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K2 Expedition Pakistan 2026-27

Name: K2 EXPEDITION
Brand: Trango Adventure
SKU: 1559
Price: 5000 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

The K2 expedition is a mountaineering journey to climb K2, the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters. It involves navigating steep and technical terrain, often with the support of experienced guides and climbers. Most expeditions take place in the summer and follow established routes like the Abruzzi Spur. K2 is considered one of the most rewarding climbs due to its remote location and the skill required to reach the summit.

K2 Expedition Highlights

K2 expedition in the Baltoro region of Pakistan
Visit the green and purposeful capital city of Islamabad
Spectacular view of K2 & Nanga Parbat from the flight to Skardu
Explore the ancient Himalayan Kingdom of Baltistan
Experience the picturesque Shigar Valley
Trek to Concordia, pass Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers
Scale the toughest mountain in the world

Expedition Overview

K2 is located in the Karakoram mountain range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The K2 expedition combines the excitement of climbing high mountains with the experience of trekking through the icy and stunning landscapes around the Baltoro Glacier. Along the way, climbers and trekkers can enjoy spectacular views of famous peaks, including Broad Peak (8,047 m), the Gasherbrum Group, Chogolisa (7,686 m), Golden Throne (7,365m) and the massive Trango Towers

Trango Adventure has been organising K2 Expeditions for mountaineering enthusiasts from around the world for 40 years. We offer full board as well as base camp service for the K2 expedition in the summer and winter seasons. We can customise the itinerary to make the expedition longer, shorter and to meet any other needs and requirements.

Islamabad Airport is the nearest international airport to start the adventure holiday in Pakistan. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the group hotel to rest. We will meet in the afternoon for a briefing about the Expedition. The next day, you will catch the spectacular mountain view flights to Skardu, Baltistan. En route, you will have the first glimpse of the great Nanga Parbat, K2 and the other stunning Himalayan & Karakoram peaks from the flight. Check into your hotel, followed by a free afternoon to explore the local Skardu Bazar. Skardu is the capital of the Baltistan region and the gateway to the K2 base camp trek, Gondogoro La, Broad Peak, Mashebrum, Gasherbrums and many other famous Karakoram peaks.

In Skardu, trekkers and climbers usually finish their final purchasing and top-ups for their mountaineering journeys. After spending two days in Skardu, you will drive in a Jeep to Askoli. Askoli is the last civilisation before you enter the wilderness of the Karakoram mountains. Tonight you will spend your first night in the camp under the stars. The trekking session of the K2 expedition will start from Askoli. Hike towards the Braldu gorge and to the snout of the Baltoro glacier, which you then follow to Concordia. We will be camping at Johla, Paiju, Khuburtse, Urdkukas and Goro before reaching Concordia.

Concordia is the heart of the Karakoram Mountain range, beautifully located at the confluence point of the Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier. It provides breathtaking views of several 8,000-meter peaks, including Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. It is often referred to as the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” because of the dramatic concentration of towering peaks in one area.

After spending a night at Concordia, we can hike to the Broad Peak base camp and spend the night there or trek to the K2 base camp. Your climbing session of the K2 expedition will begin from here onwards. We will set up our camp at the K2 Base Camp and remain there until we complete the trip. Our mountain guide, chef and other staff will stay at the base camp during your entire climbing session. Our chef will make delicious and nutritious food throughout the expedition.

We strongly believe that good balance and a nutritious menu play a vital role in mountaineering. After the climbing period, you will follow the same Itinerary back to Islamabad. One night stay in Islamabad, then the next day you will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home.

Your K2 Expedition journey will end in Islamabad. Please make sure to book your return flight from Islamabad International Airport.

History of the K2 Expedition

The most commonly used route to climb K2 is the Abruzzi Spur, also known as the Southeast Ridge or the standard route. This route was first attempted in 1909 by Luigi Amedeo, the Duke of the Abruzzi, but it wasn’t successfully climbed until July 31, 1954, by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio.

On that historic day, Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni became the first climbers to reach the summit of K2. Key to the expedition’s success were Walter Bonatti, a renowned Italian climber, and Mehdi, a Pakistani high-altitude porter from Hunza. They carried oxygen bottles up to 8,100 meters (26,600 feet) for the summit team. Bonatti and Mehdi’s unplanned overnight bivouac in the open at that extreme altitude remains one of the most dramatic stories in Himalayan climbing history.

The Abruzzi Spur route starts at around 5,400 meters (17,700 feet), where the Advanced Base Camp is usually set up. The climb includes a mix of rock ribs, steep snow slopes, ice fields, and technical rock sections—most notably House’s Chimney and the Black Pyramid.

Above the Black Pyramid, climbers face exposed and challenging terrain leading to a feature known as the Shoulder. The final and most dangerous obstacle is the Bottleneck, a narrow couloir located beneath unstable hanging seracs, which has claimed many lives.

With our extensive experience, professional staff, and reliable logistics, we are fully equipped to organise and support your “K2 Expedition” safely and successfully.

Brief Expedition Itinerary:

D-1

ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:

D-2

SPECTACULAR FLIGHT TO SKARDU (2,228m):

D-3

SIGHT SEEING & PREPARATION DAY IN SKARDU:

D-4

DRIVE TO ASKOLI (3,075m) 7 HOURS DRIVE:

D-5

TREK TO JOHLA (3,100m) 6 HOURS WALK:

D-6

TREAK TO PAIJU (3,380m) 5 HOURS WALK:

D-7

TREAK TO KHOBURSTE (3,500m) 6 HOURS WALK:

D-8

TREAK TO URDOKUS (4,130m) 6 HOURS WALK:

D-9

ACCLIMATISATION & REST DAY:

D-10

TREK TO GORO (2) (4,250m) 6 HOURS WALK:

D-11

TREK TO CONCORDIA (4,600m) 6 HOURS WALK:

D-12

TREK TO BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP, (5,000m) 5 HOURS WALK:

D-13

TREK TO K2 BASE CAMP, (5,150m) 7 HOURS WALK:

14-52

CLIMBING & ACCLIMATISATION PERIOD:

D-53

TREK BACK TO KHOBURSTE,(3,560m) 6 HOURS WALK:

D-54

TREAK BACK TO PAJU (3,380m) 5-6 HOURS WALK:

D-55

TREK BACK TO JHOLA (3,170m), 7 HOURS WALK:

D-56

TREK BACK TO ASKOLI (3,050m), 3-4 HOURS WALK:

D-57

DRIVE BACK TO SKARDU, 7 HOURS DRIVE:

D-58

FLY BACK TO ISLAMABAD, 45 MINUTES:

D-59

CONTINGENCY DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS:

D-60

FLY BACK HOME -DEPARTURE DAY:

Additional information

Duration	60 Days
Grade	Strenuous: Climbing, Mountaineering

Map and itinerary of the K2 Expedition

Introduction.

Trango Adventures has been organising K2 Expeditions and other adventure holidays in Pakistan for many years. We had groups successfully climb K2 and other Karakoram peaks on many occasions. We have thoughtfully designed our itineraries, assisting and offering logistic services on the basis of our four decades of experience and local knowledge, which is the best in terms of acclimatisation, safety and enjoyment.

We intend to keep to the day-by-day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case, the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary to minimise your inconvenience.

Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of a mountaineering expedition.

Detailed Expedition Itinerary

D-1

ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:

Welcome to Pakistan. Most of the international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Our representative will meet you in the arrival hall and transfer you to the group hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the K2 Expedition. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, a purpose-built city in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.

Night stay in Islamabad.

ACCOMMODATION
Hill View Hotel or similar
MEALS
Dinner.

D-2

ISLAMABAD TO SKARDU FLIGHT (2,230m), 45 MINUTES:

After breakfast, we will take you to Islamabad Airport for your flight to Skardu, the main town in the Baltistan region. The flight takes about 45 minutes. If the weather is clear, you will see beautiful views of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountains. You might even see Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. On very clear days, K2 and the Gondogoro Pass can also be seen from the plane.

When you arrive in Skardu, we will transfer you to the group hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore the town. Skardu is the starting point for the K2 expedition, K2 Base Camp trek, Gondogoro La trek, and many other famous mountain trips.

In the afternoon, you can visit the local markets, old forts, and beautiful lakes. You can also visit the Manthal Buddha Rock, an ancient stone carving made by Buddhist monks before Islam came to the region.

If the flight is cancelled, we will drive on KKH to Chilas, Isb to Chilas, 461km. 8-9 H-Drive

ACCOMMODATION
Summit Hotel or similar
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-3

SIGHTSEEING & PREPARATION DAY, SKARDU:

Today is a free day for you while we complete the necessary documentation work. You can take this time to explore the historical Himalayan town of Skardu, which is the capital of the Baltistan region. Skardu lies along the Indus River, which separates the Karakoram mountain range from the Himalayas. The people in this region speak the Balti language, which is different from Urdu and other languages spoken in Pakistan.

In the morning, you can take a short walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort. Built in the early 1700s, the fort overlooks the town and offers a beautiful view of the Indus River and surrounding mountains. This is a perfect spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Afterwards, you can walk to a nearby village along the fort, which is called Organic Village. This small and peaceful place is known for growing all its crops naturally, without using any chemicals. You can see traditional farming methods and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

In the afternoon, you might like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake, a clear blue lake surrounded by rocky mountains. You can also visit the local bazaar, where you can find traditional Balti handicrafts, snacks, and other local items.

Skardu is full of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its ancient Buddhist carvings at Manthal Buddha Rock to its scenic lakes and forts, there is plenty to see and experience during your stay.

ACCOMMODATION
Summit Hotel or Similar
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-4

DRIVE TO ASKOLI (3,000m) 7 HOURS DRIVE:

The following day, you will leave Skardu and begin your journey toward the high mountains. You will travel in a jeep along the Indus, Shigar, and Braldu Rivers. The road takes you through the beautiful Shigar Valley, with amazing views of mountains, rivers, and traditional villages along the way.

During the drive, we will stop for a lunch break, tea breaks, and photo stops, so you can rest, enjoy the scenery, and take pictures of the beautiful landscape.

After several hours of driving, you will reach Askoli, the last village before the wilderness of the Karakoram mountains begins. From Askoli, there are no more roads—only trekking paths that lead toward K2 and other high peaks.

Askoli is a peaceful village with one main street lined with wooden houses. It is surrounded by green fields where local people grow corn and potatoes. There are also many apricot trees. The village sits high above the fast-flowing Braldu River, which you can hear thundering through the valley.

Tonight, you will spend your first night under the stars in Askoli. It is a quiet and beautiful place to relax and prepare for your K2 Expedition ahead.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-5

TREK TO JOHLA (3,100m), 5 HOURS WALK:

Today is the first walking day of your K2 Expedition. After breakfast, the team will organise all the equipment and supplies. Once everything is ready, the porters will begin the trek to Jhola Camp.

You will start walking from your campsite, passing through the small lanes and green fields of Askoli. This is the last village you will see on your journey to Concordia. Watching the people of Askoli go about their daily lives gives you a glimpse into the simple and strong lifestyle of the Balti people.

As you continue, the valley becomes wider and you will see the Biafo Glacier for the first time. You will walk over some rocky ground called moraine, then cross the front of the glacier and go down to a green area beside the river at a place called Korofong. You should arrive at this old campsite by lunchtime.

From Korofong, you will follow the trail up a side valley and cross a fast-flowing river on a footbridge. After that, it’s about a half-hour walk to reach Jhola Camp. Along the way, you will enjoy great views of Bakhor Das (5,809 meters) and the pointed peaks of Paiju in the distance.

Tonight, you will stay at Jhola Camp.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-6

TREK TO PAIJU (3,380m), 6 HOURS WALK

Today, you will start your trek early in the morning from Jhola. The trail begins by following the edge of the river for some time. Then it climbs up to higher ground, where you will get excellent views of the beautiful Paiju Peak.

During today’s walk, you will need to cross a few small streams. Depending on how much the glaciers have melted, the water levels may be higher. You might need to walk through the water, so it’s helpful to carry sports sandals or old shoes for these crossings.

After several hours of trekking, you will reach Paiju, a green and peaceful campsite located under the shadow of Paiju Peak, which rises to 6,611 meters. This area is one of the last green spots before the glacier begins, and it’s a great place to rest and enjoy the views.

From Paiju, you will get your first look at the massive Baltoro Glacier, one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions. You will also see the sharp granite peaks of the Trango Towers and Cathedral Group. If the weather is clear, you might even catch a distant glimpse of K2 for the first time.

Tonight, you will camp at Paiju.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

D-7

TREK TO KHOBURTSE (3,760m), 7 HOURS WALK:

Another early start in your K2 Expedition. After leaving the Paiju campsite, you will walk for about one hour to reach the starting point (snout) of the Baltoro Glacier. Here, you will see a powerful stream of water flowing out from under the glacier as the ice melts.

From this point, you will begin to walk on the glacier itself. The surface is covered with rocks and stones, so the path can be rough and uneven. Even though this route is used by many trekking and climbing teams, walking here still takes effort and care.

As you climb over the moving waves of the glacier, you will notice how the trail goes up and down. It’s interesting to think that some of the rocks beneath your feet may have come from the tops of famous mountains like Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, or even K2.

You will slowly make your way across the glacier to the southern side, where the trail follows along the side of the glacier (called the lateral moraine). From here, you continue heading east, sometimes walking beside the glacier and sometimes back on the rocky path.

Soon, you’ll reach a side valley. If the glacier is easy to climb at this point, you may continue directly. If not, you will take a short detour into the valley and walk for about 30 minutes to find a safe place to cross a stream. You may need your sandals or old trainers again for this water crossing.

Finally, you will reach the campsite at Khorburtse, which is at 3,760 meters. The views from here are amazing. You will see the tall Cathedral Towers, the famous Trango Group, and the sharp, rocky peak of Uli Biaho.

It’s a challenging but rewarding day of trekking across mixed and difficult terrain as you move one step closer to K2 Base Camp.

ACCOMMODATION

Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

D-8

TREK TO URDUKAS (4,130m), 4 HOURS WALK:

Today is a short walking day in your K2 Expedition, but the trail is not easy. Walk over rocky, uneven ground and gain height the whole way. The path follows beside the Baltoro Glacier, sometimes along the side of it and sometimes on top of it.

As you continue, you will pass some of the most famous mountain features in the Karakoram. Enjoy the view of the huge rock face of the Trango Towers and the tall, thin point of the Nameless Tower. These peaks are known around the world for their beauty and difficulty.

By early afternoon, you will reach Urdukas, one of the few green camping areas along the route. It sits above the glacier and gives you amazing views. Behind you are the Trango Towers, and across the wide glacier valley stand the huge rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang. The mountains around Urdukas feel like giant stone walls rising out of the glacier.

You should arrive in time for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax at the campsite and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery as you continue your journey deeper into the heart of the K2 Expedition.

ACCOMMODATION

Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

D-9

ACCLIMATISING DAY AT URDUKAS (4,130m):

From many years of experience, we have learned that taking a rest day at Urdukas works very well. Spending an extra night here helps your body get used to the higher altitude better than resting at Paiju.

Urdukas is the last campsite on green grassy slopes away from the main Baltoro Glacier. It also has places where you can wash and clean yourself. Behind the campsite, there is a nice walk through grassy hills full of alpine flowers.

Climbing high during the day and sleeping low at night is the best way to help your body adjust to the altitude.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

D-10

TREK TO GORO II (4,250m), 7 HOURS WALK:

Leaving Urdukas behind, follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu Glacier, which flows from Masherbrum, and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m) and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia.

We are quite high now and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions, so make sure to wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier where ledges have been levelled out for the tents.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

D-11

TREK TO CONCORDIA (4,600m), 5 HOURS WALK:

Today, you will trek to Concordia. This is one of the most beautiful mountain places in the world. We will walk along the Baltoro Glacier, which moves slowly like big waves. On the way, you will see Mustagh Tower, a tall mountain that is 7,284 meters high. Ahead of us, Gasherbrum IV, which is 7,925 meters tall, looks like a bright light guiding us. Sometimes, you can also see Gasherbrum II, which is 8,035 meters high, peeking out near Gasherbrum IV.

As you walk up the Baltoro Glacier, you will see Broad Peak, which is 8,051 meters tall. It stands above the ridge that connects Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on your left. K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, stays hidden until you reach Concordia. At Concordia, K2 suddenly appears, showing its full height of almost 4,000 meters from the valley floor to the top. This view is unforgettable.

Concordia is a wide area where glaciers from K2 meet glaciers from Gasherbrum and Chogolisa. It is one of the most amazing places on Earth. Here, you can be within 24 kilometres of four mountains that are over 8,000 meters high and ten of the thirty highest mountains in the world. We will camp here at about 4,500 meters on a rocky ridge surrounded by sharp peaks like Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak, and K2.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-12

TREK TO BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP (5,000m), 4 HOURS WALK:

Today, you can choose to walk to K2 Base Camp or stay the night at Broad Peak Base Camp and then walk to K2 Base Camp the next morning. From Concordia, the trail goes through some rough ice and rocky ridges before reaching the middle part of the Godwin Austen Glacier.

Broad Peak Base Camp is in this rocky area near the bottom of the climbing route on Broad Peak. This is one of the best places to see K2. You can enjoy the amazing mountains of the Karakoram from here.

If you want, you can also walk directly to K2 Base Camp without staying at Broad Peak Base Camp.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-13

TREK TO K2 BASE CAMP (5,150m) 6 HOURS WALK:

If we have decided to camp at Broad Peak base camp, then today you will walk to K2 Base camp. For many people, a visit to the actual K2 base camp will certainly be one of the highlights of the K2 Expedition. We will briefly stop at the Gilkey memorial to pay our tribute before arriving at the base camp.

The K2 Base Camp will be your home for the next few weeks, so take a long breath and admire the sensational view of K2 in one direction and on the other side, Concordia framed by Mitre Peak and the bulk of Chogolisa, also known as Broad Peak.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

14-52

CLIMBING & ACCLIMATISING PERIOD:

We will set up all our camps, our climbing session of the K2 Expedition will begin from today onwards. During the climbing period, our staff will be based at the K2 base camp to help and assist you.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-53

TREK BACK TO KHOBURTSE (3,560m), 7 HOURS WALK:

After the climbing part of the K2 Expedition, we will pack all our gear and follow the same to back to Islamabad. Start descending on the Baltoro Glacier; it is amazing how different everything looks when going down. The mountains and rocks that seemed low before now look very tall above us. The air feels warmer, and there is more oxygen as we go lower.

We will pass the Duke of Abruzzi’s camp at Urdukas. We can admire the courage of the early explorers who worked very hard just to reach their base camps. We will have lunch at the Duke’s camp, which has amazing views of Biale Peak. This mountain can only be seen from this special place.

After lunch, we will keep walking down the big valley. Sometimes we will walk on the glacier, and other times on the rocky edges or valley sides. Finally, we will reach Khorburtse, the first camp off the glacier, in a few days.

From here, you can see the end of the glacier and the start of the Braldu Valley. You may also notice green patches on the lower slopes of Paiju Peak. This is where the spring water camp is located.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-54

TREK BACK TO PAIJU (3,380m) 5 HOURS WALK:

We continue our trek on the Baltoro Glacier with amazing views of the Trango Towers as we walk towards Paiju. Like before, we need to take a detour to the south to cross the Liligo Glacier. This glacier is unusual because it is growing instead of shrinking. Twenty years ago, its end was half a mile up the valley, but now it has joined the main Baltoro Glacier. Because of this, the strong ice movement makes it impossible to cross directly, so we take the detour.

After the detour, we return to the main Baltoro Glacier and cross to its north side. We climb over the big waves of ice toward the tall rock walls of Uli Biaho. Then we walk down to the valley where the main trail continues. We pass the place where an underground river flows under the glacier and comes out as a waterfall to form the Braldu River.

The last part of today’s walk is easy on a good path, but there is one final climb to reach our campsite. When we first arrived here, we looked forward to cooler weather. Now, we will enjoy the warmer climate! We will spend the night at the green and beautiful place called Paiju.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-55

TREK BACK TO JHOLA (3,170m) 7 HOURS WALK:

Now we are off the glacier and lower down, so it is much warmer. We may start early to enjoy the cool morning air. Leaving Paiju, we walk on a good path down the valley. The walk feels different from when we went up. The trail goes up and down as we cross many alluvial fans, which are flat areas made by rivers.

Today, we have to cross some small streams. Most of the time, we use simple bridges or stepping stones. But later in the day, we might have to walk through the water. These streams come from melting ice, so they get bigger as the day gets warmer.

At one point, the trail goes close to the river next to tall rock walls made of loose stones. You can feel the strong power of the river there. We follow the main Braldu River downstream until it meets the Panma River. Then we turn northeast to reach a camping spot near the toll bridge at a place called Jhola.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

D-56

TREK BACK TO ASKOLI (3050m) 3-4 HOURS WALK:

Today is the final walking day of the K2 Expedition, and our return to civilisation after several weeks in the wild mountains. We will follow a nice trail down to a small area near the Biafo Glacier called Korofong. This place has some grass and tamarisk bushes.

After Korofong, we walk along the rocky edge of the Biafo Glacier and then follow the river that comes from the glacier. We will reach a bridge to cross the river to the north side. The trail goes through a wide flat area called the “King’s Polo Ground.” Then we climb through a narrow gap in a rocky ridge that blocks the valley.

We go down the other side of this gap and walk through a rocky area before climbing up to a small flat area. We cross some small side valleys and start to see signs of people living nearby. We follow an irrigation channel that brings melted snow water to the fields of Askoli village. This shows the great skill of the local people who grow crops in this high mountain desert.

Soon, we reach green fields and stone walls that lead us into the village. Many of our porters come from Askoli and will be happy to be home. To reach our campsite near the road, we walk through the fields and down from the small plateau where the village sits.

Today, we celebrate the success of the K2 Expedition with the porters. We give them tips to thank them for their hard work during the trek. We also often give them any extra gear we no longer need as a way to say thank you. Most porters are from this village, so at the campsite, we say goodbye to our crew, who are now friends. We may have a final party to celebrate.

ACCOMMODATION
Full-service camping
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-57

DRIVE BACK TO SKARDU, 7 HOURS DRIVE:

Our vehicles will be waiting for us in Askoli village, so we will make an early start for the drive back to Skardu. We first cross the Braldu River on a suspension bridge, then follow the rough road through the Braldu Gorge. Sometimes, this road gets blocked by landslides. If that happens, we may need to switch vehicles. In such cases, some of our porters will help carry the bags while we walk across the blocked area.

After we get out of the gorge, the road becomes better. We drive through the green and fertile Shigar Valley until it joins the Indus River. From there, the road is paved and smooth, and we follow the Indus River all the way to Skardu.

Once we reach Skardu, we will check into our hotel. There will be time to take a shower, clean up, and relax before dinner. Tonight, we will enjoy the comfort of a real bed after many nights in the mountains.

ACCOMMODATION
Summit Hotel or similar
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-58

FLY BACK TO ISLAMABAD

After breakfast, travel to Skardu airport. Skardu Airport is about 30 minutes from the hotel, and the road is smooth and lined with tall poplar trees. After boarding the plane, we’ll enjoy a scenic flight out of the valley. We may see Nanga Parbat again before flying south to Islamabad.

Arriving in the busy city of Islamabad after spending time in the quiet mountains can feel strange at first. It takes a little time to get used to the noise, the crowds, and especially the traffic.

Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to take us to our hotel. After checking in, we will have lunch (unless there are delays with the flight). The rest of the day is free—you can relax at the hotel or go sightseeing. Your guide will help you with ideas for places to visit. Many people like to shop for handmade Iranian and Afghan rugs.

In the evening, we will come together again to enjoy a final dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant to celebrate the end of our journey.

In Case of Flight cancellation, we will drive down the Karakoram Highway. We will arrive in Chillas/Naran in the afternoon. Night stay in Chilas/Naran.

ACCOMMODATION
Grand Islamabad Hotel or similar
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-59

CONTINGENCY DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS, ISLAMABAD:

If we are driving down the Karakoram Highway, we will arrive in Islamabad in the late afternoon. If we were lucky and flew the day before, then today will be used for sightseeing in Islamabad. In the evening, we will enjoy our final group dinner together.

Skardu is a weather-dependent airport. This means that flights only take off or land when the weather is clear enough for the pilot to see the runway. Most of the time, the weather in the Karakoram is good, but sometimes clouds or rain can stop flights.

If we cannot fly, we will drive to Islamabad along the famous and beautiful Karakoram Highway. This road trip is a great experience, with amazing views along the Indus River. The drive takes two days, which is why we keep this extra day in our schedule.

If we have already flown to Islamabad, then this day will be free for sightseeing in the capital. Your guide will let you know about the best places to visit and how to make the most of your time in the city.

ACCOMMODATION
Grand Islamaad hotel or similar
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

D-60

DEPARTURE DAY- FLY BACK HOME:

After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for the flight back home. End of “K2 Expedition”.

K2 Expedition Cost & Dates 2026

Private Groups – Choose your Dates

K2 Expedition start and finishes in Islamabad-Domestic Flight Inc

Start	End	Services	Price	Deposit	Registration
15 June	14 Aug	Base Camp Services	USD 5,000	USD 170	BOOK NOW
15 June	14 Aug	Full Board	USD 17,000	USD 170	BOOK NOW

Services

Base Camp Service $5,000 Full Board Service $17,000

Base Camp Service

Service	Details
BASE CAMP SERVICE ONLY	All the logistics from Islamabad – Base Camp – Islamabad
CLIMBING PERMIT	Yes
HOTEL	3-4-star International Tourist Standard Hotel
TRANSPORT	Domestic flight and all transportation mentioned in the itinerary
HEATER	In the mess tent
HOT WATER	Yes
SOLAR / GENERATOR / LIGHT	Yes
SPECIAL TENT	Individual Tent
CUPBOARD	No
ONE-TO-ONE GUIDE	No
SUMMIT BONUS	No
ROYALTY FEES	No
HIGH ALTITUDE PORTERS	No
LIAISON OFFICER FEES	No
ABOVE BASE CAMP SERVICES	No
DOMESTIC FLIGHT	Yes
SATELLITE PHONE	Yes, for emergency only

Full Board Service

Service	Details
OXYGEN	5 Oxygen Sets (extra on demand)
OXYGEN FOR GUIDE	2
SUMMIT BONUS	No
ONE-TO-ONE GUIDE	Yes
HOTEL	3-4 Star Hotel
TRANSPORT	Domestic flight and land transport as mentioned in the itinerary
HEATER	In the mess tent
HOT WATER	Yes
SOLAR / GENERATOR / LIGHT	Yes
SPECIAL TENT	Individual Tent
CUPBOARD	No
SATELLITE PHONE	Yes, for emergency use
ROYALTY FEES	Yes
HIGH ALTITUDE PORTERS	Yes
LIAISON OFFICER FEES	Yes
ABOVE BASE CAMP SERVICES	Yes
DOMESTIC FLIGHT	Yes

Introduction

Royalty Fees, Liaison officer fees and High Altitude climbers’ Fees are included in our Full board service.

However, these fees are not included if you are taking our Basecamp service only. Royalty fees and liaison officer fees are mandatory and set by the local authorities, so they will be added to the total cost. Liaison officer fees are approximately USD 4,000 for the entire expedition group. It means this fee will be divided among the members. Please check our Pakistan royalty fees page for the mountain royalty fees information. Royalty Fees need to be paid to the government of Pakistan in advance to secure a climbing permit.

High Altitude climbers/Sherpas are not mandatory. We can provide High-altitude climbers if you need them. High Altitude climber salaries will depend on their experience and the number of mountains they climb. The approximate cost of an experienced high altitude porter is USD 5,000.

Islamabad has good flight connections from most major cities. Return flights will depart from Islamabad International Airport on the last day of the K2 Expedition itinerary. We recommend you plan your expedition as early as possible to avoid high-cost International Airline fares.

We can also make your Expeditions and trekking holiday in Pakistan according to your needs and available time. The beauty of tailor-made travel is that every trip is unique. Whether you want to stay in a luxury or simple accommodation, have a great guide on hand to explore under your stream, or travel for one week or five, we can create a trip for a special occasion, whether this is a spectacular honeymoon or milestone anniversary.

K2 Expedition Itinerary. Throughout the website, you will find suggested Itineraries and some of our favourite places to stay, but these are just for inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you, and there are many more options available. Speaking to one of our specialists is the best way to start planning your K2 Expedition, whether you already know where you want to go or just have the seed of an Idea.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE:

The price of our K2 Expedition can change depending on a variety of factors, but unlike some other Tour operators, Trango Adventure have undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee’. Trango Adventure is a Government-licensed and bonded tour operator to follows the strict Regulations set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.

We accept cash on arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.

K2 Expedition 2026 information

Climbing A Mountain In Pakistan.

Pakistan occupies about 880,000 square kilometres of land, and it stretches from the Arabian Sea to the high mountains of Central Asia. Pakistan is a country of contrasts: expansive dusty plains to the high snowy peaks of the Karakoram and the Himalayas in Gilgit Baltistan. Here, the world’s three mightiest mountain ranges meet: the Karakoram, the Hindukush and the Himalayas. This region is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking mountains.

Five of the fourteen highest peaks in the world are here: the mountains of the mountain K2 (8,611 m), the Magnificent Nanga Parbat (8,126m), Hidden Peak (8,080m), Broad Peak (8,047m), and Gasherbrum II (8,035m ). Gilgit Baltistan (northern areas) also has the largest Glaciers outside the polar glaciers, the Baltoro and Hispar Glaciers. The scope for climbing a mountain and other mountaineering activities in Pakistan is virtually unlimited.

Climbing and mountaineering holidays in Pakistan will depend on what type of climbing you would like to do, how much experience you have, which season you would like to go, how many days you have available, etc. We have been organising climbing Expeditions in Pakistan for 40 years, and we have the expertise and experienced staff to help and assist you in organising your K2 Expedition in Pakistan. In Pakistan, we have to apply for climbing permits for many Peaks, so if you know which mountain you want to climb, then please DO let us know in good time so we can arrange this for you.

Climbing & Trekking Permit.

Once you have decided which mountain you want to climb, we can start the preparations and apply for the necessary permits. A climbing permit is required to climb peaks which are above 6,500 meters, and a trekking permit is required for some areas, one of which is the Central Karakoram National Park area (CKNP). We have extensive details of all peaks, permit fees, rules and regulations regarding mountaineering in Pakistan. We will take care of everything so you can focus on your climbing.

Royalty Fees.

At the beginning of each year, the Gilgit-Baltistan Council publishes the official royalty fees for the upcoming summer and winter climbing season. This notification is publicly available and makes a distinction in terms of the mountain, trekking and waste disposal fees for various areas and the two seasons. We have to apply for the Permits, that’s why we need a deposit from you. The royalty fees for the permits are paid to the Gilgit-Baltistan Government, and they are not refundable. Please contact us for more details.

Government Clearance.

All particulars about your K2 Expedition, including the details of all members, must be sent to us so that we can get the government clearance for the approval of your climbing permit. Additional members can still be added or changed at a later date if needed, but it is best to send everything well in advance to prevent any delays at the start of your expedition. We currently advise you to apply not later than 3 months in advance, as unfortunately, we have noticed that the time for clearance is taking longer each year.

Helicopter Rescue Bond.

You need to have an insurance policy that must cover high altitude rescue and medical costs. Our staff will collect your insurance policy details and the insurance company’s 24/7 emergency contact number at the beginning of the expedition. We will arrange the helicopter rescue if needed in case of an emergency.

Liaison Officer.

To all peaks between 6,500 meters to 8,611 meters in the restricted zone, the Government of Pakistan sends One Liaison officer with expeditions. All his expenses, food, accommodation and transportation are borne by the expedition team. In addition to the above-mentioned standard kit, the Liaison Officer is paid a daily allowance in Rawalpindi / Islamabad as well as in the mountains for his food. A part of his cost, sharing the cook, insurance, and provision of two porters for his stuff & food while trekking up & one porter while trekking down, is paid by us. Liaison officer fees are included if you are taking our full board package.

Environment.

All K2 Expeditioners are required to submit an environmental undertaking, which states that they will take their garbage with them after the end of the expedition. The Liaison Officer will have to certify that the team has left the mountain clean; if this has not been done satisfactorily, fines will be imposed. A separate environment waste management fee is charged to each expedition member for maintenance of the mountain environs, which is non-refundable.

Expedition Cargo & Climbing Gear

Trango Adventure will take care of all the formalities to clear your K2 Expedition cargo & safely store it before your arrival. Any charges incurred at clearance (during export or import) will be added to your final invoice. All non-consumable equipment that you bring in will be duty-free if you take it back with you. You are not allowed to trade in it. The consumable goods are similarly duty-free as long as they are used for the purpose they have been brought in for. The unconsumed materials have to be re-exported. We have a selection of well-maintained climbing materials which we are renting out to expeditions, and items for sale, like different variations of climbing rope and gas canisters.

Base Camp Staff & High Altitude Porters.

There will be a complete kitchen staff and other crew to take care of you and your K2 Expedition team members at the base camp and during the expedition. The number of staff depends on the number of climbers. However, for our normal expeditions ranging from 10-15 members, we provide one head cook, one assistant cook and one or two helpers who take care of base camp services. We are also able to arrange experienced high-altitude porters to assist you during your climb. Kindly inquire well in advance so that we can hire the best Altitude Porters for you.

Cancellation.

In case you have to cancel your K2 expedition plans or want to postpone your trip, the royalty fee will be forfeited. It cannot be carried forward to a future trip or be refunded. The royalty is refunded if the government cancels a permit for some reason. Cost related to our services will be (partially) refunded based on our Terms & Conditions.

What’s Included

✔ Arrival & Departure: Pick and drop service – Airport ↔ Hotel ↔ Airport
✔ Accommodation: 5 nights’ stay in Islamabad and Skardu (Twin-sharing basis)
✔ Meals: All Meals throughout the trip
✔ Permits & Fees: Liaison officer fee, Expedition royalty and permit from the Pakistan Government
✔ Transportation: All required transportation for staff and members as per the itinerary
✔ Domestic Flights: Islamabad to Skardu and Skardu to Islamabad
✔ Satellite phone for emergency usage.
✔ Porters & Staff Support: Personal porters for each member from Askole to Base Camp. Includes all staff and porters’ wages, equipment, food, clothing, and personal insurance
✔ Insurance: insurance for all staff
✔ High Altitude Climbing Sherpa: One climbing Sherpa per member
✔ Oxygen for K2: Five oxygen (O2) cylinders for each Member and three oxygen bottles for each high-altitude Sherpa
✔ Mask & Regulator: One Set of masks for each member and a high-altitude Sherpa
✔ Medical Support: Comprehensive medical kit for members and staff
✔ Solar panels/Generator for lights and to charge electronic devices
✔ Liaison with the Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad for the climbing permit process, providing measurements of the appointed Liaison officer for his prescribed kit.
✔ Process of import/export permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
✔ Member Luggage: 75 Kg per member as personal baggage

Note: Royalty Fees, High Altitude Sherpa and Liason Officer costs are not included if you are taking the Base Camp Service option.

What’s Not Included

✘ International fights
✘ Pakistan visa fee
✘ Skardu/Islamabad sightseeing
✘ Extra nights in Islamabad and Skardu (if you arrive early, leave late, or return early from the expedition for any reason)
✘ Travel insurance, high-altitude insurance, accident, medical, or emergency evacuation coverage
✘ Personal expenses like phone calls, internet, laundry, alcoholic drinks, shopping, and personal equipment
✘ Tips for Basecamp staff and porters (please plan to give some)
✘ Sherpa summit bonus for K2 (minimum USD 2000)
✘ Full set of personal climbing gear and clothing
✘ Emergency rescue evacuation costs, if needed, and any other personal expenses
✘ Anything else not listed in the “What’s Included” section.

Meal Plan.

We include everything in our expedition so you can sit back and enjoy your time in Pakistan. Fully inclusive of all meals throughout the trip, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 60.

Accommodation.

During the K2 expedition, you will spend 2-3 nights in Islamabad at a good international tourist standard hotel. The group will also have a night in a tourist-standard hotel in Skardu before and after the trek. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. Whilst on the K2 trek, there will be a shared base camp in 2-person tents.

If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on the K2 trek for an additional cost. Please note that single tent hire does not include single rooms in hotels. For the hotel nights, single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and single supplement costs, contact our travel advisers. Hotel rooms are subject to availability, and prices may vary.

Internal flights.

SKARDU FLIGHTS.

Skardu is a weather-dependent airport. Since the valley is surrounded by high mountains, planes can only land here in good visibility, and this means flights to and from Skardu are never guaranteed. The planes do fly more often than not, but cancellations can and do occur, and in these circumstances, we will travel by road. If we did not do this, groups would risk being stranded in Islamabad, and you should beware of companies that say they will only fly to Skardu, as this may mean you have no possibility of trekking. See our ‘Important Note’ about travel on the Karakoram Highway for more details.

Health & Vaccinations.

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specifically require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK, e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad. However, incidences of urban transmission of malaria are extremely low. In Skardu and the mountains, there is no malaria risk. On holidays to more remote areas, you should also have a dentist check-up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, and therefore, the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

INSURANCE.

We highly recommend that you have adequate travel insurance for your K2 expedition trip. We recognise the complexity and variety of choices in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your preferred insurer or have annual multi-trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Trango Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.

Trango Adventure does not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance which covers the activities you are likely to undertake during your K2 expedition trip.

It is strongly recommended that suitable cancellation insurance be purchased at the time of booking, as all deposits (Royalty Fees) for the Expedition are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Suggested insurance companies include:

Expedition or Treks:

HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC Tel: +1-800 605 2282
Travelex Insurance Services Tel: +1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Insurance Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Snowcard Tel: +44 (0)1295 660836
The B.M.C. Tel: +44 (0)161 445 6111 (please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag Tel: 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
World Nomads (up to 6000m)
Insure for Less (Australians only)

TREKS ONLY:

Campbell Irvine Tel: +44 (0)207 938 1737
Rothwell & Towler Tel: +44 (0)845 908 0161
J S Insurance Tel: +44 (0)844 848 1500

Group Leader & Support Staff.

The group will be led by an experienced Mountain Guide. During the K2 trek, the group will be accompanied by a full support crew, an assistant Guide, a cook and a kitchen crew, as well as porters to carry all equipment and personal trek bags.

ALTITUDE.

The K2 Expedition involves going to a very high altitude. During your trip, you will be spending at least one night above 5,000 metres and/or trekking to 5,000 metres or above. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but we must follow some simple rules to acclimatise successfully. Before the K2 Expedition, you should read the advice on trekking and climbing at high altitudes. Unless you have previous experience of climbing above 7,000 metres, you should consult one of our expedition experts before embarking on this Expedition.

CLIMATE

From mid-June to August, we can expect to encounter temperatures as high as 30°C at Skardu and 25°C at Hushe and Askole. In June and early July, there will be a good covering of snow on the slopes leading to and from the Gondoro la, and we may also encounter snow on the upper part of the Baltoro. Above 4,000 metres, snow can fall at any time of the year. At any time of the season, the nighttime temperature above 4,000 metres is likely to drop to freezing or below and at our highest camps may reach minus 15 or 25°C. The weather is generally good throughout the summer season, with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, the weather in mountainous areas is difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time of the year.

BOOKS

Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
Karakoram Highway. King.
In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.

Passport & Visas

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the Government of Pakistan visa application website for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.

VISA PAKISTAN

All nationalities require a visa to visit Pakistan. You will need to apply for a mountaineering and trekking visa if you are planning to climb a mountain. The mountaineering visa fee is approximately $50 and must be applied for before departure. To obtain a visa for Pakistan, you will require a letter of introduction from an approved agency, which will be provided by Trango Adventures. Visa applications can only be made online on the Government of Pakistan visa application website.

EQUIPMENT LIST.

We will send you a detailed list of items close to your Holiday departure. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Anything not required on the K2 expedition can be left at the group hotel in Islamabad or Skardu. Please note that your mountaineering equipment will be packed into additional, communal kitbags at the start of the trek.

Contact our advisers at info@trangoadventure.com for more information about “K2 Expedition”.