Valley it is the gateway for many expeditions travelling to Masherbrum, the Charakusa and Nangma valleys. Time permitting, we may have the option of a short climb to the top of a hillside on the edge of the village to gain unparalleled views of the mountain tops of the entire Baltoro.
Meals Included: All Meals
Accomodation: Tent with Mattress

Drive back to Skardu, rest, and celebrate the successful trek
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accomodation: Hotel

a) Weather permitting we will fly to Islamabad today, on arrival transfer to the Hotel for overnight. b) In case of flight cancellation it is necessary to drive to Chilas and overnight at the Chilas.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accomodation: Hotel

Extra 'cushion' day! *Note: Day 20 will be used as a 'cushion' day in case of delays in travel due to weather, route change, health, acclimatization issues during the trek, etc.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accomodation: Hotel

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight
Meals Included: None

Gallery

Photos

Videos

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Weather

The traditional trekking season in Pakistan is June to September. The K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro la trek will have a wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and the time of day. In the mountains between 1,000m and 3,500m the nights will be cool normally around 5°C. During the day temperatures can be very hot even as high as 40°C in the lower elevations. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20°C to -10°C. The mornings are generally clear with clouds building up during the afternoon and often disappearing at night to reveal beautiful starry nights. Rawalpindi will be hot and humid at this time of year; temperatures typically range from 30°C to 46°C with high humidity, whereas the temperatures in Skardu at 2,340m will be cooler

Region Altitude Temperature C
Day Night
Islamabad 635m 44C 27C
Skardu 2430m 34C 12C
Askoli 3000m 35C 8C
Jhula 3200m 35C 10C
Payu 3450m 35C 10C
Liligo 3780m 34C 8C
Urdukas 4050m 25C 7C
Goro II 4345m 30C 2C
Concordia 4650m 31C -5C
K2 Base Camp 5000m 28C N/A
Ali Camp 5100m 25C -3C
Gondogoro 5650-5700m 8C -10C
Xhuspang 4755m 20C 0C
Shaisho 3330m 24C 4C
Hushe 3050m 29C 8C

Map/Location

Accommodation

Envoy Continental Hotel

Envoy Continental Hotel is situated in the splendidly magnificent capital city Islamabad. Elegantly designed interior and edgy exterior paired up with unparalleled luxury and soothing ambiance forms a perfect stay experience. Moreover carefully curated cuisine can be relished inside the sophisticatedly designed restaurant. The hotel has an easy access to airport and all the major tourist destination in Islamabad. With years of experience the hotel offers outstanding service and a wholesome experience.

Grand Islamabad Hotel

Grand Islamabad is situated in the E-11/1 Sector which is at the foothills of Margala Hills and 40 minutes drive from the New Islamabad International Airport. The calm and quite atmosphere adds to the Serenity of this property and guests tend to enjoy this unique aura of our Sector. This area along with its beauty also has a cultural heritage as Buddha Caves and Shah Allah Ditta village are just round the corner. The Hotel is best suited to serve the Corporate as well as the leisure guests and the 50 beautifully appointed suites provides an exceptional standards of comfort to the guests.

Hotel Depape Islamabad

Hotel de Papae is one of the top-rated hotels in Islamabad, known for its luxurious amenities and impeccable service. However, what sets us apart from other Islamabad hotels is our unique feature of providing real-time weather updates of Islamabad on our website. This allows guests to plan their activities and stay informed about the weather condition of Islamabad during their stay. With our commitment to providing the best possible experience to our guests, Hotel de Papae is truly a standout hotel in Islamabad.

Mashabrum Hotel Skardu

Mashabrum Hotel is a traditional and luxurious Summer residence located in a quiet, sunny area, overlooking the spectacular mountain scenery of the Alps. We are located at College Road Skardu. It has 56 luxurious rooms equipped with all basic amenities e.g. WiFi-Internet, Cable T.v, Room Service and neat & clean attached bathrooms.

Shangrila Hotel Chilas

Shangrila Hotel Chilas offers up to a 100 spacious rooms which are uniquely designed to include luxurious amenities. Most of these rooms over look the indus river and provide a comfortable night for all our guests. Our management offers hospitality at its best with a peaceful atmosphere in a beautiful natural environment cut away from the distractions of polluted city life. Excursions to beautiful surrounding lakes and rivers can be arranged during your stay. Chilas is known for its famous Buddhist carvings some dating back to 2000 BC.​

Mountain Lodge Skardu

Hotel Mountain Lodge Skardu features free bikes, fitness center, a garden and terrace in Skardu. This 5-star hotel offers room service and an ATM.

Snowland Camps: North Face Tents

We use North Face tents on our all trips. These are thoughtfully designed with features to help make the camping adventure a better experience.  These tents offer reflective guylines to help protect against high winds.  Some of the freestanding tents even offer extra living or storage space in a vestibule area with easy-open back exits and dividers to offer quick accessibility to the outside. Many of the tents offer attachment points to hang lamps, clothes, and gear.

Dates & Price

* Guaranteed/Limited status denotes minimum trip numbers have been met, however the trips operation will be subject to there being no COVID-19 restrictions or other government travel advisories. Please contact us for further information.

Dates Availability Price
Jun 15, 2024 - Jul 5, 2024 Available From$1800 Book Now
Jul 7, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024 Limited From$1800 Book Now
Jul 15, 2024 - Aug 4, 2024 Available From$1800 Book Now
Aug 5, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024 Available From$1800 Book Now
Aug 15, 2024 - Sep 4, 2024 Available From$1800 Book Now
Dates Availability Price
Jun 15, 2025 - Jul 5, 2025 Available From$1850 Book Now
Jul 7, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025 Available From$1850 Book Now
Jul 15, 2025 - Aug 5, 2025 Available From$1850 Book Now
Aug 5, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025 Available From$1850 Book Now
Aug 15, 2025 - Sep 4, 2025 Available From$1850 Book Now
What's Included
  • Visa invitation letter and supporting documents
  • Economy Class domestic flights with 20kg Baggage Allowance and 7kg Hand Carry as per Airline's policy
  • Transportation: All road and airport transfers
  • Accommodation: Tourist Class hotel accommodation in Pakistan on twin sharing basis
  • Camp accommodation: Dome tents on twin sharing basis
  • Equipment: All necessary trekking and camping equipment such as Mess/Kitchen tents, mattresses, and cooking gear
  • Group Gear: Shared equipment for the group, such as ropes and communal gear.
  • Meals: Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
  • Trekking permit and Waste Management Fee
  • Experienced Government Licensed trekking guide
  • Trek Support Staff: Cook, Assistants and Porters
  • Travel insurance of Trek Crew: Guide, Cook, Assistants and porters
  • 14 Kg baggage allowance during trekking
  • All Camping and bridge crossing Fees
  • Gondogoro Pass Crossing Fee
  • Satellite phone for emergencies
  • Storage service for baggage in Islamabad/ and kardu (for leaving a bag behind in Islamabad/Skardu before going on the trek)
  • Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
  • Medical Kit: Basic medical supplies and a first aid kit.
What's not Included
  • Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
  • Pakistan Visa Fee (All Supporting documents will be provided)
  • Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
  • Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 50 per night
  • Additional trek weight/baggage: USD 10 per kg
  • Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
  • Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)
  • Personal mountain equipment (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
  • Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
  • Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
  • Lunch and Dinners at Hotels in Islamabad, Chilas and Skardu
  • Single Supplement
What's Included
  • Visa invitation letter and supporting documents
  • Economy Class domestic flights with 20kg Baggage Allowance and 7kg Hand Carry as per Airline's policy
  • Transportation: All road and airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 2-3* hotel accommodation in Pakistan on twin sharing basis
  • Camp accommodation: Dome tents on twin sharing basis
  • Equipment: All necessary trekking and camping equipment such as tents, mattresses, and cooking gear
  • Group Gear: Shared equipment for the group, such as ropes and communal gear.
  • Meals: Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
  • Trekking permit and Waste Management Fee
  • Experienced Government Licensed trekking guide
  • Trek Support Staff: Cook, Assistants and Porters
  • Travel insurance of Trek Crew: Guide, Cook, Assistants and porters
  • 18 Kg baggage allowance during trekking
  • All Camping and bridge crossing Fees
  • Satellite phone with 40 units balance
  • Storage service for baggage in Skardu/Islamabad (for leaving a bag behind in Skardu/Islamabad before going on the trek)
  • Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
  • Medical Kit: Basic medical supplies and a first aid kit.
  • Personal mountain equipment (crampon, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
What's not Included
  • Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
  • Visa to Pakistan (All supporting documents will be provided)
  • Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
  • Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 75 per night
  • Additional trek weight/baggage: USD 10 per kg
  • Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
  • Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)
  • Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
  • Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
  • Lunch and Dinners during your time in hotels (Islamabad, Chilas and Skardu)
  • Single Supplement
What's Included
  • Visa invitation letter and supporting documents
  • Business Class domestic flights with 20kg Baggage Allowance and 7kg Hand Carry as per Airline's policy
  • Transportation: All road and airport transfers
  • Accommodation: 4-5* hotel accommodation in Pakistan on twin sharing basis
  • Camp accommodation: Single Dome tents
  • Equipment: All necessary trekking and camping equipment such as tents, mattresses, and cooking gear
  • Group Gear: Shared equipment for the group, such as ropes and communal gear.
  • Meals: Full-board meals during the trek and at Hotels, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
  • Trekking permit and Waste Management Fee
  • 25 Kg baggage allowance during trekking
  • Experienced Government Licensed trekking guide
  • Trek Support Staff: Cook, Assistants and Porters
  • Travel insurance of Trek Crew: Guide, Cook, Assistants and porters
  • All Camping and bridge crossing fees
  • Gondogoro Pass Crossing Fee
  • Satellite phone with 40 units balance
  • Storage service for baggage in Islamabad and Skardu (for leaving a bag behind in Islamabad & Skardu before going on the trek)
  • Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
  • Toilet Tent & Shower Tent
  • Electric Generator/Solar panel for camp electricity and charging camera batteries
  • Medical Kit: Basic medical supplies and a first aid kit.
  • Personal mountain equipment (crampon, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
What's not Included
  • Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
  • Pakistan Visa Fee (All supporting documents will be provided)
  • Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
  • Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 150 per night
  • Additional trek weight/baggage: USD 10 per kg
  • Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
  • Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)
  • Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
  • Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)

Notes: Trek only (14 days) price starts from 1600US$/person

FAQs

We produce comprehensive information for each of our trips. Once you’ve decided which trips interest you, please e-mail/call for a trip dossier. The trip notes/dossiers contain a detailed day by day route, photos and other information which may help answer any questions you may have. However,you can also discuss any particular trip with our office staff, who can give you practical first hand advice. Please email us at info@snowland.com.pk or snowlandtours@gmail.com  for further information, or Fill out contact us form to send your inquiry.

This tour is graded as Strenuous as it involves long hike and ascents on higher elevations. A good level of fitness is required for this trip, although there will be guides to escort you while trekking if you were to run into difficulty.

 Although there is trekking involved, it is never fast paced and all treks are carried out at the trekkers own pace. There will be support porters to assist if clients do get into trouble but as long as you take the trekking at a steady relaxed pace you should be fine. Altitude sickness can affect people in different ways and can affect people of all ages. The fittest young person on the tour may encounter altitude sickness more so than someone in their 60s.

There’s no upper age limit – we think that your age doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re willing to participate, experience new cultures and enjoy yourself. As long as you’re fit enough to take part in the tour then you’re more than welcome. We don’t however take children on our normal tours – we know that a lot of our travellers come on our trips to get away from the kids! Older teenagers may be allowed to join group tours provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them.

In most cities yes (Islamabad, Skardu, Gilgit), to some extent, however once you leave those cities behind, all you need is cash.

In terms of distance covered, this ranges from 8 to 14 km depending on the day. As many trekkers will know, distance is not the most important factor, time is. The main trekking days (days 13-14) have approximate times of 6-8 hours. These times do of course depend on the level of fitness of the trekker. During the main trekking days, the maximum ascent the group take is 800m, but please remember the walks are up and down.

This depends on what Type/package of trip you’re doing. On our standard package it’s normally 4-12. However, there are some exceptions – you should check your trip dossier for full details.  

You will be able to charge your camera batteries in Askoli village.  There will be solar panels on the base camps installed for climbing expeditions you will usually be able to negotiate a small fee for a camp crew to charge your batteries.

The most important thing is DON’T PANIC. You should ALWAYS ensure that you have a well-stocked and appropriate medical kit as well as sufficient insurance in case you should have to be evacuated. A slight case of diarrhoea is to be expected, as well as sprains and muscle aches – all a part of walking in the hills. Altitude sickness is extremely dangerous but mostly avoidable if you follow a few simple rules: trek high and sleep low, drink at least 2 litres of water per day, and BE SENSIBLE. If you feel shortness of breath, a slight headache or dizziness, tell your porter/guide and rest immediately. Lie down, drink water. If you are still feeling unwell you may consider going down a few hundred metres. Do not pretend you are okay, and do not go down alone. A descent of a few hundred metres overnight may be enough to make you fully able to start trekking again tomorrow.

Porters will carry all of your gear except for your day pack, and they will break down and set up camp while you’re trekking each day. Your day pack will carry your water, rain gear, sunscreen, and camera, which typically weighs 4-6 kgs (10-12lbs). Personal porters can be arranged to help carry your daypack.

Temperatures on the mountain vary widely; it may be between  30C  to 40C   during the day and and -5 to -10 during the nights near the K2 base camp  and Gondogoro La. The weather often changes dramatically without warning, so you must always be prepared for rain, snow, carrying your waterproof shell at all times. Layering of several thin articles of clothing is the most flexible way to adjust to the weather you will experience as you trek higher and higher.

The Baltoro Glacier hiking trail is quite inhospitable to most species. The Ibex is rarely seen around campsites of Urdukus.You will likely spot footprints of snowleopard on the trail after crossing the Gondogoro la into Hushe Valley.

It depends on the package you choose. However, normally, 13-20 kg (28.6-44 pounds) of personal luggage is permitted on K2 trek. If your luggage exceeds this allowance, there will be a surcharge. In general, it is recommended to only bring what you need for the trek. K2 trek leaves from and returns to Skardu. You can leave your luggage in your Skardu hotel and they will keep it safe for you. Personal porters can legally carry a maximum of 25 kg (55 pounds).

If you bring a cell phone with international coverage, it will work in major cities and towns (Islamabad, Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu). However, on trek satellite phones will be provided on extra payment In addition, internet access is available at some of the hotels in towns.

 In the cities you can use bottled water . During the trekking  at all camps you will have boiled water . We also recommend you to bring water purification tablets with you.

This is fine but will cost extra. You also need to tell us in advance, so we can arrange an additional porter. 

The major sources of cost variations are the money spent on food, number of porters / guides provided porter and guide wages, quality of tents and the cost of getting to the glacier and pass. Snowland strives to provide quality food, well trained guides and porters, good tents and equipment, a full professional pre-trek/climb orientation, inclusion of all park permits, and transfers in well maintained vehicles.  All this comes at a cost. We CHOOSE not to compromise on the quantity & quality of food, we will not exploit guides & porters by making them carry more than what they are required to by laws & regulations set by the government. All in all, our aim is to increase your chances of crossing Gondogoro La whilst enjoying the experience which can only be successfully implemented if quality is not compromised and if the staffs provided are well taken care of.

The normal weight limit is 20 kilogrammes on PIA flights from Islamabad to Skardu.

The facilities on Baltoro Glacier are very basic at best.   • After Askoli village, single igloo type (Re-circulating chemical loo units) toilets are available on most of the campsite till Concordia. These are simple, deep pits or short pits that have been dug in the ground for use as toilets. These facilities have a roof and screen over them for privacy. • You do need to take your own toilet paper (2 rolls). • The snow streams/small river is used for the shower and washing facilities or in some villages(Askoli & Hushe) a simple water pipe is used to flow the water onto the trekker for washing.We suggest you bring environmentally friendly soap. • An Antibacterial Hand Gel is essential. • There are no specific changing rooms on the Baltoro Trek.

• Wake up time on the track is usually around 5.00 am • Breakfast on the track is usually served from 6.00 am • We usually start walking around 7.00 am • There is usually 5-10 minute breaks every 30 mins or so along the track and depending on the size of the hill more often and a stop for morning tea and lunch. • Each walking day will vary between 5 to 9 hours with 7 to 8 hours being the average. On average, arrival times in the camps and villages are around 2.30pm to 3.30p.m. 

Walking poles are a must! They are used as a support and braking system for the steep downhill sections. You can buy walking poles through our office or from camping stores in Skardu. It is a good idea to train with the poles. Some people find one pole sufficient, but it is your choice.

It is very important that we all take good care of the Trek. If you purchase soft drinks in Askoli or along the trail(Payu or Concordia camps), then you need to crush the cans and carry them out with you. All rubbish is either burnt or carried out. Whilst trekking, please put your own rubbish in your backpack until you arrive at the next campsite. If you see rubbish on the trail, pick it up and put it in our rubbish bags.

Medical facilities catering to tourists are basic. There are hospitals and private clinics in Skardu town. However, there is no altitude clinic or hospital in Askoli and Hushe. There are pharmacies and small hospitals in Shigar and Khaplu, but other than that you’re on your own. It’s important to bring all medicines you think you might need with you, including treatments for every minor ailment you’ve ever had, all the common stomach bugs and AMS, and to have full medical cover, including helicopter evacuation, on your travel insurance.

Yes! There are tonnes. And, given you can’t see K2 from K2 Base Camp ANYWAY, a shorter trek to lower altitudes might well make sense, although you’ll miss out on the high mountain experience. The walk from Deosai plains to Burge La Top takes two-four days – some folk drive to Hushe Valley, climb to the top of village (Honbrok) to see the spectacular K2 view. Others use Skardu as a base for shorter treks in the region, divert off into the mountains to go wildlife spotting, or pick a valley to explore. One advantage of staying lower is that conditions are a lot more pleasant than higher up the trail. please visit our SEVEN WAYS TO K2 page for more details about all possible trips to K2 

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