Karakoram, Gilgit-Baltistan
This is the advanced version of the K2 trek. Instead of retracing the Baltoro, you cross the Gondogoro La (5,585 m) for a sunrise panorama of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums, then descend into the Hushe valley.
For strong trekkers, the Gondogoro La is the finest way to end a K2 trip. From Concordia you climb through the night to a 5,585-metre pass and watch the sun light up four 8,000-metre peaks at once.
The pass involves fixed ropes and an early alpine start on snow, so this trip asks for more than the standard base camp trek. Our guides fix the ropes, manage the crossing and turn groups around if conditions aren't safe.
Day 1 to 3
Trip briefing, transfer to Skardu, and jeep to the Askole trailhead.
Day 4 to 9
Trek the Baltoro Glacier via Paiju, Urdukas and Goro II to Concordia (4,600 m).
Day 10
Walk to K2 Base Camp (5,150 m) and return to Concordia.
Day 11
Move to Ali Camp (5,000 m) below the pass and rest for an alpine start.
Day 12
Pre-dawn climb over the Gondogoro La (5,585 m) with fixed ropes, then descend to Khuispang.
Day 13 to 15
Trek down through Saicho to Hushe village and drive to Khaplu or Skardu.
Day 16 to 19
Fly or drive back, with buffer days for weather.
Hotels on the road sections and quality tents at every camp, including the exposed high camp at Ali Camp before the pass.
Full board on trek with an experienced cook. Early hot breakfast and drinks before the pass crossing.
For experienced, very fit trekkers only. You should be comfortable with long days, high altitude and a snow pass with fixed ropes. Prior trekking above 4,000 m is strongly recommended.
Requires a Pakistan visa with LOI, a trekking permit and national park fees, all arranged by us. The Gondogoro La also needs a local crossing arrangement we handle.
The pass is only crossed in safe conditions. Our crew fixes ropes, sets turnaround times and carries oxygen and a first-aid kit. Acclimatisation days are built in before the crossing.
Read our altitude and safety guide and is Pakistan safe for foreign trekkers.
Yes. It adds a 5,585 m snow pass with fixed ropes and an alpine start, so it needs more fitness and some comfort on steep snow. Everything else follows the K2 Base Camp route.
You need to be fit and steady on fixed ropes and snow. You do not need technical climbing experience. Our crew fixes ropes and guides every trekker across.
Usually July to early September, when snow on the pass is stable. Early or late season crossings are often unsafe and we will not force them.
If conditions are unsafe we return via the Baltoro instead. Your safety always comes before completing the traverse.
Very fit. Expect a summit-style night on the pass after two weeks of trekking. Prior high-altitude trekking makes a real difference.
The K2 Base Camp trek walks the length of the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and the foot of K2 (8,611 m). It is the classic Karakoram adventure and the trip most foreign trekkers ask us about first.
The Baltoro Glacier is the approach route to K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. Trekking its length to Concordia is one of the world's classic high-mountain journeys.
