One of the world most famous trekking route is the K2 base camp, a challenging and demanding but rewarding, delightful and remarkable as well. Skardu the bewitching capital of Baltistan region is the starting point for mighty K-2. We cross a beautiful lush green fertile and fruit laden Shigar valley and drive as far as Askoli, the last inhabitant before falling into the throne of mountains.

Walking on the unpredictable but charismatic and enchanting Baltoro Glacier, we glimpse several famous and beautiful mountains on the way towards K2. Finally we arrive at Concordia, the junction of Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers with several other tributaries and a place serving as the base for the four giants of Karakurums, i.e. Gasherbrum II ( 8035m ), Broad Peak ( 8047m ) and Hidden Peak or Gasherbrum I ( 8068m ) dominated by the king of the mountains, K-2 ( 8611m ).

The beauty of the place has no match in the world and the view of K2 is gorgeous. The return journey is possible via the same route or crossing the Ghondoghoro La, a technical pass at 5690 meters, offering a good challenge of ascending and descending to another stunning Hushey valley of Khaplu region.  Hushey is a picturesque valley of Baltistan where we get a jeep to drive Skardu visiting Khaplu town, the famous historical valley situated in the heart of Karakoram. Khaplu the capital of Northern Last district Ghanche also have the significant value for its old buildings of a castle (Khaplu Palace) and a one hundred old Chakchan Mosque, the world Chakchan is a typical balti dialect which means justice & euuity.

List 1 - Must Bring Items:

• First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
• Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
• Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
• Gloves (Thermal)
• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Hiking boots
• Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
• Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
• Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
• Sunglasses and Sunhat
• Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
• Warm hat and Warm jacket (down)
• Water bottles 1litre (x2)
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof over-trousers
• Antibacterial hand wash
• Shirts/T-shirts
• Small towel
• Socks
• Spare laces
• Underwear (normal and thermal)
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Wash-bag and toiletries
• Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
• Baselayer - leggings (Thermal)
• Trekking Trousers
• Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)
• Harness (for Snow Lake Biafo Hispar Traverse, Gondogoro La, Trek
• Helmet, ice axe and crampons (for Gondogoro La only)

List 2 - Optional:

• Buff or scarf
• Small padlock (for locking your bag)
• Camera
• Insect repellant
• Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
• Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
• Liner (for sleeping bag)
• Travel clothes
• Bottle for Pee
• Batteries and Accessories
• Books
• Warm hat and Warm jacket (down)
• Preparations for Trekking
• Weather

Confirmed international group departure date 7th  July 2022

Price:2290USD

• Our trekking holiday prices will not change once you have paid the deposit so the price when you book is the price you will pay.
• Make your bookings early to avoid increase in holiday prices.
• Separate hotel rooms (Single Supplement) will cost additional 390 US Dollars. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance amount.
• Separate tent (Single Tent) will cost additional 160 US Dollars. This payment should be made with the balance amount.

Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. In case of visa rejection, a refund/partial-refund will be considered. In such cases, a valid proof of visa rejection must be submitted to our office within 72 hours of rejection.

Balance: If you cancel after paying the balance, the following applies to the balance amount:

• Up to 30 days – 80% refundable
• Up to 20 days – 50% refundable
• After travel date – non-refundable

Thank You! 

If you have any further questions after reading this trip dossier, please let us know. We would be more than happy to answer them. We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully having you join what promises to be one of the most amazing adventures in the world.

Day 1 Meet our guide(s) waiting at Benazir International Airport, Islamabad.
All clients will be picked up by  World Adventure Tours representative on arrival at Islamabad International Airport and taken to the group hotel. Land Only package services begin with this transfer to the group hotel. The majority of international flights arrive in the early morning and you may want to rest before lunch. The first group get-together will be at lunch. Depending on the time available to us there may be the option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, a city purpose-built in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan. Alternatively, we could visit the Twin City of Rawalpindi a town from the days of the British Raj. The two cities are very different in character; the older settlement is rather sprawling with enormous and complicated bazaars where you can easily get fascinatingly lost. Islamabad, by contrast, is much more open, a modern city with many parks and wide streets arranged on a grid system. There is not always the opportunity to include a sightseeing tour and, if there is, it is optional and there will be a charge payable locally.

Day 2 Early morning air travel to Skardu town (2,500 m). Sightseeing during the day.
Given good weather we will fly to Skardu (perhaps the most spectacular commercial flight in the world, with magnificent views of Nanga Parbat the 9th highest mountain in the world. If the weather doesn’t allow the flight we take the Karakorum Highway on the old silk route. This is just spectacular. It’s a long drive but one of the great journey’s of the world between the deep gorges of the mighty Indus. Overnight hotel in Chilas, driving over Babsur Pass will minimize the distance and the night stay will be in Naran. (10-12 hour drive). After check in at our hotel, the day will be spent visiting Bazar, historical forts, scenic lakes or visiting ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th century Manthal Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who had influence in the area before Islam.

Day 3 Jeep Safari to Askole (3,000 m) via Shigar Valley
We leave Skardu by jeep for Askoli, passing through the fertile Shigar Valley. The last 2 hours of the drive covers the ground which used to make up the first 2 days’ walk of the trek and includes the passage of the infamous Braldu Gorge section. This high and steep-sided valley is prone to landslide and we may have to walk short sections of the road where it has been made unstable by rock-fall. Given reasonable road conditions, we will spend our first night under canvas in this famous Balti village high above the thundering Braldu River. Askole is a single street of wooden houses, backed by irrigated fields of corn and potatoes and groves of apricot trees.

Day 4 First day of walk towards Jhola Campsite (3,100 m) via Biafo Glacier
We set off early to avoid the heat of the day. The route is gentle and enjoyable. We cross the Biafo Glacier on the way and get our first sight of the Paiyu pinnacles. We will be trekking for around 5 hours to the Jula camp today. Our lunch point Korofong (3,075 m) lays across the glacier’s other foot. The trees here are habitat to a variety of beautiful birds.

From Korofong we gain altitude and follow Braldu course till we reach Panma River which is crossed taking a detour through a trail built on the face of the cliff. These pulley bridges known as Jhola were common in the Karakorum Mountains. Beyond this bridge is our camp site called Jhola.

Day 5 Trek to Paiju (3,380 m) through Braldu Valley
Trek to Paiju (3,380m) 4 to 5 hours walking. The path is quite loose in places and again it is likely we will have to take boots off where the river has flooded the path in a few places. Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this camp we have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier.

Day 6 Acclimatization and rest at Camp Paiju (3,420 m)
Today is a rest day at paju to aid acclimatization and an important resting point for porters, they prepare food for the trek ahead. Normally there is much singing, drumming (or barrel bashing) and dancing amongst the porters with a real feel good atmosphere.

Day 7 Start of Baltoro Glacier Trek. Walk to Camp Khoburtse (3,795 m)
Another early walk of approximately one hour brings us to the snout of the Baltoro. After viewing the outpouring of melt water from the ice we climb up on to the back of this great beast. At this point the ice of the glacier is completely covered by rubble and rocks and the going here can be quite tough.Finally reaching at Khoborsay camping place (3800m).we would be able to see the cathedral Towers, the Trango and the striking rock tower of Uli Biafo.A great day of treekingover difficult and mixed terrain.

Day 8 Baltoro Glacier Trek. Views of Trango Towers. Camp at Urdukas (3,900 m).
Today is a short day. we continue Baltoro glacier on the lateral moraines or sometime glacier itself, passing great Trango and the isolated pillar of the Nameless Tower to our next camp Rdukas (3900m).This is truly awesome place hundred meters above the glacier we should reach here in time for a late lunch and the rest of the afternoon is free to tend to camp chores or just to soak up our fabulous situation.

Day 9 Baltoro Glacier Trek. Trek to Goro Camp (4,295 m). Sights of Masherbrum Peak.
This day we follow the moraine edge and climb up on to the glacier. Soon we come have the enchanting view of Mashabrum (7821m) on out right side. Ascending and decending on the mountains of rubbles over the ice we have the glimpse ahead to the peaks which surround Concordia. Goro is the camp name with (4290m) and camping one of the largest glacier outside the polar region with the attracting view of Gashabrum IV (7925m).

Day 10 Baltoro Glacier Trek. Walk to Concordia (4,500 m).
Today, we move up to Concordia passing on Baltoro, views of Broad Peak (8051 m) appear while Marble and Crystal Peaks appear on the left. K2 remains concealed till the minute we reach Concordia; a breathtaking sight that becomes a beautiful memory forever. Concordia is wide area of glacier which is one of the greatest places on earth. We will be surrounded by 4 eight- thousanders, 10 out of 30 highest peaks of the world. Camp will be set at 4,500 m in Concordia on the moraine.

Day 11 K2 Base Camp (5,100 m) & Broad Peak B Camp (4,800 m) OR Optional day
Go to broad peak base camp (4800m), K-2 base camp (5100m) 0r Rest at Concordia.

If you chose to go, start early in the morning you can return to Concordia in the evening On this day of Trek, we can start early through crevasses and small rivers created by melting ice. We follow on the glacier that is named after Godwin Austin who first declared K2’s height. After three hours we will be at Broad Peak base camp where we will have a great sight of the astonishing Karakoram 2nd (K2), Mitre Peak behind us and the Bride Peak. We walk on the moraine which is mostly boulders. However we do walk on ice occasionally. After another 3 hours trek, we shall complete one way journey of the K2 Base Camp reaching a moraine safe zone, a traditional base camp area for K2 climbers. 

One can also visit Gilkey Memorial if time allows. The memorial has names of brave souls inscribed on plates and plagues. These tough ones died attempting K2. The decisions about trekking to K2 Base Camp, Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial, choosing one or another or all options or choosing to rest at Concordia on this day depends on the participants. Return to Concordia on this day is compulsory.

Day 12 Treks towards Ali camp (4,800m)
We set out journey on a less explored route today. The nature and difficulty of trekking depends on snow which is not common between the months of June to late August. Normally we would walk on non-slippery ice which is in fact easy to hike on. In case of large crevasses, we would take short detours only to make progress. However in case of snow conditions at Baltoro, participants and porters would walk together (all hooked to a rope) and use their crampons for safety. After walking for more than 5 hours, we should reach the junction point of Baltoro with West Vigne Glacier that is linked to Gondogoro La’s base. We set camp for tonight on the high moraine near the junction. Our campsite is known as “Ali Camp” as Ali (a porter belonging to nearby village) had first been recorded to cross Gondogoro La while returning as a porter from a climbing expedition to Gasherbrum. Reaching camp, we would have enough time to learn and practice some basic skills for moving on the Gondogoro La Trek’s fixed lines the following day.

Day 13 Gandogoro La Trek Crossing the La/Pass (5690m) to Khuspung
On this day of Gondogoro La Trek, participants are woken up sooner than first light. After a good breakfast, harnesses and crampons are put on and we hit the incredible West Vigne Glacier, all roped as one unit until we make to Gondogoro La’s base. Depending on weather and snow conditions on the lower slope of the high pass, we may possibly continue as one unit attached to the rope or we might be in a position to ascend the slope un-roped. Normally there would be at least one steep part to cross on the higher slopes. During these parts of the climb, our support crew will fix ropes. It normally takes around three hours to reach the top of Gondogoro La Pass.

One can have a splendid view of four of the 8,000 meter peaks, specifically Gasherbrum 1 and 2, Broad Peak and the mighty K2. The giant pass is one broad shoulder from where we get a perfect view of the astonishing Gondogoro valley on the opposite side.

While descending down the other sturdy side, one can enjoy views of Trinity peaks, not to mention the stunning Laila Peak (6,096 m). The fall is comparatively sudden and therefore requires use of fixed ropes for most of the descend. Crampons would be required for the most part of moving down the pass and also on the upper segment of Hushey valley which will normally be covered in snow. Participants will need to watch their every step while descending to avoid jolting stones into their team members. Once the gradient eases, we get to a trail running along the beautiful Gondogoro valley above Trinity Glacier that we meet soon.

Day 14 Trek to Saicho Campsite

Day 15 Trek to Hushey valley

Day 16 Drive for Skardu having lunch at Khaplu valley, the sub division and one of the most ancient valley in the heart of Karakoram.

Day 17 Stay in Khaplu Hotel.

Day 18 Fly to Islamabad and Sightseeing during the afternoon.
The drive from hotel to airport is 40 minutes and it’s a metal road. We board the plane for a thrilling flight towards Islamabad. We once again fly by the Nanga Parbat. Reaching Islamabad airport after a great adventure is very different experience and takes getting used to. Our vehicle will be at Islamabad airport to take us straight to the hotel. We will settle in and have lunch if there isn’t any unusual delay. After a good meal participants can take the day for rest or sightseeing around the city or shopping for popular options like artifacts or rugs. In the evening we will be together to enjoy special meal at local restaurant or at our hotel and share experiences of Gondogoro La Trek.

Day 19 Contingency day for delays in fly schedule.
Skardu is weather dependent area to fly as planes only operate when there is visibility for the pilot to land. The weather in summer is mostly good for the pilots to fly but mountain weather conditions may change to bring rain. Alternative way is to go by road through the Karakorum Highway which is a great experience for many foreigners. If we fly to Islamabad, the day can be used to rest and for sightseeing. The leaders of the trekking party will guide participants on this day with available options.

Day 20 Departure from Islamabad. Airport transfer from hotel.
Our land package for K-2 Trek ends only with breakfast and transfer to airport.

Price Includes:
Transport:
● Pick-up and Drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
● Group transfer to the trailhead 
● Pick-up at the exit from the trailhead and transfer to the hotel.

Hiking and safety equipment
● Oxygen Meters
● First Aid Kits
● Bottled Oxygen for emergency use only 
● Four Season 3- person Tents
● Dining Tent, Tables, Chairs, Cutlery
● Heater for Dining Tent 
● Portable Shower
● Portable Toilet
● 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
● GPS-tracking service

Climbing crew:
● Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. 
● Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Entry fees:
● Kilimanjaro National Park permits, crew fees, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT) and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority. 

Meals:
● All meals on the hike. Prepared by our professional cooks. (vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost )
● Celebration dinner after climb
● All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, juice, hot chocolate and water). 

Accommodation:
● 2 Nights at a 3 - star hotel with breakfast included ( before and after the climb ) in KILIMANJARO WONDERS HOTEL.

Please note:
All accommodation is on sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer), however a if you prefer a single hotel room or single tent that can be provided at an extra cost. We also offer other amenities for an extra cost such as a heater for your personal tents.

Price Does Not Include:
● Airfare
● Visas
● Lunch & Dinner at Hotel
● Personal Gear & Equipment
● Tips for the crew ( we recommend $200-$250 per hiker )