Extraordinary Karakoram wilderness and culture

Today is the day it all starts, team!

Arrive at Islamabad Airport, and head straight to the hotel where you can relax after your long journey.

After our team has assembled, we will have our first group introduction, gear checks, team briefing, and welcome lunch.

Dinner will be at one of our favorite places in Islamabad. Our team will return to the hotel and retire early for a good night's sleep. We have a flight to catch in the morning to the mountain city of Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan Province.

We recommend arriving in Islamabad at least one day early so that you can settle in, shake off the jet lag, and be rested and ready to go for our first day of trip introductions.

We take an early morning flight to Skardu (about 50 minutes). On a clear day you may see incredible views of Nanga Parbat and other huge peaks. After arrival, you have free time to rest and explore the bazaar while we finalize trekking permits. We end the day with a group dinner.

Alternative by road: if the flight is cancelled, we drive to Skardu instead (18–24 hours). To break up the trip, we spend the night in Naran or Chilas before continuing the next day. Our team decides the best plan if weather delays the flight.

The Karakoram Ascents team spends the day shopping for fresh food and packing all the gear needed for the trek. Guests can enjoy free time around Skardu. Popular options include hiking up to Kharpocho Fort for sweeping views of the Indus River, exploring the lively Skardu Bazaar for handicrafts and local snacks, or taking a short trip to the Katpana Cold Desert, famous for its rolling sand dunes and mountain backdrop.

In the evening we meet again for a relaxed group dinner, share plans for the days ahead, and answer any last-minute questions before our departure in the morning.

If the group has come overland from Islamabad, this serves as a rest and recovery day, and the overall itinerary moves back by one day to keep a built-in buffer for weather or road delays.

After breakfast we gather at the hotel, load our gear into rugged 4×4 jeeps, and set off toward Askole, the last inhabited village before the great Karakoram glaciers. The track is rough and dusty, and the ride can take 6–8 hours depending on road conditions. We pause along the way for a simple roadside lunch and plenty of photo stops.

If trekking permits need extra time, we may remain in Skardu for a day to finalize them—our built-in buffer keeps the schedule flexible.

By late afternoon we reach Askole, where we pitch camp at a family-run site and settle in for our first night under canvas, surrounded by the mountains that mark the start of the Baltoro adventure.

• Trekking distance: 19.5 km
• Altitude gain: 854 m
• Jhola camp elevation: 3,149 m
• Walking time: 6–8 hours

Our first trekking day follows the Braldu River, starting on a gentle path that winds past small stone houses and cultivated fields before narrowing into a wilder gorge. We cross several wooden bridges and streams, with views of the Biafo Glacier and distant snowy peaks appearing as we go.

Lunch is served along the riverbank while porters and pack animals move steadily ahead. By late afternoon we reach Jhola camp (3,149 m), a sandy site beside the river and suspension bridge. Here we pitch tents, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the cooking team, and settle into our first night in the heart of the Karakoram.

• Trekking distance: 21.28 km
• Altitude gain: 879 m
• Paiju camp elevation: 3,400 m
• Walking time: 6–8 hours

We follow the Braldu River upstream on a mix of sandy paths and rocky ground, crossing small streams and simple bridges. As we climb higher, views of the Trango Towers, Cathedral Peak, and Paiju Peak appear.

After lunch we continue to Paiju camp, the last green campsite before the Baltoro Glacier. Porters often use this stop to bake traditional bread and get ready for the days ahead. We set up tents and enjoy our first clear look at the huge Baltoro Glacier before dinner.

• Trekking distance: 14.3 km
• Altitude gain: 747 m
• Khoburtse camp elevation: 3,833 m
• Walking time: 5–6 hours

We leave the greenery of Paiju and step onto the Baltoro Glacier for the first time. The trail winds over rocky moraine and ice, with constant views of the Trango Towers and Uli Biaho spire.

After a steady climb along the glacier’s edge, we reach Khoburtse camp (3,833 m), a quiet site surrounded by towering granite walls. We set up tents and enjoy a hot meal while the evening light glows on the peaks around us.

• Trekking distance: 6.3 km
• Altitude gain: 400 m
• Urdukas camp elevation: 4,052 m
• Walking time: 2–3 hours

This is a short but spectacular day on the Baltoro Glacier. The trail climbs gently over rocky moraine with sweeping views of the Trango Towers, Cathedral Peak, Lobsang Spires, and other dramatic granite walls.

By late morning we arrive at Urdukas camp (4,052 m), a grassy terrace perched high above the glacier. The afternoon is free to rest, take photos, and enjoy one of the finest panoramas in the entire Karakoram.

Use the day to relax, photograph the granite giants, or take a short walk around camp to stretch your legs. This easy pace helps the body adjust to the higher altitude before we continue toward Concordia.

• Trekking distance: 12.3 km
• Altitude gain: 658 m
• Goro II camp elevation: 4,250 m
• Walking time: 4–5 hours

We hike up and down the glacier, starting to feel the higher altitude. The trail gives amazing views of Masherbrum, Gasherbrum IV, and even the summit of Broad Peak. On the way we pass a small military post.

At Goro II camp, nights can drop below zero and toilets are basic, but the scenery from your tent is unforgettable.

• Trekking distance: 14 km
• Altitude gain: 590 m
• Concordia camp elevation: 4,600 m
• Walking time: 5–7 hours

Today we walk across more glacier ice as we make our way to Concordia, known as the “Throne Room of the Gods.” The hike is steady and pleasant, with stunning views of Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Broad Peak, Marble Peak, and of course the mighty K2.

• Trekking distance: about 11 km (Concordia to Broad Peak BC plus continuation toward K2 BC)
• Altitude gain: substantial; K2 base camp near 5,150 m

We leave Concordia and head up the Godwin-Austen Glacier toward Broad Peak base camp, with steady climbs over ice and rocky moraine. The trail is not steep but the altitude makes the walk more demanding.

Along the way we enjoy incredible views of K2, Broad Peak, and the surrounding Karakoram giants. By early afternoon we reach Broad Peak camp (about 4,813 m), where we take in the close-up panorama of these massive peaks.

We set out again for the walk to K2 base camp, following the gentle, open path of the Godwin-Austen Glacier. The route is long but not steep, giving steady views of K2 growing larger with every step.

Along the way we pause at the Art Gilkey Memorial, a stone cairn honoring climbers who have lost their lives on the mountain. By midday we reach the famous base camp, where we can share tea and stories with expedition teams preparing for their summit attempts.

After soaking in the sights of the world’s second-highest peak, we return along the Godwin-Austen Glacier to Concordia for the night. The pace is relaxed enough to photograph the route from a new angle as we drop back to camp elevation.

Our guides run a short skills session, covering basic glacier travel, crampon use, and safety tips for higher elevations. The rest of the day is free for photography, short walks, or simply relaxing.

• Trekking distance: 11.2 km
• Altitude gain: 600 m
• Ali camp elevation: 4,950 m
• Walking time: 5–6 hours

Today’s trek crosses the glacier and sections of deep snow as we climb toward the upper valley near Ali camp. Partway along, some of our porters turn back with the pack mules, since animals cannot cross Gondogoro La.

Ali camp sits in a breathtaking spot but is small and can feel busy when several teams arrive at once.

We have an early dinner and rest through the afternoon and evening, aiming to leave around midnight for the climb over Gondogoro La pass.

• Trekking distance: 10 km
• Altitude gain and loss: 668 m up / 1,000 m down
• Khuspang camp elevation: 4,700 m
• Walking time: 10–12 hours

We set out around midnight, climbing by headlamp toward the top of Gondogoro La pass (5,585 m). The ascent is steady and challenging, and crampons are needed for both the climb and the descent.

From the summit, sunrise (weather permitting) brings breathtaking views of K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrums, and many other Karakoram peaks.

The descent into the Hushe Valley is steep and protected by fixed ropes. Everyone wears a helmet and clips into the safety line for security. After reaching the base of the pass, it is another 3–5 hours of easier trekking to reach Khuspang camp, where, if skies are clear, we enjoy stunning evening views of Laila Peak.

• Trekking distance: 18.7 km
• Altitude gain and loss: 300 m up / 1,265 m down
• Saicho camp elevation: 3,430 m
• Walking time: 5–7 hours

The day begins with about two hours on rocky glacier moraine, then the scenery shifts dramatically to green hills and soft meadows. The trail becomes easier but includes a few small river crossings and some short, steep, exposed sections.

As we descend, the environment feels completely different from the dusty, icy paths of the Baltoro. Lush vegetation, running streams, and fresh mountain air welcome us.

Our camp at Saicho is a beautiful, spacious meadow with clear streams flowing through, perfect for a relaxing evening after the long journey.

• Trekking distance: 10.5 km
• Altitude gain: 95 m
• Hushe elevation: 3,180 m
• Walking time: about 2 hours

A short, gentle walk brings us to the picturesque Balti village of Hushe, the official end of our trek. We share a final cup of chai with our porter team, thank them for their incredible effort, and say our goodbyes.

From Hushe, we board 4×4 jeeps for the return journey to Skardu, stopping for lunch along the way. By evening, we arrive back at our hotel—where a hot shower feels like pure luxury after our adventure.

• Morning flight (weather permitting): about 1 hour
• Alternate road option: 18–20 hours by the Karakoram Highway

We aim for the morning flight from Skardu to Islamabad. On a clear day the aerial views of the Karakoram and Himalaya are unforgettable. If weather grounds the plane, we travel by road with rest stops and arrive in Islamabad as road conditions allow.

This extra day is built into the itinerary in case of flight delays, road closures, or unexpected weather in the mountains.

If everything runs on schedule, you can use this as a free day to relax or explore Islamabad: visit the Faisal Mosque, stroll around Lok Virsa Museum, or shop for handicrafts in the local markets.

It is the perfect buffer before your international departure the following day.

We arrange transfers to the airport for those who are flying out over the next 12 hours.