The Classic K2 base camp trek is one of the greatest treks in the world, unbeatable in terms of close-up mountain views and proximity to many of the world’s highest peaks. On the approach along the Baltoro glacier we see the imposing Trango Towers, the pinnacles of Cathedral Peaks and the mighty Masherbrum to reach Concordia. Here you can stand and see three of the world’s highest and most spectacular 8000m peaks including K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum. We spend two days at Concordia to allow for acclimatisation and to take the optional return trek to K2 Base Camp. The return to civilisation is to retrace our steps to Askole. This is a trek that requires physical and mental fitness but boy, it is worth it!

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1/3 Depart UK, arriving Islamabad the next day and transfer to the hotel for a few hours’ sleep. After an early breakfast we return to the airport for the flight to Skardu, which usually departs mid-morning. Given good weather this is perhaps the most spectacular commercial flight in the world, with magnificent views of Nanga Parbat the ninth highest mountain in the world. The flight however will not operate in poor weather, and you must be prepared for a wait in Islamabad if the flight is cancelled.

Day 4 We travel by Jeep to Askole, the last village between us and K2, This journey takes about 7 hours and is on very rough narrow tracks often blocked / damaged by landslides.

Day 5 We set off early to avoid the heat of the day. We follow the Braldu river valley through green pastures and after crossing the Biafo River we skirt around the base of the terminal moraines of the Glacier for lunch at Korophon. Beyond here a new path has been cut through the cliffs making the walk to camp straightforward. 7 to 8 hours walking.

Days 6/7 We continue up the Braldo River, sometimes close to the raging water, sometimes taking a higher path used by pack animals. If the weather is clear we get our first glimpse of Broad Peak today. Despite the stories in old guide books and journals, much has been done in recent years to remove rubbish and human waste to leave an much cleaner environment with well managed camps.7 to 8 hours walking.

An important resting day follows when the porters will prepare their food for the trek ahead. We will make a side excursion to gain some altitude from where we can get superb views up the Baltoro Glacier.

Day 8 After one hour we climb up onto the rocky moraines of the Baltoro Glacier. From here on the glacier will be our highway - sometimes icy, sometimes moraine covered, with lots of ups and downs as we cross moraine ridges. The sight of PaiyuPeak and the Trango Towers are truly astounding. We cross the glacier and should get our first distant sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. Our campsite is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most dramatic mountain views in the world, dominated by 'Nameless Tower'. 6 to 7 hours walking.

Day 9 We continue gently upwards, passing the Yermanandu glacier which flows down from Masherbrum (7821m), while the Muztagh Tower pierces the sky on the north side. At the head of the glacier Gasherbrum 4 looms large. Tonight we camp on the glacier. 7 to 8 hours walking.

Day 10/11 A shorter day takes us on up to 'Concordia', where we spend 2 nights with a day’s rest to aid acclimatisation. Here we are at the junction of the Baltoro, the Goodwin Austen and the Broad Peak glaciers. Within sight to the north and east are four of the world's 8000m peaks, and a further 37 peaks in excess of 6500m! Where else in the world would a mountain lover dream to be? 5 to 6 hours walking.

Day 12 Today you have the option to (i) take the strenuous trek all the way up to K2 Base Camp (8-10 hrs walking) (ii) visit Broad Peak Base Camp (5-6 hrs round trip) where you get great views back to Concordia and the best views of K2 or (iii) take a rest day to absorb the panoramic views of Concordia.

Day 13 - 17 We retrace our route back down to Skardu.

Days 18-20 A 7-hour jeep drive back to Skardu, followed by a flight back to Islamabad, with a spare day in hand in case of delays which can be used for further exploration of Islamabad.

Days 21/22 Depart Islamabad, arriving home the following day.

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