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K2 Base Camp Trek
Download the full Trip Guide
Download the full Trip Guide
Difficulty:
Challenging
How challenging is the trek?
The K2 Base Camp Trek is one of the most demanding and adventurous high-altitude treks in the world. If you’re looking for a remote, expedition-style experience that pushes your endurance, takes you off the beaten track, and delivers some of the most jaw-dropping mountain views on Earth, this is it.
You’ll be trekking through the Baltoro Glacier, navigating across rough, uneven terrain, camping in some of the most isolated mountain valleys anywhere, and finishing at the foot of K2 (8,611m) the world’s second-highest (and arguably most dramatic) peak.
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This isn’t for beginners. It’s a physical and mental test, with long days, basic camping, big altitude, and no easy exits once you’re in the mountains.
Pre-Trek Fitness Prep
To take on the K2 Base Camp Trek, you should be able to:
- Hike for 7 to 9 hours a day, carrying a 7 to 10kg daypack
- Handle multiple 1,000m+ ascent and descent days, over rough glacial terrain
- Manage multi-day endurance, including trekking for up to 15–18 days consecutively
- Train consistently with back-to-back long hikes, strength and cardio work, and terrain-specific conditioning
If you’re fit, committed, and mentally prepared, this trek is achievable, but this is not one to “wing it.” Training is essential, and so is a love for the raw, untamed side of adventure.
What to expect on the trek
Altitude Challenges
You’ll reach an altitude of 5,150m at K2 Base Camp, and spend many days above 4,000m, including crossing the Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m) if conditions allow. Altitude is a serious factor on this trek, especially with the sustained elevation and tough terrain.
Acclimatisation is built into the itinerary, but with limited infrastructure and no easy helicopter evacuations, this is true expedition territory. Proper pacing and acclimatisation are critical.
Duration
The full trek usually takes around 16-20 days, including travel in and out of Skardu, acclimatisation days, and the return via either the same route or over the Gondogoro La Pass.
You’ll be trekking 6 to 9 hours per day, with some very long and tough days on the glacier and over the pass.
There are no lodges here, it’s full-on camping in high-altitude wilderness, supported by a local logistics team.
Terrain
The terrain is raw, rugged, and ever-changing. Expect:
- Rocky trails, boulder fields, loose scree, glacial moraine, and sections of ice and snow
- Multi-day trekking across the Baltoro Glacier, with no trail as such, just navigating across a massive ice flow
- River crossings, exposed ridges, and some steep sections (especially on Gondogoro La)
This is tough trekking, even by Himalayan standards – but you’re rewarded with views of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Masherbrum, Trango Towers, and of course, K2 itself.
Weather
Conditions can vary dramatically:
- Hot, dry days lower down in the valleys
- Sub-zero nights at higher camps, especially near base camp and the pass
- Snow, high winds, or storms are possible even in trekking season
The best time to trek is mid-June to late August, when weather windows are more stable – but even then, flexibility and resilience are essential.
The K2 Base Camp Trek is the ultimate test for serious trekkers. It’s longer, harder, and more remote than Everest – but also quieter, wilder, and, in many ways, more humbling.
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Trek Planning Tools
Get access to our mobile app with maps & countdown, plus personalised planner with trek details & essentials delivered to your door.
PLUS Get a FREE training plan from The Altitude Centre
Book now and you can get a FREE consultation & training plan from The Altitude Centre!
Download the full Trip Guide
Find out all of the awesome details about the trip and download the full guide and walkthrough right here.
Download the full Trip Guide
Find out all of the awesome details about the trip and download the full guide and walkthrough right here.
Sustainable Tourism
Because we only use local guiding teams it ensures your trip directly benefits the local mountain communities.
Departure Dates & Prices
No upcoming dates are currently available. Please check back later or contact us for more information.
Important Information
Minimum Group Size Requirement
This trip requires a minimum of 3 EverTrekkers for it to be confirmed. We’ll let you know at the time your final balance is due (6 months before the trip) whether the trip is going ahead or if the minimum group size hasn’t been met. We strongly recommend avoiding any non-refundable costs (such as flights or additional accommodation) until you’ve received confirmation that your trip is guaranteed. Please note our payment terms for this trip requires you to pay your final balance 6 months before your trip date. For further details, please read our Minimum Number Terms & Conditions
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Food & Accommodation
The K2 Base Camp trek takes you deep into one of the most remote and dramatic mountain regions on Earth, and the accommodation and food reflect that expedition-style challenge. You’ll start and end in hotels, but for the bulk of the trek you’ll be sleeping in tents, surrounded by granite spires, shifting glaciers, and some of the most spectacular peaks on the planet.
This is raw, rugged trekking at its finest, and while it won’t be luxury, you’ll be well-fed, well-supported, and sleeping under some of the most star-filled skies you’ll ever see.
Accommodation
Hotels in Islamabad & Skardu
You’ll stay in comfortable, locally-run hotels in both Islamabad and Skardu before and after the trek. Rooms are twin-share with private bathrooms, hot showers, and a chance to unwind before and after your time in the Karakoram. Meals are served in the hotel restaurants, and there’s time to explore both cities depending on flight schedules.
Tented Camps on the Trek
Once you leave the road behind at Askoli, it’s full expedition-style camping all the way to K2 Base Camp and back. You’ll sleep in high-quality trekking tents, twin-share as standard. These are pitched each day by our local crew, no DIY camping here.
Camp Setup Includes:
- Two-person tents (spacious, weather-tested)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen tent where our team prepares all meals fresh each day
- Private toilet tents at camp (no public long-drops!)
Campsites range from grassy riverbanks at lower altitudes to rocky glacier platforms higher up (yes, you’ll be camping on the Baltoro Glacier). It’s basic but deeply rewarding, you’ll wake up each day surrounded by some of the biggest mountains in the world.
Accommodation Summary
|
Day |
Location |
Accommodation Type |
|
1 |
Islamabad |
Hotel |
|
2-3 |
Skardu |
Hotel |
|
4-16 |
Trekking Route |
Fully supported tented camping |
|
17 |
Skardu |
Hotel |
|
18-19 |
Islamabad |
Hotel |
All hotel nights are based on twin-share rooms. Solo trekkers will be paired with same-gender teammates unless a single supplement is booked.
Food on the Trek
All meals are included during the trek from Day 2 to Day 17. And make no mistake, this is not your average trail mix and noodles setup. Our cook team delivers hot, nutritious, and often surprisingly varied meals, even at 4,500m on ice.
Expect three cooked meals a day, with snacks, tea, and hot drinks throughout. You’ll eat in a communal dining tent, a great place to share stories and warm up after a long day on the trail.
Typical Meals Include:
Breakfasts:
- Porridge, omelettes, fried eggs, paratha or chapati, toast (where possible)
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Lunches:
- Usually served hot or packed depending on the day’s trek
- Noodles, rice, lentils, potatoes, beans, canned tuna or chicken, vegetables
- Fresh fruit or sweets if available
Dinners:
- Three-course meals (soup starter, main course, and dessert)
- Hearty dishes like rice with daal, vegetable curry, pasta with sauces, meat or egg options, and flatbreads
- Occasional treats like custard, cake, or pudding
Water & Hydration
Boiled water is provided daily. Bring your own water bottles or hydration bladder (2-3L capacity recommended), and purification tablets as backup. Bottled water is not available on the trail and plastic waste is strictly avoided.
Dietary Requirements
We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, just let us know in advance. Due to the remote nature of this trek, variety may be limited, but our team will always do their best to accommodate your needs.
Notes on City Meals
- All meals during the trek are included.
- In the cities (Islamabad and Skardu), only breakfast is included.
- You’re free to explore local restaurants or grab a meal with your guides, a great chance to try Pakistani food like biryani, grilled meats, or lentil dishes.
Essential Kit
Explore our essential kit picks so you’re comfortable, safe, and ready for every step. Download the full checklist to nail your packing.
Waterproof jacket
A versatile gore-tex or similar material jacket is ideal for year round walking, hiking and trekking in the roughest weather. Jackets like the Latok Mountain GORE-TEX® Pro Jacket offer great weather protection and breathability when you need it.
Insulated jacket
A down or synthetic insulated jacket is a must for sub-zero conditions. Jackets like the Montane Anti-Freeze XT Down Hoodie use water-resistant down for an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, with features like high collars and storm flaps to trap heat.
Sleeping bag
A warm and reliable down-filled sleeping bag is essential for multi-day trekking or backpacking adventures. The Rab Ascent 700 is a great example, made with recycled materials and designed for both regular camping and mountain use.
Base layer top
A warm and breathable long-sleeve base layer, combining materials like Merino wool and synthetic fibres, helps regulate body temperature in various outdoor conditions. The Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Midweight is one such example.
Trekking shorts
Lightweight and durable walking shorts are ideal for fast-paced mountain hikes. Shorts like Montane's Tenacity Lite use stretch fabrics to offer protection from wind and abrasion.
Trekking trousers
Tough, lightweight and versatile trousers are perfect for a range of outdoor activities. The Montane Terra Pants continue to be a go-to choice for everything from trekking to scrambling.
Trekking poles
Lightweight yet sturdy walking poles help with balance and reduce strain on steep or uneven terrain. The Leki Khumbu Lite poles are a popular option for hill walking and mountain hiking.
Mountain sunglasses
Protective and high-performance sunglasses are important for alpine environments. Sunglasses like the Julbo Shield Reactiv combine style with serious high-mountain protection.
Leggings
Lightweight leggings with moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for active use. The North Face Flex High Rise Leggings offer comfort and sweat management during exercise.
Technical T-shirt
A moisture-wicking technical tee is essential for active days in the hills. The Rab Force T-Shirt is a reliable choice for mountain walkers and runners alike.
Hiking boots
Supportive and grippy walking boots are key for long hikes and rugged trails. The Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots are built for demanding conditions and multi-day use.
Hiking socks
A good pair of merino-blend walking socks helps keep feet warm and comfortable on long walks. The Bridgedale Merino Hiker socks are a dependable option for various terrains.
Daypack
A 30-35L daypack is a great size for longer hikes or overnight trips. Packs like the Osprey Talon 33 balance load well and offer good back ventilation.
Fleece mid layer
A soft, insulating fleece is great for layering on cooler days. The North Face Cornice II is a sustainable option made from recycled materials.
Warm beanie
A warm and comfortable beanie is ideal for cold weather walks or everyday use. The Mountain Equipment Humbolt Beanie fits the bill.
Hydration reservoir
A 2-3L hydration bladder helps you stay hydrated on the move. The Osprey Hydraulics 3L Reservoir is stable, easy to use, and reliable.
Water bottle
A durable, wide-mouth bottle is handy for refilling on the go. Nalgene's Sustain 1L Water Bottle is a classic, perfect for day hikes or longer trips.
Waterproof gloves
Warm, waterproof gloves are essential for wet and cold mountain days. Gloves like the Montane Respond Dry Line offer protection and dexterity in tough conditions.
Headtorch
A compact and bright headtorch is important for early starts or late finishes. The Petzl Tikka 350L is simple to use and effective for low-light navigation.
Sleeping mat
A lightweight and compact sleeping mat adds essential insulation and comfort for overnight stays outdoors. Mats like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT offer excellent warmth-to-weight performance, making them a solid choice for backpacking and wild camping.
Portable power bank
A high-capacity power bank is a great way to keep your devices charged on multi-day trips or when you're off the grid. Options like the Anker PowerCore 20000mAh offer multiple charges for phones and other electronics, making them ideal for camping, backpacking, or travel.
Explore our essential kit picks so you're comfortable, safe, and ready for every step. Download the full checklist to nail your packing.
FAQs
The K2 Base Camp Trek with EverTrek costs between £3,200 and £3,250 depending on your chosen departure year. This includes accommodation in hotels in Islamabad and Skardu, full-service camping during the trek (including tents, mess tents, and kitchen staff), jeep transfers, all main meals during the trek, permits, experienced local guides and porters, and full EverTrek support. International flights to Islamabad, travel insurance, visa costs, tips, and some personal expenses are not included.
EverTrek uses the classic K2 Base Camp and Concordia route, trekking deep into the Karakoram mountain range. The route follows the Braldu River to Paiju, across the famous Baltoro Glacier, passing through Concordia, and reaching the base of K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. The trek offers breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II, and, of course, K2 itself.
This trek is rated very challenging. You’ll need a very good level of fitness to trek 6–9 hours per day, often over rough, rocky, and glaciated terrain. The highest point reached is around 5,150m at K2 Base Camp. Previous multi-day trekking experience at altitude is strongly recommended. You’ll need stamina, strong legs, and mental resilience to complete this epic adventure.
Training should focus on:
- Cardiovascular fitness (long-distance hiking, running, cycling)
- Leg and core strength (weighted hikes, strength training)
- Altitude training or back-to-back high mountain hikes if possible
We recommend training 4–5 times per week for at least 4–6 months before the trek. Joining an EverTrek UK training weekend (for example, in Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons) is highly recommended for physical preparation and meeting the EverTrek team.
It's super important to sort your visa between 3-6 months before your trip date (not before). It's quite a meaty task so leave plenty of time to complete this. You will need information from us to complete this but we've written this handy guide to make this process as simple as possible.
All main meals are included during the trek, from Skardu onwards, breakfast, lunch, and dinner while camping. Meals typically include hearty local and international dishes suitable for trekking at altitude. Meals in Islamabad and Skardu outside of the trek days (e.g., during arrival and departure) are not included, giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants.
We recommend bringing cash for:
- Meals in Islamabad and Skardu
- Tips for the trekking crew and guides
- Snacks, soft drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses
- Visa fees for Pakistan
Bring US Dollars and Pakistani Rupees in cash, as access to ATMs can be limited in Skardu and non-existent during the trek.
There are no showers during the trekking portion of the K2 Base Camp trek. You can wash with bowls of warm water provided by the team at campsites. In hotels in Islamabad and Skardu, full bathroom facilities including hot showers are available.
The best trekking seasons are:
- Mid-June to August – This is when the weather is stable, glaciers are more accessible, and high passes are open.
- Earlier or later in the season can bring snow and harsher conditions, making the trek more difficult or even inaccessible.
Tipping is customary and a vital part of the trekking culture in Pakistan. We recommend budgeting around 10–15% of your total trip cost. Your lead guide will assist in coordinating the tipping ceremony at the end of the trek.
As you’ll be trekking at elevations up to 5,150m, altitude sickness is a serious consideration. To minimise your risk:
- Follow the gradual acclimatisation itinerary
- Drink 4–5 litres of water per day
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Ascend slowly and pace yourself
- Be aware of early symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite
- Consider using Diamox (after consulting your GP)
- Always communicate openly with your guide if you feel unwell, early intervention is critical.
Yes, your main duffel bag must not exceed 15kg, this is to ensure the welfare of our porters and animal welfare during the trek. You will also carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, spare layers, and sun protection each day. Pack light but make sure you are prepared for highly variable weather conditions in the Karakoram.
Yes, this trip requires a minimum of 3 EverTrekkers for it to be confirmed and guaranteed to go ahead. We’ll let you know at the time your final balance is due (which is 6 months before the trip) whether the trip is going ahead or if the minimum group size hasn’t been met.
We strongly recommend avoiding any non-refundable costs (such as flights or accommodation) until you’ve received confirmation that your trip is guaranteed.
Please read out minimum number terms and conditions for more info around refund & payment terms.
