K2 Base Camp Trek: A Journey Through the Karakoram

The K2 base camp trek in Pakistan is one of the great hikes on earth. Trekkers follow a rocky trail that winds up the mighty Baltoro Glacier, passing through a colossal amphitheater of sky-scraping summits – including seven of the 19 highest mountains on the planet – en route to the base of the world’s second highest peak. Feet twitching? Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to K2 base camp.

Introducing the Karakoram

The spectacular Karakoram mountains of Pakistan are home to some of the wildest landscapes on Earth. While tides of eager walkers flood the trails of Nepal, Pakistan receives just a trickle of trekkers in comparison. However, the Greater Ranges of Asia span many borders. Although the classic Himalayan routes of Everest and Annapurna may steal the limelight, the Karakoram trails of northern Pakistan are no less magnificent.

The crown of the Karakoram is K2. At 8,611m (28,251ft), it is the world’s second-highest mountain, and an expedition to its base camp at 5,150m (16,896ft) offers one of the most exciting walks globally. Beginning in the remote village of Askole, the trail winds its way along the grand Braldu Valley before mounting the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia. Positioned 12km (7.5 miles) from K2, Concordia is one of the few places on Earth where it’s possible to see four 8,000m (26,247ft) peaks from one spot: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II.

Unlike the approach to Everest base camp in Nepal, where trekkers are treated to only teasing glimpses of the iconic summit, K2 is unimpeded by its satellite peaks, and instead stands imposing, watching over those who tackle the trail to its base. K2 may be second in height and notoriety to Everest, but as a spectacle, it is second to none.

Why Now?

In 2018, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted tourism as one of his main objectives after taking office. The year 2019 saw the launch of a new e-visa system and relaxation of visa restrictions for over 50 countries. Moreover, British Airways became the first European airline to resume direct flights to Islamabad, the closest international airport to the Karakoram. Consequently, a visit from the British royal family in 2019 drew the attention of the world’s media to Pakistan.

Tourist numbers have begun to climb, albeit cautiously. The number of trekkers registering to enter the Central Karakoram National Park rose by 50% from 2018 to 2019, totaling about 1,300. However, over 30,000 people make the Everest base camp trek every year. Trekkers in Pakistan can therefore expect to find quiet and uncrowded trails throughout the season.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected mainstream tourism to Pakistan, but as the world emerges from lockdowns, countries like Pakistan will be eager to welcome new travelers.

Pakistan has long been regarded as tourism’s “next big thing,” although alarming headlines have often discredited those predictions. Perhaps as Pakistan and the world recover from COVID-19, the country can finally realize its potential as a trekking destination to rival its Himalayan neighbors. If so, then now is the time to consider embarking on this unforgettable journey.

Trekking to K2 Base Camp

The K2 base camp trek takes 14 days in total (up and down) and starts in the village of Askole. Once away from this small green oasis, the mighty Karakoram reveals its beauty quickly. Serrated summits and towering cliffs rise up on either side of the wide valleys. By the end of the first day, trekkers camp beneath the distinctive peak of Bakhor Das, affectionately referred to as Mango Peak due to its unique summit shape.

The following day, the remarkable granite spires of Trango Towers and Cathedral dominate the skyline and stand sentinel over the trial for three days. After reaching the Baltoro Glacier, the first 7,000m peaks (22,966ft) – Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower – become visible. It isn’t long before the first 8,000m peaks (26,247ft) emerge on the horizon. At the end of Baltoro Glacier lies the Gasherbrum Range, a massif of five peaks over 7,000m, including two above 8,000m.

After another day of walking, trekkers arrive at the gigantic rocky amphitheater of Concordia, which dwarfs European ranges in comparison. The eye is immediately drawn from the Gasherbrums, across the wide summit ridge of Broad Peak to the sharp and abrupt pyramid of black rock ridges and glinting snow gullies of K2. On this night, campers pitch their tents at one of the finest campsites in the world.

The next day, trekkers can choose how to approach K2 base camp. They may attempt the exhausting round trip from Concordia in a single day. However, the more popular option is to trek to Broad Peak base camp and stay for the night. The following day becomes a more agreeable push to K2 base camp and back.

K2 base camp doesn’t resemble the sea of yellow tents and prayer flags commonly found at the base of Everest. Instead, a modest rock pile marks the site. Depending on the time of the season and the number of expeditions, hikers may find themselves alone at base camp. There, at the foot of over two vertical miles of rock and ice, the second highest mountain on Earth stands proudly as a reward for over a week of toil.

Depending on their itinerary, trekkers may return to Askole through the Braldu Valley or head towards the high pass of Gondogoro La, ultimately finishing the trek in the village of Hushe. While the Gondogoro La pass provides an alternative perspective of the Karakoram, it also poses quite the challenge. Trekkers should be confident with an ice axe and crampons, and be prepared to rise at midnight to tackle this high pass.

Whatever route one opts for, a trek through Pakistan’s Karakoram to the foot of the world’s second highest mountain is one of the world’s classic – and currently less-tackled – high-altitude adventures.

Practical Information

Distance: The trek takes around 14 days in total. While no specialist equipment is required, trekkers should be fit and healthy and should have tackled at least one high-altitude climb before. Additionally, tackling the Gondogoro La pass requires basic rope work and the use of an ice axe.

Camping: The only accommodation available throughout the trek is camping. Tents are typically for two people, meaning solo travelers should expect to share. Campsites are pitched either on rock, ice, or both, so ensure to pack a thick, warm camping mattress. It’s essential to note that most campsites do not have toilet facilities; thus, preparation for doing one’s business in the wild while adhering to “leave no trace” principles is advised.

Equipment: It is common for porters to carry personal gear, but this largely depends on the level of service chosen. More expensive options provide amenities like chairs, a dining table, and a toilet tent, while cheaper options may require clients to carry some or all of their gear without additional luxuries.

When to go: The best months for trekking in the Karakoram are July and August, although the trekking season runs from mid-June through mid-September. Outside of these dates, excessive snow remains on passes and north-facing slopes, keeping any routes above 3,000m (9,843ft) closed. Unsurprisingly, the weather in the Karakoram can be unpredictable. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and plunging temperatures, particularly at night.

Terrain: The terrain is much more challenging than the well-trodden trails of Nepal. On the Baltoro Glacier, trails are constantly changing as the ice shifts and crevasses open, so some cross-country walking can be expected. Additionally, rivers might swell to excessive levels or wash away footbridges, so preparation for getting one’s feet wet is advised.

Access: To trek to K2 base camp, foreigners must have a licensed guide and obtain a No Objection Certificate from the tourism office in Skardu. The trek begins at Askole, which is a six-hour drive via 4WD from Skardu, a short domestic flight from Islamabad (journey time: one hour). Trekkers can leave excess luggage in Skardu at their guesthouse. Most visitors to Pakistan require a visa; more information is available on Pakistan’s official visa portal.

Safety and security: Despite recent improvements, foreign governments still advise against travel to several areas of Pakistan. Therefore, it is advisable to seek up-to-date advice on the situation in the areas you plan to visit before traveling.

This article was originally published November 2019 and was updated in January 2021.