FIVE BASE CAMP TREKKING IN PAKISTAN

Day 1. Arrive in Islamabad

Our guide will transfer you to the hotel, where you can get some rest and be briefed by our experienced guide. If you arrive early, then we will provide you with a small city tour. Otherwise, it can be done after your return.

Day 2. Islamabad-Skardu

Your flight will carry you to Skardu if the weather allows. Otherwise, you will go by road to Skardu for 2-3 days. As there will be many attractive spots on your way. You will rest in Chilas on day 2, then travel to Skardu on day 3.

Day 3. One day Rest in Skardu

Travel to Skardu and transfer you to a luxury hotel in Skardu, where you will rest and stay. In the morning, we will take you to the Kharfocho fort, from where you will enjoy the whole of Skardu city. After you will enjoy the Skardu Shangri-La Resort, Sarfaranga Cold Desert, and then in the evening you will enjoy the Sadpara Lake.

Day 4.  Briefing and gearing up

Today, we will be having a briefing by the tourism ministry, a formality to enter the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP). And final preparations will be made to leave for the trek.

Day 5. Skardu-Askoli Village

Your journey starts to Askoli via a 4×4 jeep, most feasible before your trekking starts, for 6-8 hours of driving. In case of any landslide, you will have to trek for a few hours to make your way to Askoli and overnight camping at Askoli.

Day 6. Askoli-Jhola Campsite (3100m)  7-8 hours

We start our trek from Askoli to Korophon for our lunch by trekking alongside the Braldu river on our right side, which meets with the Domordo river near the Jhola campsite. After lunch, we trek again to our campsite of Jhola, where you will stay for the night of day 6.

Day 7.  Jhola-Pajju (3418m). 7-8 hours

Our trek will start following the Braldu River to the Pajju campsite after 7-8 hours of trekking. You can enjoy the view of the Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak. We suggest you follow Precautionary measures to avoid sunburn today, the weather remains normally hot and may cause sunburn.

Day 8. Rest and Acclimatize

Today, the porters prepare their necessities of food for the days ahead. Our trekking group will adjust itself to the mountainous environment. For that, we can provide our professional guidance and help to reach the group at the base camp of Pajju Peak.

Day 9. Pajju-Khoburtse (3788m) 5-7 hours trek

Today, the real trekking starts, as from now onwards our way will be on the glaciers. You can witness the huge peaks right and left of your journey. The glacial path changes abruptly; therefore, you should follow the instructions of our professional guide, who will always be with you.

We then stop after a few hours at a small campsite called Liligo for lunch. After a couple of hours, you will be at Khoburtse campsite, where you will stay for the night.

Day 10. Khoburtse-Urdukas (4050m) 2-3 hours

Today’s trek, unlike others, is quite short but needs more energy and stamina. Because you are continuously gaining altitude and moving on the glacier, it’s very difficult to move while gaining more height. Within a few hours, we will be at our campsite, Urdukas, which is the last developed campsite compared to other camps.

Day 11. Urdukas-Ghoro II (4380m) 5-7 hours

Trek from Urdukas to Goro II with the first view of any 8000m Gasherbrum IV, and also Mashabrum Peak(K1-7821m). Here temperature may decline dramatically, but the sight of K1 and Mustagh Tower is worth it.

Day 12. Goro II-Concordia (4650-5000m) 3-4 hours

You are trekking to Concordia, where the huge mountains like G-II, III, and IV, Broad Peak, and Mitre Peak, etc., all welcome you in their heaven. Here, the Godwin Austin glacier meets the Baltoro glacier, and the view of K2 is just in front because our camp will be before the Godwin Austin glacier.

Day 13. Concordia-K2 Basecamp-Concordia(5135m).  (5-8) hours

We depart Concordia by the Godwin-Austin glacier for 2 hours to pass the Broad Peak base camp. Then, after a few hours, K2 base camp. We visit the Art Gilkey memorial of those who lost their lives on K2, whose names are mentioned on tin plates and placed there. After lunch, we move back to Concordia campsite from the same route.

Day 14 Concordia-Gashabrum base(4,800 meters) 5-6 hours 

Trek to Shaghring Camp for about 5-6 hours. This campsite is used as the base camp for G1 & G2. Here you can explore the surroundings of Gashabrum 1 &2.

 Day 15 Gashabrum-Concordia

Return from Gashabrum Base Camp and stay at Concordia Camp Site.

Day 16. Concordia to Ali Camp (5010m). 5-8 hours

After a trek of a few hours through the Vigne Glacier, we will be at Ali camp just below the Pass of Ghandoghoro (5580m) and close to the  Chogholingsa Peak.

Day 17. Ali camp to Khuspang (4830m). 6-9 hours

This is the most demanding day of the trek, involving a 1,000 m ascent and a 1,200 m descent to reach Khuspang Camp. Therefore, we depart Ali Camp around 1–2 a.m. to reach the pass before 9 a.m. With torches, we carefully cross crevasses and reach the Upper Vigne Basin, where the ascent begins around 5:00 a.m.

Once at the pass, the views are unforgettable. Afterward, a steeper and more challenging descent follows. With the support of fixed ropes and the rescue team, we finally reach the green meadows of Khuspang, where a flowing stream leads to the beautiful campsite beneath Laila Peak.

Day 18. Khuspang-Saicho (3300m) 6-8 hours

We descend to the Saicho campsite. On the leftof this campsite, we enter the Charakusa Valley, home to other huge peaks like K6, K7, etc.  Saicho will be our last camping site to reach Hushey Valley.

Day 19. Saicho-Machulu Valley 4-6 hours

When we left Saicho, the views of Hushey Valley on both sides are stunning as we are entering human civilizations and reach Hushey (3000m), where we will stay for our lunch. After lunch, a drive of 1-2 hours brings us to Machulu Valley.

Day 20. Machulu-Skardu. 3-4 hours

Today we drive for a few hours to enter Skardu city for around 3-4 hours in the jeep. In transit, we cross the Shyok Stream close to Khaplu.

Day 21, Skardu-Gilgit/Juglot

Travel from Skardu to Gilgit utilizing the Skardu Deosai top through Astore. After 7 to 9 hours, we arrived at the Karakoram highway close to Juglot.

Day. 22. Juglot-Fairy Meadows (3300m)

We will drive to Tattu Village for a few hours through one of the most adventurous roads. After then we will make our way to Fairy Meadows by trekking. Later this day, our members will rest, engage with the local community, and enjoy the lush green fields of the fairy meadow.

Day 23. Fairy Meadows-Nanga Parbat base camp (3850m)
Today we will enjoy a more beautiful but tougher trek as we are ascending to the base camp. But the views will be unforgettable and adventurous. After reaching the Nanga Parbat Base Camp within 4-6 hours of trek, you will rest for a while, have lunch, and then enjoy around the base camp with photography.

Day 24. Descend back till Jeep Accessible Road

Today, we descend, and the journey feels shorter; therefore, we trek down to our jeep. From there, we drive to Chilas for lunch and then continue to Naran via Babusar Pass or to Bisham via the Karakoram Highway, depending on weather conditions. Finally, our overnight stay and rest will be arranged at a partner hotel.

Day 25,26. Drive to Islamabad, sightseeing on the 26th day

Today, we will drive to Islamabad for a few hours, we will rest for the evening, and we will have our dinner. We will do some sightseeing in the surrounding cities, Abbot Abad, Hassan Abdal, Haripur, and Taxila. The root of Taxila dates back to 1000 BCE. A few vestiges at Taxila date to the time of the Achaemenid Domain in the 6th century BC.

Day 27: Fly to Your Next Destination

Departure from Islamabad

What is the Five Base Camp Trek?
It is an epic high‑altitude trekking itinerary that visits the base camps of Pakistan’s five 8,000 m peaks — K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II (all in the Karakoram) and Nanga Parbat (Himalaya) — in one journey.

How long does it take?
Approximately 27 days from Islamabad round‑trip, including acclimatisation, trekking, high passes, and drives.

What is the highest elevation reached?
The trek crosses Gondogoro La (~5,580 m) — a technical high pass requiring ropes and fixed equipment — and visits base camp altitudes up to ~5,135 m (K2 Base Camp).

What fitness level is required?
High — strong endurance, high‑altitude trekking experience, and excellent physical condition are required. Prior glacier trekking is recommended.

Is technical climbing required?
No technical mountaineering is required for the base camps, but crossing Gondogoro La requires use of crampons, ropes, and fixed safety lines under guide supervision.

Do I need a guide and permits?
Yes — all trekking in Central Karakoram National Park and access to restricted zones requires licensed guides and tourism permits, organised by the operator.

What permits are needed?
Trekking permits for the Concordia region (Karakoram) and Nanga Parbat region; restricted area/buffer zone permits; MINSA and local administration clearances.

What gear should I bring?
High‑altitude gear: insulated sleeping bag, crampons, ice axe (for pass), layered clothing, waterproof shell, trekking poles, first‑aid kit, water purification, and personal items.

What are the weather and best months?
Late June to early September offers the safest conditions. Outside this window the high passes and glaciers can be snowbound or unstable.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes, acute mountain sickness (AMS) risks increase above ~4,000 m. The itinerary includes gradual acclimatisation days. Stay hydrated and follow guide instructions.

What type of accommodation is provided?
Camping tents during trek, basic lodges en route (e.g., Fairy Meadows), and hotels in Skardu/Islamabad.

Can beginners join?
No — this trek is not suitable for trekking beginners due to sustained high altitude, long glacier walks, and technical pass crossing. Previous high‑altitude trekking experience is strongly advised.

What physical training is recommended?
Cardio training, long uphill hikes with a weighted pack, and altitude exposure preparation are recommended prior to departure.

Is travel insurance required?
Yes — comprehensive travel and high‑altitude trekking insurance covering rescue and helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended.

How remote is the trail?
Very remote — mobile coverage is unavailable on glaciers and high passes; guides carry satellite phones or radios.

Is food provided?
Yes — meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) are included during trekking and transit days as per the tour package.

Can I fly back from Skardu instead of driving?
Yes, flights from Skardu to Islamabad are possible (weather dependent). If weather prevents flights, road transfer is used.

Services Included

• Liaison with the Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad for the climbing permit process, providing the appointed Liaison officer’s measurements for his prescribed kit.
• Process during import/export permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
• Clearance of cargo before the arrival of the team and its storage.
• Assistance upon arrival/departure.
• Official Briefing/Debriefing.
• Hotel accommodation in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas.
• All meals during the trek and at B.C. as per the itinerary.
• Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food, etc., to the B.C., and 50 kg per person on return from B.C.
• Road transfers between the airport/hotel and within the city as per the itinerary.
• Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen, and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees.
• Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear.
• Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook, and assistant(s).
• Insurance for our field staff and low-altitude porters (except for helicopter rescue).
• Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes, and parking fees, etc.
• Mail handling/forwarding to B.C./overseas except for postage charges.
• Reconfirmation of air tickets.
• Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s), and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team).

Services not Included

• International & domestic airfare, airport tax, and excess baggage charges.
• High altitude porters/any crew above B.C.
• Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not used)
• High altitude tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp, including high altitude food and oxygen.
• Medications, ground evacuations, and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
• Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills, and items of a personal nature.
• Insurance liability of member (s) and other under force majeure conditions.
• Climbing Permit, Pollution and Environmental fee, or any other payment required to be paid to Pakistan’s Government.
• Clearing agent charges.
• Members climb gears
• Member’s personal insurance
• High altitude food
• High altitude porter
• Any other service not mentioned in the above list

Budget-Friendly Tour and Trekking

All our tours and treks are budget-friendly, without compromising comfort or service quality. At Visit in Pakistan, we take pride in delivering reliable service, which is why many clients choose to travel with us again. Moreover, our premium services are equally appreciated by corporate groups, business travelers, and high-profile clients. From affordable adventures to luxury experiences, our Five 8,000 m Base Camp Trek is a perfect example of the quality we offer.

Experienced Local Team for Your Journey

Our certified mountain guides and porters are born and raised in Baltistan. Therefore, they know every rock, glacier, and trail. With decades of experience, they make your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable.

Tailor-Made Itineraries

We customize each itinerary to match your schedule, budget, and interests. From flight bookings to basecamp logistics, our team manages everything. As a result, you can focus entirely on enjoying the TREK and tour experience.

Safety and 24/7 Backup Support

Your safety and comfort come first. In addition, we provide full backup support, including rescue coordination, reliable transportation, and on-ground communication. This ensures peace of mind throughout your adventure.