Trip Classification: Very Strenuous, intended for experienced hikers only. This is a high altitude camping trek starting from 2,500m (8,000 ft) crossing the Gondogoro La pass at 5,585m (18,300 ft). The trip will include walking on glaciers and several stream crossings. While the hike will start gradually and grows in difficulty level. We are also likely to encounter snow on the trails.
Overview
K2 and Gondogoro La have lured trekkers from around the world for decades now, thanks to the splendorous views, adventure, wild and dramatic landscapes and amazing experiences trekkers get to experience all through the trek.
K2 and Gondogoro La trek is a great achievement for the trekkers in itself. But the venture is not meant for the novice trekkers because it involves trailing through dangerous mountain and glacial routes, facing harsh weather conditions, going up and down the gorges, and rushing through icy torrents.
The higher the risks, the higher the reward: when you finally make it to the Gondogoro La, you would get a truly mesmerizing, delightful, and soul enriching feeling. Of course, reaching at the foot of the second-tallest mountain on earth can be an experience of a lifetime.
The K2 and Gondogoro La trek offers you some of the most epic views of four peaks standing 8000 meters above sea level in addition to hundreds of other beautiful peaks of varying altitudes. However, you must be ready to witness and experience the odds because in them lies a truly extreme adventure. Harsh weather, deep crevasse in the glaciers, snowfall, and spending secluded nights on a frozen wasteland are included in the odds.
Marsur Rock
The trek will begin with warming up before the main trek with a day hike to Marsur Rock (some call it Pakistan’s Trolltunga), near Hussainabad, Skardu, which gives a birds-eye view of the Indus River. The K2 base camp trek will take you across the 62 kilometers Baltoro Glacier, which is one of the most trekked glaciers in Pakistan. Baltoro Glacier mingles with the Vigne and Godwin-Austen glaciers at the enormous natural dome of Concordia, developing one of the most stunning mountain campsites on our planet. This is the place where nature plays with art to offer you picture-perfect views of K2, creating an unmatched ambiance.
Trek to K2 and Gondogoro La with Karakorum Expeditions
Karakorum Expeditions has a 22 day itinerary for the trek to K2 and Gondogoro La. Your day will start as we pick you up from the airport in Islamabad. The next day, we’ll either fly or drive you to Skardu, depending on the weather condition. Because your actual trek starts in Askoli, so we’ll drive your to the valley in a jeep. You’ll get enough time to rest and relax in between the journeys from one destination to another. Actual trekking dates may be changed in consultation with participants who sign up but will take place over a three-week period between July 15 and August 31, 2024.
During the venture, we’ll take you through the picturesque 5550 meters high Gondogoro La in a bid to arrive in Hushe village. We also provide you the optional opportunity to rest for a day at Concordia, the meeting point of the three glaciers and the spot that offers you spectacular views of the K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II. The trek reaches climax at this point. We will then get you back to Hushe valley and hit the road for Islamabad.
Karakorum Expeditions has decades of experience in organizing treks to K2 and Gondogora La. Our team of high altitude guides, expert cooks, high altitude porters and support staff will make sure that you indulge yourself in enjoying the offering of nature while they take care of everything you need and require to make your trek a truly memorable experience.
Click here to see the detailed program description for 2025. The description has been updated to adjust for inflation and additional fees imposed by the government for trekking permits and travel to Baltistan.
Trip Cost: The cost for the trekking trip is expected to range from US$ 3,800 – $4,000 per person on dual occupancy basis, depending on the number of participants. The trip cost includes full board service including travel to and from Islamabad to Baltistan, camping equipment, porters, and full meal services during the trekking days. An additional amount will be payable for government permit fees ($300 currently) and pollution fees ($200 currently) per person. Equipment for the Gondogoro La crossing can be rented at $120 per person. For more information contact the 1818 Trip Coordinator
Tour Operator: Karakoram Expeditions, a local tour operator from northern Pakistan with vast experience in mountaineering and trekking trips.
Website: https://www.karakorumexpedition.com/
1818 Trip Coordinator: Anis Dani (adani@1818alumniwbg.org)
