K2 Base Camp Trek Guide 2026
The trek to K2 base camp at Concordia is one of the greatest mountain treks on earth. K2 (8,611m) is the world's second highest mountain and widely considered the most difficult and dangerous of the 8,000-metre peaks. The trek from Askole village through the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia — the junction of the Baltoro, Godwin-Austen and upper Baltoro glaciers — puts you at the foot of four 8,000-metre peaks: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II. It is a 14-18 day journey through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere, walking through a landscape of towering granite spires, enormous glaciers and ice-covered giants that will leave you permanently changed.
Trek Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Askole → Baltoro Glacier → Concordia (K2 BC) → return or Gondogoro La exit |
| Duration | 14-18 days (trek only). 18-24 days including travel. |
| Distance | ~150 km each way (Askole to Concordia) |
| Max altitude | Concordia: 4,600m | Gondogoro La: 5,585m | K2 BC: 5,150m |
| Difficulty | Strenuous. Requires excellent fitness and altitude experience. |
| Season | June to August (July peak) |
| Cost | $3,000-7,000 per person (all-inclusive with operator) |
| Permit | Required. Arranged by operator. Licensed guide mandatory. |
| Start point | Askole village (accessible by jeep from Skardu) |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Route | Hours | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skardu to Askole (jeep) | 6-8 hrs (drive) | 3,040m |
| 2 | Askole to Jhola | 6-7 hrs | 3,200m |
| 3 | Jhola to Paiju | 5-6 hrs | 3,400m |
| 4 | Rest day at Paiju | — | 3,400m |
| 5 | Paiju to Khoburtse | 7-8 hrs | 3,800m |
| 6 | Khoburtse to Urdukas | 5-6 hrs | 4,050m |
| 7 | Urdukas to Goro II | 6-7 hrs | 4,300m |
| 8 | Goro II to Concordia | 5-6 hrs | 4,600m |
| 9 | Concordia to K2 Base Camp & back | 6-8 hrs | 5,150m |
| 10 | Rest / Explore Concordia | — | 4,600m |
| 11-14 | Return to Askole (4 days) | 5-7 hrs/day | Descending |
Gondogoro La option (Day 10-12): Instead of returning the same way, cross the Gondogoro La pass (5,585m) to exit via Hushe Valley. This requires ropes, crampons and an experienced guide. The views from the pass are extraordinary but the crossing is serious mountaineering.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Budget | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Trekking operator (guide, porters, food, camping, permits) | $2,500-3,500 | $5,000-7,000 |
| Flights (international to Islamabad) | Varies | Varies |
| Islamabad to Skardu (PIA flight or road) | $30-60 | $30-60 |
| Personal equipment (if buying new) | $500-1,000 | $1,000-2,000 |
| Tips for guide and porters | $150-300 | $300-500 |
| Travel insurance (must cover 6,000m+) | $100-200 | $200-400 |
| Total | $3,300-5,100 | $6,600-10,000 |
Fitness & Preparation
- Start training 6 months before: Focus on cardio (running, cycling), leg strength (squats, lunges, stairs), and endurance hiking with a weighted pack.
- Altitude experience: Previous experience above 4,000m is strongly recommended. If this is your first high-altitude trek, consider doing a warm-up trek (Hunza, Fairy Meadows) first.
- Daily expectation: Walk 6-8 hours per day over rough terrain (glacial moraine, boulders, river crossings). Carry a 5-8 kg daypack. Porters carry the heavy gear.
- Altitude sickness: Take Diamox (acetazolamide) prophylactically if recommended by your doctor. Acclimatise properly — the itinerary includes rest days for this purpose. Know the symptoms of AMS, HAPE and HACE.
- Insurance: Must cover trekking to at least 6,000m and helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance does not cover this. Specialists: Global Rescue, World Nomads (adventure add-on).
Quick Facts
- K2 height: 8,611m (28,251 ft)
- Trek duration: 14-18 days
- Max altitude: 5,150m (BC)
- Cost: $3,000-7,000
- Season: Jun–Aug
- Start: Skardu