Baltoro Glacier · Gilgit-Baltistan
K2 Base Camp
The classic Baltoro trek to the foot of the world's second-highest mountain — across one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions, past Trango Towers and Gasherbrum, to a camp at 5,150m.
Elevation Profile
Day by Day
Islamabad to Skardu
Fly or drive to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. Gear check and briefing in the evening.
Skardu to Askole
Full-day jeep drive along the Braldu River to Askole, the last village and the true start of the trek.
Askole to Jhula
First day on foot, following the Braldu valley to a riverside camp at Jhula.
Jhula to Paiju
Continue upriver, with the first clear views of the Baltoro's snout ahead.
Rest Day at Paiju
Acclimatisation day. Last trees on the route — the Baltoro Glacier begins just beyond camp.
Paiju to Khoburtse
Onto the glacier itself, weaving between moraine and ice with Trango Towers rising overhead.
Khoburtse to Urdukas
A steep climb to Urdukas, the last camp with a view back down the full length of the glacier.
Urdukas to Goro II
Crossing the Baltoro's middle section as Gasherbrum and Broad Peak come into view.
Goro II to Concordia
Arrive at Concordia, the amphitheatre where four of the world's fourteen 8,000m peaks meet.
Concordia to K2 Base Camp
Trek to K2 Base Camp itself, beneath the sheer face of the world's second-highest mountain.
Reserve Day at Base Camp
Buffer day for weather, or an optional walk toward Broad Peak Base Camp.
Return to Khoburtse
Begin the return journey, retracing the glacier route.
Return to Askole
Back off the glacier and down the Braldu valley to Askole.
Drive to Skardu
Jeep transfer back to Skardu. Trip ends here.