About
Highlights
- Undoubtedly one of the most sought-after treks in the world. Close up views of some of the world's steepest and highest summits.
- Our itinerary offers a more realistic chance to visit K2 Base Camp, by staying overnight at Broad Peak base camp and visiting K2 Base Camp the following day. Overall, you have a potential 3 days beyond Concordia camp.
- Treks led by experienced Jagged Globe leaders, supported by local guides and porters.
- For reasons of animal welfare, hygiene and changing preferences we do not provide “fresh” meat on our Karakoram treks (other than the first two days, when we can use frozen chicken).
- Safety back up – including Satellite communications, Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC), emergency oxygen for therapeutic use and altitude drugs.
Introduction
Some of the wildest and most dramatic landscapes on earth are found in the vast, rugged Karakoram Range, situated in Northern Pakistan. Remote and spectacular, the icy peaks and vast glaciers of the Karakoram offer unparalleled opportunities for adventurous trekking. The 62km long Baltoro Glacier is Pakistan’s number one trekking destination. Seven of the world’s twenty-five highest peaks rise above this glacier, while the lower reaches are surrounded by some of the world’s highest granite walls and spires. This challenging trek up the Baltoro Glacier to K2 Base Camp is thought by many to be one of the best high mountain treks in the world.
The Baltoro Glacier meets the Vigne and Godwin-Austen glaciers at the huge natural amphitheatre of Concordia. The huge pyramid of K2 only 10km distant dominates the view and creates a very special atmosphere. This programme allows four days in the upper reaches of the Baltoro Glacier to savour the majesty of this unique place. The trek gives an opportunity to overnight at Broad Peak BC and visit K2 BC during the height of the climbing season when the area is sure to busy with climbing teams from around the world.
Trekking in the Karakoram calls for a spirit of adventure, strength, determination and a sense of humour. In return you will be rewarded with some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the world, and the warm, generous welcome of the local people.
At a glance
- Group Size: 5 – 12 people
- Duration: 23 days
- Difficulty Level: 5
- Maximum altitude: 5,150m
Accommodation & Meals
- 21 Breakfasts
- 18 Lunches
- 19 Dinners
- 2 Hotel Nights
- 3 Local Hotel Nights
- 16 Tented Nights
Is this trip for you?
If you are considering joining the K2 Base Camp trek, we recommend that you have a good standard of fitness gained from regular mountain walking. Those who have ticked off a dozen or so Munros in winter conditions would be particularly suited to this type of trek. Previous experience of remote camping is also advisable.
Still unsure if this trip is for you? Contact our team.
Contact Us
Dates & Prices
Date
Price
Book
1 Guaranteed Places Left
Sat 4 Jul - Sun 26 Jul 2026
£4,895 PP
With Flights£3,895 PP
Without FlightsTrip Dates
Sat 4 Jul
United KingdomSun 26 Jul 2026
PakistanPricing
Total: £4,895 PP
Total: £3,895 PP
Deposit: £350 PP
Single Room Supplement: +£300 PP
* Final Payment due 60 days before departure.Available
Sat 1 Aug - Sun 23 Aug 2026
£4,995 PPP
£4,895 PP
With Flights£3,895 PP
£3,795 PP
Without FlightsTrip Dates
Sat 1 Aug
United KingdomSun 23 Aug 2026
PakistanPricing
Total: £4,895 PP
Total: £3,795 PP
Deposit: £350 PP
Single Room Supplement: +£300 PP
* Final Payment due 60 days before departure.Available
Sat 3 Jul - Sun 25 Jul 2027
£4,995 PP
With Flights£3,995 PP
Without FlightsTrip Dates
Sat 3 Jul
United KingdomSun 25 Jul 2027
PakistanPricing
Total: £4,995 PP
Total: £3,995 PP
Deposit: £350 PP
Single Room Supplement: +£300 PP
Additional Night Supplement: +£100 PP
* Final Payment due 60 days before departure.Available
Sat 31 Jul - Sun 22 Aug 2027
£4,995 PP
With Flights£3,995 PP
Without FlightsTrip Dates
Sat 31 Jul
United KingdomSun 22 Aug 2027
PakistanPricing
Total: £4,995 PP
Total: £3,995 PP
Deposit: £350 PP
Single Room Supplement: +£300 PP
Additional Night Supplement: +£100 PP
* Final Payment due 60 days before departure.Know Before you Go
Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) “Know Before You Go” campaign. We recommend that you read the FDCO Travel Advice for Pakistan on the FCDO Website.
With Flight Pricing
Our “With Flight” price includes an Economy class return airfare from the UK, which we book on your behalf when you book your trek. The earlier you book, the less expensive the airfare and the “With Flight” price tends to be.
What is included in the Trip
- Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless Land Only).
- UK airline taxes.
- Group airport transfers (unless Land Only).
- One in-country, return flight between Islamabad and Skardu by scheduled, fixed-wing aircraft (in the event of bad weather, road transport will be provided).
- A maximum of 2 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in Islamabad on a twin-sharing basis.
- A maximum of 3 nights’ full-board accommodation in a local hotel in Skardu on a twin-sharing basis.
- 16 nights’ full board accommodation in tents on a twin-sharing basis.
- Porterage of group equipment.
- Porterage of team members’ personal clothing and equipment (maximum 12Kg).
- All road transport by private vehicles.
- All costs for a Jagged Globe leader, local guide, cook staff and porters.
- Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece.
What is not included in the Trip
- Visa fees.
- Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.
- Airport transfers for those joining on a ‘Land Only’ basis.
- Bar bills and laundry.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunch and evening meals in Islamabad.
- Optional trips and sightseeing tours.
- Tips.
Itinerary
Download the full Download Now as a PDF.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Every effort will be made to keep the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, availability of porters and the health of team members can all contribute to changes. Sherpa assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.
Day 1
Fly to Islamabad
International flight from the UK to Islamabad.
Day 2
Arrive Islamabad, fly to Skardu (2,250m)
Those joining on a ‘land only’ basis should arrange their international flight to arrive no later than 04.00hrs today to meet the onward flight to Skardu. Alternatively, you could arrive in Pakistan on ‘Day 1’ and we can book you an additional hotel night – please contact us for prices and booking details.
Day 3
Rest day in Skardu (2,250m)
Skardu, the administrative centre of Baltistan, is a prosperous frontier town on the banks of the Indus River encircled by snow covered peaks. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4
Drive to Askole (3,050m)
An exciting jeep journey takes you through the fields of the Shigar Valley before the road narrows to a mountain track leading to the roadhead at Askole. 5-7 hours. Camp outside the village.
Day 5
Trek to Jola Camp (3,150m)
Cross the Braldu River before passing the snout of the Biafo Glacier. After 4-5 hrs we stop at Korophon for lunch. It’s another 3hrs to our campsite at Jola.
Ascent: 370m Descent: 264m Distance: 19Km Highest point: 3,150m Sleeping altitude: 3,150m Time: 6 – 7 hours.
Day 6
Trek to Paju (3,400m)
Follow the Braldu River eastwards into the mountains. After 4 hrs you reach the lunch stop at Bardumal. The afternoon hike to the campsite at Paju is also about 4 hrs long.
Ascent: 418m Descent: 173m Distance: 20Km Highest point: 3,400m Sleeping altitude: 3,400m Time: 7 – 8 hours.
Day 7
Acclimatisation day at Paiju (3,400m)
You will get your first views of the Trango Towers from near this campsite.
Ascent: 236m Descent: 236m Distance: 11Km Highest point: 3,636m Sleeping altitude: 3,400m Time: 4 – 5 hours.
Day 8
Trek to Hoborse (4,050m)
Cross the Baltoro Glacier, which is hard but rewarding with the fascinating views of Paiju Peak, Trango Towers, Lobsang Spires, Grand Cathedral, Uli Biafo and many other needle like rock peaks. You cross the glacier to the southern side and continue along an ablation valley to our campsite at Hoborse.
Ascent: 450m Descent: 13m Distance: 12Km Highest point: 4,050m Sleeping altitude: 4,050m Time: 4 – 5 hours.
Day 9
Trek to Urdokas (4,200m)
This camp has superb views across the Baltoro Glacier to the Trango peaks and is your last ‘green grass’ campsite.
Ascent: 210m Descent: 60m Distance: 5Km Highest point: 4,260m Sleeping altitude: 4,200m Time: 2 – 3 hours.
Day 10
Trek to Goro (4,300m)
It is an all day walk over the boulder-strewn glacier to the campsite at Goro. Masherbrum is visible on the right side of the glacier and Mustagh Tower on the left. Gasherbrum IV and Broad Peak can be seen directly ahead as they catch the evening sunlight.
Ascent: 289m Descent: 139m Distance: 12Km Highest point: 4,589m Sleeping altitude: 4,300m Time: 5 – 7 hours.
Day 11
Trek to Concordia (4,650m)
You pass through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world today. The trail is surrounded on all sides by several of the world’s highest mountains: K2, Broad Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Chogolisa and Gasherbrum IV.
Ascent: 358m Descent: 8m Distance: 11Km Highest point: 4,658m Sleeping altitude: 4,650m Time: 5 – 7 hours.
Day 12
Rest and Acclimatisation day at Concordia (4,650m)
There is plenty of time to admire the scenery and find the best vantage points from which to take photographs of the surrounding peaks.
Day 13
Trek to Broad Peak BC (4,800m)
Heading northwards from Concordia it takes around 4hrs to hike to Broad Peak Base Camp where you will set up camp next to several expedition teams climbing Broad Peak.
Ascent: 250m Descent: 250m Distance: 15Km Highest point: 4,800m Sleeping altitude: 4,800m Time: 4 – 5 hours.
Day 14
Trek to K2 BC (5,150m)
You make an early start for the 3 – 4 hour trek to K2 Base Camp. Once there you can visit the Gilkey Memorial and explore the area around K2 Base Camp. Return times are similar giving a total duration of 7- 8hrs.
Ascent: 401m Descent: 401m Distance: 22Km Highest point: 5,150m Sleeping altitude: 4,800m Time: 7 – 8 hours.
Day 15
Spare/Rest day
To be used at the leader’s discretion.
Day 16
Trek to Goro (4,300m)
You begin the return trek descending as far as Goro where the camp is surrounded by magnificent granite spires.
Ascent: 8m Descent: 290m Distance: 11Km Highest point: 4,800m Sleeping altitude: 4,300m Time: 7 – 8 hours.
Day 17
Trek to Khoburtse (4,050m)
You continue the descent of the Baltoro glacier, today reaching as far as Khoburtse where you make camp off the glacier for the first time in several days.
Ascent: 38m Descent: 500m Distance: 17Km Highest point: 4,300m Sleeping altitude: 4,050m Time: 7 – 8 hours.
Day 18
Trek to Paju (3,400m)
You cross the Baltoro to its north side beneath the towers of Uli Biaho and finally climb down its snout to reach a good trail back to the spring oasis of Paiju.
Ascent: 13m Descent: 450m Distance: 12Km Highest point: 4,050m Sleeping altitude: 3,400m Time: 8 – 9 hours.
Day 19
Trek to Korophon (3,100m)
Following the Braldu River downstream you make the detour into the Panma Valley to the bridge across its tributary before a long level section leads to Korophon.
Ascent: 237m Descent: 583m Distance: 20Km Highest point: 3,400m Sleeping altitude: 3,100m Time: 6 – 7 hours.
Day 20
Trek to Askole and drive to Skardu
The final short day of trekking leads to the village of Askole. (3-4hrs trekking). You then take the jeep journey on narrow mountain roads following the Braldu river until the valley opens out into the fertile fields of the Shigar valley. (5 – 7hrs driving).
Day 21
Fly Skardu to Islamabad
Morning flight from Skardu to Islamabad. Afternoon free for sightseeing. Overnight in hotel.
Day 22
Free day in Islamabad/Rawalpindi
A day for sightseeing and shopping in the twin cities of Islamabad (Pakistan’s modern capital) and Rawalpindi (The older city). This day may be required for road travel if the previous day’s flight has been cancelled as a result of bad weather. Overnight in hotel.
Day 23
Fly home
Airport transfer. Service ends. For those joining “land-only”, you should book your flight home today.
Essential Info
What is included in the Trip
- Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless Land Only).
- UK airline taxes.
- Group airport transfers (unless Land Only).
- One in-country, return flight between Islamabad and Skardu by scheduled, fixed-wing aircraft (in the event of bad weather, road transport will be provided).
- A maximum of 2 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in Islamabad on a twin-sharing basis.
- A maximum of 3 nights’ full-board accommodation in a local hotel in Skardu on a twin-sharing basis.
- 16 nights’ full board accommodation in tents on a twin-sharing basis.
- Porterage of group equipment.
- Porterage of team members’ personal clothing and equipment (maximum 12Kg).
- All road transport by private vehicles.
- All costs for a Jagged Globe leader, local guide, cook staff and porters.
- Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece.
What is not included in the Trip
- Visa fees.
- Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.
- Airport transfers for those joining on a ‘Land Only’ basis.
- Bar bills and laundry.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunch and evening meals in Islamabad.
- Optional trips and sightseeing tours.
- Tips
- 4/5 season sleeping bag (Mountain Equipment and Rab): £75
- Down Jacket Mountain Equipment and Rab: £70
- Ice Axe (single): £20
- Crampons (pair): £20
- Helmet: £15
Our equipment stocks are limited so please reserve your equipment via your on-line account as soon as you know what you need. Payment for hired equipment needs to reach us at the same time as the final balance of your trip.
Please note that we also require a deposit of between £60 – £180, depending on which items you hire.
Jagged Globe Kit Bag
Participants in our expeditions and treks will receive a free kit bag. If you would prefer it, we can supply a lightweight Jagged Globe fleece instead.
Pre-Trip Weekend
Jagged Globe offers pre-trip weekends for all treks, based in Sheffield, UK. The pre-trip weekend provides team members with important information and skills that will enhance their experience of the trip. It is also a chance to meet other team members, should they be attending, as well as giving the opportunity to meet our office team and try on any hire equipment you may need. You can normally attend a pre-trip weekend even if you are not booked onto a trip. It’s a great way of getting more information about a trek that you’re interested in, or just to ‘check out’ Jagged Globe. Contact us about more information on our pre-trip weekends.
Take a look at our latest trip reports
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Reviews
SwipeLeader Reports
K2 Base Camp Trek – July 2023
The team were jetting in from a number of locations: Christian from New Zealand; Nicky & Stuart from Edinburgh; John from Manchester and myself from London. It was arranged that we all met in Islamabad ready for our flight to Skardu. The weather was on our side and we were in Skardu within the hour having had some fantastic views of Nanga Parbat and the vastness of the Karakopram, before descending into the Indus valley - a spectacular flight. Whilst in Skardu we had time to sort out our kit, catch up on some sleep, take in the sights including a walk up to Skardu Fort.
No sooner had we arrived and we were off, heading for Askoli and what a road trip that was - six hours of off-roading, with lots of undulation and many suspension bridge river crossings. It even involved our gear and cook team vehicle getting stuck mid-stream whilst crossing one of the many streams. Thank goodness it was a busy day as many hands made light work to eventually push and pull them out. With the excitement over, we continued to Askoli - the start and finish of our trek.
The next two days saw us ‘check in’ at the Karakoram National Park, cross the Biafo river close to the snout of the Biafo Glacier, trek through Korofong Camp, cross the Dumordo river on a new bridge, camp at Jhola and follow the Brandi river past Bardumal camp before reaching Paiju camp where we would spend two nights to assist with our acclimatisation. It’s here that the rain came in and didn’t stop for 36 hours. After seeking a weather forecast, we delayed our onward trek for a few hours to avoid getting absolutely soaked - this certainly paid off with the rain coming back in just as we arrived at Hoborse Camp. We had by now climbed up the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and navigated our way eastwards across the undulation and many boulders to reach the southern terminal moraines before eventually arriving at Hoborse. Our onward trek to Urdukas was a relatively short trek but gave us some moody views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak. It’s here that we saw the sun for the first time since leaving Jhola so we made the most of it, drying out our wet tents and gear.
With all of our gear dry, it was time to move on. The next three days saw us leave Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak behind us, in favour of the Lobsang massif, Masherbrum, Muztagh Tower and Gasherbrum IV before eventually coming upon Broad Peak and finally K2, as we arrived at Concordia. Our 360 degree panorama was just majestic once the clouds had lifted. A day of acclimatising at Concordia allowed us the opportunity to explore and take some great photographs of the peaks around us.
Next, our main objectives - Broad Peak Base Camp, Gilkey Memorial and K2 Base Camp, with an overnight at Broad Peak Base Camp. The terrain was challenging as we ascended the Godwin-Austin glacier with Broad Peak looming high above us. We had a well earned lunch stop at Broad Peak Base Camp, after which it was time to move on to our final objectives. After a total of five hours trekking with an additional two hour lunch break, K2 Base Camp was in sight and K2 was closer than ever. A detour to visit the Gilkey Memorial allowed us time to reflect on those who had lost their lives in their quest. On arrival at K2 Base Camp, we were welcomed by the many teams who were there chasing their dreams of summiting K2 before retracing our steps back to Broad Peak Base Camp for the night.
It was now time to commence our homeward journey, retracing our steps back down the Baltoro glacier and capturing the views that weren’t on offer to us on the way up due to the weather. It’s here that the little mishap occurred - I took a tumble, resulting in a significant left knee injury although it wasn’t clear at this stage what the injury was. The support of the very experienced trek team was invaluable over the next 36 hours. With c100km of trekking left back to Askoli, it was clear this was not an option for me. I did however manage, with the support of my trekking poles and the trek team to walk for five hours to our next camp, west of Concordia where I got the ball rolling for a helicopter evacuation back to Skardu. At 09:00 the following morning, the trek team continued on their way, leaving me behind to await a helicopter, which eventually came in around 13:00.
The trek team continued to keep me updated of their progress back to Askoli, and of the views offered them that were obscured on the way in due to rain - they weren’t disappointed. Their road trip back to Skardu required a change of vehicles due to one of their river crossings being impassable. After a night in Skardu, it was time for the impressive flight back to Islamabad. It’s here that the team went their separate ways. Here’s to the next adventure!
Diolch yn fawr (A big thank you) to our local guides, Javaid and Ghulam, our cooks, Elias and Mohammed and the cook team and our porters and their horses, without whom we would not have achieved all we set out to do.
Llongyfarchiadau (Congratulations) & diolch yn fawr to the trek team: Christian, John, Nicky & Stuart on all their achievements during the trip. I hope our paths cross again.
Llongyfarchiadau pawb (Congratulations all)
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