Pakistan treks: K2, Karakoram & beyond
Four treks, from the meadows to the giants
Whether it is your first trek at altitude or you dream of standing at the foot of K2, each itinerary below is led by an English-speaking guide, with a cook and porters, from Islamabad back to Islamabad. Here is the essence of each route: we send the full day-by-day programme on request.
Fairy Meadows, Rakaposhi & Nangma Valley
Three of the most beautiful valleys of northern Pakistan in a single journey: the meadows facing Nanga Parbat, the base camp of Rakaposhi and the granite walls of Nangma.
Islamabad
Arrival and welcome in the capital.
Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat
Road to Raikot, jeep to Tato, then on foot to the meadows at 3,400 m. Next day, Beyal Camp and the viewpoint over Nanga Parbat Base Camp.
Nagar Valley & Rakaposhi Base Camp
Down to the terraced Nagar Valley, then a night at Rakaposhi Base Camp, 3,500 m.
Skardu, Kanday & Nangma Valley
Across to Skardu and the Balti village of Kanday, then up through Mingulu Broq to Nangma Valley, 4,300 m, beneath the great granite walls.
Return to Islamabad
Back to Kanday and Skardu, flight to Islamabad and departure.
Nangma Valley & K7 Base Camp
A hidden gem of the Hushe region: towering granite spires, glaciers and the base camp of K7 at 4,550 m, with nights in a Balti village guesthouse.
Islamabad & the flight to Skardu
Arrival in Islamabad, then a 45-minute flight along the Karakoram to Skardu.
Kanday & Nangma Valley
Drive to Kanday, a traditional village, then a day's walk to camp in Nangma Valley at 4,000 m and back.
Towards K7 Base Camp
Gorxit and Ankam camps, then K7 Base Camp at 4,550 m, surrounded by Karakoram peaks and glaciers.
Shaischo & Hushe Valley
Descent to Shaischo, a visit to Hushe, the last village beneath Masherbrum, and back to Skardu.
Return to Islamabad
Flight back to Islamabad and departure.
K2 Base Camp via Gondogoro La
One of the great treks on the planet: up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, then a night crossing of the Gondogoro La at 5,650 m, with the giants of the Karakoram at sunrise.
Islamabad, Skardu & Askoli
Arrival, formalities in Skardu, then by jeep to Askoli, the last village.
Jhola & Paiyu
The trek begins. First views of the Cathedral Towers and K2, and a rest day in Paiyu with the porters' music and dances.
The Baltoro Glacier to Concordia
Urdukas, Goro II, then Concordia at 4,680 m, facing Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak and K2.
K2 Base Camp
A day to K2 Base Camp, 5,150 m, and a weather window before the pass.
Gondogoro La & Hushe
Ali Camp, a midnight start for the 5,650 m pass, descent to Khuispang and Shaicho, then the green Hushe valley beneath Masherbrum.
Skardu & Islamabad
Back to Skardu, flight or road to Islamabad, departure.
K2 Base Camp & Pastore Peak
The Baltoro and K2 Base Camp, followed by an ascent of Pastore Peak, a summit above 6,000 m in the heart of the Karakoram. The journey ends with time shared with a Balti family in Kanday.
From Islamabad to Concordia
Skardu, Askoli, then the Baltoro Glacier via Jhola, Paiyu, Urdukas and Goro II to Concordia.
K2 Base Camp
To K2 Base Camp, 5,150 m, and on to Broad Peak Base Camp.
Pastore Peak
Base camp at 4,800 m, acclimatisation, then the climbing days towards the summit.
Back down the Baltoro
Concordia, Urdukas, Paiyu and Jhola, then Askoli and a well-earned night in Skardu.
Kanday & Hushe
Time with a local family in Kanday and a visit to Hushe, facing Masherbrum.
Skardu & Islamabad
Flight or road back to Islamabad, departure.
What is included
Not included: international flights, Pakistani visa fee, travel insurance, personal equipment and sleeping bag, tips.
Before you choose
- The Islamabad–Skardu flight depends on the weather. If it is cancelled, we take the road via Chilas.
- Book 3 to 4 months ahead: we provide the support letters for your Pakistani visa.
- Take insurance covering trekking at altitude, cancellation and emergency evacuation.
- Every itinerary can be adapted, or run as a private trek for your own group.
Not sure which trek is right for you?
Tell us about your experience and your dates. We will tell you honestly which route suits you.
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