Trek
Baltoro, Shigar
Baltoro and Gondogoro La Traverse
- Duration
- 17 days
- Highest point
- 5,585 m
- Difficulty
- Very demanding
- Season
- Jul–Aug
Price to be confirmed
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Trek · Baltoro, Shigar, Skardu
K2 Base Camp and Concordia
The classic Baltoro Glacier trek from Askole to Concordia, where four of Gilgit-Baltistan's 8,000 m peaks gather, continuing to K2 Base Camp.
- Duration
- 15 days
- Highest point
- 5,150 m
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Season
- June–September
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Sallahuddin shah · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
From Skardu, jeeps follow the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the last village. The trail then follows the Braldu River to Jhola and Paiju before stepping onto the Baltoro Glacier, which carries trekkers past the Trango Towers, Masherbrum and the Gasherbrums to Concordia.
Concordia is the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, ringed by K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group. A further day leads up the Godwin-Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp. Days are long, nights cold, and the trek depends on well-organised porter and permit logistics.
- Concordia, at the meeting of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers
- K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums from close range
- The Trango Towers and Paiju peaks from the Baltoro
- Life on a major glacier with Balti porters
- The Urdukas campsite above the glacier
Itinerary
Day 1
Skardu to Askole by jeep
Drive through the Shigar valley and up the Braldu gorge to Askole. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Camp at Askole
Day 2
Askole to Jhola
Follow the Braldu valley to the camp at Jhola.
Overnight: Camp at Jhola
Day 3
Jhola to Paiju
Continue to the Paiju campsite near the snout of the Baltoro.
Overnight: Camp at Paiju
Day 4
Acclimatisation day at Paiju
Rest and short walks; porters traditionally reorganise loads here.
Overnight: Camp at Paiju
Day 5
Paiju to Urdukas
Step onto the Baltoro Glacier with views of the Trango group; camp on terraces above the ice.
Overnight: Camp at Urdukas
Day 6
Urdukas to Goro II
A long glacier day with Masherbrum and the Gasherbrums coming into view.
Overnight: Camp at Goro II
Day 7
Goro II to Concordia
Reach the great confluence and the first full view of K2.
Overnight: Camp at Concordia Highest point: 4,691 m
Day 8
Concordia to K2 Base Camp
Walk up the Godwin-Austen Glacier past Broad Peak Base Camp to K2 Base Camp.
Overnight: Camp at K2 or Broad Peak Base Camp Highest point: 5,150 m
Day 9
Return to Concordia
Walk back down the Godwin-Austen Glacier.
Overnight: Camp at Concordia
Day 10
Contingency day
Reserved for weather or rest; otherwise used to start the descent.
Overnight: Camp at Concordia or Goro II
Day 11
Concordia to Goro II
Overnight: Camp at Goro II
Day 12
Goro II to Urdukas
Overnight: Camp at Urdukas
Day 13
Urdukas to Paiju
Overnight: Camp at Paiju
Day 14
Paiju to Askole
A long final trekking day, or split with a camp at Jhola.
Overnight: Camp at Askole
Day 15
Askole to Skardu by jeep
Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Practical information
- Accommodation
- Camping
- Suitable for
- Trekkers, Mountaineers, Photographers, Filmmakers, Explorers
What’s included
Included
- Jeep transfers between Skardu and Askole
- Experienced high-altitude trekking guide
- Registered porters and cook team
- Full camping and kitchen equipment
- Meals on trek
- Coordination of required trekking and national park permits
Not included
- Personal gear and clothing
- Travel insurance including helicopter rescue
- Hotels and flights to and from Skardu
- Tips for guide, cook and porters
- Pakistan visa costs
What to bring
Essential
- Stiff, waterproof trekking boots broken in on long walks
- Four-season sleeping bag (comfort well below freezing)
- Down jacket, insulated gloves and warm hat
- Waterproof shell jacket and trousers
- Glacier sunglasses (category 4)
- High-factor sunscreen and lip protection
- Trekking poles
- Water purification and insulated bottles
- Personal medical kit including altitude medication discussed with a doctor
- Gaiters
Optional and useful
- Down booties for camp
- Solar charger or large power bank
- Telephoto lens for K2 and Broad Peak
- Earplugs for windy camps
- Favourite snacks and electrolyte powder
- Lightweight crampons or microspikes if advised
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Permits are required for the Baltoro and the Central Karakoram National Park; current rules, fees and any liaison requirements must be confirmed before each season.
- Long days on rough glacier moraine above 4,000 m; strong fitness and prior trekking experience are needed.
- The Askole road is prone to rockfall closures; build in buffer days.
- Evacuation is slow and expensive; insurance with helicopter cover is essential.
Photos
Route and region
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