The Machulo La K2 Viewpoint Trek is short. This trek offers panoramic views of K2, the Gasherbrum range, Nanga Parbat, and other Karakoram peaks. In just two days from Machulu La, trekkers can see all five 8,000 m peaks.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF MACHULO LA K2 VIEWPOINT
This Trek offering views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I–IV, K6–K7, Nanga Parbat, and other peaks. Two-day gradual ascent through summer pastures rewards with panoramic views and a chance to spot local wildlife.
Easiest, Economical, and Shortest Trek to See K2
The trek follows a stream, springs, trees, and flowers. After 3–4 hours, we stop at Camp I. Then continue to Camp II on green pastures for a starry-night camping experience. The final 2-hour trek leads to the K2 viewpoint at 5,071 m, offering 360° views of Ghanche District. Moreover, all five 8,000 m peaks and surrounding mountains provide a perfect experience for beginner and passionate trekkers.
Quick Info
Camping Nights: 04 days Hotel Nights: 05 days
Maximum Altitude: 5071 meters Trek Status: Easy
Best Season: April to November Trek zone: Open
Day 1: Arrive in Islamabad, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Day 2: Fly to Skardu (1 hr). If canceled, drive via Babusar Pass (12–14 hrs), enjoying the KKH. Overnight in Skardu.
Day 3: preparation day in Skardu, home to K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I–IV, and stunning glaciers.
Day 4: Drive to Deosai National Park (4,114 m), camp overnight. Spot Himalayan brown bears, ibex, marmots, and numerous bird species.
Day 5: Jeep drive to Machulo (6–7 hrs). Explore the Valley, the Mashabrum viewpoints, river views, and local culture. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Trek to Camp I (Khadi Broq, 3,200 m, 3–4 hrs), gentle ascent along Machulo Village. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Trek to Camp II (Qouli Brangsa, 4,150 m). See livestock (yaks, cows, sheep), and enjoy pastoral scenery.
Day 8: Trek to Machulo La K2 Viewpoint (5,200 m). Camp at the viewpoint with 360° views of K2, Gasherbrum I–IV, Broad Peak, Nanga Parbat, Siachen Glacier, and other valleys, wildlife, and spring waters.
Day 9: Descend to Machulo Hotel (6 hrs). Rest and shower.
Day 10: Drive back to Skardu via Khaplu Fort, Shigar Fort, and Upper Kachura Lake, overnight in Skardu.
Day 11: Fly back to Islamabad (weather permitting) or drive via Chilas (8–9 hrs, 290 km).
Day 12: Free day in Islamabad or drive from Chilas to Islamabad (11–12 hrs, 461 km).
Day 13: Transfer to Islamabad Airport for departure.
1. Where is the Machulo La & K2 View Point Trek located?
The Machulo La & K2 View Point Trek is located in Machulo Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The trek offers panoramic views of the Karakoram range, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I–IV, and Nanga Parbat.
2. How difficult is the Machulo La & K2 View Point Trek?
This trek is classified as easy to moderate. It is suitable for trekkers with basic hiking experience and good physical fitness. The trail is non-technical and does not require climbing skills, ropes, or glacier crossings.
3. What is the maximum altitude of this trek?
The highest point of the trek is approximately 5,071 meters (16,637 feet) at the Machulo La / K2 View Point.
4. Do I need prior trekking or mountaineering experience?
Prior trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory. However, participants should be comfortable walking 4–6 hours per day on mountain terrain. No mountaineering or technical climbing experience is required.
5. What is the best time to do the Machulo La Trek?
The best trekking season is from May to October.
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May–June: Snow-capped scenery and fresh alpine landscapes
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July–August: Stable weather and lush meadows
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September–October: Clear skies, excellent visibility, and fewer trekkers
6. How many days does the trek take?
The complete tour takes 13 days, including:
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International arrival and departure
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Domestic flights or road travel
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Trekking days
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Acclimatization and contingency days
7. What kind of accommodation is provided during the trip?
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Islamabad & Skardu: Comfortable hotels
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Machulo Village: Local guesthouse or lodge
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During the trek: Fully supported camping with quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining tents
8. What meals are included during the trek?
All meals during the trekking and camping days are included. Meals typically consist of:
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Breakfast: Eggs, bread, porridge, tea/coffee
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Lunch: Packed or freshly prepared hot meals
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Dinner: Rice, lentils, vegetables, meat dishes, soups, and desserts
Special dietary requirements can be arranged with prior notice.
9. Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek?
As the trek reaches over 5,000 meters, altitude sickness is a possibility. The itinerary is designed with gradual ascent and acclimatization days to reduce risk. Our guides are trained to monitor symptoms, and emergency protocols are in place.
10. Do I need a permit for this trek?
No, but local permissions are required. These are arranged by our travel agency, and no additional paperwork is required from clients apart from passport details.
11. Is travel insurance required?
No
12. What level of fitness is required?
Participants should be:
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Able to walk 6–8 km per day
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Comfortable with uphill and downhill terrain
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Free from serious heart or respiratory conditions
Regular walking, hiking, or cardio training before the trip is strongly recommended.
13. Will I really be able to see K2 from the viewpoint?
Yes. On clear days, the Machulo La viewpoint offers one of the best non-technical viewpoints of K2, along with Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum peaks — making it one of the most scenic treks in Pakistan.
14. Is this trek suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Solo travelers are welcome and can join group departures or request a private trek at additional cost.
15. Are professional guides and porters included?
Yes. The trek is fully supported with:
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Licensed professional trekking guide
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Assistant guide (for groups)
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Local porters or pack animals
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Cooking and support staff
16. What equipment do I need to bring?
You will need:
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Trekking boots
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Warm clothing and layers
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Down jacket and gloves
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Sleeping bag (can be provided on request)
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Personal medications and toiletries
A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
17. What happens if flights between Islamabad and Skardu are canceled?
If flights are canceled due to weather, we arrange road transport via Chilas or Babusar Pass. The itinerary includes buffer days to accommodate such changes.
18. Is the trek safe for foreign tourists?
Yes. Gilgit-Baltistan is considered safe and tourist-friendly, and the trek is guided by experienced local professionals. We also coordinate with local authorities to ensure smooth travel.
19. Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. We offer full customization, including:
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Extra acclimatization days
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Private or luxury upgrades
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Combined tours with Skardu, Hunza, or Deosai
20. How do I book the Machulo La & K2 View Point Trek?
You can book directly through our website or contact our team via email or WhatsApp. Once confirmed, we provide:
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Official booking confirmation
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Packing list
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Pre-departure briefing
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Visa and travel assistance (if required)
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.
Tour Reviews
I stayed with my hole family in Machulo for various weeks and this trip was one of the best experiences I ever had. The trek was easy but a nice challenge for the whole time, the cooking we had was delicious and truly enjoyable having into account in what height we were, but mostly having 4 8000 peaks on sight was something I will never forget. All I can say is thanks to Kamal and the whole team for making this awesome experience possible.
Thank you Julen !!!
It is great to having you on board. It was really fantastic moment to guide travelers like you all along the way from Spain.
Keep sharing, smiling and Happiness around.
Welcome to Pakistan to experience more destinations.
Agur
Easy to hike, mesmerizing panoramic view and view of the all 5 eight thousand peaks of Pakistan in just a glance. Its economical even.
I would recommend every trekkers like me who can’t go to K2 base camp, go here. This view point fulfills our desire in a dynamic way. It gives panoramic 360 views of entire district Ghanche. Highly recommended trek.
Best of luck Guys
Thank you Kinza and Team CANADA
We are grateful to have you at K2 view point trek It was great experience to host you people all along from Canada.
Keep Shining and sharing your beautiful moments with everyone.
My husband and I had the pleasure to visit Hushe Valley. We booked the Machulo La Trek. The crew of Felix Guesthouse were wonderful with locally grown delicious food. The mountain team guided by Rustam, a very experienced and kind high altitude mountaineer, was wonderful and safe. We got the best of the best camping equipment like tents and down sleeping bags, so comfortable it was in the “thinner” air up high. Wonderful views we got on those slopes. The food what Ali the cook managed to serve was superb. I can recommend Visit in Pakistan enough. The people are so kind and humble. We felt like a home away from home. We will come back, thank you Kamal and Rustam and team. Brigitte and Andy
Thank you Andey and Brigitte
We loved your stay in Pakistan during K2 view point trek It was an honor to host you people all along from Germany. We are happy that you considered our services are up to the mark. Hope to see you again in Pakistan. We really enjoyed and had spend a memorable time. You people were so nice, polite, cooperative and always smiling faces.
Keep Smiling
Team Visit in Pakistan
Reached at Machulo La 5100 metres above the sea level, after Concordia, Machulo La is the only place where we can see K-2 and four other 8k metres mountains and i am lucky to reach both points numerous times…..The trek to Machulo La is a easygoing and economical route to enjoy mesmerizing view of world’s five 8000 metres mountains including K-2 (8,611)metres. In addition the point also have a unique identity to see almost entire villages of Ghanche district.
I have been there several times and always Visit in Pakistan Treks and Tours facilitate my tour to this magical view point. I am addicted now of this trek. Each year, I try to get here with some new people and friends. All the time they even appreciated Visit in Pakistan and my recommendation as well.
Highly recommended easiest, shortest and economical Trek to do in Skardu Baltistan
I have heard lots of times about this tourist attraction. I got a chance this year in the summer to do the trek here. Throughout the conversation with the local guide and operator “Visit in Pakistan Treks and Tour”, I was assuming that it might be not as actual as they are telling about views of mountains and trekking life. But, when my family started the trek towards the K2 viewpoint, we felt so comfortable and was in professional hands.
The trekking life was very beautiful and very comfortable with the crew of Visit in Pakistan. Our Guide was Mr. Rustam Ali from Machulo and through conversation, we got to know that he already spend a huge time in the mountains. He is a submitter of the 8000m peak of Pakistan.
The Day we reached early in the morning at the top of the K2 viewpoint 5071m altitude.
The view was super, outclass and for us, it was still a dream until we get back home.
We got the best time over there and would recommend this trek.
Easy to hike, economical to book, most interesting view point in my life I have never seen such a beautiful place from where I could see all 8000m plus peaks of Pakistan in a glance. Isn’t that a magic? K2, Nanga parbat, Broad peak, GI and GII in a glance. Apart from this, entire district Ghanche, Siachen glacier, Chorbat valley, Line of Control between Pakistan and India, Kharmang, Khaplu valley, Barah, surmo, and entire Ghanche in a 360 panoramic view.
A highly recommended trek, if you are running out of time and money.
Machulo La K2 view point trek is the best solution.
Recommended 👍👍👍
Yes we admire the Machulo La K2 viewpoint trek. That was easiest, shortest and economial. Thank u you Visit in Pakistan Treks and tours for organising our trip.
That was really easy and we all enjoyed a lot.
Recommended
A must go tourist attraction in Skardu. We were very excited and worried about nature of trek but it was really interesting, easiest ever, K2 view, 360 degree panoramic view were fabulous. Thank you Visit in Pakistan crew for making our trip so memorable.
Discovered VisitinPakistan from another traveller. Kamal was straight to the point with his knowledge of the whole region. He was honest about the trek and all associated costs right from the word go, as we had a completely private and bespoke tour with him to Machulo La K2 viewpoint, in September 2022. The trek was superbly organised with safety paramount. The team was headed by Rustam Bhai, a senior guide and Nabi, his son. They know this region like the back of their hands. Food was superb and all freshly cooked. We reached the top at 8.00am to be blessed with views of K2 and the other mountains in the range. Very fortunate as it had been cloudy the day before. If you’re even halfway thinking about this, just do it but with VisitinPakistan. We’re already booking to trek to Laila Peak in September 2023.
Nice article thanks for sharing quality information about Pakistan have a look at my blog Deserts of Pakistan and review it as well
A good option to spend couple of free days in Baltistan. This viewpoint is one of the best and trending viewpoint. I saw K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Series and Khaplu district. Easy to walk and campsites are safe to spend overnights. Highly recommended for families, couples and Mountain lovers.
The view from the top is astonishing. We really enjoyed the way of the trek and arrangements for our trek there. Thank you
Machulo La K2 viewpoint offers an unbeatable experience to witness all of Pakistan’s 8000m plus peaks without breaking a sweat. The easiest, most economical, and shortest route to breathtaking vistas. The panorama is simply awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit for any mountain enthusiast.
I would state stars for the accessibility and the jaw-dropping spectacle of Pakistan’s majestic peaks but the easiest terms makes me little bit un expected. It is not as much easy as we think. Anyhow the view covers everything.
Highly recommended if you have two to three spare days in Skardu. A must go destination to experience Karakorum below your eyes.
I am a middle-aged, solo traveller who has seen fitter days. My decision to trek in Pakistan was inspired by two of my much younger sisters. They wanted me to photograph K2 for them. I contacted half a dozen tour agencies to get itineraries and quotes. I explained that this was spontaneous and I had no equipment. I explained that I was not in peak physical condition. All but one company replied with their standard spiel. Kamal understood my specific needs and I could immediately trust that he had my interests at heart, and not just the sale.
He told me about Machulo La and we planned an additional night on the mountain so that we could descend without me having to push myself too hard. He helped me work out how to get to Skardu and then onto Machulo, where I was greeted by his brother Nabi. Nabi took me to the family guesthouse, where I was greeted by Rustam, the patriarch of the family. I could not have felt more welcomed or better looked after. They kitted me out with everything I needed, and even ensured I had hot water for a bath.
The next four days and three nights were the highlight of my life. Whilst I was physically and mentally challenged, I was completely supported. I recall having a moment when the altitude seemed to disconnect my body from my brain. I caught a glimpse of shadow – the outstretched hands of our cook Askari, ready to catch me if I was to stumble. I felt reassured that I was being taken care of in this unfamiliar place.
Our porters, Amin, Riaz and Rahee did a great job of getting us set up at camp each afternoon. They were young and entertaining, and brought a lightness to the atmosphere. They seemed to have boundless energy.
Askari cooked up a feast every meal. I could not possibly eat all that was prepared, which worried the team as the trek consumes a huge amount of energy. Later, I discovered they had phone Rustam and expressed their concern. It is this level of care that impressed me the most.
Nabi listened when I needed to catch my breath, or simply take in a scene my memory had no point of reference for. He answered my many questions about life, culture, nature, and even religion and politics. He is an extremely knowledgeable young man.
And then there is the mountain. What a magnificent place! It gave me such perspective on how temporary we are, how relatively powerless we are, and how abundance does not look how I had expected. The wildlife was intriguing and the goat herders even more so. I marveled at how they were able to traverse the landscape with such ease while I was puffing and hurting. I particularly loved the tiny rock houses dotted all over the mountain, shelter for the goat herders and their charges.
On day three, we were to summit. However, we had an unexpected snowfall and a temperature drop overnight. It made conditions too dangerous and there was much discussion about what to do. Initially, I was grumpy as I had a specific goal in my mind – get above 5,000 metres. It was not worth risking lives for – mine or the teams’. It wasn’t going to happen. Nabi and Askari planned a different route down, including an alternative campsite to stay out of the weather. I had to trust that they were looking after us all, and they were.
As we were descending, we passed an enormous boulder in the middle of a stream. It had been in one piece on our ascent and was now split in two. I got the impact of the cold snap and appreciated the decision to keep us all safe from what nature does with this kind of change. Don’t get me wrong – I am an epic risk taker and I am pretty fearless. If there was any possibility of us summiting, I was in for the journey. Nature decided otherwise on this occasion. The trip was not lesser for it. I had a wonderful time and the sights, sounds and smells have been etched into my memory forever.
I am grateful to all involved with Visit In Pakistan, from the attention to detail of Kamal and strong leadership of Rustam, to the wisdom of Askari and knowledge of Nabi to the enthusiasm of Amin, Riaz and Rahee. I absolutely loved this trek and have told my sisters that they need to come and do it themselves next year.
Wow! Thank you! I constantly needed to write on my website something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my website?
Yes sure. You can link my website blog or trek with your writing as reference.
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways,
just wanted to say excellent blog!
Thankyou for your appreciation. During that time we were making some changes in the website, may be that was the reason for the error.
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