K2 base camp trek - 2nd-highest mountain on Earth

K2 base camp trek is multi-day hike generally based from Skardu, Pakistan. It takes about 10 to 25 days and involves a distance of about 180 km return. The hike occurs within the Central Karakoram National Park.

Understand

When to go

The best time to hike is July or August, though the trail can be done as early as June to as late as September; otherwise winter conditions will be present. The Mountain Rescue Support Team is only available for Gondogoro La until early September.

Required permits

The hike cannot be done independently as the government requires foreigners to be accompanied by an approved guide. A special trekking visa is required to do the hike. Acquiring this visa takes about 4 weeks and the process can be started 6 months before your arrival in Pakistan. Visas are than good for 3 months from your arrival.

To enter the CKNP a visitor entry form must be filled at Askoli, Hushey, Hisper, or Skardu. There is also a park fee of 50 USD and a royalty fee of 50 USD. (dead link: January 2023)

A "No Objection Certificate" was required; however, this requirement was withdrawn in 2017.

Whether a person uses porters is an individual choice.

Sleeping

After leaving Skardu, camping becomes the primary option; though there are small hotels at Askole and Hushe.

Tourist information

• CKNP parks official website (dead link: January 2023)

Get in

There are generally daily direct flights from Islamabad to Skardu with Pakistan International Airlines that take about an hour of flight time. There are also flight to Skardu from Karachi. Flights; however, only operate when the weather is favorable. It is also possible to take a bus from Islamabad to Skardu; however this can take up to 36 hours.

Itinerary

The initial part of the trip is generally by Jeep from Skardu at 2,226m to the village of Askole at 3,050m. This takes about 6 hours; though this is variable. Since 2021 it is now possible to continue driving another 2 to 3 hours until Jhola and this has become the new starting point.

Camp sites than occur at:

• Askole

• Korophong

• Jhola 📍 (3,200m) Also known as Jola, facilities include toilets and water for washing

• Bardumal

• Paiju (3,450m) facilities include toilets, water for washing, and garbage cans

• Trango BC

• Khoburtse few facilities

• Urdukas (3,990m) facilities include toilets, water for washing, and garbage cans

• Goro 1

• Gore 2 (4,380m)

• Concordia (4,620m) is the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers

• Broad peak basecamp (4800m)

• K2 base camp (5,100m)

After this are high camps used by those attempting to summit K2:

• Advanced base camp (5,250m)
• Camp 1 (6,000m)
• Camp 2 (6,650m)
• Camp 3 (7,300m)
• Camp 4

On the return from base camp trekkers may choose to go over Gondogoro Pass at 5585m and onto Hushe or return they way they came. Going over the pass requires the use of crampons, fixed ropes, and an ice axe. A jeep ride from Hushe back to Skardu may than be taken.

From Concordia camping spots include:

• Ali camp (5,000m)
• Khuspang
• Shaisho
• Hushe (3,048m)

The drive from Hushe back to Skardu takes about 6 hours.

Map

A map of the route with campsites marked.

See also

• Trekking in Nepal