K2 Gondogoro La Trek
Overview
The ultimate Karakoram challenge: trek up Baltoro Glacier to K2 Base Camp, then cross the high-altitude Gondogoro La pass (5,585m) down into Hushe Valley.
Highlights
- Cross Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m) with fixed ropes
- Panoramas of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I-IV & Laila Peak
- Night stay at Concordia & K2 Base Camp
- Descend into lush green Hushe Valley
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Islamabad
Airport welcome, hotel transfer, route briefing, safety orientation and an initial equipment check.
Day 2
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu
Take the weather-dependent one-hour mountain flight to Skardu. If flights are cancelled, begin the Karakoram Highway contingency journey via Chilas.
Day 3
Skardu acclimatization and preparation
Rest at 2,440 m, complete permits and final gear checks, meet the trekking crew and take an easy acclimatization walk or optional local sightseeing.
Day 4
Drive from Skardu to Askole
Travel approximately 140 km by 4WD through Shigar and the Braldu Valley to Askole near 3,000 m. Meet the porter team and camp overnight.
Day 5
Trek from Askole to Jhola
Follow the Braldu River through rocky valley terrain, passing Korophon before reaching Jhola at about 3,100 m. Approximately 14 km and 7–8 hours.
Day 6
Trek from Jhola to Paiju
Continue roughly 16 km toward Paiju at 3,418 m as the Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak begin to dominate the skyline. Allow 7–8 hours.
Day 7
Paiju rest and acclimatization
Take an active rest day with short walks, hydration and preparation for the Baltoro Glacier. The crew organizes provisions for the higher camps.
Day 8
Paiju to Khoburtse
Step onto changing moraine and glacier terrain, pass the Liligo area and reach Khoburtse at approximately 3,788 m after 5–7 hours.
Day 9
Khoburtse to Urdukas
Cross moraine and glacial sections on a shorter but demanding ascent to Urdukas at 4,050 m, with exceptional views of the Cathedral and Trango groups.
Day 10
Urdukas to Goro II
Trek north across the Baltoro Glacier for about 10 km to Goro II at 4,380 m, surrounded by Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower and Gasherbrum IV.
Day 11
Goro II to Concordia
Continue 8 km to Concordia, the meeting point of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, for the first great panorama of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums.
Day 12
K2 Base Camp excursion
Make the long glacier journey past Broad Peak Base Camp to K2 Base Camp around 5,135 m and the Gilkey Memorial, then return to Concordia for the night.
Day 13
Concordia rest and exploration day
Recover at altitude, photograph the Karakoram skyline and use the day as flexibility for the K2 Base Camp excursion or changing glacier conditions.
Day 14
Concordia to Ali Camp
Move across the Vigne Glacier toward Ali Camp at approximately 5,010 m. Guides assess the pass, check equipment and prepare the team for a midnight departure.
Day 15
Cross Gondogoro La to Khuspang
Begin around midnight for the fixed-rope ascent of Gondogoro La, approximately 5,585 m. Descend steep snow and scree to Khuspang at 4,830 m during an 8–12 hour technical day.
Day 16
Khuspang to Saicho
Descend about 14 km from the high glacier country into greener valleys, reaching Saicho near 3,300 m after approximately 6–8 hours.
Day 17
Saicho to Hushe and drive to Skardu
Complete the trek to Hushe village, meet the vehicles and drive through the lower valley to Skardu for a hotel, shower and team celebration.
Day 18
Fly from Skardu to Islamabad
Take the weather-dependent return flight and transfer to the hotel. If the flight is cancelled, travel overland toward Islamabad.
Day 19
Islamabad debriefing and city day
Enjoy a flexible day for rest, sightseeing, shopping and the final trek debriefing, or complete the road journey after a cancelled flight.
Day 20
Weather and travel contingency day
A dedicated buffer for domestic flight cancellations, road delays, the Gondogoro La weather window or other operational changes.
Day 21
International departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the onward flight after completing the 21-day K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek.
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