Karakoram Trek – Four 8,000m Base Camps
US$2190
US$2090
per person
A spiritual journey to four 8000m peaks in the Karakoram Range.
Our Karakoram trek to grand base camps involves a spectacular walk up the giant Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base camp, Trango tower Base camp, Gasherbrum I & II base camp, over the Gondogoro La and down the beautiful valley of Hushe.
We have a very experienced and very professional crew to guide you across Karakoram trek. They are also one of the best in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The crew is highly experienced at catering to all the needs of the participants and does a tremendous amount to contribute to the overall success and satisfaction of our groups.
we provide the best itinerary in terms of acclimatization, enjoyment, and safety along with easy customizations to the trip. Our Karakoram trek is run in an area that is home to over 50 peaks over 7,000 meters and 70 peaks over 6,000 meters. It is truly an adventurist’s dream come true and one life is not enough to explore the region.
Experience the natural wonders of this beautiful landscape by trekking through Baltoro glaciers and Base Camps of five highest peaks over 8000. From no other place on earth can one see such incredible views of K2 (8616m) the second highest peak in the world, and world’s most beautiful high and natural pyramids: Broad Peak (8,048m), Gasherbrum I to 6, Golden Throne (7,240m), Chogolisa (7,665m), and the entire upper Baltoro Massif.
In this region lie 42 peaks which are higher than all the highest peaks of other continents. The province of Gilgit-Baltistan is known as the land of cultures and it is not surprising that there are 8 distinct languages spoken in that one province. Most of the villages and towns in the region are isolated and remote to the major urban areas of Pakistan which are also the reason why that the region is very well preserved.
It is a place of solitude and sophistication, recognized internationally as one of the premier trekking and climbing locations in the world.
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Destination
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Dress Code
Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, light jacket.
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Included
All camping site fees and bridge fees
All domestic flights and road transfers including airport transfers
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals
All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
Domestic Flights
First aid medicine kit (basic)
Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
Government Trekking Permit Fees and Paperwork
Hotel Accomodation
Islamabad and Skardu city tours including all entry fees
Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
Porter for personal luggage (14kgs)
Satellite phone for emergencies
Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
Trekking Accommodation (Twin Sharing Dome Tent)
Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Waste management fees (government requirement)
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Not Included
5 Star Accommodation
Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 49 per night
International airfare
laundry
Miscellaneous (minibar
Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
Personal Guide
Personal mountain equipment (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
Personal travel insurance (suggestions only)
Tips/gratuities for guides
Visa to Pakistan (five supporting documents will be offered)
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Day 21: Contingency day/rest in Skardu
On this Day
This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flights due to delays. These delays can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) roadblocks. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Skardu.
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Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon you will be transferred to hotels. On this day, our participants can relax and recover from their long journey.
Pickup information
It is very easy to spot our guide, holding orange placards with our company’s logo and your name on it. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your flights, both inbound and outbound at least five days prior to your arrival in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you are taking a connecting flight from another city of Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require an airport transfer, please inform us in advance.
After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally if you are arriving in the morning between 9 am to 12 pm), our guide/representative will pick up all our guests around 6 pm for briefing and remaining payments at our office followed by a dinner. If you are coming late, we will manage the remaining payments and briefings in Skardu.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free.
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Day 03: Spend free day in Skardu
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. The participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.
During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the trek in case of any delays.
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Day 04: Drive to Askole village
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,015 m
The participants will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu River which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the participants will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However, at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance
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Day 05: Trek from Askole to Jhola via the snout of Biafo Glacier
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,103 m
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5-8 hours
After completion of the necessary supplies list and equipment, the porters will load up for the trek ahead to Jhola. The valley is a gateway to Biafo glacier that flows over fifty km from Hispar La to Braldu. The participants will experience the moraine walking as the snout of the glacier is crossed and they will descend to lunch spot beside the Korofon river.
The route will take us the confluence of rivers of Braldu and Domordo. The former trail is not taken for the trek and instead, a newer trail will lead us to go upstream where the participants will cross the river by bridge. On the other side of the bridge, the participants will descend to the edge of the Braldu River and will follow the river bank to reach the camp at Jhola.
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Day 06: Trek from Jhola to Paiju following the Braldu River
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 6-7 hours
On this day of our K2 base camp trek, the participants will follow the Braldu gorge, along the bank of the Braldu River. The participants will be able to view astonishing rocks of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. The participants should prevent themselves from possible sunburns and during this day as the walking conditions can be very dry and hot.
Several streams from glacier flow down into the valley and on the way, the participants will have to use river crossing shoes depending on the water levels. The participants will be able to spot the snout of Baltoro Glacier on a clear day. On this day the participants will end their day by climbing away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where you will see trees until for a while.
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Day 07: Acclimatize and rest in Paiju
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
The participants will spend the day at Paiju Camp for acclimatization and rest. However, the porters will take their time to bake themselves bread for next week on the glacier. The acclimatization walk can also be taken towards the Paiju Peak base camp on this day.
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Day 08: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day the walking will get tough however the scenery will become amazing with each step taken onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail has continuous up and down climbs on the glacial moraine, although the trail is quite safe it is highly recommended to be careful at all times. The participants will experience the stunning views as they move ahead; the views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. The participants are required to go across the glacier to Liligo. From this point, the participants will follow a rocky trail which is along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be made.
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Day 09: Cross small glaciers and walk to Urdukus
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,905 m
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 4-6 hours
Trango Towers can be eventually seen after coming across two small glaciers. For the following night, the participants will make their stop at Urdukas near the army camp. The camp is 100m above the glacier.
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Day 10: Trek to Goro II, the junction of the Baltoro glaciers and Young husband
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,285 m
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 6-8 hours
On this day of our K2 base camp trek, the participants will be walking in the middle of the glacier. The medial moraine will be followed, to the south, we will get the views of Masherbrum (7821m). The participants will be climbing up and down on the rocky moraine and as the participants move ahead they will walk pass massive ice seracs.
This will be the first-night stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, it is the confluence of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband. The temperature may drop dramatically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be uncovered for the sight.
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Day 11: Trek to Concordia through a rocky moraine
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,512 m
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day of the K2 base camp trek, the participants will reach Concordia after continuously walking up the moraine, on the way more and more high snowcapped peaks will appear, the culmination for the sighting of K2 will be experienced on this day. Other peaks that can be seen include Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri, and many more.
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Day 12: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial and K2 Base Camp
On this Day
GPS Data
Time: K2 BC (5,155m) + Gilkey (5,230m)+ Broad Peak (4,844m): 6-7 hours
Today there is the opportunity to walk up the Godwin-Austen glacier to the Art Gilkey Memorial (an American geologist and mountaineer) just before K2 Base camp. This is a spectacular day. We will leave early morning, crossing the glaciers onto the faint trail heading towards K2 (there is a faint rocky trail all the way). As we follow the glacier towards K2 the mountain seems to grow bigger and bigger. Broad Peak rears up to our right and after about 3 hours we pass Broad Peak base camp. We usually have our lunch break here and then carry on with K2 towering above us as we get closer and closer.
Just before base camp, amongst the boulder and ice strewn landscape is the Art Gilkey Memorial. A short scramble brings us to the place where those whose life K2 claimed are remembered. Plaques and engraved tin plates are attached to a small rocky outcrop at the foot of this great mountain. There are great views directly above us of K2 and we may see some climbing expeditions. We spend the night at the base camp of K2.
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Day 13: Trek back to Concordia and rest
On this day
Time: 4-5hours
On this day, we retrace our steps back to Concordia and rest for next day's walk.
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Day 14: Trek to Shahring
On this Day
It will require two hours hike on glacier moraine from Concordia to the campsite. To reach Shahring the participants will walk on the upper Baltoro glacier. From this point, the participants can see Chogolisa, SnowDome Peaks, Baltoro Kangri, and lots of other high altitude peaks.
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Day 15: Trek to Gasherbrum I & II base camp
On this Day
On this day of Karakoram trek, the participants will reach base camps of Gasherbrum I & II and camp will be established here. The participants will have the chance to explore the most pristine and beautiful alpine surroundings. The participants can relax or meet with the teams of mountaineering expedition if lucky. The participants can wish the climbers the best of luck and farewell them for their expedition.
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Day 16: Trek back to Concordia and rest
On this Day
On this day, we retrace our steps back to Concordia.
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Day 17: Trek to Ali Camp
On this Day
On Day 13, the participants will set out on a slightly different and less explored route. Short detours will be made to avoid crevasses and the participants should walk on rugged ice rather than slippery ice. In case of snow, the participants and the porters will walk together wearing crampons for safety hooked with rope to each other.
The base will be set in Ali camp, where the participants will reach after hiking for 5-6 hours. “Ali Camp” is named after a local porter, who was the first person to cross Gondogoro La Pass. Upon reaching the base some basic skills will be taught to the participants for the next day, which would be the crossing of Gondogoro La Pass.
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Day 18: Trek to Khuispang over Gondogoro La
On this Day
On this day the participants will wake up as early as 2 am. After gearing up and having breakfast the participants roped as one uni will depart for the Gondogoro La base. Depending upon the situation our support crew will be there to fix ropes or helping the members out with the gears. It takes about 3 hours to get to the top of Gondogoro La Pass. You get to see and experience a breathtaking of all four 8000ers in the Baltoro region. (K2, G1, Broad Peak, G2).
While descending to the other side, fixed ropes will be utilized to the full extent, and the use of crampons is vital for the safety of the members. The members will get the views of the beautiful and sword head-shaped Laila Peak (6,096m) and one can also have the views of other trinity peaks.
The members will have to be extra careful while descending and watch out for every step they take to avoid jolting stones on their team members. Upon descending for the slope, the trails become easy and the participants will move on the moraine. The camp will be set up in the junction point of Gondogoro and Trinity Glacier called Khuispang (4,600m)
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Day 19: Trek to Saicho
On this Day
The participants will continue hiking down Since the hike downwards would be a comparatively easy hike so the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, crampons will be packed while descending. The mountainous and rocky terrain will be taken over the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley.
After lunch, the participants will continue hiking to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, upon reaching the edge they will find a trail that will lead them to the beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass.
At the end of the valley, there are 02 different routes to the destination. Our guide with the consent of local porters will decide the trails they are being frequently used.
The trek gets easy when the two trails meet. The members will see the huts made of stones by herders and local settlers. On this day the participants will experience the sign of the settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to big trees and lower altitudes. The camp will be set up at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water steams.
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Day 20: Trek to Hushe and drive to Skardu town
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive
Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive
On this day the participants have to trek down for only 3-4 hours, the river stream of the glacier melted water of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum, and Gondogoro Glaciers. The participants will start to see the signs of residences, shelter, fields, and signs of people living.
The participants will experience the 02 story shelters of the Hushe village, where the ground floor is for cattle and the first floor is for the family to live. After setting up the camp the participants can explore the beautiful Hushe Valley and interact with the locals. This would be the last camping day of the Gondogoro La Trek.
Upon reaching Hushe, the participants will depart for Skardu town from Hushe and the journey offers a lot of beautiful scenes of the different small village of the Hushe Valley. The participants will cross a suspension bridge above Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India) to get to the other side.
In the past, traditional rafts which were made of goatskin fill with air were used to cross the river. The suspension bridge which is used now to cross was built in the 1990s. Upon crossing the bridge, the participants will reach Khaplu.
The drive from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smooth and the route to be followed is the paved road along the Shayok river which leads to the confluence with Indus River. Upon driving along Indus River the Participants will reach Skardu in 4 hours. The participants can have the facilities which they did not have for 02 weeks. The first on that list would be taking a hot shower and secondly having a good meal.
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Day 22: Fly to Islamabad
On this Day
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time relaxing at the hotel in Islamabad.
The domestic flights sometimes get canceled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by vehicle.
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Day 23: Contingency day for flight cancellation
On this Day
This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.
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Day 24: Fly to home country
On this Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12 pm.
