K2 BC Trek Frequently Asked Questions:
K2 Base Camp Trek Cost?
We are often asked this question: How come your trips are low cost?
Trango Adventure is a Skardu-based company in Pakistan. We are a local tour operator, offering guided treks, tours and climbing expeditions for the last 40 years. Being a local travel company, we have our local staff, infrastructure, hotels, and transportation system, so we can afford to offer the trips at a low price without compromising the quality of the service.
We strongly believe that you do not have to break your bank account to enjoy nature and walk in the mountains. Being a local tour operator, we do not hand our clients to another tour operator or a third party as all the International tour operators do because they do not have offices and staff in Pakistan.
Companies based outside Pakistan have high rents and salaries to pay in USD/Euros to keep the business running. They do not have offices or staff in Pakistan, so they take their commission and pass their clients to local tour operators/agents. They act as a middleman between you and the tour operator in Pakistan. These are the reasons International companies are expensive. They send their groups to Pakistan only if they have a certain number of people in a group. They cancel the trek if they do not get a certain number of participants because they lose money. All our trips are guaranteed, even if we have ONE person in the group.
We are the people you will talk to, see and spend time with from the beginning till the end of your trip. We are not anonymous people on the other end of email/phone in Europe, and most likely, you will never see them.
Trango Adventure has a history of providing top-quality service, and we do not compromise on the standard of the service. We always prioritize your satisfaction over any cost-cutting measures. By travelling with us, you are paying directly to local people and local businesses, strengthening our mission to support sustainable tourism in this region.
Why our K2 trek costs are low:
Local Staff and Fair Pay: Everyone who works with us lives in the local area, known to us for many years, and we pay them fairly in the local currency. Our guides and cooks are from the Shigar region and earn more wages than those at other companies. Most of our staff have been working with us for over 20 years, they are the true assets of our company.
Our infrastructure: We have been offering trekking holidays in Pakistan for the last 40 years, so we are well established. We have our hotels, private transports, and local staff, which keeps the cost down and runs the trips smoothly.
Other reasons to travel with a local company.
Being a Local Company, we have the advantage of local knowledge, contacts, experience, and local staff to support your travel requirements. Our Guides and staff have collectively visited every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan. They have the passion, knowledge and insight around adventure travel that you can rely on. Our independence means we can be flexible to ensure your needs are satisfied. Our experienced and professional team will do their best to provide you with excellent service so you can have peace of mind that all your requirements will be met. We are local,
- We are not an anonymous person on the end of a phone that you will never meet.
- We are the people you talk to when discussing your plans
- We are the people you will meet upon arrival
- We are the people who will look after you when doing the activities
- We are the people you will laugh with
- We are the people you will thank in the end.
Group leaders:
Trango Adventure has licensed and experienced mountain guides for all our trips to the K2 base camp. Their responsibilities are to ensure you have an enjoyable, safe and authentic travel experience. All our guides are licensed and regulated by the Government of Pakistan. They have been working with us for many years, we know them all very well, and they are part of Trango Adventure’s family. We strongly believe in responsible tourism. We use local Guides and porters so that they can share their knowledge of the area with you.
Safety and Security:
The safety and security of our guests and trek staff are our top priorities. It begins at the planning stage by designing a well-thought-out itinerary that allows for the necessary time for acclimatisation to the increase in altitude. We regularly check the UK and USA foreign office travel advice and avoid travelling to areas that are not recommended by the UK and USA. Your deposit is fully refundable if you can not travel to Pakistan due to changes in the political and security situation.
All our guides are well-trained and highly experienced in leading groups in the Himalayas and the Karakoram. We obtain professional weather forecasts from everestweather.com throughout the trekking seasons in Pakistan.
Safety First:
We take the well-being of our guests very seriously. All our guides and staff are well-trained and highly experienced in handling risks. They know the area very well because they were born and bred in this region. We remain in close contact with the local rescue teams in case of emergency or need a helicopter rescue. Safety is extremely important when trekking in such remote areas.
Good value:
All of our Trekking Holidays in Pakistan are good value for money. We provide an excellent service at competitive prices and do not compromise on the quality of any aspect of the trip. Being a local and independent company, we can afford to provide you with a high-quality holiday in Pakistan at a low cost because we do not use any agents or third parties, unlike most Western companies.
Responsible and Sustainable Tourism:
We are dedicated to responsible and sustainable tourism with the aim that future travellers will see the destinations in a similar or better state than we have been able to. Low-volume and low-impact travelling are some of the most effective ways of preserving the fragile areas we visit.
We strongly believe in using local resources and expertise, so all your money goes to the local businesses and local people. All our staff are locals and have been with us for many years. Our staff and field crew are the most valuable assets of our company, so we always ensure that our local staff are paid a fair wage.
Nutritious Meals: Our experienced cooks prepare high-quality and tasty food. Over the last decades, we have learnt what type of grocery items to take with us in the mountains that can last longer and provide all the nutrition you need. Our unique menu is a balance of protein and carbohydrates, better than what you’d find elsewhere. We take live chickens and goats to use as a source of protein during the trekking season. If you choose a more expensive company, you will likely have the same food.
Our Campsites: At Trango Adventure, we understand that after a long day of trekking at a high altitude, you deserve a cosy and relaxing camping environment. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure your comfort. Here’s what we provide to make your campsite experience truly enjoyable:
Tables and Comfy Chairs: We set up tables and comfortable chairs so that you have a proper place to sit, relax, and enjoy your meals and conversations with fellow trekkers.
Spacious Dining Tent: Our large dining tents are spacious so everyone can enjoy the meals during the trek. You won’t feel cramped and will have a comfortable area to socialize and share stories.
Well-Equipped Kitchen Tent: Our dedicated kitchen tent is fully equipped to prepare delicious meals. Our experienced cooks work their magic here to ensure you get the best dining experience possible.
Private Toilet Tent: We understand the importance of privacy, especially toilet facilities. Toilets are available at most campsites in the Baltoro region. Please talk to our advisors if you would like to order a private toilet tent to ensure that you have a personal and comfortable space for your needs near your sleeping tent.
Charging Generator/Solar Panels: Staying connected is necessary, even in the wilderness. We provide a generator/solar panel to charge your mobile phones, cameras and drones so you can capture stunning photos and stay in touch with your loved ones.
Refreshments: Coffee, Tea, and Cookies: When you arrive at camp, you’ll be greeted with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea. Alongside these warm beverages, we offer a variety of cookies to satisfy your cravings and keep you energized during the entire trip.
We aim to make your trekking experience as enjoyable and convenient as possible. By providing these amenities, we want you to feel at home in the great outdoors, allowing you to focus on soaking in the natural beauty of the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan.
Small Groups for an Authentic Experience: We believe in small groups so that you get a truly authentic travel experience. Small groups are easier to manage, and our staff can pay attention to everyone. We never have more than twelve people in our trekking groups. Other companies regularly take 30-40 people in a group with only one guide who might not speak English well. This can lead to problems and delays, like not having enough porters.
Communication Devices: All our mountain guide carries satellite phones in case of emergencies, even though the local authorities installed a mobile antenna at Concordia two years ago. The local mobile phone network provider S COM provides service in the Baltoro region. You can get an S COM SIM in Skardu and use the internet to stay in contact with family and friends while trekking in the mountains.
Pre-trip briefing: Before you leave for the K2 Base Camp Trek, you may request a one-on-one call with us. This helps to do last-minute checks on equipment and prepare for a successful and enjoyable trip. We will answer any questions about the airport transfer and group hotel and arrange additional hotel nights if needed.
Is the K2 Base Camp Trek Safe?
The K2 base camp trek is very safe. The K2 Base Camp Trek is located in the Baltistan region of Pakistan. The Baltistan region has been hosting foreign tourists for many decades. The crime level has been recorded at ZERO for decades, and people of this area are well-educated and peaceful.
During the trekking session, you will be walking on the dry land from Askoli and a few days on the surface of the glaciers, which do not contain any climbing. You do not need climbing skills and climbing equipment to complete this trek. Trekking across glaciers and through streams deep within the mountains, the K2 Base Camp Trek has a low-risk rating.
At Trango Adventure, the well-being of our guests is our top priority, and that’s why our experienced ground crew always takes essential safety measures. Injury prevention is our top priority, and safety is always our main concern. Our 40 years of experience providing the K2 Base Camp Trek sets us apart from other travel companies. Over the years, we’ve learned how important it is to be ready for any unexpected situation. We recognize the value of preparedness and work hard to acquire the resources necessary to handle any emergency.
We understand the importance of clear communication in an emergency and have invested in satellite phones. Even though they are expensive to acquire and maintain, we refuse to put profit above safety. Because of this, your mountain guide will bring a means of communicating through satellite. With these tools, we can contact rescue workers from wherever in Pakistan.
We also appreciate individual interaction and have arranged for a satellite phone for guest usage at a fee of $5 per minute (paid in local currency).
How far is the K2 Base Camp trek?
K2 Base Camp is 90 km from Askoli village. Askoli is the last village of the Shigar valley. We drive from Skardu to Askoli village and start hiking towards K2 Base Camp. It takes 5-6 days to reach the base camp, the highest point being 5,150 meters at K2 Base Camp and 5-6 days back to Askoli.
How is the weather during the K2 Base Camp Trek?
The weather is mostly sunny with a clear sky during the K2 Base Camp Trek in the summer. Unlike the Everest base camp trek, we do not have a monsoon season in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. It does not rain very often, however, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, so be prepared for brief downpours and storms. In addition, the conditions you encounter will vary from location to region.
Islamabad: The capital city of Pakistan is the starting point of the journey, experiencing hot and humid weather between May and September. Rain from the monsoon season could fall at this time as well. Daytime highs average around 42°C (97°F), while overnight lows average around 25°C (75°F).
Skardu: Skardu is the capital of the Baltistan region and is at an elevation of 2,250 meters, so expect higher daytime temperatures and lower humidity as you travel there. Skardu has cooler, more comfortable nights. Dust along the main bazaar route because of the neighbouring Sarfaraga and Katpana cold deserts, and you may experience strong winds and dust storms. Skardu experiences its highest average monthly temperature of 32°C (80.4°F) in July, with lows of 12°C (50°F) at night. The rays from the sun are sharper due to the high altitude, and it could feel hotter than the actual temperature.
We advise you to pack for a wide range of climates, from the hot, humid, and potentially wet climate of Islamabad to the varying temps, dust, and strong winds of Skardu. Take clothes that will keep you warm, dry, and safe on the hike. We will send you a packing list for the K2 base camp trek closer to departure.
How fit do I have to be to complete the K2 Base Camp Trek?
You must be in good physical condition and able to walk for lengthy periods (up to 7 hours) through varied terrain. We will walk between 5-7 hours daily during the K2 trek. You will carry only your day bag with a bottle of water, a camera, a hat, sun cream, etc. We will have several local porters and mules to transport the gear.
When is the best time to do the K2 base camp trek?
The best time to do the K2 Base Camp trek is in July and August. However, you can also do this trek any time between the middle of June and the middle of September, as the weather is still pleasant. Hiking to the K2 base camp in early June is also possible. It is a bit more challenging because the snow has not yet melted.
What type of Visa is required for the K2 Base Camp Trek?
A trekking visa is required for the K2 Base Camp trek, the K2 and Gondogoro La trek, or any other trekking activities in the Baltoro region. Baltoro is in a restricted zone (Central Karakoram National Park). You are not allowed to enter this zone with a standard tourist visa. The restricted area has an entry fee of around $200, which is included in our K2 base camp trek package.
The Trekking and Mountaineering Visa application must be submitted through the government’s official visa application website. We will send you all the required documents to apply for the trekking visa, including the Letter of Invitation (LOI).
Being reputable and one of the oldest tour operators in Pakistan, our clients get a visa % success rate is 100%. All our clients get Pakistan trekking visas on time before their departure dates. Read this in-depth post for information on how to submit an online application for a Pakistan trekking visa.
Does the K2 Base Camp Trek require previous experience?
The K2 trek does not require previous trekking or mountaineering experience. No technical climbing knowledge or ice tools are necessary. This hike is perfect for explorers who wish to experience high-altitude ice glacier trekking. Anyone in generally good health who has hiked long distances before is welcome to sign up.
Most of the time will be spent on solid ground, with only a few days traversing the glacier. Our staff will pitch tents for you to sleep in the evening and take them down in the morning.
The K2 Base Camp Trek is an excellent option for high altitudes and training for future ascents of summits between 6,000 and 7,000 meters.
When going to K2 Base camp, is preparation necessary?
Your fitness level determines if you need to prepare for K2 Base Camp. For the K2 Base Camp trek, most people should work on their aerobic fitness and strength endurance. Despite the gradual ascent, you may expect to spend five to eight hours on the trail. Whether or not you need to train for K2 Base Camp can be determined by taking a couple of lengthy day treks on mountainous terrain near you.
Will there be a generator available?
We will have either a generator or Solar panels during the K2 trek. Solar panels are portable, do not make any noise and are environmentally friendly, so we use them to charge electronic devices and for lights in the evenings. Every night in camp, you have access to a charging station. Most customers also bring power banks that last a few days.
What Kind of Meals Can I expect while trekking?
The food in Pakistan is well-known for being excellent. During the K2 trek,
- Breakfasts feature omelettes, pancakes, cereals, jam, butter, honey, freshly made local bread, tea and coffee.
- The Packed Lunch will have sandwiches, boiled eggs, potatoes, cheese, a chocolate bar, dry fruits and munchies.
- Dinners are beautifully made and feature a range of curries, soups, salads, noodles, pasta, lentils, rice dishes, meats, and desserts. End your meal on a sweet note with a selection from the dessert menu. Fresh mangoes and melons are available during the first week of the hike and are a welcome treat.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets are routinely accommodated.
How about other gear like a harness, crampons, and sleeping bags?
You will need a good quality, high-altitude sleeping bag (-15), sleeping mat, walking stick and microspikes/crampons. Most of our clients bring these items, but you can hire them in Skardu. All these items may be rented in Skardu for less than one hundred dollars. You do not need a harness, ice axe or other mountaineering equipment for this trek.
Accommodation before and after the K2 trek?
We use international tourist standard hotels in Islamabad and Skardu. These hotels are centrally located and have international grades of 3- and 4-star. The hotel features restaurants with great food and air conditioning in the rooms for everyone’s comfort.
Our K2 base camp trek package is based on two travellers sharing a hotel room and sleeping tent. Solo travellers will be paired up with another traveller of the same gender in hotels and tents. Tents will be our home from Askoli/Johla until we arrive back in Skardu. Our tents are durable, weatherproof, and cosy. They offer adequate room for two tall people to sleep with plenty of space between them.
Single hotel rooms are available at $250 for trekkers who wish to have a single room (5 nights). Single sleeping tents are also available at $150 (entire trip).
Nearest Airport: Islamabad Airport is the nearest international airport to arrive at for the K2 base camp trek. It is Pakistan’s capital and a transportation hub. To minimize the effects of jet lag and give yourself extra time in case of flight or itinerary changes, we recommend being there the day before the tour officially begins. We will meet you in the arrival hall and transfer you to the group hotel. We can still arrange an airport pickup for you if you arrive here one to two days early, however, it will cost about $20 more if you arrive more than 2 days early (same applies for departure).
How about a flight from Islamabad to the mountains?
After spending the night in Islamabad, you will take a spectacular mountain-view flight from Islamabad to Skardu. The flight provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindukush mountains, including Nanga Parbat and K2. Daily 2-3 flights fly from Islamabad to Skardu in the summer, and it does not get cancelled as often as in the past since Skardu Airport has been upgraded to an International airport. PIA also runs a direct flight from Dubai to Skardu in the summer, so perhaps it’s worth learning more about this option.
After completing the K2 Base Camp trek, you will fly back to Islamabad from Skardu. Your K2 trek package includes domestic flights and all domestic airport transfers. If the flight is cancelled due to bad weather, you will drive to Skardu through the world-famous Karakoram Highway. Even though travelling by road will add more time to the trip, you have planned for this possibility. Flights to and from Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore have had a high success rate since Skardu Airport was converted into an International airport.
Weight allowance during the trek?
The K2 Base Camp Trek, like other treks in the Karakoram region, has a standard luggage limit of 17 kg per traveller. Your allowance of 17 Kg will be packed in a duffle bag, and our porter will transport your bags between camps. You will only carry your day bag with a bottle of water, sun cream, a hat, a book, etc. You have to pay extra if you bring a bag that weighs more than 17 kg. These prices are seasonal and calculated based on demand. Adding 5 kg to your load could add another $130-$140 to your bill.
We know that you may need to bring more than the 15 kilograms that are typically allowed by other firms. We have increased the weight limit to 17 kg so you can have more items for the trek. Since the porters will carry all the equipment and supplies, weight limits are in place for their health and safety.
You can leave any unnecessary items at our office in Skardu or your group accommodation before starting the trekking session of the trip.
Please be aware that we strictly follow the weight restriction enforced by the local authorities.
Does the trip have reliable electricity?
You will have reliable electricity up to Askole village. Outside of Askole, there is no access to electricity in the Baltoro region. The group will have solar panels or generators to charge mobile phones. All of your electrical devices can be charged up overnight, every night. During the hiking session of the journey, the solar panels will accompany us.
When is the best time to do the K2 Base Camp trek?
The Karakoram mountains do not have the Monsoon season, so the summer is the best time to do the K2 Base camp trek. Temperatures in the K2 region are mild from Early June till the end of September. Those are the best months to do the K2 base camp trek. In June and September, expect snow, rain, wind, and falling temperatures, especially at night.
How long does the K2 base camp trek take?
It usually takes twenty days to complete the K2 base camp trek from Islamabad to Islamabad. The hiking portion of the K2 base camp trek is typically fourteen days up and down, beginning from Johla camp, but sometimes starting in Askoli if the road is closed between Askoli and Johla.
How to prepare for the K2 base camp trek?
Preparation and good planning are essential to complete the K2 Base Camp trek. This is a challenging trek, so physical training such as Aerobic conditioning, altitude training, and strength endurance will help you enjoy the Karakoram mountains and reach the base camp of K2 successfully. Aerobic activities can teach your body to work hard with less oxygen, and elevation training will build your muscles to manage the elevation rise better.
The trek to the K2 base camp is challenging compared to the Everest trek in Nepal. However, anyone with a moderate fitness level can reach K2 Base Camp and have a fantastic experience in the K2 region with the correct mentality, pace, and preparation. Find out more about getting ready for a hike to K2 Base Camp.
I’m in my 60s, yet I’m in great shape. Will you let me come along?
Age is not a problem as long as you are healthy, moderately fit and used to high altitude and long-distance walking. If you’re healthy, fit and used to travelling large distances, being in your 60s or 70s won’t be an issue. We often have several European and American clients in their fifties and sixties in each group.
Do you have a contingency plan if I get too tired or feel unwell to continue?
If you feel unwell, tired or can not continue the trekking session, our team will bring you back to Skardu. Our staff are fully prepared to take you back to Skardu safely. In Skardu, you can either stay at the group hotel for the duration of the trip and wait for the rest of the members in the group to return or change your return flight back home and depart early.
Do you have a backup plan if I get hurt? A satellite phone to make an emergency call?
The safety of our clients is our top priority, and we manage rescue operations very swiftly. We have successfully airlifted several clients from the K2 region in our last 4 decades of operations. We are in constant contact with the helicopter Rescue team, and they promptly dispatch a chopper whenever one of our clients needs to be picked up from the Baltoro area. We need the names and numbers of the insurance companies associated with your policies. You should get an insurance policy that includes your planned activities in Pakistan.
Three years ago, the local government installed a mobile phone antenna at Concordia to support the communication needs of the Baltoro area. The coverage area of mobile networks covers most of this region. From the Baltoro region, our customers and employees have been using their mobile phones to keep in touch with loved ones back home. The network that offers mobile phone service also provides mobile data to use the internet. We also bring a satellite phone as a backup.
How large are the portions? Per day, how many grams per person? What are its main components? (beef, rice, and veggies)
During the trekking session and in the cities, you will have three meals every day. While hiking, you will have Eggs, cereal, toast, jam, butter, tea, coffee, etc., to make up breakfast. Lunch will be sandwiches, dry fruit, almonds, tin fish, cookies, boiled eggs, and tin fish make up the lunch menu. During the walk and in the cities, we serve a gourmet dinner consisting of soup, bread, lentils, rice, poultry, beef, veggies, etc.
Do you lend out any tools as well? Such as a pair of crampons.
Most of our customers bring their sleeping bags, crampons, etc. However, in Skardu, you can hire them for around USD 100.
When hiking to K2, how is the weather?
During the K2 trek, the weather typically features sunshine and clear skies. The weather conditions you’ll encounter during the K2 trek will also depend on the time you choose to go. July and August mark the peak season for hikers, offering the most steady, clear and stable weather.
Although the trekking season generally provides pleasant weather, you should remain prepared for various conditions, particularly in the Karakoram mountainous areas, especially at higher altitudes. Strong winds, rain, and snow are all potential weather scenarios while hiking.
In the mountains, temperatures can fluctuate significantly, ranging from well below freezing at night to comfortably warm during the daytime. Given these potential temperature swings, we suggest bringing multiple layers of clothing that can be easily interchanged. Keep in mind that it gets colder as you ascend to higher elevations. When nearing the glacier, anticipate a substantial drop in temperature, so ensure you pack sufficiently warm clothing.
How long does it take to hike to the K2 base camp?
The typical duration of the K2 Base Camp is between 20 and 22 days from Islamabad to Islamabad. Although the real time spent hiking to base camp is closer to 14 days (depending on the weather).
Meeting your group, experiencing the attractions in Islamabad and Skardu, travelling to the journey’s beginning point in Askole, meeting the locals, completing the trek, and returning to Islamabad are all part of the lengthy itinerary. Unexpected road blockades and flight cancellations are part of this adventure holiday, but our staff will do their best to complete your journey as smoothly as possible.
Is the hike to K2 Base Camp a simple one?
The hike to K2 Base Camp is arduous and time-consuming but with a reward of spectacular mountain scenery. A high degree of physical fitness and general health are required to join this trek.
Your hike through the Baltoro Glacier will be slow and challenging due to the lack of a well-defined track, high altitude and slippery scree.
Before attempting this hike, you should have some experience with winter hiking in snow and high altitudes.
Is it risky to hike to K2’s base camp?
The K2 base camp trek carries the same inherent dangers as any other hike of similar height. The base camp is located at around 5,150 meters; therefore, it is essential to acclimate to the higher altitude before continuing the journey.
Take time walking on the glacier and the ice ground to avoid slipping and spraining your ankle. Using crampons or micro spikes is recommended for good balance while walking on the ice glacier.
Do I need to have travel insurance for the K2 Base Camp Trek?
It is not mandatory, but we highly recommend travel insurance to join our K2 base camp trek. Make sure your insurance company is aware of your travel itinerary, The policy must cover emergency medical care, helicopter rescue from high altitudes, transportation home, and air ambulance services.
Which journey is better: going to Everest Base Camp or K2?
Are you debating between a trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and a K2 Base Camp trek? To help you determine which of these two classic journeys is best for you, we’ve laid out some key distinctions between K2 and Everest.
Tens of thousands of people participate in the Everest Base Camp Trek each year. As a result of its widespread use, the paths are always clear and easy to follow but overcrowded. The K2 Trek is a popular option for serious trekkers and adventure lovers, although it has been relatively unexplored.
The K2 Trek is likewise less popular and less noisy than the EBC Trek as of today. K2 Base Camp is the route to go if you seek a more alone, natural and far-flung experience. The K2 Trek offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding 8000ers and a visit to the magnificent Concordia, where glaciers and rock meet.
Forests, rivers, freezing cliffs, tea houses and alpine terrain are some of the diverse landscapes you’ll encounter on the EBC journey. Meanwhile, the K2 Base Camp hike is dry, camping, sandy and icy glaciers before you reach the mighty Baltoro glacier and Godwin-Austen ice glaciers of the Rocky Mountains.
While both hikes are in the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains, they are very different experiences, so pick the one that appeals to you the most. Perhaps one day you’ll be able to accomplish both!
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