K2 Classic Trek and Concordia, Pakistan
High in Karakorum Range of northern Pakistan, this challenging trek begins and ends in Skardu and over 20 days visits the base camps of both K2 and Broad Peak with a high point of just over 5000 metres.
Overview
After flying from Islamabad to Skardu, the trek cuts through the greatest concentration of some of the highest peaks in the world all the way to Concordia which is a central confluence of three famous glaciers, the Godwin Austin, Baltoro and Abruzzi.
The hike along the Baltoro glacier is the traditional expedition route to K2 and passes by giants such as Trango Towers (6363m), Masherbrum (7821m), Muztagh Tower (7283m), Gasherbrum IV (7925m), K2 (8611m), Broad Peak (8051m) and Chogolisa (7668m). The views from Concordia boast eight of the worlds thirty highest peaks and has been described as the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” for its unique 360˚ panorama of mountains and particularly impressive views of K2.
The normal route comes back to Skardu the same way, but there is an option to extend the trip over the Gondogoro La and return to Skardu in a loop, but the hike over the pass is challenging and there are exposed sections on snow and ice which require the use of crampons, ice axe although there is a fixed line to hold onto during the descent into the next valley.
The Karakorum Mountains
Here is a short clip from independent traveller Bilal that perfectly captures the essence and beauty of this region of the Karakorum.
People describe this region as the ‘sublime sanctuary of nature’, but it is not a trek to be undertaken lightly. However the rewards are great, not just for the mountain panoramas but also the tranquil lakes, meandering rivers, tumbling waterfalls and the experience of the modest Balti culture marked with its distinct language, architecture and dress.
Itinerary of the K2 Classic Trek
The itinerary below is for 21 days, starting and ending in Islamabad, and the actual trek is 14 days. Please note that the itinerary below should be regarded with a degree of flexibility as you will be travelling in a high mountain environment with a number of unknown influences including weather and rates of acclimatization of different individuals.
Transfer to a hotel.
The flight to Skardu is over the picturesque Kaghan Valley and takes one and half hours. Standard baggage limit is 20kgs.
Skardu lies at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Indus, Shyok and Basha rivers. Perched at a height of 2200 metres this ancient town is located amidst an impressive landscape, at the the heart of a towering frontier land. To its north lies the Xinjiang province of China, to the south Kashmir, to the West Gilgit and to the east the district of Ladakh in India.
Note: Operation of all flights to Northern Pakistan are subject to clear weather and confirmation of seats is subject to clearance of back log. If unable to fly, the group will be transferred by road (15-18 hrs) with one overnight enroute at Chilas.
If the flight to Skardu is successful then there is an option to go for a jeep safari to the Deosai Plains, also known as the Land of Giants. Another option is to visit Skardu Fort and Katchura Lake.Or this day is used to continue the journey by car.
Deosai is the 2nd highest plateau in the world after the Changtang Tibetan Plateau and has an average height of 4100m. Deosai, with its lush green grass, colourful wildflowers and rare butterflies, is rightly described as “Summer’s Palace” by the locals. The altitude of the Deosai Plains will help acclimatisation, and lunch is at the beautiful Sheosar lake, which offers spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8124m).
The road to Askole passes through the stunning valleys of Shigar and Braldu, each having its own mystique and uniqueness. Shigar valley comprises of several villages and farms with fields of wheat, barley, apricot trees and cherry trees.
The landscape then becomes more desert-like, with the barren mountains and steep gorges of the Braldu valley. Despite improvements to the road, it is prone to land slides and can at times be blocked, which will mean walking instead.
Camping near the village.
After registering at the Karakoram National Park (CKNP) office, the trek proceeds along the Braldu valley, which opens up to reveal the Mighty Biafo glacier that flows from the Hispar Pass and Snow Lake into the valley. Biafo Glacier is 67 km long glacier and the world’s 3rd longest glacier outside of the polar regions.
At the confluence of the Braldu River and Dumordo River (flowing from the Panmah Glacier) is a footbridge to cross and the Dumordo River valley once used to be a passage between Baltistan and Yarkhand through West Muztagh Pass into China.
Camping by the snout of the glacier.
A long uphill walk over a steep ridge along the Dumurdo river. Descend at Jhula, (wire rope bridge) to cross and camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas.
Campsite by the river.
Today’s route gradually gains altitude and follows the river under the shadows of Paiju Peak. Paiju is a Balti word which means “salt”, after rock salt deposits which locals believed came from the top of the peak. From the camp there are the first views of the impressive Baltoro Glacier.
Camping.
Walk one hour towards the Baltoro Glacier terminus where an obvious trail leads up the terminal moraine. The trail crosses the glacier angling gently to the south east and alternates between lateral moraine and glacier, finally heading out on the glacier which periodically surges to form the lake Khoburse with clear water and a few level tent sites.
Highlights : Trango Group of Peaks, Ulibiaho, Paiju, First Views of K2, Ibex and Gasherbrum IV.
Camping
The Baltoro glacier is an impressive sight as it stretches across the Braldu River, but it’s not until you spot the people that appear like ants crossing the glacier does its size become apparent. From this point onwards we’re treated to uninterrupted views of Uli Biaho Tower (6109m), Trango Towers (6363m) and Cathedral Peak (6024m) and behind are the contrasting steep grassy grazing pastures of the ibex.
Initially follow the moraine along the edge of the glacier before crossing to the centre of the glacier, where it’s easier to walk and soon see the spectacular Masherbrum (7821m) and the vast Yermamendu glacier flowing from the south. Ahead lie the peaks of Concordia, including Broad Peak and Gasherbrum IV.
Concordia is considered one of the world’s most spectacular campsites and offers the highest concentration of +7000 meter peaks anywhere in the world.
After leaving Goro II campsite, the trail is fairly easy to trek on, with gentle slopes of moraine and the famous seracs rising 40-60 meters out of the glacier. Approaching Concordia the mighty K2 (8611m) looms above the ridge and towers over the Godwin Austen Glacier. Concordia is a wide area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa.
A short walk to Broad Peak base camp 2 -3 hours with minimum staff and two days food only. while porters rest at Concordia.
A day to visit K2 Base Camp and then trek back to Concordia. From BC it’s possible to see the Savoia Saddle to the west, Windy Gap and Advance Base Camp on the Abruzzi Ridge to the east and Concordia framed by Mitre Peak and Chogolisa to the south, and of course K2 to the north. There is also a chance to visit the Gilkey Memorial where the names of those who have died climbing K2 are inscribed on a collection of plaques and plates.
Head back to Concordia in the afternoon following the Godwin Austen Glacier and arriving for dinner.
Outbound trek to Askole via the same route via Goro, Urdukas, Khuburse, Paiju, Korophone and Askole. Finish by driving back to Skardu.
Either a flight back to Islamabad and a day in the city before flying home, or a two day road journey via Gilgit.
Ready for an Adventure to the Karakorum?
Choose a scheduled date or contact us to set up private dates. The minimum deposit is £200.00 and the balance is due six weeks before travel. We will require passport copies for the permits a minimum of six weeks prior to the trip.
All travellers must be protected by insurance that covers cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation up to a minimum of USD$20,000 for helicopter rescue, and loss or damage to baggage and personal effects.
There is an option to convert this trek into a loop by crossing the Gondogoro Pass, but the route is challenging and the conditions should be right. Please contact us to discuss the feasibility of this extension. We do run another Karakorum trip called the 5 Base Camps which includes crossing the Gondogoro but also finishing off with a visit to Fairy Meadows and a hike up to the base of Nanga Parbat.
Fixed Itineraries
| Start Date | End Date | Days | Price (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/08/2026 | 25/08/2026 | 21 | £2,895.00 | Book Now |
