Approximately $2,650 per person — final price on enquiry, depends on dates and group size. This is an approximate reference price only, not a fixed or guaranteed price. Dates are on request; the season is June to August.
Overview
This classic Baltoro Glacier trek leads to the foot of K2 (8,611 m), the world’s second-highest peak, from the Baltistan and Skardu side, through the Shigar Valley. The route follows the great ice highway of the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, the wide glacial junction often called the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods, where Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group rise around a vast amphitheatre of rock and ice. It is run by a Gilgit-Baltistan local team, with camps, cooks and porters who know this valley and its weather well.
Route at a glance
Islamabad to Skardu by flight, weather permitting, otherwise by road via the Karakoram Highway and Chilas, then by jeep to Askole. From Askole the trail climbs through Jhola, Paiju, Urdukas and Goro II to Concordia, continues for a full day to K2 Base Camp and back, and then returns down the Baltoro Glacier through Goro II, Urdukas, Paiju, Jhola and Askole to Skardu and Islamabad, with one cushion day held for weather and delays.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1 — Islamabad arrival: meet the team, complete the trek briefing and rest after the journey in.
- Day 2 — Islamabad to Skardu: fly to Skardu when the weather allows; if the flight cannot operate, travel instead by road via the Karakoram Highway and Chilas.
- Day 3 — Skardu: a preparation day for final supplies, equipment checks and rest before the road to the mountains.
- Day 4 — Skardu to Askole by jeep: drive up the Shigar Valley to Askole, the last settlement on the approach to the Baltoro Glacier.
- Day 5 — Askole to Jhola: the first trekking day, following the valley trail to the camp at Jhola.
- Day 6 — Jhola to Paiju: continue along the glacier valley to Paiju, a traditional resting place before the higher camps.
- Day 7 — Paiju rest and acclimatisation: a slower day to settle into the altitude, with short walks around camp.
- Day 8 — Paiju to Urdukas: climb to the camp at Urdukas, with the first broad views opening up the Baltoro Glacier.
- Day 9 — Urdukas to Goro II: trek on to Goro II, deeper into the glacier country and closer to the great peaks.
- Day 10 — Goro II to Concordia (about 4,650 m): reach Concordia, the meeting place of several glaciers beneath the highest mountains in the range.
- Day 11 — Concordia acclimatisation: a day for short walks and rest at Concordia, taking in Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group.
- Day 12 — Concordia to K2 Base Camp (about 5,150 m) and back: a full-day trip to the foot of K2, returning to camp at Concordia for the night.
- Day 13 — Concordia to Goro II: begin the return journey down the Baltoro Glacier to Goro II.
- Day 14 — Goro II to Urdukas: continue down-glacier to Urdukas.
- Day 15 — Urdukas to Paiju: descend to Paiju on the return route.
- Day 16 — Paiju to Jhola: continue back down the valley to Jhola.
- Day 17 — Jhola to Askole: complete the trekking return to Askole.
- Day 18 — Askole to Skardu by jeep: drive back down the Shigar Valley to Skardu.
- Day 19 — Cushion day in Skardu: a spare day held for weather, road or flight delays, to be used wherever it is needed along the route.
- Day 20 — Skardu to Islamabad: fly to Islamabad when conditions allow, with the road alternative used if the flight cannot operate.
- Day 21 — Islamabad departure: a final morning in Islamabad before the onward journey home.
What is included
- Domestic flights, where operating
- Ground transport and jeeps for the Skardu to Askole road sections and the return
- Twin-sharing hotel stays and high-grade trekking camps
- Full-board meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — with a camp cook
- Trekking permits and official fees, including campsite fees
- A licensed professional mountain guide
- Kitchen staff and porters
- A first-aid kit and a satellite phone for emergencies
What is not included
- International airfare
- Pakistan visa fees
- Comprehensive travel, medical and evacuation insurance, which is mandatory
- Single-room supplement
- Personal gear and personal expenses
- Tips
Practical notes
This is a strenuous high-altitude trek for experienced trekkers. Prior high-altitude experience above 4,000 m is strongly recommended, and trekkers should expect to walk 6 to 8 hours per day. The season is June to August, and groups are small, typically 8 to 12 trekkers. The flight to Skardu is weather-dependent, with a drive via the Karakoram Highway as Plan B if the flight cannot operate.
Price and booking
Approximately $2,650 per person — final price on enquiry, depends on dates and group size. This approximate price is a reference for the market only and is not a fixed or guaranteed price. No fixed departure dates are set: dates are on request for the June to August season. Please enquire through the enquiry route on this page, or by WhatsApp, and the team will confirm the final price for your dates and group size.
This classic Baltoro Glacier trek leads to the foot of K2 (8,611 m), the world’s second-highest peak, from the Baltistan and Skardu side, through the Shigar Valley. The route follows the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, the wide glacial junction often called the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods, where Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group rise around a vast amphitheatre of rock and ice. Approximately $2,650 per person — final price on enquiry, depends on dates and group size.
