Introduction
The Baltoro, Gondogoro La, and K7 Base Camp Trek is Pakistan’s crown jewel of trekking, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for serious adventurers. Starting in the remote village of Askole, this challenging 23-day journey takes you deep into the heart of the Karakoram Range, where towering 8,000-meter peaks form a dramatic skyline.
You’ll trek through the legendary Baltoro Glacier, reach the Concordia amphitheater, stand at the foot of K2 Base Camp, and cross the thrilling Gondogoro La Pass (5,750m) to descend into the pristine Hushe Valley, finishing at the spectacular K7 Base Camp.
With breathtaking views of K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak, the Gasherbrums, Chogolisa, and Laila Peak, this trek is the most diverse and scenic high-altitude traverse in the Karakoram. It’s a test of endurance, strength, and mental toughness — but the rewards are simply unmatched anywhere on Earth.
Trek Overview
- Total Duration: 23 Days
- Camping Nights: 15
- Hotel Nights: 7
- Maximum Altitude: 5,750m (Gondogoro La)
- Trek Difficulty: Strenuous (requires fitness and mental preparedness)
- Best Season: June to August
- Trek Zone: Restricted (permit required)
- Location: Karakoram Range, Gilgit-Baltistan
Major Highlights
✅ K2 Base Camp (8,611m) – The base of the world’s second-highest peak
✅ Gondogoro La (5,750m) – One of the most scenic and thrilling mountain passes on Earth
✅ Concordia – The “Throne Room of the Gods,” with 360° views of 8,000m giants
✅ K7 Base Camp – A serene glacier-fed amphitheater in Hushe Valley
✅ Experience both Baltoro & Hushe Valleys, making a full high-mountain traverse
✅ Unmatched alpine scenery, including Laila Peak, Golden Throne, Gasherbrums I–VI
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad
Arrival and transfer to hotel. Trek briefing and documentation preparation.
Day 2 – Fly to Skardu / Drive to Chilas (if weather doesn’t permit flight)
Enjoy a scenic flight over Nanga Parbat or a full day’s drive on the legendary Karakoram Highway.
Day 3 – Drive Chilas to Skardu
Continue through breathtaking valleys along the Indus River to reach Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram.
Day 4 – Drive to Askole (3,000m)
Jeep journey through the Braldo Gorge to reach the last village before entering the glacier zone.
Day 5 – Trek from Askole to Jula
The trek begins. Follow the Braldo River to Jula, a campsite near the riverbank.
Day 6 – Trek to Paiju (3,400m)
Trek to the base of the Baltoro Glacier, with the Trango Towers coming into view.
Day 7 – Rest Day at Paiju
Acclimatization day. Optional hike to the glacier’s edge or rest under shady trees.
Day 8 – Trek to Khoburtse
Enter the Baltoro Glacier. Trek past Cathedral Towers, with awe-inspiring rock spires overhead.
Day 9 – Trek to Urdukas (4,050m)
Camp on a grassy platform above the glacier, facing Nameless Tower and Great Trango Tower.
Day 10 – Trek to Goro II (4,300m)
A full glacier walk toward Goro II, with views of Gasherbrum IV and Masherbrum.
Day 11 – Trek to Concordia (4,650m)
Reach Concordia, the meeting point of five glaciers. 360° views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums await.
Day 12 – Rest Day at Concordia
Explore or relax. Optional day trek to Gash I or II base camp, or just admire K2’s south face.
Day 13 – Excursion to K2 Base Camp (5,150m)
Long day hike to K2 Base Camp, passing Broad Peak BC and Godwin-Austen Glacier. Return to Concordia.
Day 14 – Trek to Ali Camp
Prepare for the Gondogoro La crossing. Sleep early, pack crampons, harnesses, and axes.
Day 15 – Cross Gondogoro La (5,750m) to Khuspang
Early alpine start. The sunrise over K2 and Broad Peak from the pass is unforgettable. Descend steeply with the help of fixed ropes.
Day 16 – Trek to Shaishcho
Enjoy the green Hushe Valley. Shaishcho is a welcome change with grass, trees, and warm air.
Day 17 – Trek to K7 Base Camp
An optional side trip to K7 BC offers views of K7 and Laila Peak, along with a quieter, more remote vibe.
Day 18 – Trek back to Hushe Village
Final day of trekking. Hushe is a peaceful, beautiful village where porters and staff part ways.
Day 19 – Jeep Drive to Skardu
Celebrate with a proper shower and hotel rest back in Skardu. Shopping and evening walk optional.
Day 20 – Fly to Islamabad / Drive to Chilas
Depending on weather, either a scenic flight or road journey begins back toward Islamabad.
Day 21 – Drive from Chilas to Islamabad
Final overland leg of the journey. Arrive in Islamabad, hotel check-in, and evening at leisure.
Day 22 – Free Day in Islamabad
Relax, shop in Saddar or Centaurus, or visit Shah Faisal Mosque. Farewell dinner optional.
Day 23 – Departure Day
Transfer to airport for your onward journey home. Say goodbye to the mountains — for now.
Essential Gear Checklist
✔ Trekking boots (broken in)
✔ Crampons, ice axe, harness (required for Gondogoro La)
✔ Sleeping bag (rated to -15°C)
✔ Down jacket and thermal layers
✔ Headlamp, trekking poles
✔ Glacier sunglasses and sunscreen
✔ High-altitude insurance recommended
Inclusions
- Full transportation from Islamabad to Skardu & back
- Jeep transport to Askole and from Hushe
- Government-licensed local guide (Ahmed)
- Porters, cooks, camping gear (tents, mats, kitchen)
- Hotel stays in Islamabad, Skardu
- All meals during trek
- Permit assistance for restricted zone
- Gondogoro La crossing equipment support
Final Thoughts
This trek is not just a physical journey — it’s a spiritual one. You’ll walk in the shadows of the world’s tallest and most mystical peaks, cross glaciers, forge rivers, and sleep beneath a billion stars. It is one of the most spectacular alpine treks on the planet and a badge of honor for any serious trekker.
