K-2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek
Up the Baltoro to Concordia and K-2 Base Camp, then out over the Gondogoro La into the Hushe valley instead of retracing your steps.
The Baltoro circuit
The classic way to K-2 is an out-and-back walk along the Baltoro glacier. This route turns it into a loop. After Concordia and K-2 Base Camp we head up the Vigne glacier to Ali Camp and cross the Gondogoro La, a high glaciated pass with one of the finest viewpoints in the Karakoram: K-2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums in a single sweep.
The crossing starts in the small hours, when the snow is firm, and uses fixed ropes on the steep descent. Our guides fix the lines and rope the group where needed. You need to be fit and comfortable on crampons; previous experience on snow is a real advantage.
The descent through Khuspang and Saicho brings you down to Hushe, the last village below Masherbrum, and a road back to Skardu.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Days 1 – 3
Islamabad & Skardu
Arrive in Islamabad for briefings and permits, fly to Skardu, and spend a day there while the crew packs supplies.
- Day 4
Jeep to Askole
A long jeep ride up the Braldu gorge to Askole, the last village, and on to the first camp.
- Days 5 – 7
Jhola, Paiju & Khoburtse
Along the Braldu to Paiju, below the Trango and Cathedral towers, then onto the Baltoro glacier itself.
- Days 8 – 9
Urdukas
A grassy camp above the ice and a rest day for acclimatization, with Masherbrum and Paiju Peak in view.
- Days 10 – 11
Goro & Concordia
Up the glacier past Gasherbrum IV to Concordia, where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers meet.
- Day 12
K-2 Base Camp
A long day to K-2 Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial, then back to camp.
- Days 13 – 14
Ali Camp
Up the Vigne glacier to Ali Camp, the high camp below the pass.
- Days 15 – 16
Over the Gondogoro La
An early start over the pass and down fixed ropes to Khuspang. A spare day is held here for bad weather.
- Days 17 – 18
Saicho & Hushe
Down the Gondogoro valley through meadows and willow groves to Hushe, then by road to Skardu.
- Days 19 – 21
Islamabad & departure
Fly to Islamabad, with a contingency day for weather, then onward travel.
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