One of the great high-mountain routes on the planet: the Baltoro Glacier, Concordia and K2 Base Camp, crossing the Gondogoro La (5,585 m) into the Hushe Valley. Nineteen days from Islamabad.
From Skardu, “Little Tibet”, we head step by step into a world of glaciers, granite towers and remote valleys in northern Pakistan, with views of legendary mountains such as the Trango Towers, Masherbrum, the Gasherbrums and K2.
Nineteen days from Islamabad and back — tap each day to expand it.
Arrive in Islamabad, transfer to the hotel and a briefing with the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
Fly to Skardu, known as “Little Tibet” and the main gateway to the Karakoram.
A 4×4 transfer to Askole (about 6 h), the last permanent settlement before the Karakoram, where we camp.
First trekking day, an easy one to adapt. We follow the valley with the Biafo–Hispar Glacier on our left and views of the Latok towers, one of the most impressive massifs in the Karakoram. We pass Llama Koro Phong, the “Round Stone”, before reaching Jhola (6–7 h).
A fairly easy day. We start early to avoid the heat: after about 3 h we cross the Mon Grong camp, where we stop for lunch, and another 3–4 h brings us to camp. We spend two nights here to acclimatise.
After an hour’s walk we step onto the Baltoro Glacier, around 62 km long, which we follow all the way to K2 Base Camp. Along the way we see the Trango Towers. In about 4 h we reach Khoburse for lunch. Before Urdukas the view opens up to Broad Peak, and after another 3–4 h we reach camp.
The first hour is harder, with visible crevasses. Then we continue up the glacier over loose stone. In 3–4 h we reach Goro I for lunch, and after another 2–3 h the camp, with views of the north face of Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV.
Fairly easy terrain, though you feel the altitude. In 4–5 h we reach Concordia, a natural amphitheatre surrounded by some of the most iconic mountains in the world: K2, Broad Peak, Angel Peak, Gasherbrum IV and V and Chogolisa, among others.
We visit the Broad Peak and K2 (5,150 m) base camps, then return to Concordia.
The first two hours are demanding as we cross the Baltoro crevasses again. Once on the Vigne Glacier the terrain becomes easier and more gradual. At Ali Camp we rest until midnight.
We set off in the small hours. For the first hours we follow the lateral moraine to avoid crevasses; nearer the pass there is more snow and, depending on conditions, the final stretch is done with crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes. From the Gondogoro La you see K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum I, among others. We descend on the Hushe side, with one of the most beautiful views of the trip: a lake surrounded by wildflowers with Laila Peak behind.
We cross the Gondogoro Glacier, first among small crevasses and then at the foot of Laila Peak. The last stretch is a pleasant walk among wildflowers. About 6–7 h to Shaicho.
We descend to the Gondogoro river, passing small settlements, to the green fields of Hushe, the last inhabited village in the region. We spend two nights here, getting to know the Sarabastall Foundation and its project first-hand.
A 3–4 h 4×4 transfer to Skardu.
Fly to Islamabad, transfer to the hotel and a free day.
A reserve day in case of bad weather, or free to explore the city.
Transfer to the airport and fly home.
Our departure runs from mid-June to early July, the summer season in the Karakoram. Low down the days are hot and dry, and on the glacier the sun is fierce. Nights at Concordia and the higher camps drop below freezing, and the night crossing of the Gondogoro La (5,585 m) is the coldest part of the trip. Depending on the snow, the final stretch of the pass is done with crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes. Porters carry up to 25 kg per person.
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An outstanding experience with Thin Air Trips! Isa and the team brought so much care, enthusiasm and professionalism to the whole adventure. Their thoughtful planning, clear communication and attention to detail made everything feel smooth and well organised, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience.
What stood out most was the personal approach. Isa was approachable, helpful and always happy to answer questions. You could really feel her passion for the mountains and her commitment to making the trip special.
A fantastic team that I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a memorable trekking or mountain adventure. Thank you, Isa and Thin Air Trips—I would love to join you again!
I’ve now travelled with Thin Air Trips twice — to Torres del Paine and Kyrgyzstan — and both trips were absolutely incredible. Two very different destinations, but equally unforgettable adventures!
One of the best things about travelling with them is that they take care of everything. From planning the itinerary to organising accommodation, transport and all the logistics along the way, they make the whole experience feel easy. There’s so much that goes into organising trips like these, and having it all managed means you can relax, enjoy the adventure and focus on the places you’ve come to explore.
Torres del Paine was spectacular, and Kyrgyzstan was another amazing experience, with breathtaking mountains and landscapes that will stay with me for a long time. Both trips gave me so many special moments and memories that I’ll always treasure.
For me, the real value of Thin Air Trips is being able to experience these extraordinary destinations without the stress of coordinating everything myself. You get all the excitement of an adventure, with the reassurance that the details are taken care of.
The fact that I booked a second trip after my first probably says it all! I would happily travel with them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organised, memorable adventure. An easy five stars!
Fuimos con ellos al Ararat y todo perfecto, organización de 10, muy buena comunicación antes y durante el viaje, y muy buenos guías. Repetiremos!
I had a fantastic experience travelling to Russia to summit Mt Elbrus. Isa has been really communicative and helpful. I had a lot of hestitations about travelling to the region, but all went smooth and the entire trip was amazing. The team on ground were also just as professional and helpful, really helping to take off the logitical pressure and allowing me to focus on the summit.
Espectacular!!la ruta , la organización , la gente…repetiré sin duda!
Viaje top y equipo mejor aún!
Nineteen days from Islamabad, with the flight to Skardu, permits and trekking crew included. Want other dates or a private trip with your own group? Ask us.
Bring a friend: $100 credit each towards your next trip
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It is a long, demanding glacier trek, with 6–7 hour days and a pass at 5,585 m. Depending on conditions, the final stretch of the Gondogoro La is done with crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes, so you need very good fitness.
Save your spot for free with the button on this page — you don’t pay anything yet. Once the departure is confirmed, you secure your place with a non-refundable 10% deposit. When the balance is due depends on each trip, and we send you the exact conditions together with the itinerary. You can pay in euros, dirhams or US dollars, depending on the destination.
If weather or safety conditions don’t allow it, we don’t cross the pass and the trek returns along the Baltoro route.
By domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, included in the price, then by 4×4 to Askole. If the flight is cancelled, we make the journey by private vehicle.
Yes. We send you the invitation letter to apply for the visa, and the trekking permit for K2 Base Camp and the Gondogoro La is included.
Yes. If someone books a trip on your recommendation, you each get $100 credit towards your next trip with Thin Air ($50 if the trip they book costs under $1,500). The credit isn’t taken off the trip being booked now: it’s used on the following one. They just need to mention your name when booking.
K2 Base Camp & Baltoro Glacier Trek · 19 Jun – 7 Jul 2027