Full Board
Moderate
June to September
20 Days
The K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek is one of the world’s most iconic high-altitude adventures, taking trekkers deep into the heart of Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. This legendary journey follows the Baltoro Glacier to the famous Concordia, often called the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods, surrounded by towering giants including K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums. The trek’s ultimate challenge is the crossing of Gondogoro La (5,700m), a thrilling high pass that rewards adventurers with breathtaking panoramic views and a dramatic descent into the beautiful Hushe Valley. Designed for experienced trekkers seeking both challenge and spectacle, this expedition combines raw wilderness, technical high-altitude trekking, and authentic cultural encounters. With expert local guidance, careful acclimatization, and full logistical support, Karakoram Treks delivers a safe, immersive, and unforgettable journey to the base of the world’s second-highest mountain.
Karakoram Treks’ K2 Base Camp & GG La Trek is an ultimate adventure experience that takes you to the heart of the Karakoram ranges, culminating in one of the most famous trekking spots in the world, the base camp of K2. If you are an experience trekker or someone who wants to go on an adventure of a lifetime, this is the perfect trek for you. Challenging and moderately difficult, this trek separates the amateurs from the pros. Completing this trek means you are one of the few who have seen been on the Base Camp of K2 and witness the glory of the most awe-inspiring mountain in the world, the Mighty K2.
Starting from the gateway of Skardu, your glacier expedition follows the mighty Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, where you are surrounded by the world’s highest concentration of 8,000-meter peaks. The final challenge—a technical crossing of the Gondogoro La—separates the amateurs from the pros, rewarding you with a dramatic descent into the lush Hushe Valley. With Karakoram Treks, you receive full logistical support, including domestic flights, government permits, and expert local guides, ensuring a safe and immersive adventure travel Pakistan experience.
Trek to the legendary K2 Base Camp (5,150m) and witness the sheer majesty of the world’s second-highest peak up close.
Cross the thrilling Gondogoro La (5,700m), using fixed ropes to reach a summit that offers unparalleled panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum massif.
Camp at Concordia, the spectacular meeting point of the Baltoro, Godwin-Austen, and Abruzzi Glaciers, featuring 360-degree views of the Karakoram giants.
Walk across the iconic Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers, among the longest and most dramatic ice systems outside the polar regions.
Experience the diverse traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan, trekking from the rugged Balti villages of Askole and returning through the beautiful alpine pastures of the Hushe Valley.
How hard is the K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La trek? This 20-day journey is graded as Highly Challenging and is significantly more difficult than the standard out-and-back K2 trek. If you want to get to K2 Base Camp but want an easier route, check out our K2 Base Camp Trek, which is much easier compared to this route.
The inclusion of the Gondogoro La Pass adds a technical layer to the expedition. While not a “climb,” it requires the use of harnesses, carabiners, and crampons to navigate fixed ropes on a steep 50-degree snow slope. Trekkers should be in peak physical condition, capable of 8–10 hour days on shifting moraine and ice.
This trek spends more time above 4,500m than almost any other commercial trek.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights & all ground transport | International airfare, visas & insurance |
| Hotels in Islamabad & Skardu (twin-sharing) | Personal trekking gear & sleeping bags |
| Trekking permits & camping fees | Meals outside itinerary & extra hotel nights |
| Trek accommodation (twin-sharing tents) | Excess baggage charges |
| All meals during trekking days + snacks | Emergency evacuation & rescue costs |
| Licensed trekking guide & full support staff | Tips & gratuities |
| Porterage for personal luggage (fixed allowance) | Personal expenses outside of those specified |
| CKNP waste management fee | Early departure or trek withdrawal costs |
| Secure baggage storage in Skardu | Gear rental unless specified |
| Satellite phone (emergency use) & first-aid kit | Force majeure expenses |
• Leave main Baltoro route towards Gondogoro La
• Cross moraine ridges and Vigne Glacier
• Reach Ali Camp near Gondogoro Pass
• Rope and safety skills practice
The k2 base camp trek cost for the 20-day Gondogoro La circuit starts at $2,500 USD. This all-inclusive price covers domestic flights between Islamabad and Skardu, specialized trekking permits for the restricted zone, all meals, camping logistics, and the professional support staff required for a technical pass crossing.
The entire expedition is 20 days. This includes roughly 14–16 days of trekking and 4–5 days for travel and contingency. The total distance covered is approximately 170 km (105 miles). We include buffer days in case of bad weather at the pass or flight cancellations.
The best time is strictly July and August. While the standard base camp trek is possible in June, the Gondogoro La pass is often blocked by heavy snow until late June or early July. August offers the most stable snow conditions for a safe descent into Hushe.
It is the most physically and mentally taxing part of the trek. The ascent starts at midnight to avoid rockfall and soft snow. You will use fixed ropes for the final 300–400 meters of the climb. It is highly rewarding but requires focus, stamina, and basic knowledge of using a mountain harness.
In addition to standard trekking karakoram gear (4-season sleeping bag, sturdy boots, and layers), this trek requires a climbing helmet, a harness, and crampons for the pass. Karakoram Treks provides the technical safety equipment (ropes/anchors), and personal gear can be rented in Skardu if needed.
Henrik Bakken –
A top-quality trekking experience in one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges. Karakoram Treks combines local expertise with international standards. I would recommend them without hesitation.