This is the K2 base camp trek itinerary 2026, a new year with fresh memories and a new beginning. Explore the Karakoram Mountains, Baltoro Glacier, and Concordia to stand beneath K2, the world’s second-highest peak. This K2 base camp trek itinerary 2026 includes route details, elevations, and expert tips.
Traversing rugged glaciers, mighty peaks, and the rich culture of Gilgit-Baltistan, the route leads to the base of K2 (8,611 m) and numerous other 8000ers in the Karakorum range. Thus, if you’re planning your K2 Base Camp trek for 2026, this guide provides comprehensive details. Specifically, it covers the route, elevations, distances, and what to expect each day.
Quick Facts: K2 Base Camp Trek, Pakistan
- Region: Baltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
- Highest Point: K2 Base Camp – 5,150 m (16,896 ft)
- Starting Point: Skardu (2,228 m)
- Trek Duration: 18–21 Days
- Difficulty: Challenging (Non-technical but strenuous)
- Best Season: June – September
- Trek Type: Camping & Glacier Trek
- Major Highlights: Baltoro Glacier, Concordia, K2 Base Camp, Broad Peak, Trango Towers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad (540 m)
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where our team welcomes you.
Enjoy a short briefing about the trek, safety protocols, and logistics.
If time allows, explore Islamabad’s highlights — Faisal Mosque, Margalla Hills, and local markets.
Overnight: Islamabad hotel.
Elevation: 540 m
Day 2: Fly or Drive to Skardu (2,228 m)
Take a scenic flight (weather permitting) to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. The 50-minute journey offers breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the Indus Valley.
If flights are canceled, a 2-day drive via the Karakoram Highway is arranged. Taking an extra day before reaching Skardu, we will stay at Chilas.
Elevation Gain: +1,688 m
Highlights: Indus River, Nanga Parbat view, Balti culture.
Day 3: Explore Skardu and Final Preparations
Spend the day exploring Skardu Valley, acclimatising, and preparing gear.
Visit Kharpocho Fort, the organic village, Satpara Lake, the cold desert, and the bustling local bazaar.
This day ensures your body adjusts to a higher altitude before the trek begins.
Elevation: 2,228 m
Day 4: Drive from Skardu to Askole (3,050 m)
A thrilling off-road jeep ride (6–7 hours) through winding mountain roads and along the Braldu River takes you to Askole, the last inhabited village before the trek.
Meet your porters and trekking crew here. From here we can start our official k2 base camp trek itinerary.
Drive Distance: 120 km
Elevation Gain: +822 m
Day 5: Trek from Askole to Jhula (3,180 m)
Your first trekking day begins! Cross small wooden bridges, rivers, and narrow trails through the Baltoro Valley.
Reach Jhula, named after an old suspension bridge, which is now reconstructed by the Pakistani Army. A few years earlier, the Jhola camp was shifted beneath the bridge, which shortened our trek by about 1-2 hours of trek.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: +130 m
Campsite: Jhula Camp beside the Braldu River.
Day 6: Jhula to Paiju (3,383 m)
Today’s trail offers incredible views of Paiju Peak (6,610 m).
The landscape changes from rocky trails to the first views of the Baltoro Glacier. The Army campsite can be seen opposite the campsite. Paiju is the last green campsite before entering the icy world ahead.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: +203 m
Campsite: Paiju Camp with freshwater streams.
Day 7: Rest and Acclimatization at Paiju
A rest day to acclimatize and prepare for the glacier section.
Enjoy views of the Baltoro Glacier and Pajju Peak and watch porters bake traditional Balti bread.
Hydration and rest are key to adjusting to higher elevations.
Elevation: 3,383 m
Day 8: Paiju to Khoburtse (3,930 m)
Start trekking for half an hour, and you will be on the Baltoro Glacier — a mix of rock, ice, and streams.
The route offers mesmerising views of Trango Towers, Cathedral Towers, and Uli Biaho Peak on your left side.
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: +547 m
Campsite: Khoburtse dry place, on the glacier’s edge.
Day 9: Khoburtse to Urdukas (4,050 m)
A shorter, steeper trek along the glacier with unforgettable panoramas.
You’ll camp at Urdukas, the last dry place to be camp, one of the few grassy ledges above the glacier, offering unmatched views of the Baltoro peaks.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: +120 m
Campsite: Urdukas Camp (4,050 m)
Day 10: Urdukas to Goro II (4,380 m)
Enter the icy heart of the Baltoro Glacier. Just after few minutes from here, we can see the majestic Gashabrum IV (7932m) in front of us.
Massive ice formations surround you as you pass Goro I and continue to Goro II, where the first clear view of Masherbrum (7,821 m) appears on the left.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: +330 m
Campsite: Goro II – cold and windy, but above all spectacular.
Day 11: Goro II to Concordia (4,600 m)
One of the most iconic days!
You reach Concordia, where the Baltoro, Godwin-Austen, and Vigne Glaciers meet.
From here, you’ll see K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, and Chogolisa in a single breathtaking panorama.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: +220 m
Campsite: Concordia (4,600 m)
Day 12: Trek to K2 Base Camp (5,150 m) via Broad Peak Base Camp
Follow the Godwin-Austen Glacier to Broad Peak Base Camp (4,960 m), then continue to K2 Base Camp.
Standing beneath the world’s most magnificent mountain is a surreal, emotional moment.
Trekking Time: 7–8 hours round trip
Elevation Gain: +550 m
Highlight: K2 Base Camp – 5,150 m (16,896 ft)
Day 13: Optional Day at K2 Base Camp or Concordia
You can spend an extra day exploring the surroundings or resting at Concordia. Meanwhile, photographers can capture the sunrise on K2 and visit the Gilkey Memorial—an unforgettable sight. Furthermore, this stop marks the highest altitude of our K2 Base Camp trek itinerary.
Elevation: 4,600–5,150 m
Day 14–16: Return Trek to Goro II, Urdukas, and Paiju
Retrace your steps, but every turn offers new views and perspectives.
Descending allows you to appreciate the immense scale of the Karakoram peaks from a different angle.
Elevation Loss: -1,000+ m total
Day 17: Trek Paiju to Askole
Ultimately, the final trekking day brings you back to civilization at Askole. Once there, celebrate the completion of one of the world’s most extraordinary treks with your team.
Elevation: 3,050 m
Day 18: Drive Back to Skardu
We will subsequently drive along the same scenic route beside the Braldu River back to Skardu. Upon arrival, a warm shower, a comfortable bed, and a well-earned rest await you.
Elevation: 2,228 m
Day 19: Fly or Drive to Islamabad
Take the morning flight back to Islamabad (weather permitting).
If flights are canceled, a scenic drive down the Karakoram Highway is arranged.
Elevation: 540 m
Day 20: Departure Day
Subsequently, after breakfast, participants transfer to the airport for their international flight. In the end, you depart with incredible memories and photos from one of the planet’s greatest adventures—the K2 Base Camp Trek.
Best Time for the K2 Base Camp Trek
The ideal time for the K2 Base Camp trek is mid-June to early September.
During this period, the weather is relatively stable, the glaciers are navigable, and the visibility of K2 and the surrounding peaks is best.
Fitness and Preparation Tips
- Train with multi-day hikes and uphill climbs before your trip.
- Most importantly, stay hydrated and acclimatize properly.
- Bring warm layers, waterproof gear, and strong trekking boots.
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is essential.
Why Choose Us for the K2 Base Camp Trek
We specialise in authentic, safe, and locally guided Karakoram adventures.
Here’s what makes our K2 Base Camp Trek packages stand out:
Local Expertise
Balti guides with years of experience in the Karakoram.
All-Inclusive Services
Permits, porters, food, logistics — handled by our team.
Safety & Comfort
Medical support, oxygen, and well-planned camps.
Sustainability
Supporting local communities & eco-conscious trekking.
Custom Options:
Private groups, photographers’ departures, and short itineraries available.
K2 Base Camp Trek Highlights at a Glance
- Trek alongside the Baltoro Glacier (63 km long)
- Witness the Trango Towers, Masherbrum, and Broad Peak
- Camp at Concordia – the heart of the Karakoram
- Stand beneath K2 (8,611 m) — the world’s most majestic mountain
- Experience Balti hospitality and culture in this K2 base camp trek.
📞Book Your 2026 K2 Base Camp Trek
Join us for a life-changing expedition through the world’s wildest mountains.
Our 2026 departures are now open — limited spots available for June to September.
📅 Season: June – September
📍 Start/End: Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad
🎒 Duration: 20 Days
💬 Contact us today for itinerary details, price quotes, and booking.
Read more
Comments