K2 Base Camp Trek is one of the largest trekking holidays in Pakistan. From the rock trails that climb up to the massive Baltoro Glacier to the sights of the stunning 8,000-meter peaks that tower over your head, the K2 Concordia trek is one of the most epic journeys available. You won’t find any other adventure in Pakistan like trekking when you find yourself at base camp on the second highest peak in the world.
The K2 Concordia is in the Karakoram Mountains in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. K2 (8611 m), the second-highest mountain in the world, is also known as the wild Karakoram Mountain. Trekking the Baltoro and Godwin-Austin glaciers to the base of this magnificent mountain and Concordia is an absolute classic trek. Concordia is home to the four highest 8,000-meter-high mountains in the world. Because of its unique location, Concordia is known as the heart of the Karakoram Mountains.
Concordia Trek is the most popular tourist vacation for foreign tourists visiting Pakistan. This adventure is commonly known as “K2 Base Camp Trek”.
If you have not trekked in the Karakorum Mountains, you’ve missed the ultimate trekking experience, but if you have not trekked to Concordia, you have missed the trip of a lifetime.
Concordia is the name given to the convergence of the gigantic Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glacier in the Karakorum Mountains of Pakistan.
Baltoro is home to hundreds of peaks, including 4 peaks above 8,000 meters (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II). The trek, which allows you to get amazing views of the snow-capped peaks in the vicinity, is among the most risky treks in the world. As someone said, “The higher the risk, the higher the reward”, this is true for the Concordia K2 Base Camp adventure.
Islamabad to K2 Base Camp
The journey will Start with an amazing flight from Islamabad to Skardu before starting Concordia K2 base camp trek. Throughout the trek, the route is lined with rugged snow-capped mountains to Concordia. Trekkers will go to the famous Baltoro glacier, under the giants Trango Towers (6,363 m), Masherbrum (7,821 m), Muztagh Tower (7,283 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m), K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak ( 8,051) m) and Chogolisa (7,668 m) among many others.
Then you will arrive at Concordia itself, which has been described as the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” for its unique 360˚ panorama of 7000m mountains and impressive views of K2 – here you are truly in one of the most impressive locations on the planet. You will sleep at Broad Peak Base Camp, which is unusual, but it shortens the journey on the way up and gives you much more time to explore, absorb, and appreciate this most impressive place.
Best Time to Visit K2 Base Camp
Between mid-June and September, spanning 20 days, lies an expedition leading to a maximum altitude of 5685 meters. This particular zone is under restricted access, offering a challenging yet awe-inspiring journey for adventurers seeking the thrill of exploring such high altitudes.
The view from the top of this almost 5585m pass (Gondogoro La) cannot be described. According to many, it is simply the best mountain panorama in the world. K-2, Broad Peak, the four Gasherbrums, (8000+ m) peaks and a host of smaller peaks touch the skies all around you. One has to make an extraordinary effort on Concordia‘s part to achieve the spectacle. The trek to the top of Gondogoro La involves about 600m of ice and snow slopes that require the use of ice ax, crampon, harness, helmet, rope, and carabiner.
Route to K2 Base Camp
The K2 Concordia Trek begins with a flight to Islamabad, the green capital of Pakistan.
Islamabad – Chilas (by road) – Skardu – Askolie – Korofong – Bardumal – Paiyu – Rest – Khobrse – Urdukas – Goro – Concordia – Rest – Ali Camp – Hispang, Dalang Pa – Saitcho – Rest – Hushe – Skardu – Besham – Islamabad.
1. Islamabad to Skardu (Flight or by Road)
Weather permitting, it is a 1-hour flight from Islamabad to Skardu early in the morning. During the flight breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest cliff on Earth at a height of 8126 m will be witnessed.
2. Skardu to Askoli (3,040 M): 7 Hours Drive
The journey to Shigar Valley from Skardu will be by jeep and will go through the Shigar cold desert. A smooth path will lead to the Shigar Viewpoint, from where there is a majestic view of the entire valley. After the longest drive of 7-8 hours along the Burge Gorge, Askole will be reached.
Askole Village is the final accommodation for people en route to Concordia and K2. It is also the gateway to Broad Peak, K2, Gondogoro La, Trango Towers, Biafo Hispar, and many more. It is a one-lane street with wooden houses surrounded by apricot trees and fields of potatoes and corn.
3. Korfong (3,100 M): 4 Hours of Trekking
Trekking will start at K2 Concordia Trek. From Askole, total travel is 15.5 km to the Biafo Glacier, the 3rd largest glacier on the planet outside the polar regions. The Biafo glacier is 67 km long and joins the Hispar glacier at a peak of 5128 m. We will arrive at the Korfong camp in the early afternoon. Before Korfong, we cross the fast-flowing Panama River over a bridge created in the valley by the Central Karakoram National Park Administration.
Above the bridge, the Night will be spent in the campsite Jhola.
4. Bardumal (3,350 M): 6 Hours of Trekking
There will be a walk along the Braldu River. One might need athletic shoes and old sandals to cross a few streams. At higher altitudes, a wonderful view of the Baltoro glacier can be seen, along with the Trango tower and a group of cathedrals. One can even witness a glimpse of K2 on the backside of Lobsang Spire on a clear day.
5. Paja (3,380 M): 6 Hours of Trekking
By walking along the Braldu River, the Paiju or Paja campsite will arrive.
A day off is recommended in Paiju to rest before heading to Concordia.
6. Khoburts (3,760 m): 7 Hours of Trekking
From Paiju, it’s a trek towards Khoburtse camp. As the day begins, walk for an hour to the Baltoro Glacier, where water from the melting glacier seeps into the river. After a whole day of continuous wandering, you will reach Khoburtse camp for the night.
7. Urdukas (4,130 M): 4 Hours of Trekking
The next morning, continue trekking along the Baltoro Glacier. On the way, you will pass Trango Towers and go towards the next camp zone called Urdukas. In 1909, Abruzzi discovered and cleared this area on his way to the K2 base camp.
8. Goro (4,250 M): 7 Hours of Trekking
After breakfast, leave Urdukas and walk along the side of the moraine and all the way east to the landmark where ascend the Baltoro Glacier.
Skirt the center of the glacier follow a smoother flow and have a clear view of Masherbrum to arrive at our Goro camp (4250m).
Stay warm as it will be a cold night there.
9. Concordia (4,600 m): 5 Hours of Trekking
Now it is time to travel to Concordia, the final destination of the trek. Continue our journey along the Baltoro glacier towards Concordia. On the way, you will cross the Muztagh Tower. Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m). Gasherbrum II (8035m) will also be visible from the right side of Gasherbrum IV.
If we head higher, we stand at the most awaited point of the K2 Concordia trek, where the Broad Peak welcomes us on one side, along with the marble and crystal ridges on the left. On the other hand, K2 remains hidden until we reach Concordia.
Concordia is located at the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers. Concordia is a vast area that is rich in glaciers. It is one of the most challenging places on Earth, surrounded by four eight-thousanders and ten of the highest cliffs. We set up our camp 4500 m above the moraine in Concordia.
10. Broad Peak Base Camp (5,000 M): 4 Hours of Trekking
An optional Trek is available to visit Broad Peak Base Camp, Gilkey Monument, and K2 Base Camp and return to Concordia for an overnight stay.
11. K2 Base Camp & Back to Concordia (5,150 M): 7 Hours of Trekking
After spending two nights at the Concordia, head back to Islamabad to retrace your steps. You will follow the same travel itinerary back and arrive in Islamabad where you will spend one night and the next morning we will transfer you to Islamabad Airport for your flight back to your home.
