K2 BASE CAMP TREK
This 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. However this is a tough but rewarding trek, with many days being spent on the rugged, tumbled glacier as you head up to ‘Concordia’ where the Baltoro and the Godwin-Austen glaciers converge in a beauty and simplicity of ice and rock. Many trekking operators only include a trek up to BC on a day return but Summit Karakoram takes you on up past Broad Peak to K2 Base Camp where we spend a night, allowing you time to absorb the unique atmosphere and environment surrounding this unforgettable mountain.
K2 basecamp is located on the upper Baltoro Glacier, home to the 4 most concentrated 8000-meter peaks on earth. K2 (8611m), Broad Peak (8051m), Gasherbrum I (8080m), Gasherbrum II (8035m). This region of Pakistan is known as Baltistan and is uniquely independent with shades of its old Tibetan roots.
The K2 base camp trek takes 18 days in total (up and down) including from home to home, need to add more 2/3 days and starts in the village of Askole. Once away from this small green oasis, the mighty Karakoram doesn't take long to reveal its beauty. Serrated summits and towering cliffs rear up either side of the wide valleys.
K2 Base Camp is the base camp for climbers of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. You can find K2 in the northwestern Karakoram Range in Pakistan, partly in the Kashmir Region at an altitude of 5,117 m or 16,785 ft.
K2 Base Camp is a level 7 expedition. This means you can expect… “An average of 6 to 8 hours per day at altitudes not usually exceeding 6,500 metres. Typically, it will involve one long day of 10 to 15 hours to reach a summit.
a main encampment providing supplies, shelter, and communications for persons engaged in wide-ranging activities, as exploring, reconnaissance, hunting, or mountain climbing.
Temperatures on the expedition may vary from 0 to 30 degrees during the day and -10 to 10 degrees at night. It's best to be prepared for lower temperatures due to wind chill or the weather turning bad. Usually the days are hot and the nights are cold
Depart from your own destination, 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.
In case of cancellation of flight (13-14 hrs) drive by coach to Chilas (480 km) on Karakoram Highway.
Complete road journey (10-11 hrs) to Skardu (275 km) En-route has good view of Nanga Parbat (8125m) at junction of Indus River and the rapids and fall of Indus River.
Full day for official formalities and final preparation of trek at Skardu.
After a free day in Skardu, we travel by Jeep to Jhula, 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.
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 a much cleaner environment with well managed camps.7 to 8 hours walking.
Today we should get our first distant sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. A shorter day of walking up the glacier to the campsite which 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’. 6-7hours walking.
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. 6-7 hours walking.
A shorter trek takes us on up to ‘Concordia’, where we spend take our lunch. 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? We continue up to the Broad Peak base camp.
Today our trek resume with our low altitude porter to reach the mighty K2 base camp where our Expedition team pitch our tents and staying longer to attempt K2, however our trekking team will spend one day extra at base camp.
After completion of our K2 base camp trek, we say good luck to our existing expedition team who try to attempt K2 and return along with our low altitude porters to Goro I.
Today early morning we descend to Khobursay camp, a spectacular view of Baltoro glacier and many 6000m-7000m peaks around our return way, this day takes 6-07hrs to reach the camping area where we pitch our tent all meal served by Summit Karakoram staff.
After breakfast our trek return toward to Paju camp where we take our lunch and heading to Bardumal camp overnight in tent.
Today our last day of trek as the road continuously constructing by government within 02hrs we reach to Iqbal Soqbu where our Jeep are ready to drive to Skardu. We say good bye to our low altitude porter who involved and make possible our trek to K2 base camp overnight in Skardu Hotel.
Transfer to airport for flight to Islamabad if the flight operates otherwise drive (9 hours) to Chilas along the Karakorum Highway. Meals and overnight at hotel.
Free day in Islamabad or drive to Islamabad from Chilas for 12 hours.
Transfer to Islamabad international airport and onward to your own destination
Trekers and Climbers are highly advised to prepare and train their bodies and mind in a perfect way to adapt to the remoteness, high altitude, and distance from the families. It is also advised to carry lesser amounts of valuable belongings. Also, pack in some cotton clothes for your stay in Islamabad while some warm ones for the Himalayas. Always keep a copy of your passport and photos with you.
Trekking and mountain climbing in the Kararoram range in Pakistan are highly dependent on weather conditions. We try to schedule our trips at the most favorable time but in case of extreme scenarios, domestic flights to Skardu may be delayed or canceled. In cases as such, we would like to notify you that except for the total number of days in the itinerary section, expenses of other extra days shall be borne by the client himself/herself. However, 8K Expeditions will make necessary arrangements for the accommodation of porters and guides. If you wish to make alternative arrangements drive by coach to Chilas (480 km) on Karakoram Highway.
Complete road journey (10-11 hrs) to Skardu (275 km) En-route has good view of Nanga Parbat (8125m) at junction of Indus River and the rapids and fall of Indus River.
Also, 8K Expeditions shall not be liable for any compensation for losses due to missed International Flights but we will surely help to make necessary arrangements to minimize your loss. To avoid missing flights, we suggest keeping some flexible time frames before trip departure and after trip departure.
Also be notified that as we will be traveling in remote areas with extreme climatic conditions and geography where trails can be distorted at times, we might need to adjust our itineraries as required. But we assure you that the quality of service shall not be compromised at any cost.
Thank you for joining us on our Expedition and Trekkings!!
