“The best way to experience nature is on foot.”
– Muir
- T. S. Eliot
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Overview of the K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek
- GPS, Maps, and Guidebooks
- How to Obtain a Permit to Trek
- Useful Resources for Hikers
- Itinerary for the Trip: Daily Schedule
- Trekking Advice & Route Choices
- Food Planning & Resupply Points
- Suggested Equipment & Packing List
Overview of the K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek
- Starting Point: Askoli Village, Baltistan, Pakistan
- Distance: 160–170 km (round-trip, depending on route)
- Elevation Gain: ~3,900 m
- Highest Point: Gondogoro La Pass (5,650 m)
- Difficulty: Challenging – requires high-altitude and glacier experience
- Duration: 20 days (with rest/acclimatization)
- Best Season: Mid-June to late August
- Navigation: GPS, maps & local guides recommended
- Permits: Trekking permit + NOC via licensed operator
- Connectivity: Limited beyond Skardu; satellite phone advised
GPS, Maps, and Guidebooks
Because the terrain is remote, glaciated, and frequently changing, reliable navigation is crucial.
- Guidebooks: Lonely Planet’s Karakoram Trekking Guide, local trekking books in Skardu
- Maps: Operator-provided maps and briefings
- GPS Apps: AllTrails, Gaia GPS (offline maps), Maps.me (limited in glacier areas)
- Devices: Garmin InReach or GPS devices for emergencies
⚠️ Note: Local guides remain the most reliable resource due to shifting glaciers.
How to Obtain a Permit to Trek
The trek lies in the restricted Central Karakoram region, requiring a permit and NOC.
- Permit & NOC: Required from the Ministry of Tourism (arranged by Baltistan Adventure).
- Operator Service: Baltistan Adventure handles permits, paperwork & liaison with CKNP.
- Climbing vs Trekking: Peaks above 6,500m require climbing permits.
Tip: Start the permit process weeks in advance. Learn more here.
Itinerary for the Trip: Daily Schedule
20 days from Islamabad → Skardu → Askoli → Baltoro Glacier → Concordia → K2 Base Camp → Gondogoro La → Hushe → Skardu → Islamabad.
See the full detailed itinerary: atap.com.pk/trekking/k2-gondogoro-la-trek
Trekking Advice & Route Choices
- Standard Route: Islamabad → Skardu → Askoli → Baltoro → Concordia → K2 BC → Gondogoro La → Hushe → Islamabad
- Alternate Return: Via Baltoro Glacier if Gondogoro La is closed
- Side Excursions: Broad Peak Base Camp, Gasherbrum viewpoints
Tips: Hire licensed operators, acclimatize, pack glacier gear, and plan extra rest days.
Food Planning & Resupply Points
- Skardu: Last town with shops & gear
- Askoli: Last village with limited supplies
- On Trek: All food carried & cooked by support crew (rice, pasta, lentils, bread)
- Snacks: Bring nuts, protein bars, chocolate
- Water: Glacial water must be filtered or boiled
Suggested Equipment & Packing List
- Clothing: Base layers, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, gloves, hats
- Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, sandals, gaiters
- Technical Gear: Trekking poles, crampons, headlamp, sleeping bag (-15°C), mat
- Personal Items: Sunglasses, sunscreen, first aid kit, energy snacks, hydration system
👉 Ready to pack? Book your trek with ATAP and receive a detailed pre-departure checklist.