Concordia and the Baltoro Glacier
The Baltoro Glacier leads from Askole, the last village in the Braldu valley, to Concordia, where it meets the glacier coming down from K2.
About Concordia & the Baltoro Glacier
Our K2 trek introduction lists the classic Baltoro campsites, Jhola, Paiju, Khoburtse, Goro and Urdukas, and names the giants seen along the way: Trango Towers, Mustagh Tower, the Gasherbrums and Broad Peak.
Concordia is the turning point of the K2 base camp trek, a stage of the Great Karakoram Traverse and the approach of the 8000 m and 7000 m expeditions.
Trips that include Concordia & the Baltoro Glacier
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| K2 Base Camp Trek | 18 | Late June to Early September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek | 18 | Late June to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| K2 Expedition | 51 | Mid-May to End-August | International Airport, Islamabad |
| Gasherbrum III Expedition | 40 | Mid-May to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Great Karakoram Traverse | 32 | Mid-June to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Snow Lake Trek | 21 | June to September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Concordia & the Baltoro Glacier
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
04: Skardu to Askole
Drive along a rugged jeep track through Shigar Valley to Askole (3,000m), the last village before the wilderness. Overnight in tents.
05: Askole to Jhola
Trek begins, crossing the Braldu River and entering the Karakoram wilderness. Overnight in tents at Jhola.
06: Jhola to Paiju
Trek along the valley floor with views of Paiju Peak. Overnight in tents at Paiju.
07: Rest Day at Paiju
Acclimatization day; last point with greenery before the glacier. Overnight in tents.
08: Paiju to Khoburtse
Trek onto the Baltoro Glacier, crossing moraine and ice. Overnight in tents.
09: Khoburtse to Concordia (via Goro/Urdukas)
Continue along the Baltoro Glacier with stunning views of Trango Towers and Mustagh Tower. Overnight in tents.
10: Trek to Concordia
Arrive at Concordia, surrounded by K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, and Chogolisa. Overnight in tents.
11: Concordia to K2 Base Camp and back
Full day excursion to K2 Base Camp (5,150m) with return to Concordia for overnight, as staying overnight at Base Camp is unsafe due to altitude.
Planning notes
- All Baltoro programmes start by jeep from Skardu to Askole through the Shigar valley.
- The K2 base camp trek reaches base camp as a day trip from Concordia.
- These are long, high routes; compare tent nights and durations on the linked trek pages.