Extreme Adventure from Islamabad to the Karakoram Range
Straddling the border between Pakistan and China, K2 stands at 28,251 feet, making it the second tallest mountain in the world. Looming over the western Himalayas in the Karakoram Range, it has been described as a formidable peak of ice, rock and sky - rising up to touch the heavens. Join legendary mountain guide Sergio Fitch Watkins on a trek to K2 Base Camp at 16,732 feet (weather permitting), for views coveted by trekkers around the world. Begin your journey in Islamabad, exploring ancient mosques and markets before embarking on this rewarding challenge of a lifetime. Hike remote mountain terrain and rocky moraines of the Baltoro Glacier into the arena of 26,000-foot peaks at Concordia, up to where the mountains begin to sing. Join us on this epic sky-high trek!
Straddling the border between Pakistan and China, K2 stands at 28,251 feet, making it the second tallest mountain in the world. Looming over the western Himalayas in the Karakoram Range, it has been described as a formidable peak of ice, rock and sky - rising up to touch the heavens. Join legendary mountain guide Sergio Fitch Watkins on a trek to K2 Base Camp at 16,732 feet (weather permitting), for views coveted by trekkers around the world. Begin your journey in Islamabad, exploring ancient mosques and markets before embarking on this rewarding challenge of a lifetime. Hike remote mountain terrain and rocky moraines of the Baltoro Glacier into the arena of 26,000-foot peaks at Concordia, up to where the mountains begin to sing. Join us on this epic sky-high trek!
Explore with a pro guide with more than 30 years of mountain guiding experience
[Description] => Explore with a pro guide with more than 30 years of mountain guiding experience
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Trek the Baltoro Glacier - one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions and visible from space!
[Description] => Trek the Baltoro Glacier - one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions and visible from space!
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Be awed at Concordia with the plethora of peaks surrounding the camp
Welcome to Pakistan! On arrival, meet an MT Sobek representative and transfer to your hotel. Join the rest of the group on an afternoon tour of Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan including visits to the Daman-e-Koh, local markets and Faisal Mosque, time permitting, before your welcome dinner and briefing this evening.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Islamabad
Meals: Dinner
Fly from Islamabad - Skardu
Day 2
Wake up for breakfast at hotel before flying to Skardu (weather permitting). In case the flight is canceled, drive along the ancient Silk Road to Chilas, situated on the banks of the mighty Indus River.
Accommodation: Concordia Hotel
Transportation: 1-hour flight or 12-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Skardu or Drive from Chilas to Skardu
Day 3
Today is free to explore Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu if the previous days flight was canceled. Meet with the tourism department for a briefing on the upcoming trek.
Accommodation: Concordia Hotel
Transportation: Potential 8-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Jhola
Day 4
After breakfast at hotel, drive in 4x4 jeeps to Jhola, at 10,500'. We pass Askole, located in the Shigar Valley at the entrance to the high Karakoram wilderness, then cross the Biafo Glacier for the first sight of the Paiyu pinnacles.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Transportation: 7-hour private jeep transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Jhola to Paiyu (11,319')
Day 5
Today's trek to Paiyu begins with two potential routes depending on weather. If the river is running low, edge along the base of a rock wall that guards the valley toward the Baltoro Glacier. Otherwise, take a higher traverse before joining the riverbed that leads to Paiyu, where you will camp tonight.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 7-8 hours/13 miles hiking with 1,886' elevation gain and 1,096' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paiyu to Khoburtse (12,894')
Day 6
Today will be a challenging trek tackling the rocky moraines of the Baltoro Glacier up to Khoburste at 12,894'. But along the way, the surrounding sights of Paiyu Peak and the Trango Towers will make the effort worthwhile!
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 5-6 hours/9 miles hiking with 2,103' elevation gain and 725' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Khoburtse to Urdukas (13,550')
Day 7
Today is your first sighting of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums as your trek to Urdukas at 13,550'. The campsite is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most intense mountain views in the world, which is dominated by nameless Tower, claimed to have the tallest granite wall in the world.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 4-5 hours/4 miles hiking with 816' elevation gain and 128' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimate at Urdukas (13,550')
Day 8
Today is an acclimatization day at Urdukas to relax and stretch your legs.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Goro (14,271')
Day 9
Begin the trek into the heart of the Karakoram mountain range known as Concordia, the confluence of the Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier on a trek to Goro at 14,271'. Camp surrounded by views of Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum 4 and Masherbrum. If lucky with a clear evening, enjoy the red sunset hues over Masherbrum, a sight never to be forgotten!
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 7-8 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,079' elevation gain and 292' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Behold Concordia! (14,764')
Day 10
Trek up to Concordia, passing the Golden Throne and Mitre Peak, entering into the arena of the 8,000 meter peaks: Broad Peak (26,414'), Gasherbrums and the sought after K2! Continue onwards up the mighty Baltoro passing Mustagh Tower (23,897'), Gasherbrum IV (26,001') and Hidden Peak (Gasherbrum I - 26,509'), with it's fin-like ridges, partially hidden behind Gasherbrum IV. End the day in Concordia, a three-mile wide glacier and camp on the moraine surrounded by 10 of the 30 tallest peaks in the world.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 948' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Broad Peak Base Camp (15,748') or K2 Base Camp (16,732')
Day 11
Today we will have optional day hikes to K2 Base Camp and Broad Peak Base Camp. We will split into two groups but both day hikes are weather dependent and if it has snowed heavily, we will not undertake the hikes. Wake up early to start the trek through crevasses and across small rivers, all created by the melting ice. After three hours we will be at Broad Peak Base Camp where we will have a great view of the astonishing Karakoram 2nd (K2), Mitre Peak behind us and 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 our one-way journey to K2 Base Camp reaching a moraine safe zone, a traditional base camp area for K2 climbers. Revel in the incredibly beautiful, humbling region - and awesome views of K2! One can also visit Gilkey Memorial if time allows.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 5-6 hours/5-6 miles hiking with 985' elevation gain and 985' elevation loss (Broad Peak Base Camp) or 9-11 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,968' elevation gain and 1,968' loss (K2 Base Camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Down to Goro (14,271')
Day 12
Begin to retrace your route back to Askole, where you started the trek. Today trek down to Goro.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 493' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Retrace Back to Urdukas
Day 13
Retrace your route back to Urdukas.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 6-7 hours/10 miles hiking with 725' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Back to Khoburtse (12,894')
Day 14
Retrace your route down to Khoburtse.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 4-5 hours/4 miles hiking with 650' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Paiyu
Day 15
Trek back down to Paiyu.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 5-6 hours/9 miles hiking with 480' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Back to Jhola
Day 16
Trek back to Jhola. We take the higher traverse before we regain the old riverbed that leads to Jhola.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Pakistan
Activity: 7-8 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 480' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Skardu (7,382')
Day 17
After having an early breakfast, we set off early to drive to Skardu by 4x4 Jeeps to avoid the heat of the day. The road is a bit bumpy and rough.
Accommodation: Concordia Hotel
Transportation: 7-8 hour private jeep transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Skardu
Day 18
After a leisurely breakfast, check back in with the tourism department before heading out to explore the sights of Skardu.
Accommodation: Concordia Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Islamabad or Drive to Chilas
Day 19
Fly back to Islamabad today (weather permitting) and check into the hotel. Then sightsee in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Among the sites we may visit today are Lok Virsa Museum, Pakistan Heritage Museum and Pakistan Monument.
If the flight is canceled, drive to Chilas, along the Indus River with beautiful views of Haramosh, Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi, before checking into the hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Islamabad
Transportation: 1-hour flight or 8-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Free Day in Islamabad or Drive to Islamabad
Day 20
Today we have an optional tour to Taxila Museum, which dates from the 5th century BC. It was first mentioned as a satrapy of Achaemenian Empire in the 6th century BC, later invaded by Alexander and passed to Ashoka the Great, who molded the city into a center of philosophy, art and education. After lunch return to Islamabad and transfer to Hill View Hotel for free time. We gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening.
If the previous day's flight was canceled, drive from Chilas to Islamabad before meeting for dinner.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Islamabad
Transportation: Potential 12-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart for Home
Day 21
Say goodbye to Pakistan filled with memories for a lifetime, and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Sergio F.
Sergio is a legendary trekking guide with over 40 years of experience and 300 trips to his name! Besides leading our expeditions in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina's Aconcagua, he also loves to lead some of our more challenging treks in Nepal and Peru. His recent expeditions include leading our 50th Anniversary Base Camp Trek, Chile's Dientes de Navarino mountains, and an epic hiking adventure in the Dolomites. Sergio has acquired a loyal following, and is one of our most respected guides.
Afsar J.
Afsar hails from Ali-abad Hunza, Pakistan, and boasts more than 30 years of experience in adventure tourism. He began his career as a high-altitude porter and worked with expeditions in the Karakoram and western Himalayas. Afsar summited Trango Towers at 20,623 feet in 2001! In 2019, he joined MT Sobek as an Assistant Guide and has been an integral part of MT Sobek’s K2 base camp treks. As well as being indefatigable, Afsar is a savvy route finder and is always there as a helping hand for the group’s needs on the trek.
Islam B.
Islam hails from Hunza, Pakistan and is a skilled mountain guide with more than thirty years of experience in travel and tourism in Pakistan. He is fluent in English, and Urdu as well as the local dialects of Gilgit Baltistan. He started his career as a tour and mountain guide in 1994 and has led many foreign trekking and tour groups in Pakistan, in particular K2 base camp treks.
Welcome to Pakistan! On arrival, meet an MT Sobek representative and transfer to your hotel. Join the rest of the group on an afternoon tour of Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan including visits to the Daman-e-Koh, local markets and Faisal Mosque, time permitting, before your welcome dinner and briefing this evening.
Wake up for breakfast at hotel before flying to Skardu (weather permitting). In case the flight is canceled, drive along the ancient Silk Road to Chilas, situated on the banks of the mighty Indus River.
Today is free to explore Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu if the previous days flight was canceled. Meet with the tourism department for a briefing on the upcoming trek.
After breakfast at hotel, drive in 4x4 jeeps to Jhola, at 10,500\'. We pass Askole, located in the Shigar Valley at the entrance to the high Karakoram wilderness, then cross the Biafo Glacier for the first sight of the Paiyu pinnacles.
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Today\'s trek to Paiyu begins with two potential routes depending on weather. If the river is running low, edge along the base of a rock wall that guards the valley toward the Baltoro Glacier. Otherwise, take a higher traverse before joining the riverbed that leads to Paiyu, where you will camp tonight.
Today will be a challenging trek tackling the rocky moraines of the Baltoro Glacier up to Khoburste at 12,894\'. But along the way, the surrounding sights of Paiyu Peak and the Trango Towers will make the effort worthwhile!
Today is your first sighting of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums as your trek to Urdukas at 13,550\'. The campsite is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most intense mountain views in the world, which is dominated by nameless Tower, claimed to have the tallest granite wall in the world.
Begin the trek into the heart of the Karakoram mountain range known as Concordia, the confluence of the Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier on a trek to Goro at 14,271\'. Camp surrounded by views of Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum 4 and Masherbrum. If lucky with a clear evening, enjoy the red sunset hues over Masherbrum, a sight never to be forgotten!
Trek up to Concordia, passing the Golden Throne and Mitre Peak, entering into the arena of the 8,000 meter peaks: Broad Peak (26,414\'), Gasherbrums and the sought after K2! Continue onwards up the mighty Baltoro passing Mustagh Tower (23,897\'), Gasherbrum IV (26,001\') and Hidden Peak (Gasherbrum I - 26,509\'), with it\'s fin-like ridges, partially hidden behind Gasherbrum IV. End the day in Concordia, a three-mile wide glacier and camp on the moraine surrounded by 10 of the 30 tallest peaks in the world.
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Today we will have optional day hikes to K2 Base Camp and Broad Peak Base Camp. We will split into two groups but both day hikes are weather dependent and if it has snowed heavily, we will not undertake the hikes. Wake up early to start the trek through crevasses and across small rivers, all created by the melting ice. After three hours we will be at Broad Peak Base Camp where we will have a great view of the astonishing Karakoram 2nd (K2), Mitre Peak behind us and 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 our one-way journey to K2 Base Camp reaching a moraine safe zone, a traditional base camp area for K2 climbers. Revel in the incredibly beautiful, humbling region - and awesome views of K2! One can also visit Gilkey Memorial if time allows.
Fly back to Islamabad today (weather permitting) and check into the hotel. Then sightsee in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Among the sites we may visit today are Lok Virsa Museum, Pakistan Heritage Museum and Pakistan Monument.
If the flight is canceled, drive to Chilas, along the Indus River with beautiful views of Haramosh, Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi, before checking into the hotel for the night.
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Today we have an optional tour to Taxila Museum, which dates from the 5th century BC. It was first mentioned as a satrapy of Achaemenian Empire in the 6th century BC, later invaded by Alexander and passed to Ashoka the Great, who molded the city into a center of philosophy, art and education. After lunch return to Islamabad and transfer to Hill View Hotel for free time. We gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening.
If the previous day\'s flight was canceled, drive from Chilas to Islamabad before meeting for dinner.
Say goodbye to Pakistan filled with memories for a lifetime, and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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[ActivityHighlight] => This is the most challenging trip we offer. On this trek you will be hiking 8 to 9 hours a day, mostly at elevations above 12,000 feet. The trails are extremely difficult and you will be hiking on large and small rocks for most of the trek. This type of glacial moraine terrain (which is rock over ice), combined with the altitude, makes it a challenging experience. You need to be in excellent physical condition and have similar previous experience of hiking and camping at high altitudes.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 5. This is the most challenging trip we offer. On this trek you will be hiking 8 to 9 hours a day, mostly at elevations above 12,000 feet. The trails are extremely difficult and you will be hiking on large and small rocks for most of the trek. This type of glacial moraine terrain (which is rock over ice), combined with the altitude, makes it a challenging experience. You need to be in excellent physical condition and have similar previous experience of hiking and camping at high altitudes. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 5
7-8 hours/13 miles hiking with 1,886' elevation gain and 1,096' loss
Day 6
5-6 hours/9 miles hiking with 2,103' elevation gain and 725' loss
Day 7
4-5 hours/4 miles hiking with 816' elevation gain and 128' loss
Day 9
7-8 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,079' elevation gain and 292' loss
Day 10
4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 948' elevation gain
Day 11
5-6 hours/5-6 miles hiking with 985' elevation gain and 985' elevation loss (Broad Peak Base Camp) or 9-11 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,968' elevation gain and 1,968' loss (K2 Base Camp)
Day 12
4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 493' elevation loss
Day 13
6-7 hours/10 miles hiking with 725' elevation loss
Day 14
4-5 hours/4 miles hiking with 650' elevation loss
Day 15
5-6 hours/9 miles hiking with 480' elevation loss
Day 16
7-8 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 480' elevation loss
Accommodations
Remote mountain camping with comfortable hotels in Skardu, Chilas and Islamabad.
The Concordia Hotel is conveniently located in Skardu and surrounded by scenic beauty and snow-covered peaks. We've decorated our rooms to display the breathtaking views of the mighty river Indus. The hotel and our services reflect true Baltistan warmth and hospitality.
Remote trekking means remote camping, with different tranquil settings each night. Rest up from your day's adventure in comfortable camps outfitted with two-person tents, dining tents and toilet tents. Each day you will be greeted with bed tea/coffee and warm washing water. Hearty food is served at each meal.
A 25-minute drive from Islamabad International Airport, the Best Western Premier Islamabad is a comfortable resort for any guest. Unwind in one of their 112 spacious rooms and enjoy their high-quality accommodations, which include a spa, sauna, steam room, and gym. Take a plunge and sip a cold drink as you watch a breathtaking sunset on their rooftop swimming pool.
Weather
Daytime temperatures range from the 50°Fs to the 90°Fs, depending on the elevation. Nighttime temperatures drop to 14°Fs in the high camps and 40°Fs in the low camps.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Islamabad
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Islamabad
101
75
95
76
92
75
K2 Base Camp
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
K2 Base Camp
77
14
78
16
78
16
Know Before You Book
This is a very challenging trek at high altitude. Please review the Activity Level information carefully before booking.
FAQs
Where do I fly to for this trip?
You will fly roundtrip to Islamabad, Pakistan.
Who will meet me on arrival?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
Yes, you must apply for a single entry, 3 month e-visa. MT Sobek will provide you with a visa support letter to submit with your application.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and pad for this trip?
Yes. We recommend a rating of 5°F to 15°F; keep in mind your own personal warmth and comfort when choosing your sleeping bag. Please also bring a sleeping pad of choice.
Will I have Wi-Fi on the trip?
Yes. You will have Wi-Fi in Islamabad and Skardu.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
