K2 Circular Trek

Concordia, K2 Base Camp, Gondogoro La

Overview

Ranked among the top ten classic hikes in the world, Concordia K2 Base Camp Trek is a lifetime experience. The trek leads towards Concordia stopping at Jhula, Paiju, Urdukas and Goro-II. Concordia the junction of Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers with several other tributaries, serving as the base for the giants of Karakorams. It is surrounded by several 8000 & 7000M high peaks including K2 (the king of mountains), Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, Baltoro Kangri, & Chogolisa etc. En-route glimpses of some other famous high mountains; Nanga Parbat, Trango Tower, Masherbrum Peak, and Muztagh Tower besides many tributary glaciers of Baltoro, will mesmerize you in the wilderness.

If an adventure enthusiast, wishes to add value to his/her K2 base camp trip, Gondogoro La 5450m is the most popular and frequently used high pass in the Karakoram. This route was established in 1986 that connects Concordia and the upper Baltoro Glacier to the beautiful Hushe Valley over the Gondogoro La. It’s a quite challenging and technical pass but provides an alternate route to return from Concordia hence it is highly famous among trekkers and climbers. If weather favors, the high pass offers the most overwhelming and extraordinary view of K2, Broad Peak, G-G-II, G-III, G-IV, Masherbrum and Chogolisa besides many other peaks and glaciers in the region.

Trek Facts

Trek Name: K2 Circular (Baltoro K2 Base Camp Gondogoro La)
Trek Code: ATP-TR-02
Trekking Zone: Restricted Zone
Route: Islamabad-Skardu-Askole-Concordia-Broad Peak Base Camp-K2 Base Camp-Gondogoro La-Hushe-Islamabad.
Best time: June to September
Maximum Elevation: 5650 meters
Trek Grade: Strenuous
Trek Duration: 19 nights/20 days (7 hotel nights & 12 camping nights)
Visa Category: Mountaineering & Trekking
Visa Sub Category: Trekking
Permit Requirement: A trekking permit is required as the trek falls in the restricted zone.

Gallery

Trek locations on map

Itinerary

Day 1. Islamabad

Upon arrival at the Islamabad International Airport, transfer to hotel. Half day city tour.

Day 2. Islamabad to Chilas or to Skardu

Altitude (Skardu): 2250 m
Flight: Islamabad–Skardu (1 hour) or Drive to Chilas (10-12 hours)
After arrival in Skardu or Chilas, transfer to hotel.

Day 3. Skardu

Altitude: 2250 m
Chilas-Skardu: 260 km / 7 hours’ drive
Free day in Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu (7-8 hours)
If you arrived by flight, you will go on a half-day sightseeing tour today. This includes Kharpocho Fort, Manthal Buddha Rock, and Sadpara Lake.
Optional: Visit Upper Kachura Lake and Broq or shop for souvenirs, as Skardu is the last town for shopping.

Day 4. Drive from Skardu to Askole

Altitude (Askole): 3100 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 850 m
Distance: 130 km / 6 hours’ drive
Drive through the lush green Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the last settlement.
Stay in tents at Askole.

Day 5. Trek from Askole to Jhola

Altitude (Jhola camp): 3200 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 100 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 17.5 km / 5-6 hours
Start trekking through barren land with views of Biafo Glacier and the beautiful Bakhor Dass Peak (5809 m).
Stay in tents at Jhola camp.

Day 6. Trek from Jhola to Paiju

Altitude (Paiju camp): 3600 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 400 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 18.8 km / 7-8 hours
Trek through Bardumal valley, with views of Broad Peak (8051 m).
Stay in tents at Paiju camp.

Day 7. Trek from Paiju to Khuburtse

Altitude (Khuburtse): 4000 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 400 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 13 km / 5 hours
Walk on the Baltoro Glacier, and enjoy views of Trango Towers (6251 m).
Stay in tents at Khuburtse.

Day 8. Trek from Khuburtse to Urdukas

Altitude (Urdukas): 4240 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 240 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 8.1 km / 4-5 hours
Enjoy spectacular views of Biale (6729 m) and the Trango group.
Stay in tents at Urdukas.

Day 9. Trek from Urdukas to Goro-II

Altitude (Goro-II): 4500 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 260 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 11.6 km / 6 hours
Continue trek along Baltoro Glacier, passing Goro I.
Stay in tents at Goro-II.

Day 10. Trek from Goro-II to Concordia

Altitude (Concordia): 4687 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 187 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 12.9 km / 6 hours
Arrive at Concordia for spectacular views of K2 and surrounding peaks.
Stay in tents at Concordia.

Day 11. Concordia

Altitude (Concordia): 4687 m
Rest day at Concordia to relax and enjoy the view.

Day 12. Trek from Concordia to Broad Peak Base Camp

Altitude (Broad Peak Base Camp): 4900 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 213 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 7 km / 3 hours
It takes 3 hours to reach Broad Peak Base Camp (4900 m). An amazing day during which we will enjoy the dramatic views of the giant Karakoram Mountains along with large glaciers all around.
Overnight stay in tent.

Day 13. Trek from Broad Peak Base Camp to K2 Base Camp and back to Concordia

Altitude (K2 Base Camp): 5050 m
Altitude (Concordia): 4687 m
Distance & Hiking Time (Broad Peak BC to K2 BC): 5.1 km / 2 hours
Distance & Hiking Time (K2 BC to Concordia): 12.1 km / 5 hours
Altitude Gained/Lost: ↑ 150 m & ↓ 213 m
We’ll visit K2 base camp today, giving the opportunity to meet many mountaineers if they are not in higher camps. We will also visit the Gilkey Memorial with its many memory plaques for climbers who died on K2.
Overnight stay in tent at Concordia.

Day 14. Trek from Concordia to Ali Camp

Altitude (Ali Camp): 5000 m
Altitude Gained: ↑ 313 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 12 km / 5-6 hours
Continue trekking on Vigne Glacier with panoramic views of Chogolisa and Mitre Peak. Overnight in tents.

Day 15. Trek from Ali Camp to Gondogoro La (pass) and to Huispang

Altitude (Gondogoro Pass): 5650 m
Altitude (Huipang): 4600 m
Distance & Hiking Time: 20 km / 10 hours
Start early for Gondogoro Pass (5650 m) with stunning views of Karakoram peaks. After reaching the pass, descend to Huispang (4600 m). Overnight in tents.

Day 16. Trek from Huispang to Siacho

Altitude (Siacho): 3300 m
Distance & hiking time: 16 km / 5-6 hours
Trek to Saicho (3300m), passing lakes, meadows, and mountains. Camp near Saicho and enjoy a local celebration by porters. Overnight in tents.

Day 17. Trek from Siacho to Hushe

Altitude (Skardu): 3000 m
Distance & hiking time: 8 km / 3-4 hours
Trek down to Hushe (3000m), then take jeeps to Skardu. Say goodbye to porters. Overnight in tents.

Day 18. Drive from Hushe to Skardu

Altitude (Skardu): 2250 m
Altitude Lost: ↓ 850 m
Distance and Travel Time: 168 km / 6 hours’ jeep drive
Drive back to Skardu, passing through Ganche district villages and along the Shayok and Indus Rivers. Overnight in hotel.

Day 19. Fly from Skardu to Islamabad

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 20. Islamabad

Day at leisure. Shopping or visit Taxila, an ancient center of Gandhara civilization. Overnight in hotel.

Day 21. Departure from Islamabad

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for departure flight.

Note: The flight between Islamabad and Skardu is subject to weather conditions.

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Next Trek

Fixed Departures for K2 Circular Trek 2025

1st Departure

First day of trip: 19-JUN-2025
End of trip: 08-JUL-2025

2nd Departure

First day of trip: 12-JUL-2025
End of trip: 31-JUL-2025

3rd Departure

First day of trip: 19-JUL-2025
End of trip: 07-AUG-2025

4th Departure

First day of trip: 09-AUG-2025
End of trip: 28-AUG-2025

5th Departure

First day of trip: 16-AUG-2025
End of trip: 04-SEP-2025

20 Days/19 Nights

Join This Trek

Fixed departures are pre-scheduled trips with set itinerary dates. They provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to journey alongside other travellers, sharing a memorable adventure.