K2 Base Camp Trek

Classic three-week trek up the Baltoro glacier to the foot of K2

The trek to K2 Base Camp begins at the village of Askole, three hours' jeep ride beyond Shigar from Skardu, and follows the Baltoro Glacier for roughly two weeks of walking. The Concordia camp at the heart of the route gives 360-degree views of more eight-thousanders than any other point on earth.

The trek requires real fitness, an organised expedition or a guided trip, and a Pakistani permit. The total time including buffer days for weather is typically 20 to 24 days. Skardu is the launch point — most groups spend a day or two here for final shopping, jeeps and porters. June to early September is the only realistic season.

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The trek to K2 Base Camp follows the Baltoro Glacier — one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions — through Concordia, a meeting point of glaciers ringed by four of the world's fourteen 8,000-metre peaks: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II. There is no comparable concentration of giant mountains anywhere else on the planet.

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