K2 Base Camp Trek – Classic Baltoro Route (15 Days All-Inclusive Adventure from Skardu)

Depart Skardu by 4x4 jeep on a full-day ride along the dramatic Braldu Gorge to Askole – the last inhabited village before the glaciers. En route, pass through the Shigar Valley, where highlights include the historic Shigar Fort, the oldest mosque in the region, gem stone mines near Dassu, Ladakh-style architecture, and rope-knotted rope bridges. Arrive Askole and set up camp under a sky full of stars.

Highlights: Shigar Fort, Braldu Gorge, Rope Bridge, Balti Architecture

Drive: ~8 hrs | Altitude: 3,150 m | Overnight: Tents, all meals included 

The trekking adventure begins. Head out with your porters along well-worn expedition trails. Cross a ridge that locals say was once a polo field, then navigate through a rock gap onto the snout of the Biafo Glacier – a 63 km river of ice descending from the central Karakoram. Camp at Jhula beside the glacier's edge.

Highlights: Biafo Glacier snout, Korophone camp, towering valley walls
 

Trek: 4–5 hrs | Grade: Easy–Moderate | Altitude: 3,150 m | Overnight: Tents 

Resume trekking along the Braldu River through gorges and over rocky terrain to reach Paiju – a green oasis at the base of Paiju Peak (6,611 m). 'Paiju' means 'salt' in Balti, named for the rock-salt deposits at the mountain's base. From camp, enjoy your first views of the magnificent Baltoro Glacier snout stretching into the distance.

Highlights: Bakhordas, Baltoro Glacier snout, Liligo, first views of the Karakoram giants
 

Trek: 6–7 hrs | Grade: Moderate | Altitude: 3,480 m | Overnight: Tents 

After breakfast, cross onto the Baltoro Glacier and navigate through crevasses and moraine to camp below Liligo. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with towering rock spires rising all around. Keep an eye out for Ibex and Markhor – wild mountain goats native to the Karakoram.
 

Highlights: Trango Towers Group, Uli Biaho, Paiju Peak, first glimpse of K2, Ibex and Markhor sightings
 

Trek: 5–6 hrs | Grade: Strenuous | Altitude: 3,800 m | Overnight: Tents 

Cross the Khuburse torrent early in the morning and traverse two glacier moraines to reach the grassy terraces of Urdukas. Positioned above the Baltoro Glacier, this campsite was used by the famous Abruzzi K2 Expedition of 1909. The views of the Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, and the Bial Group are spectacular.
 

Highlights: Trango Towers, Uli Biaho Towers, Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV
 

Trek: 4–5 hrs | Grade: Moderate | Altitude: 4,130 m | Overnight: Tents 

Rest and acclimatisation day at Urdukas. This is an essential stop on the K2 base camp trek itinerary to allow your body to adjust to the altitude before ascending onto the upper Baltoro. Use the day to explore the surroundings, photograph the peaks, and watch for Ibex on the hillsides.
 

Highlights: Panoramic views of the central Karakoram, wildlife spotting, rest and recovery
 

Rest Day | Altitude: 4,130 m | Overnight: Tents  

A long, spectacular day on the Baltoro Glacier, one of the world's longest glaciers outside the polar regions. Cross the Yermanandu Glacier flowing down from Masherbrum and continue east toward the heart of the Karakoram. Magnificent views of Muztagh Tower, Mitre Peak, and Gasherbrum IV accompany every step.
 

Highlights: Muztagh Tower, Mitre Peak, Masherbrum (7,821 m), Gasherbrum IV
 

Trek: 6–7 hrs | Grade: Strenuous | Altitude: 4,500 m | Overnight: Tents 

Today's destination is the climax of the K2 base camp trek – Concordia, the legendary junction of the Baltoro, Abruzzi, and Godwin-Austen glaciers at 4,720 m. Within a 15 km radius stand 41 peaks over 6,500 m, including four peaks above 8,000 m. The 360-degree panorama – K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Group, Sia Kangri, Golden Throne – is the greatest mountain vista on Earth.
 

Highlights: K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum I & II, Golden Throne, Mitre Peak, Sia Kangri
 

Trek: 5–6 hrs | Grade: Strenuous | Altitude: 4,720 m | Overnight: Tents 

The highlight of the entire trek. After breakfast, the group sets off across the Godwin-Austen Glacier toward K2 Base Camp at 5,150 m – the summer home of international mountaineering expeditions. Stand at the base of the 'Savage Mountain' and absorb the immensity of K2 rising 3,461 m directly above you. Return to Concordia in the afternoon. Porters rest at Concordia.
 

Highlights: K2 Base Camp (5,150 m), Godwin-Austen Glacier, Broad Peak, Chogolisa, Baltoro Kangri
 

Trek: 4 hrs to K2 BC + 2 hrs return | Altitude: 5,150 m (highest point) | Overnight: Tents at Concordia 

After an unforgettable stay at Concordia (4,720m), begin the return journey along the Baltoro Glacier. With K2 and Broad Peak slowly receding behind you, the descent offers a completely new photographic perspective of the Karakoram giants. The walk follows glacial moraine and icy sections, requiring steady footing but becoming gradually easier as altitude decreases.

The vast, dramatic landscapes of the Baltoro unfold differently on the return, making this stretch just as spectacular as the ascent.

Highlights: Concordia panorama, views of K2 and Broad Peak, Baltoro Glacier descent
 

Trek: 5–6 hrs | Grade: Moderate–Strenuous | Altitude: 4,500 m | Overnight: Tents at Goro

Continue descending along the Baltoro Glacier, crossing rocky moraines and glacial streams. Towering peaks such as Masherbrum, Muztagh Tower, and Gasherbrum IV dominate the skyline from a new angle. The route gradually leads off the central glacier toward the grassy terraces of Urdukas.

Urdukas is one of the most scenic campsites on the entire trek, perched above the glacier with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.

Highlights: Masherbrum views, Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, scenic Urdukas campsite
 

Trek: 6–7 hrs | Grade: Moderate | Altitude: 4,130 m | Overnight: Tents at Urdukas

Descend from the high glacier terrain toward Paiju, crossing moraines and rejoining the lower Baltoro sections. As altitude decreases, vegetation slowly reappears and temperatures become noticeably warmer.

Paiju feels like a green oasis after days on ice and rock. With views of Paiju Peak (6,611m) and the Baltoro snout in the distance, this is a comfortable and relaxing camp.

Highlights: Exit from upper Baltoro Glacier, Paiju Peak views, warmer climate
 

Trek: 5–7 hrs | Grade: Moderate | Altitude: 3,480 m | Overnight: Tents at Paiju

Today’s trek follows the Braldu River downstream, retracing the expedition trail through rugged gorges and rocky terrain. The massive granite walls of the Karakoram begin to fade as you move toward lower valleys.

The walk is easier compared to the ascent, and the reduced altitude makes breathing more comfortable. Camp is set at Jhula near the edge of the Biafo Glacier snout.

Highlights: Braldu River trail, valley scenery, Biafo Glacier snout
 

Trek: 6–7 hrs | Grade: Easy–Moderate | Altitude: 3,150 m | Overnight: Tents at Jhula

On the final trekking day, continue along the Braldu Valley back to Askole — the last inhabited village before the glaciers. The sense of accomplishment grows with every step as you leave the wilderness behind.

Arrive in Askole and celebrate the completion of one of the world’s greatest high-altitude trekking adventures.

Highlights: Final Karakoram views, return to civilization, Balti village life
 

Trek: 4–5 hrs | Grade: Easy | Altitude: 3,150 m | Overnight: Tents at Askole

Jeep transfer back to Skardu along the Braldu Gorge and Shigar Valley. Breakfast in camp. End of guided services in Skardu. Congratulations – you've completed one of the world's greatest treks!
 

Highlights: Final Karakoram views, Shigar Valley
 

Drive: ~8 hrs | End of K2 Base Camp Trek Package