Embark on one of the world’s most iconic mountain adventures — the K2 Circular Trek. Ranked among the top ten treks on the planet, this unforgettable journey is far more than a trail; it’s a soul-stirring expedition across glaciers, under towering granite cathedrals, and through high mountain passes carved by time itself.
Your path winds through the dramatic Baltoro Glacier, one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions, passing legendary camps like Paiju, Urdukas, and Goro-II. But it’s at Concordia, the confluence of four mighty glaciers, where nature’s true majesty is revealed — a 360° panorama of some of the planet’s highest peaks: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, Chogolisa, and Masherbrum, standing like guardians of an ancient kingdom.
For those seeking a pinnacle experience, the trail leads over the breathtaking Gondogoro La Pass (5,650 m), offering one of the most stunning alpine views on Earth. With every step, you journey deeper into a world that few ever witness — a realm where snow, stone, and silence reign supreme.
This is not just a trek; it’s a pilgrimage for mountain lovers, an odyssey where the earth touches the sky and every heartbeat echoes with awe.
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: 21 days / 20 nights (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.
🔺 Concordia – The ultimate natural amphitheater surrounded by four 8,000m peaks
🧊 Baltoro Glacier – One of the largest non-polar glaciers in the world
🏔️ K2 Base Camp – At the foot of the world’s second-highest mountain
🌄 Gondogoro La Pass – A thrilling high-altitude crossing with panoramic views
🗿 Trango Towers & Masherbrum – Iconic rock spires and icy giants
🏕️ Wilderness Camping – Remote campsites under pristine starlit skies
🎒 Local Culture – Balti hospitality and traditions in Hushe and Askole
💫 Spiritual Journey – A deep and humbling connection with nature and self
Touch down in Pakistan’s serene capital, Islamabad. Nestled against the Margalla Hills, the city offers a calm prelude to your adventure. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a gentle half-day city tour — perhaps visit the Faisal Mosque or explore local bazaars.
🛏️ Overnight in hotel.
Day 2. To Skardu or Chilas – Into the Mountains 🏞️✈️🚐Fly to Skardu (weather permitting) over the incredible Nanga Parbat, or drive the legendary Karakoram Highway to Chilas — either way, you're getting closer to the heart of the Karakoram.
🛏️ Overnight in Skardu or Chilas.
Day 3. Skardu – Land of Giants and Valleys 🏔️🕌If you flew earlier, enjoy sightseeing in Skardu: visit Kharpocho Fort, Manthal Buddha Rock, and Sadpara Lake. Optional visit to Upper Kachura Lake and Broq. If you drove, complete your scenic journey from Chilas to Skardu.
🛏️ Overnight in hotel.
Day 4. Drive to Askole – The Edge of Civilization 🚙⛰️Begin your off-road journey through the stunning Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole — the final village before the wilderness. The adventure begins as you sleep under stars in your first campsite.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
Day 5. Trek to Jhola – First Steps into the Wild🥾🏞️Trek alongside roaring rivers and the snout of the Biafo Glacier. Cross Korophong and reach the Jhola campsite, resting under the gaze of Bakhor Dass Peak (5,809m).
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 17.5 km | ⏱️ 5–6 hours | ↑ Altitude: 3,200m
Day 6. Trek to Paiju – Into the Glacier Valleys 🌄🧗Continue deeper into the Karakoram. After crossing Bardumal, the mighty Broad Peak (8,051m) may come into view. Paiju camp awaits, nestled beneath Paiju Peak’s granite spires.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 18.8 km | ⏱️ 7–8 hours | ↑ Altitude: 3,600m
Day 7. Trek to Khuburtse – Touching Ice ❄️🏔️Today you step onto the Baltoro Glacier — a river of ice leading to legends. Towering Trango Towers and Liligo Peak line your route.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 13 km | ⏱️ 5 hours | ↑ Altitude: 4,000m
Day 8. Trek to Urdukas – Royal Heights 🏕️👑Reach a rocky outcrop known as Urdukas — once a royal military camp. Incredible views of Uli Biaho, Trango Towers, and the Biale massif surround you.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 8.1 km | ⏱️ 4–5 hours | ↑ Altitude: 4,240m
Day 9. Trek to Goro-II – Frozen Majesty ❄️🧊Trek across icy terrain to Goro-II, surrounded by towering peaks like Muztagh Tower and Masherbrum. The silence here is surreal.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 11.6 km | ⏱️ 6 hours | ↑ Altitude: 4,500m
Day 10. Trek to Concordia – The Mountain Cathedral 🏕️🗻Reach Concordia — the grand meeting point of glaciers and home to the greatest mountain views on Earth: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 12.9 km | ⏱️ 6 hours | ↑ Altitude: 4,687m
Day 11. Rest Day at Concordia – A Day Among Giants 🌞🧘Enjoy a full rest day or optional hikes. Watch sunrise bathe K2 in golden light. The power of this landscape is humbling and unforgettable.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
Day 12. Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp – Closer to the Sky 🗻🌌Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp with dramatic views of the surrounding 8,000ers. Camp among expeditions challenging the heights.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 7 km | ⏱️ 3 hours | ↑ Altitude: 4,900m
Day 13. Visit K2 Base Camp & Gilkey Memorial – At the Foot of a Legend 🧗🕯️Trek to K2 Base Camp (5,050m), pay respects at the Gilkey Memorial, then return to Concordia. A powerful and moving day.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 17.2 km total | ⏱️ 7 hours
Day 14. Trek to Ali Camp – Into the White Silence 🧭❄️Walk the shimmering surface of Vigne Glacier toward Ali Camp, flanked by Chogolisa and Mitre Peak. Prepare for the high pass ahead.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 12 km | ⏱️ 5–6 hours | ↑ Altitude: 5,000m
Day 15. Cross Gondogoro La to Huispang – The Crown Jewel ⛰️🏞️Begin early for the ascent to Gondogoro La (5,650m). From the top, witness the full Karakoram in all its glory before descending steeply to Huispang.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 20 km | ⏱️ 10 hours
Day 16. Trek to Saicho – Return to Green 🌿🌺Follow the path through lush meadows, glacial lakes, and alpine flowers to Saicho. Join your porters in celebration of the journey.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 16 km | ⏱️ 5–6 hours | ↓ Altitude: 3,300m
Day 17. Trek to Hushe – Final Footsteps 🌲🏞️Descend to Hushe (3,000m), where walnut trees and river valleys signal the end of the trekking trail. Bid farewell to your local crew.
⛺ Overnight in tents.
📏 8 km | ⏱️ 3–4 hours
Day 18. Drive to Skardu – Back to Civilization 🚙🏘️Drive through Ganche district’s stone villages, rivers, and dramatic valleys back to Skardu. Warm showers and soft beds await.
🛏️ Overnight in hotel.
📏 168 km | ⏱️ 6 hours
Day 19. Fly to Islamabad – From Ice to Earth ✈️🌿Weather permitting, enjoy a scenic flight over the Karakoram peaks you recently trekked through. Return to the peaceful rhythm of Islamabad.
🛏️ Overnight in hotel.
Day 20. Day in Islamabad – Culture and Reflection 🛍️🏛️Relax or explore. Visit the ancient ruins of Taxila, shop at colorful local markets, or revisit the quiet beauty of the Margalla Hills.
🛏️ Overnight in hotel.
Day 21. Departure – A Journey Etched in Ice and Memory 🧳👣Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward journey. You leave with memories as immense as the mountains themselves — transformed, inspired, and forever changed.
📄 Note: The flight between Islamabad and Skardu is subject to weather conditions.
🛬 Airport transfers in Islamabad & Skardu
🏨 Hotels in Islamabad & Skardu (twin sharing)
🏕️ Full board on trek (tents, meals, guides, porters)
🏔️ Permits, fees, and trekking logistics
🚙 All land transport & internal flights (Skardu–Islamabad)
✈️ International airfare
🥤 Personal snacks, drinks, tips
🧍♂️ Travel insurance (mandatory)
🧼 Laundry, phone calls, personal expenses
First day of trip: 19-JUN-2025
End of trip: 08-JUL-2025
First day of trip: 12-JUL-2025
End of trip: 31-JUL-2025
First day of trip: 19-JUL-2025
End of trip: 07-AUG-2025
First day of trip: 09-AUG-2025
End of trip: 28-AUG-2025
First day of trip: 16-AUG-2025
End of trip: 04-SEP-2025
20 Days/19 Nights
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.