K2&Gondogoro La Trek FAQs

How can I get more information about K2 & Gondogoro La Trek?

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 use contact us form to send your inquiry.

How difficult is K2 base camp trek and Gondogoro La Crossing? What fitness level is required?

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.

We are in our 60s but both reasonably fit, jogging regularly, do you think we would cope with the trekking as I have heard that the altitude can have a bad effect even on young people?

 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.

What’s the age limit on K2 and Gondogoro La trek?

 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.

Can I use credit cards in the places visit in trekking?

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

Could you give some more information about the trek, the distance, the height climbed and the length of the trek? Don’t know how severe your ‘Strenuous trekking’ is?

What’s the maximum number of people on my tour?

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.

 Will there be somewhere to charge my camera?

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.

What happens if I get sick?

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.

How much gear will I carry?

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.

What Is the Temperature Range on the Mountain?

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.

Will I See Wildlife on K2 and Gondogoro La Trek?

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.

What is the weight limit for luggage on this trek?

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).

How can people contact me when I am on my trek?

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.

What are the sources of drinking water supply during trekking?
 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.

What if I do not want to carry anything, and I need a porter to carry my day pack, camera, etc?

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

Why, when looking at different companies who offer K2 base camp & Gondogoro La Trek, the itinerary appears similar yet the costs often vary significantly?

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-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.

What is the maximum weight allowed on domestic flights?
The normal weight limit is 20 kilogrammes on PIA flights from Islamabad to Skardu.

What are the washing/cleaning/toilets/shower facilities on Baltoro Glacier like?

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.

What are the walking times and distances each day? 

• 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. 

Is a walking pole necessary?

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.

What happens to the rubbish on Baltoro Glacier?

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.

What Medical Facilities are there on the K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek?

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.

I’d like to see K2 but I’m not sure I want to spend 21 days there. Are There Alternatives to the K2 Base Camp Trek?

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