Trip Highlights
Trek beneath towering granite spires, across shifting glaciers, and through valleys untouched by time or tourism.
Stand at the mighty Concordia, where four of the world’s highest mountains clash in breathtaking silence.
Follow the ancient caravan routes of legendary explorers through the raw heart of the Karakoram range.
Camp beneath a billion stars with K2 looming above, its silhouette dominating the icy skyline.
Explore remote Balti villages and witness a culture shaped by mountains, resilience, and legend.
Why choose us for this adventure?
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Next-Level Logistics in a Remote Corner of the World
K2 isn’t your average Himalayan wander - it’s remote & wild. From high-quality expedition tents to full camp setups and seamless internal travel, we’ve fine-tuned the details so you can focus on the views, not the logistics.
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Acclimatisation-First Itinerary
We include longer, better-paced days to give you the best chance at making it to base camp (and actually enjoying it). We’ve engineered the route with altitude wins in mind, based on years of high-altitude know-how.
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Local Guides, Global Standards
Our K2 team is made up of legendary Pakistani guides and Baltistani porters who’ve worked on dozens of K2 summit attempts and treks - combined with the EverTrek ethos of training, safety, and professionalism.
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Exclusive Perks
Get your hands on our EverTrek Trip app - your go-to tool for preparing before you go and staying on track while on the trail. Plus, unlock exclusive discounts from our expert partners, including The Altitude Centre, Montane and Ellis Brigham.

Download the full Trip Guide
The EverTrek Difference
We go the extra mile – before you even hit the trail!

EverTrek App
Get access to our mobile Trip Planner App with maps, countdown to your trip, tick lists weather updates plus insider knowledge to get the most out of your trip!
PLUS Get a FREE training plan from The Altitude Centre
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What's Included
- Airport Pick-up, Drop-off
- All hotel accommodation when needed Shared accommodation is standard across all trips: solo trekkers will share twin rooms with another same gendered trekker.
- Return Internal flights to Skardu (luggage limit: 20kg hold & 7kg hand luggage)
- All Trekking permits
- Vehicles for remote transport including for internal flight
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Boiled water on the trek (bringing purification tablets is recommended)
- All accommodation whilst on trek in expedition tents Shared accommodation is standard across all trips: solo trekkers will share two-person tents with another same gendered trekker.
- Experienced Fully licensed English speaking guide
- Porters and support crew (weight limit for bags on trek: 17kg)
- EverTrek Trip App
- EverTrek Support System
- Exclusive equipment discounts from Ellis Brigham, Osprey, The Altitude Center and loads more
What customers say about us
Difficulty:
Challenging
How challenging is the trek?
The K2 Base Camp Trek is one of the most demanding and adventurous high-altitude treks in the world. If you’re looking for a remote, expedition-style experience that pushes your endurance, takes you off the beaten track, and delivers some of the most jaw-dropping mountain views on Earth, this is it.
You’ll be trekking through the Baltoro Glacier, navigating across rough, uneven terrain, camping in some of the most isolated mountain valleys anywhere, and finishing at the foot of K2 (8,611m) the world’s second-highest (and arguably most dramatic) peak.
This isn’t for beginners. It’s a physical and mental test, with long days, basic camping, big altitude, and no easy exits once you’re in the mountains.
Pre-Trek Fitness Prep
To take on the K2 Base Camp Trek, you should be able to:
- Hike for 7 to 9 hours a day, carrying a 7 to 10kg daypack
- Handle multiple 1,000m+ ascent and descent days, over rough glacial terrain
- Manage multi-day endurance, including trekking for up to 15–18 days consecutively
- Train consistently with back-to-back long hikes, strength and cardio work, and terrain-specific conditioning
If you’re fit, committed, and mentally prepared, this trek is achievable, but this is not one to “wing it.” Training is essential, and so is a love for the raw, untamed side of adventure.
What to expect on the trek
Altitude Challenges
You’ll reach an altitude of 5,150m at K2 Base Camp, and spend many days above 4,000m, including crossing the Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m) if conditions allow. Altitude is a serious factor on this trek, especially with the sustained elevation and tough terrain.
Acclimatisation is built into the itinerary, but with limited infrastructure and no easy helicopter evacuations, this is true expedition territory. Proper pacing and acclimatisation are critical.
Duration
The full trek usually takes around 16-20 days, including travel in and out of Skardu, acclimatisation days, and the return via either the same route or over the Gondogoro La Pass.
You’ll be trekking 6 to 9 hours per day, with some very long and tough days on the glacier and over the pass.
There are no lodges here, it’s full-on camping in high-altitude wilderness, supported by a local logistics team.
Terrain
The terrain is raw, rugged, and ever-changing. Expect:
- Rocky trails, boulder fields, loose scree, glacial moraine, and sections of ice and snow
- Multi-day trekking across the Baltoro Glacier, with no trail as such, just navigating across a massive ice flow
- River crossings, exposed ridges, and some steep sections (especially on Gondogoro La)
This is tough trekking, even by Himalayan standards – but you’re rewarded with views of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Masherbrum, Trango Towers, and of course, K2 itself.
Weather
Conditions can vary dramatically:
- Hot, dry days lower down in the valleys
- Sub-zero nights at higher camps, especially near base camp and the pass
- Snow, high winds, or storms are possible even in trekking season
The best time to trek is mid-June to late August, when weather windows are more stable – but even then, flexibility and resilience are essential.
The K2 Base Camp Trek is the ultimate test for serious trekkers. It’s longer, harder, and more remote than Everest – but also quieter, wilder, and, in many ways, more humbling.
Essential Kit
Take a look at the recommended essential kit below to ensure you're fully equipped and ready to enjoy your trip to the fullest. A full and detailed packing list can be downloaded.
Sustainable Tourism
Because we only use local guiding teams it ensures your trip directly benefits the local mountain communities.
20-Day K2 Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Welcome to Pakistan!
Once you have arrived at Islamabad International a member of the EverTrek team will be there to greet you and take you to the hotel in Islamabad. Once at the hotel, you can relax and recover from your flight and in the evening have a briefing about you the upcoming days. Islamabad is located at the foothills of the western Himalayas. It was purposely built as the new capital city of Pakistan in 1960.
After a good night's sleep in Islamabad, today, you will take a spectacular Mountain View flight to Skardu.
During the flight, you will have your first glimpse of K2 (8611 m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) and many other famous Karakorum Peaks. Once you have landed at Skardu we will transfer to your hotel where you will meet some of your porters and trekking crew. Skardu is the Capital and administrative town of the Baltistan region of Pakistan. Baltistan was once one of the biggest kingdoms of the Himalayas. The inhabitants of Baltistan are called Balti people, and they are descendants from Tibet and Mongolia. They speak Balti language which is similar to Tibetan. Culture, traditions, and architecture are strongly influenced by Tibet, that’s why this region is also known as little Tibet.
Today is a free day to explore Skardu while your guides organise your permits and make final preparations for, transportation and logistics for the K2 Trek.
You can visit the historic Kharpocho Fort which was beautifully built in the late 16th century on top of a rock overlooking Skardu Town. Skardu is spread out on the south bank of the Indus River which separates the Karakorum from the Himalayas. Skardu has a long bazaar with shops along both sides of the main road.
Today it’s time to sit back and charge your energy batteries before the real trekking starts tomorrow.
You will drive along the mighty rivers Indus, Shigar then Braldu to the Shigar Valley and onwards towards Johla by passing Askoli village.
Askoli is the last village before entering into the heart of the Karakoram and the trek to K2.
You will spend your first night under the Stars in Johla, which is high above the thundering Braldu River.
It's an early start as we leave the Johla campsite and head along the edge of the river.
We then start climbing to the higher ground allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak (6611 m). You have to negotiate a couple of streams today and depending on the melting of the glaciers above, you may have to ford these (sports sandals or old trainers are useful). Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak. It is from this camp you have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier, granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral towers, and if the weather is clear your first glimpse of K2.
Today you will take the time to acclimatise and allow the body to adjust to the higher altitude, proper acclimatisation is important to keep you strong and healthy on your way to K2 Base Camp.
That being said, whilst here do expect a musical night over a bonfire by the local Balti porters followed by singing and dancing. Great way to acclimatise.
Another early start as we leave the camp at Paiju.
After an hour or so you will reach the start of the awesome Baltoro Glacier. After passing the flowing front of the glacier it’s time to climb onto this beast!
At this point, the ice of the glacier is completely covered by rubble and rocks and although we are following a trail used by many expeditions, the going here can be quite tough. The trail undulated as we climb over the swells of the flowing glacier, and it is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum or K2. Once we find the route, you will continue on until finally reaching the camp at Khorburtse (3,760m). Some awesome views of Cathedral Towers, the Trango Towers, and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho.
Trekking distance: 15 km
Today is a short trek bit not to be underestimated.
As you walk up the undulating moraine and gaining altitude all the way you will certainly start to slow down but what better way to acclimatise than look around and drink in the views. We continue east beside the Baltoro Glacier either along the lateral moraine or sometimes on the glacier itself, passing the ship-like prow of Great Trango tower to our next camp at Urdukas.
This is a truly special place and as it’s s short day, it gives you heaps of time to explore and soak in the mountain views surrounding you. Enjoy!
Leaving Urdukas behind, you will follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier.
The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu glacier, which flows from Masherbrum, and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m) and Gasherbrum IV. We are quite high now and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions, so we will make sure to wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier where ledges have been levelled out for the tents.
After breakfast, you will start trekking towards Concordia, where the Baltoro and the Godwin-Austen glaciers converge which is the center point and the heart of the Karakoram mountain range.
This awesome vantage point is home to some of the world's most gigantic mountains and glaciers. From here, in all directions, you have the chance to view 10 of the planet's top 30 highest peaks including Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, and, of course, the mighty K2.
Not a bad spot to camp ehh!
Normally most trekking groups stop at Concordia and enjoy the views of K2 from afar but not us! You came all this way to get to K2 base camp so let’s do it.
Before we reach that point there’s another awesome place to stay for the night which is Broad Peak base camp where we camp. One of the best seats in the house for an epic close-up views of K2 and Broad Peak.
Rise and shine early to witness another spectacular sunrise view over K2.
Get that breakfast down your neck before you start the journey to K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
Arriving here and standing where so many mountaineering legends have visited is certainly an emotional and powerful experience. However, let’s not get the tissues out just yet, time to enjoy the amazing views of K2 Base Camp whilst hugging your teammates. Look back to Concordia, Broad Peak and other Karakorum giants, which can be seen rising from the majestic Baltoro Glacier.
After some lunch at K2 Base Camp, we trek back down to Concordia for the night.
It’s time to bid farewell to the awesome K2 and start descending back to the Baltoro Glacier towards Goro for a night's stay.
As you start descending, K2 will be hidden, but Gasherbrum IV resumes its prominence at the head of the Baltoro Glacier and reveals a sliver of Gasherbrum I.
As we are now heading down, the crew might start to get into song mode. Nothing like some local Batlis singing in this atmospheric place. Awesome experience
It is amazing how different everything looks during your descent.
The drop in altitude starts to become more noticeable as the granite walls and spires lining the glacier, which yesterday looked almost lower than us, now tower to lofty heights above.
You can literally start to tase the oxygen as the air starts to thicken and becomes warmer. Today will be the first time off the glacier for some time. Wow! Dry land!
You can see the patches of green on the lower slopes of Paiju Peak which mark the location of the spring water camps.
We continue descending on the Baltoro Glacier towards Paiju with the fantastic views of the Trango Tower.
Then we make a detour to the south to cross the Liligo Glacier. Navigating the glacier will involve climbing over the huge swells of ice and glacial rock before you pick up the main trail.
The last part of the day is an easy walk on a good path although there will be a final uphill pull to arrive at the campsite.
Today will be your final trekking day of this amazing trip.
Now you are off the glacier and at a lower elevation it is considerably warmer, and you may make an early start to use the cool of the morning. It’s a long day today down the river, crisscrossing streams before you reach the campsite and bridge at Jhola where you will stay for the night.
Last night under the stars so drink in all in guys!
After spending the last evening camping in the scenic Karakorum, it’s time to get onto the road and make for Skardu.
The route follows the Braldu river until you reach Shigar. Sometimes there is a chance the road from Johla to Shigar can get blocked due to land slides. If this happens, we can jump into another vehicle to make the journey.
A hot shower, a few beers and you will sleep in a real bed tonight.
Skardu airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
Another chance to drink in the views on this awesome flight back to Islamabad. Arriving in Islamabad after a period in the Karakorum mountains is always a strange experience as it takes a little time to get used to the hustle and bustle but a cold drink and a hot meal will sort you out.
Once at the hotel, the afternoon is free to explore or relax before we all catch up for an evening meal to celebrate the trek.
Note: The Skardu to Islamabad flight is weather dependent. Should the flight be cancelled the journey will be taken by road to Astore and on a Land Cruiser via the spectacular Deosai plains.
If the weather was kind and we flew back to Islamabad yesterday then it’s a free day for you to explore Islamabad.
Plenty to see and do here. If there is no flight, today will be the long drive from Astore to Islamabad along the Karakorum highway once again taking in the mountains around you.
This would take up much of the day but is a great opportunity to see parts of Pakistan you wouldn't see any other time.
Departure Day
It's time to say goodbye to Pakistan and your team, we will arrange your transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
What an adventure it's been! Where's next?
Departure Dates & Prices
Saturday 09th August 2025 –
Thursday 28th August 2025
£3,200pp
Saturday 08th August 2026 –
Thursday 27th August 2026
£3,100pp
OR £484 / 6 months
Food & Accommodation
The K2 Base Camp trek takes you deep into one of the most remote and dramatic mountain regions on Earth, and the accommodation and food reflect that expedition-style challenge. You’ll start and end in hotels, but for the bulk of the trek you’ll be sleeping in tents, surrounded by granite spires, shifting glaciers, and some of the most spectacular peaks on the planet.
This is raw, rugged trekking at its finest, and while it won’t be luxury, you’ll be well-fed, well-supported, and sleeping under some of the most star-filled skies you’ll ever see.
Accommodation
Hotels in Islamabad & Skardu
You’ll stay in comfortable, locally-run hotels in both Islamabad and Skardu before and after the trek. Rooms are twin-share with private bathrooms, hot showers, and a chance to unwind before and after your time in the Karakoram. Meals are served in the hotel restaurants, and there’s time to explore both cities depending on flight schedules.
Tented Camps on the Trek
Once you leave the road behind at Askoli, it’s full expedition-style camping all the way to K2 Base Camp and back. You’ll sleep in high-quality trekking tents, twin-share as standard. These are pitched each day by our local crew, no DIY camping here.
Camp Setup Includes:
- Two-person tents (spacious, weather-tested)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen tent where our team prepares all meals fresh each day
- Private toilet tents at camp (no public long-drops!)
Campsites range from grassy riverbanks at lower altitudes to rocky glacier platforms higher up (yes, you’ll be camping on the Baltoro Glacier). It’s basic but deeply rewarding, you’ll wake up each day surrounded by some of the biggest mountains in the world.
Accommodation Summary
Day |
Location |
Accommodation Type |
1 |
Islamabad |
Hotel |
2-3 |
Skardu |
Hotel |
4-16 |
Trekking Route |
Fully supported tented camping |
17 |
Skardu |
Hotel |
18-19 |
Islamabad |
Hotel |
All hotel nights are based on twin-share rooms. Solo trekkers will be paired with same-gender teammates unless a single supplement is booked.
Food on the Trek
All meals are included during the trek from Day 2 to Day 17. And make no mistake, this is not your average trail mix and noodles setup. Our cook team delivers hot, nutritious, and often surprisingly varied meals, even at 4,500m on ice.
Expect three cooked meals a day, with snacks, tea, and hot drinks throughout. You’ll eat in a communal dining tent, a great place to share stories and warm up after a long day on the trail.
Typical Meals Include:
Breakfasts:
- Porridge, omelettes, fried eggs, paratha or chapati, toast (where possible)
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Lunches:
- Usually served hot or packed depending on the day’s trek
- Noodles, rice, lentils, potatoes, beans, canned tuna or chicken, vegetables
- Fresh fruit or sweets if available
Dinners:
- Three-course meals (soup starter, main course, and dessert)
- Hearty dishes like rice with daal, vegetable curry, pasta with sauces, meat or egg options, and flatbreads
- Occasional treats like custard, cake, or pudding
Water & Hydration
Boiled water is provided daily. Bring your own water bottles or hydration bladder (2-3L capacity recommended), and purification tablets as backup. Bottled water is not available on the trail and plastic waste is strictly avoided.
Dietary Requirements
We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, just let us know in advance. Due to the remote nature of this trek, variety may be limited, but our team will always do their best to accommodate your needs.
Notes on City Meals
- All meals during the trek are included.
- In the cities (Islamabad and Skardu), only breakfast is included.
- You’re free to explore local restaurants or grab a meal with your guides, a great chance to try Pakistani food like biryani, grilled meats, or lentil dishes.
FAQs
The K2 Base Camp Trek with EverTrek costs between £3,200 and £3,250 depending on your chosen departure year. This includes accommodation in hotels in Islamabad and Skardu, full-service camping during the trek (including tents, mess tents, and kitchen staff), domestic flights where possible (or jeep transfers if needed), all main meals during the trek, permits, experienced local guides and porters, and full EverTrek support. International flights to Islamabad, travel insurance, visa costs, tips, and some personal expenses are not included.
EverTrek uses the classic K2 Base Camp and Concordia route, trekking deep into the Karakoram mountain range. The route follows the Braldu River to Paiju, across the famous Baltoro Glacier, passing through Concordia, and reaching the base of K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. The trek offers breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II, and, of course, K2 itself.
This trek is rated very challenging. You’ll need a very good level of fitness to trek 6–9 hours per day, often over rough, rocky, and glaciated terrain. The highest point reached is around 5,150m at K2 Base Camp. Previous multi-day trekking experience at altitude is strongly recommended. You’ll need stamina, strong legs, and mental resilience to complete this epic adventure.
Training should focus on:
- Cardiovascular fitness (long-distance hiking, running, cycling)
- Leg and core strength (weighted hikes, strength training)
- Altitude training or back-to-back high mountain hikes if possible
We recommend training 4–5 times per week for at least 4–6 months before the trek. Joining an EverTrek UK training weekend (for example, in Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons) is highly recommended for physical preparation and meeting the EverTrek team.
It's super important to sort your visa between 3-6 months before your trip date (not before). It's quite a meaty task so leave plenty of time to complete this. You will need information from us to complete this but we've written this handy guide to make this process as simple as possible.
All main meals are included during the trek, from Skardu onwards, breakfast, lunch, and dinner while camping. Meals typically include hearty local and international dishes suitable for trekking at altitude. Meals in Islamabad and Skardu outside of the trek days (e.g., during arrival and departure) are not included, giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants.
We recommend bringing cash for:
- Meals in Islamabad and Skardu
- Tips for the trekking crew and guides
- Snacks, soft drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses
- Visa fees for Pakistan
Bring US Dollars and Pakistani Rupees in cash, as access to ATMs can be limited in Skardu and non-existent during the trek.
There are no showers during the trekking portion of the K2 Base Camp trek. You can wash with bowls of warm water provided by the team at campsites. In hotels in Islamabad and Skardu, full bathroom facilities including hot showers are available.
The best trekking seasons are:
- Mid-June to August – This is when the weather is stable, glaciers are more accessible, and high passes are open.
- Earlier or later in the season can bring snow and harsher conditions, making the trek more difficult or even inaccessible.
Tipping is customary and a vital part of the trekking culture in Pakistan. We recommend budgeting around 10–15% of your total trip cost. Your lead guide will assist in coordinating the tipping ceremony at the end of the trek.
As you’ll be trekking at elevations up to 5,150m, altitude sickness is a serious consideration. To minimise your risk:
- Follow the gradual acclimatisation itinerary
- Drink 4–5 litres of water per day
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Ascend slowly and pace yourself
- Be aware of early symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite
- Consider using Diamox (after consulting your GP)
- Always communicate openly with your guide if you feel unwell, early intervention is critical.
Yes, your main duffel bag must not exceed 15kg, this is to ensure the welfare of our porters and animal welfare during the trek. You will also carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, spare layers, and sun protection each day. Pack light but make sure you are prepared for highly variable weather conditions in the Karakoram.
Yes, this trip requires a minimum of 3 EverTrekkers for it to be confirmed and guaranteed to go ahead. We’ll let you know at the time your final balance is due (which is 6 months before the trip) whether the trip is going ahead or if the minimum group size hasn’t been met.
We strongly recommend avoiding any non-refundable costs (such as flights or accommodation) until you’ve received confirmation that your trip is guaranteed.
Please read out minimum number terms and conditions for more info around refund & payment terms.