K2 Base Camp Trek (2024-25) – 15 days
For those who want to manage their own logistics in Skardu and Islamabad and simply need hiking services from Apricot Tours, we have devised this “trek only” plan. Skardu is where the services for this itinerary start with hotel pickup and end with drop-off. In actuality, individuals engaged in this Skardu to Skardu trip will be meeting the same groups that have booked the 21-day trek from Islamabad to K2 base camp.
Dates & Cost – K2 Base Camp Trek (15 days)
The start and end dates in the table below are your dates of arrival in Skardu and return to Skardu from the trek. The groups arriving from Islamabad will also arrive on the same date ideally. In case of flight cancellation in the the next day, they will start their adventure by road (via Karakoram Highway) from Rawalpindi airport and finish this journey in 2 days, reaching Skardu the next day.
This can also have an impact on when the expedition ends. Since we cannot risk delays by attempting to board the aeroplane the next day, road travel is a backup plan. If flights are canceled for any reason, travelers will be responsible for any expenses they incur in Skardu before the journey begins, including lodging, meals, and other costs. Likewise, travelers will be responsible for any additional costs after we drop them in Skardu.
If you want this to be covered, we recommend you book our 21 days K2 base camp trek.
Highlights – K2 Base Camp Trek
Given below are main highlights of our 15 days k2 base camp trek:
- Highlights
- Base Campsof K2 and Broad Peak
- Concordia– Throne Room of the Mountain Gods
- Trek up to Godwin Austin glaciervia Baltoro Glacier (5th longest and world’s largest outside polar region)
- Gilkeymemorial
- View 8,000 m peaksincluding Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m) and K2 (8,611 m) from Goro II, Concordia & base camps.
- Views of other peaks between 5,000m to 8,000mincluding Gasherbrum 3 and 4, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marbel Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, Urdukas Peak etc.
- Views of Glaciers(e.g. Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, Mandu and more), glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
- Indus, Panmah and Braldu rivers
- Valleys of Skarduand Shigar
- Balti porterlife, Askole jeep safari etc
- Meet mountaineersat base camps
Itinerary – K2 Base Camp Trek
The itinerary for K2 base camp trek is noticeable below.
Day 01: Arrive in Skardu
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Those interested in this Skardu-to-Skardu service will join the same groups that have reserved the 21-day K2 base camp trek and are traveling from Islamabad.On this day, you should arrive in Skardu and either call our Skardu office or come in person to our office, which is located in Kushu Bagh near the House Finance building on Mohib Chowk (Junction) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The signboard at the gate of our office makes it easy for you to find us.
Foreign visitors are issued a Foreign Registration Card (FRC) upon arrival in Skardu. This card will be provided at the airport if you are flying, and at the checkpoint when you enter Skardu if you are driving anywhere.
For a final government verification, our manager will collect from you the following documents:
- FRCs of foreigners
- Passport (foreigners)
- IDs of Pakistanis (local tourists and overseas Pakistanis)
- Entry stamp on your Passport or Visa
- The government authorities will receive these documents, and it will take at least 14 hours for the final verification to be completed before a final letter of approval is sent to the participants who were able to go to Skardu on this particular day. Authorities may even randomly seek your actual presence, so you should stay in touch with our manager in Skardu today and tomorrow. You will also be asked to attend a briefing at the provincial tourism ministry office.
- Ideally, this is the day that the big party from Islamabad will come as well. If their flight is cancelled in the morning, they will begin their trek from Islamabad airport via the Karakoram Highway and finish it in two days, arriving in Skardu the next day. This can also have an impact on when the expedition ends. Since we cannot risk delays by attempting to board the aeroplane the next day, road travel is a backup plan. Apricot Tours will not be liable for any or all expenses (such as lodging, meals, etc.) that you incur in Skardu prior to the flight being cancelled for any reason.
- trek starts. Likewise, we will not be responsible for any additional cost incurred after drop in Skardu. If you want this to be covered, you can book our 21 days holiday and join us in Islamabad.
Why happens if you don’t reach Skardu on this day?
Since the final list of participants on the letter of government approval cannot be altered, you will miss the walk (and any money received) if for any reason you are unable to get to Skardu on this day. The names of all those who submitted the aforementioned documents are included in the final approved letter. However, you can also turn in your paperwork the following day when they arrive if our Islamabad group’s flight is cancelled and they must go by road. Don’t take this chance!
Note: All costs (such as lodging, meals, and transportation) on this particular day will be paid for directly by our visitors and are not included by the vacation package. You can reserve our 21-day vacation and come to Islamabad if you want this to be covered. Day 3 of your vacation with Apricot Tours begins.
Day 02: Spend free day in Skardu
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
You must spend this day free in Skardu. Its better to get rest at your hotel or do any last minute shopping in Skardu Bazaar while keeping in touch with our office.
We’ll hold off until we receive the official government consent letter. This can occasionally take two days (2% of the time). In the event of any delays, we have backup days at the finish of the walk. Again, the government authorities may seek your physical presence at random on this day, so you should stay in touch with our manager in Skardu, who will set up your appointment. This holds true for both domestic and international tourists. Approvals are often given by the government at the end of the day. The next day, we will begin the trek to K2 base camp. Tomorrow is the first day of your vacation with Apricot Tours.
Note: Our clients will be responsible for paying for all costs (such as lodging, meals, and transportation) on this day.
is not part of the holiday package. If you want this to be covered, you can book our 21 days holiday and join us in Islamabad.
Day 03: Drive to Askole village
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,015 m
In order to go to Daso, the participants will start the jeep safari, which will pass via the Shigar Valley. The route will follow the banks of the Braldu River all the way to Askole. The final village on our tour is Askole; participants will abandon their jeeps and begin walking. Depending on the state of the roads, participants may occasionally start their walk before reaching Askole. It will take you six to eight hours to cover the distance in total.
Day 04: 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
The porters will load up for the journey to Jhola once the list of required supplies and equipment has been completed. The valley serves as the entryway to the Biafo glacier, which flows from Hispar La to Braldu over a distance of fifty kilometres. As they pass the glacier’s nose and descend to a picnic area by the Korofon River, the participants will get a taste of moraine trekking.
We will travel to the meeting point of the Braldu and Domordo rivers. A more recent trail will take us upstream, where participants will cross the river via bridge, as the former trail is not used for the journey.
The participants will descend to the Braldu River’s shore on the opposite side of the bridge, then follow the riverbank to the camp at Jhola.
Day 05: 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
Participants will follow the Braldu gorge along the Braldu River’s bank on this day of our K2 base camp trip. Participants will have the opportunity to see the breathtaking Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak rocks. The walking conditions can be extremely hot and dry on this day, therefore participants should protect themselves from any sunburns.
Participants will need to wear river crossing shoes along the route, depending on the water levels, since multiple streams from the glacier fall down into the valley. On a clear day, the trekkers will be able to see the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The participants will climb away from the river to camp at Paiju, the final camp where trees will be visible for a while, to round off the day.
Day 06: Acclimatize and rest in Paiju
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
For recuperation and acclimatisation, the participants will spend the day at Paiju Camp. To prepare their own bread for the following week on the glacier, the porters will take their time. On this day, an acclimatisation walk towards Paiju Peak base camp is also possible.
Day 07: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
The hike will be difficult on this day, but as you ascend the nose of Baltoro Glacier, the view will grow more breathtaking. Although the trail is fairly safe, we strongly advise exercising caution at all times due to the constant up-and-down climbs on the glacial moraine. As the participants proceed, they will enjoy breathtaking vistas of Uli Biaho and Trango Tower.To get to Liligo, the contestants must traverse the glacier. Participants will then go down a rocky trail that runs along the Baltoro’s edge, or occasionally to Khoburtse, the glacier’s side where a camp will be set up.
Day 08: Cross small glaciers and walk to Urdukus
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,905 m
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 4-6 hours
After passing two tiny glaciers, Trango Towers may finally be seen. The participants will stop at Urdukas, which is close to the army camp, the next evening. A hundred meters above the glacier sits the camp.
Day 09: 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
The participants in our K2 base camp tour will be going across the middle of the glacier on this particular day. We will follow the medial moraine, which offers views of Masherbrum (7821m) to the south. In addition to walking past enormous ice seracs, the participants will be trekking up and down the rocky moraine.
Goro II, where Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband meet, will host the first overnight camp on Baltoro Glacier. There could be a sharp drop in temperature. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will reveal themselves for the occasion.
Day 10: Trek to Concordia through a rocky moraine
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,512 m
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
The participants in the K2 base camp trip will arrive at Concordia on this day after travelling up the moraine continually. As they continue their journey, more and more high snow-capped peaks will emerge, marking the completion of the K2 sighting experience. Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri, and numerous other summits are visible.
Day 11: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial and K2 Base Camp (optional)
On this Day
GPS Data
Return time K2 BC (5,155m) + Gilkey (5,230m)+ Broad Peak (4,844m): 10-12 hours
Return time Broad BC (4,844m): 6-7 hours
Just before K2 Base Camp, there is a chance to trek up the Godwin-Austen glacier to the Art Gilkey Memorial, which honours the American scientist and mountaineer. It’s going to be a long day, but it will be amazing. We will depart early in the morning and traverse the glaciers to the faint track that leads to K2 (the trail is all rocky and faint). The mountain appears to get larger as we follow the glacier towards K2. After roughly three hours, we pass Broad Peak base camp (you can turn back here) while Broad Peak rises up to our right. Those who continue to carry on with K2 towering above us as we approach usually take their lunch break here.
The Art Gilkey Memorial is located in the middle of the ice and boulder-strewn terrain, just before base camp. After a little scurry, we arrive at the memorial site for the people whose lives K2 claimed. At the base of this massive mountain, a little rocky outcrop has plaques and engraved tin plates affixed to it. We can see great views of K2 straight overhead, and we might even spot some climbing excursions. We make our way back to Concordia after lunch.
Day 12: Trek to Goro I/Biango
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,010 m
Distance: 15.9 km
Time: 6-7 hours
On this day of the K2 base camp trek, the participants will have to leave this camp and move back towards Goro I. The trek on this day will be quite easy and you will be descending down.
Day 13: Trek to Khoburtse with views of Trango Towers
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 13.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
The participants will go to the Urdukas campground on this day and then descend across the glacier to Goro I along the same route. They will enjoy breathtaking views of Trango Towers before they reach Khurburtse. The vistas on the way back will be entirely different, even though the participants will be following the same track.
Day 14: Trek back to camp Paiju
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day of the K2 base camp trip, the participants will go via Liligo down on the glacier’s edge. This will be the final location when they will change their track from the moraine onto the comparatively stable land. After a break, the participants will have the chance to enjoy their stay at the Paiju camp site and discover themselves among the trees.
Day 15: Trek to Jhola campsite
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Since the participants will be using the same track to reach the Bradlu Gorge, the walking on this day will be much easier. There might be some river crossings today, though. Jhola will be the location of the camp.
Day 16: Trek to Askole 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
The participants will stroll up the riverside to the bridge on this day and then return to Askole village.After lunch, the participants will transfer to Skardu in jeeps, so they will give their feet a little rest.
Participants can say goodbye to the porters in Askole and the remaining employees in Skardu. We will conclude our services once we drop off all participants on this Skardu-to-Skardu vacation at their individual lodgings.
Note: Visitors will pay directly for meals and lodging on this day, as the vacation package does not include these expenses.
Day 17: Contingency days for trek delays
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m
This day is set aside for any possible trekking delays. Roadblocks are one of the many possible causes of delays, and we do not want our clients to miss their return flights or other plans as a result.
Note: Our visitors will pay directly for all costs in Skardu (such as lodging, meals, and transportation) on this day, assuming no delays. The vacation package does not include these costs. Your vacation with Apricot Tours ends when you return to Skardu.
Holiday Information
- What’s included
- Twin-sharing dome tents for all trekking accommodations in Pakistan
- All bridge and camping site fees .
- Every aspect of trekking logistics, including tents, non-personal gear, tools, etc
- All meals for trekking (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Snacks for the hike, such as tea or coffee and dry fruits.
- Free boiling water refills along the walk .
- A licensed professional guide, as required by the government.
- The letter of invitation and all accompanying paperwork .
- The obligatory Waste Management Fee for Central Karakoram National Park is $150 USD.
- Support personnel (cook, assistant, etc.)
- Personal baggage, or porterage (14 kg)
Basic first aid medication kit - Skardu baggage storage service (for leaving a suitcase behind before starting the hike)
- A trip success certificate and a trekking map;
- A satellite phone for emergencies only
Important Notes
Why Register Now?
- Early Bird Discount:Holiday rates are subject to change and are based on temporary discounts. During the busiest time of year, service providers like hotels and airlines raise their rates. We charge less for early reservations than during the busiest times.
2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The busiest months of the year get the most foreign visitors, which causes them to sell out sooner. A maximum of 12 passengers may be in a single group. Registration will be accepted on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
- Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan:We understand that you may be concerned about paying the remaining amount for your vacation. It is our policy to only pay your remaining payment when you reach Pakistan. The deposit is the sole amount due prior to arrival.
- Pay Minimum Deposit:Additionally, early-bird savings apply to holiday deposits, which automatically adjust in accordance with the aforesaid late deposit schedule. Deposits for the upcoming season are due on the same dates as above.
also read this: Gasherbrum II Expedition (2025-26) – 46 Days
Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals
For Pakistani citizens, the deposit is either PKR 100,000 or 30% of the entire cost, whichever is higher. There is no reimbursement for the deposit.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Since we will use the deposit to make in-country arrangements, we cannot refund it once paid.The deposit is also always non-refundable for citizens of Pakistan.
Balance: Only make the remaining payment after you are in Pakistan. Payment instructions will be promptly communicated.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate tents (single tent) will set you back an extra 180 USD. This includes the price of extra porterage. You should also use the remaining amount in Pakistan to make this payment.