K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek: Concordia to the Hushe Valley
An 18-day Karakoram trekking route that walks the Baltoro Glacier from Askole to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, then crosses the Gondogoro La and descends through the Hushe Valley, so the way out is different from the way in.
About the K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek
The K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek follows the classic K2 Base Camp route up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, then crosses the Gondogoro La instead of walking back the way you came. From Askole the trail climbs past Paiju onto the Baltoro, beneath the Trango Towers, Mustagh Tower and Masherbrum, to Concordia, the glacier junction where K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums come into view together. After a day trip to K2 Base Camp, the route turns up the Vigne Glacier to Ali Camp. A pre-dawn start takes the group roped over the Gondogoro La, a high glacier pass, and down to Khuspang on the Gondogoro Glacier, before the trail descends through Shaicho to Hushe village and a jeep road back to Skardu.
Crossing the pass turns an out-and-back trek into a loop through two valleys: you see the Baltoro on the way in and the Gondogoro and Hushe valleys on the way out, without retracing the four days back to Askole. The crossing is the most demanding day of the trip. It involves glacier travel on a rope, fixed ropes on the steeper snow and a very long day at altitude, so the trek suits fit trekkers who are comfortable on multi-week glacier routes. Whether the pass is crossed on the day depends on snow and weather conditions on the pass and on the guide's judgement.
Introduction as published on the Trekking page.
Key facts
- Duration
- 18 days
- Best time
- Late June to End-August
- Range / region
- Karakoram / K2
- Highest point
- 5,150 m (K2 Base Camp) and the Gondogoro La crossing
- Zone
- Restricted (Permit Required)
- Starts and ends
- Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
- Tent nights in the itinerary
- 13
How it differs from the K2 Base Camp Trek
The K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek is one of the combinations trekkers ask us about most. For the first twelve days it matches our K2 Base Camp Trek: Skardu, the jeep road to Askole, the Baltoro Glacier, Concordia and a day trip to K2 Base Camp. The routes split at Concordia.
- K2 Base Camp Trek: walks back down the Baltoro Glacier to Askole over four days. No high pass.
- K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek: climbs the Vigne Glacier to Ali Camp, crosses the Gondogoro La on day 14 and walks out through Khuspang, Shaicho and Hushe.
- Both are 18 days from Islamabad in the published day plans, with an acclimatisation day at Paiju and a reserve day at Concordia.
- The jeep legs differ: Skardu to Askole on the way in, and Hushe to Skardu on the way out.
The Gondogoro La crossing
The pass day is the hardest of the trek. The group leaves Ali Camp in the small hours, while the snow is firm, and moves roped together over the crevassed upper glacier. The team fixes ropes on the steeper snow, and the descent on the Gondogoro side is steep and slow before the trail reaches Khuspang.
On a clear morning the top of the pass looks back across K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. Conditions on the pass change from season to season and day to day, so the guide decides on the morning whether the group crosses. Ask us how the plan is adjusted if the pass cannot be crossed.
Who it suits
- Fit trekkers with experience of long, multi-day treks at altitude; previous glacier or crampon experience is useful.
- Trekkers who want to see the Hushe and Gondogoro valleys as well as the Baltoro, rather than walking the same trail twice.
- Best time in the programme: late June to the end of August. The route is in a restricted zone and needs a trekking permit.
Preparation and fitness
This trek combines a long glacier approach with a high pass crossing, so it asks for more than a single-summit trip. You should be comfortable walking long days on moraine and snow at altitude, and usefully have previous glacier or crampon experience. Fitness is the entry point, but the habits of multi-day mountain travel - pacing, layering and patience with weather - are what carry you through.
- Expect consecutive long days with a pack between Askole and Hushe.
- Train by walking long days on rough ground, not just on flat paths.
Season and weather on the Baltoro
The route runs in a short summer window, with the programme giving late June to the end of August. Even then the Baltoro can deliver sun, cloud, wind and snow in a single day, and the Gondogoro La is only attempted when conditions allow. The guide decides on the pass each morning, and the plan keeps reserve days for exactly this reason.
- A clear morning at the pass is not something to count on; the plan builds in flexibility for the crossing.
- Ask how the itinerary adjusts if the pass cannot be crossed, before you commit.
Permits and the restricted zone
The Baltoro and Gondogoro La lie in a restricted zone, and the trek needs a trekking permit and the associated paperwork. The programme support arranges this, but you will need to provide the details the permit requires. Because rules can change, confirm the current requirements with the team for your dates.
- Permit needs are handled by the trekking support, not something you arrange alone at the trailhead.
- Keep your documents with you and follow the guide instructions at checkpoints.
The crossing itself
The Gondogoro La is crossed early in the morning, when the snow is firmest, and it is the most committing part of the route: a long climb on snow and ice, a short window on top, and a steep descent to Khuspang. Ropes and fixed lines are used on the steeper sections, and the whole day depends on conditions being right.
- The crossing is done as one long day, not split across two camps.
- If the pass is not in condition, the guide will hold the group or adjust the plan; that is the point of the reserve days.
Staying current on the route
Glacier and pass conditions change from week to week, and what was true last season may not be true this one. The best source of current information is the trekking team on the ground, who see the route conditions first-hand before the crossing.
- Treat any fixed itinerary as a plan that conditions can change.
- Ask about the pass and the glacier state in your pre-trip call rather than relying on old trip reports.
Day-by-day itinerary
01: Arrival in Islamabad
Meet on arrival at Islamabad airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Islamabad.
02: Fly or drive to Skardu
Morning flight to Skardu, which depends on the weather; if it does not operate, the group travels by road via Chilas and the Babusar Pass. Overnight in a hotel in Skardu.
03: Skardu preparation day
Gear check, last shopping and a briefing with the guide and porter team. Overnight in a hotel in Skardu.
04: Jeep to Askole
Jeep ride through the Shigar Valley and up the Braldu Valley to Askole (3,000 m), the last village on the route. Overnight in tents.
05: Askole to Jhola
First trekking day, crossing the Braldu River into the wilderness of the Central Karakoram. Overnight in tents at Jhola.
06: Jhola to Paiju
A walk along the valley floor with Paiju Peak ahead. Overnight in tents at Paiju.
07: Acclimatisation day at Paiju
Rest and acclimatisation at the last green campsite before the glacier. Overnight in tents.
08: Onto the Baltoro Glacier to Khoburtse
The route climbs onto the Baltoro Glacier, crossing moraine and ice. Overnight in tents.
09: Khoburtse to Goro via Urdukas
Up the centre of the Baltoro with the Trango Towers, Mustagh Tower and Masherbrum around the glacier. Overnight in tents.
10: Goro to Concordia
Arrive at Concordia, the junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, facing K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. Overnight in tents.
11: Day trip to K2 Base Camp
A full day from Concordia to K2 Base Camp (5,150 m) and back. The group returns to Concordia rather than sleeping at base camp. Overnight in tents at Concordia.
12: Reserve day at Concordia
A buffer day for weather and acclimatisation before the pass. Overnight in tents.
13: Concordia to Ali Camp
Leave the Baltoro and walk up the Vigne Glacier to Ali Camp, the camp below the north side of the Gondogoro La. Overnight in tents.
14: Cross the Gondogoro La to Khuspang
A very early start, as early as 2 or 3 a.m., while the snow is firm. The group moves roped together across the crevassed upper glacier, and the team fixes ropes on the steeper snow sections. On a clear morning the crest of the pass looks back over K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. The descent on the Gondogoro side is steep and slow before the trail reaches Khuspang. Overnight in tents.
15: Khuspang to Shaicho
Down the Gondogoro Glacier, picking a way across boulders and ice, to the campsite at Shaicho where the Gondogoro and Charakusa valleys meet. Overnight in tents.
16: Shaicho to Hushe
An easy walk beside the Hushe River to Hushe village, camping near the village fields. Overnight in tents.
17: Jeep from Hushe to Skardu
A full-day jeep ride down the Hushe and Shyok valleys to Skardu. Overnight in a hotel.
18: Skardu to Islamabad
Flight to Islamabad, or the road journey if the flight does not operate. End of the trek.
Included and not included
Listed as included
- Hotel nights in Islamabad and Skardu as set out in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Pick up from group when arrive and drop to the airport when group departure — Air-condition van from Islamabad to Islamabad
- Flight Tickets Islamabad–Skardu (subject to availability)
- Sightseeing the capital city of Islamabad
- Jeeps from Skardu to Askole and from Hushe to Skardu
- Food during the Trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner served by cook staff)
- Porters for personal luggage and camping equipment
- Trekking permit and Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) fee
- Camping equipment (tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, mattresses)
- Experienced trekking guide and support staff
- Tips for baggage handling at airports & hotels
- Fees: Bridge crossing, cable crossing, camping
- International flights ticket re-confirmations
- Custom clearing assistance
Listed as not included
- Member international flight tickets
- Helicopter emergency rescue fees / Members' climbing gears
- Member personal insurance
- Sleeping bag and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks
- Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of purely personal nature
- Custom clearing charges (import and export of equipment)
- Any unforeseen expenses (like road block extra hotel stay or if members stay more days at Base Camp) will be paid according to the number of days basis.
As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.
Places on this route
Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:
Requesting an itinerary
Tell us your preferred travel month, how many people are in your group and a little about your trekking experience. We will reply with a day plan, the services for your dates and the permit paperwork the route needs. Call or message us on WhatsApp from this page, or use the enquiry form on our contact page.
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