K2 base camp trek, synonymous with Baltoro Glacier Trek and Baltoro Concordia Trek. One of the world’s most famous mountain treks. It is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is a challenging and demanding trek that involves trekking and hiking along Baltoro (5th longest glacier) and Godwin Austin.
Trip Facts
Physical Grading: Adventures
Accommodation: Hotel/lodge
Meals: Full board during trek
Trip Highlights
K2 base camp trek has a lot to offer. Given below are main highlights of k2 base camp trek:
- Base Camps of K2 and Broad Peak
- Concordia – Throne Room of the Mountain Gods
- Trek up to Godwin Austin glacier via Baltoro Glacier (5th longest and world’s largest outside polar region)
- Gilkey memorial
- View 8,000 m peaks including Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m) and K2 (8,611 m) from Goro II, Concordia & base camps.
- Views of other peaks between 5,000m to 8,000m including Gasherbrum 3 and 4, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marbel Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, Urdukas Peak etc.
- Views of Glaciers (e.g. Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, Mandu and more), glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
- Indus, Panmah and Braldu rivers
- Valleys of Skardu and Shigar
- Balti porter life, Askole jeep safari etc
- Meet mountaineers at base camps
- Sightseeing in Skardu and Islamabad
Trip Overview
K2 Base Camp trek provides one of the most unique and spectacular views of the northern mountains. This trek allows you to witness some of the magnificent peaks which range from 5000 to 8000 meters. Some major peaks are Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), K2 (world’s second highest peak at 8,611 m), Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Gasherbrum 3, Gasherbrum 4. Besides, other highlights are Uli Biaho, Urdukas Peak, Mustagh Tower, Crystal Peak, Trango Towers, Biale Peak, Mitre Peak.
This collection of the mighty peaks also refers to as the “Throne Room of Mountain Gods”. It is because of its breathtaking 360, panorama view of the mountains.
The difficulty of K2 Base Camp Trek
Although considered a challenging trek, this trek does not require any technical or mountaineering skills to cross. Rather it is a high-altitude walk where one goes back down from Baltoro Glacier to Concordia. The increase in altitude is incremental, and to help with the walk requires proper acclimatization.
The participants will walk an average of 6 to 8 miles every day which can take between 5 to 6 hours. The walking trail consists of rubble and stone, and the participants do not walk on ice.
You might also want to check out our K2 Gondogoro La Circuit which is a circular trek.