K2: Height, Location and Every Way to Trek There from Pakistan
By Imtiyaz Ahmed Shigri, founder of Chogori Adventure, Skardu · Updated November 2026
K2 (8,611 m) is the second-highest mountain in the world, on the border between Pakistan and China. You can trek to K2 Base Camp from Pakistan: our classic K2 Base Camp Trek takes 21 days from Islamabad and costs $2,300 per person, with permits included. This page brings together everything about K2: the facts, all 7 of our K2 treks side by side, what they cost and how to plan.
K2 at a glance
| Fact | |
|---|---|
| Height | 8,611 m (28,251 ft) |
| Rank | Second-highest mountain in the world |
| Where | Karakoram range, on the Pakistan–China border, in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan |
| Local name | Chogori |
| First ascent | 1954, by an Italian expedition |
| K2 Base Camp | About 5,150 m (16,896 ft) |
| Concordia | 4,691 m, where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers meet |
| Gondogoro La | 5,585 m, the high pass on the K2 Gondogoro La treks |
| Nearest town | Skardu, about one hour's flight from Islamabad |
| Trek season | June to early October on our fixed departures |
| Trek price | From $2,300 per person for 21 days from Islamabad, permits included |
Choose your K2 trek
We run 7 treks to K2. They differ in length (15 to 29 days), where they start (Islamabad or Skardu), whether you cross the 5,585 m Gondogoro La, and whether you join a fixed group or go privately. Every price includes the trekking permit, government fees and the national park fee.
K2 Base Camp Trek
The classic route, back the same way
From $2,300per person
21 days · from Islamabad
Up to 5,150 m · Fixed or private
K2 Gondogoro La Trek
A loop over the 5,585 m pass
From $2,300per person
21 days · from Islamabad
Up to 5,585 m · Fixed or private
K2 Base Camp Trek for Beginners
Shorter walking days, more rest
From $4,500per person
29 days · from Islamabad
Up to 5,150 m · Fixed or private
Concordia K2 Base Camp Trek
Trek only, joins the 21-day group
From $2,000per person
15 days · from Skardu
Up to 5,150 m · Fixed or private
K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Pass Trek
The pass in the shortest time
From $2,000per person
15 days · from Skardu
Up to 5,585 m · Fixed or private
K2 and Gasherbrum Base Camp Trek
Two base camps, your own dates
From $3,000per person
23 days · from Islamabad
Up to 5,100 m · Private only
Karakoram K2 Trek
Faster loop for experienced trekkers
From $2,300per person
19 days · from Islamabad
Up to 5,585 m · Private only
Quick comparison
| Trek | Days | Start | Group | From | Highest point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K2 Base Camp Trek | 21 | Islamabad | Fixed group or private | $2,300 | K2 Base Camp, about 5,150 m |
| K2 Gondogoro La Trek | 21 | Islamabad | Fixed group or private | $2,300 | Gondogoro La, 5,585 m |
| K2 Base Camp Trek for Beginners | 29 | Islamabad | Fixed group or private | $4,500 | K2 Base Camp, about 5,150 m |
| Concordia K2 Base Camp Trek | 15 | Skardu | Joins the 21-day group, or private | $2,000 | K2 Base Camp, about 5,150 m |
| K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Pass Trek | 15 | Skardu | Joins the 21-day group, or private | $2,000 | Gondogoro La, 5,585 m |
| K2 and Gasherbrum Base Camp Trek | 23 | Islamabad | Private only | $3,000 (9+ people) | Gasherbrum Base Camp, 5,100 m |
| Karakoram K2 Trek | 19 | Islamabad | Private only | $2,300 (9+ people) | Gondogoro La, 5,585 m |
The main choice: back the same way, or over the pass?
The K2 Base Camp Trek returns down the Baltoro Glacier the way you came. The Gondogoro La treks climb from Ali Camp over the 5,585 m Gondogoro La, using fixed ropes, and come down into the Hushe valley. That's a longer, harder day, and the pass depends on snow and weather. The fixed ropes are usually in place from mid to late June. Gondogoro La difficulty · Best time for the Gondogoro La
Fixed departure or private trek?
Fixed departures have set dates and take at most 12 people, and you can join one on your own; the dates are on each trip page. Private treks run on your dates, and private groups can be larger. What the K2 trek costs
What does a K2 trek cost?
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Fixed departure, 21 days from Islamabad | $2,300 per person |
| Private trip, 1 person | $4,500 |
| Private trip, 2–4 people | $3,000 per person |
| Private trip, 5–8 people | $2,400 per person |
| Private trip, 9 or more people | $2,300 per person |
| Pakistani citizens | USD 300 less than the prices above |
| Tips for the crew (your choice) | About USD 100–250 per trekker, in cash |
| Climbing gear / sleeping bag rental (if needed) | About USD 60–100 / USD 40–80 |
For everything that is and isn't included, see the full K2 Base Camp Trek cost breakdown.
How to get to K2
Almost every K2 trek starts in Islamabad. From there it is about an hour's flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram; if the flight is cancelled by weather, the drive on the Karakoram Highway takes about 20 hours, which is why our itineraries keep a spare day. From Skardu a 5–7 hour jeep ride reaches Askoli, the last village, where the walking begins. You need a Pakistan visa and travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue; we arrange the trekking permit.
The route: camps and heights
The classic route goes up the Baltoro Glacier from Askoli to Concordia and K2 Base Camp. The Gondogoro La treks then cross the pass to Hushe instead of walking back.
| Camp or point | Height | Where on the trek |
|---|---|---|
| Askoli | 3,000 m | Last village; the trek starts here |
| Jhula | 3,200 m | First camp, near the Biafo Glacier |
| Paju | 3,400 m | Rest and acclimatisation day |
| Khoburse | 3,800 m | First camp on the Baltoro Glacier |
| Urdukas | 4,000 m | Last camp on solid ground |
| Goro 2 | 4,300 m | Camp in the middle of the glacier |
| Concordia | 4,691 m | Where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers meet |
| Broad Peak Base Camp | 4,850 m | On the way to K2 Base Camp |
| K2 Base Camp | about 5,150 m | The goal of the trek |
| Ali Camp | 4,950 m | Below the Gondogoro La (pass treks only) |
| Gondogoro La | 5,585 m | The high pass, crossed at night on fixed ropes |
| Khuspang | 4,680 m | First camp after the pass |
| Saicho | 3,350 m | Camp in the Hushe valley |
| Hushe | 3,050 m | Village where the pass treks end |
Walking days: distance and time
From Askoli to Concordia is about 85 km of walking over six stages. Most days are 4 to 8 hours on foot, much of it on rough glacier. Times are for a fit trekker at a normal pace; yours may be shorter or longer.
| Stage | Distance | Walking time | Height at camp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Askoli → Jhula | 20 km | 5–8 hours | 3,200 m |
| Jhula → Paju | 20.5 km | 7–8 hours | 3,400 m |
| Paju → Khoburse | 14.7 km | 5–6 hours | 3,800 m |
| Khoburse → Urdukas | 6.2 km | 4–5 hours | 4,000 m |
| Urdukas → Goro 2 | 12.2 km | 7–8 hours | 4,300 m |
| Goro 2 → Concordia | 11.8 km | 5–6 hours | 4,691 m |
Day-by-day details and the route map: K2 Base Camp height, distance and map. For the pass treks: Gondogoro La Trek daily distance and altitude.
The peaks around Concordia
Four of the world's fourteen 8,000 m peaks rise close to Concordia, which is why it is called one of the greatest mountain views on Earth.
| Peak | Height |
|---|---|
| K2 | 8,611 m, second-highest in the world |
| Broad Peak | 8,051 m |
| Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak) | 8,080 m |
| Gasherbrum II | 8,035 m |
| Masherbrum (K1) | 7,821 m |
Weather on the K2 trek and at K2 Base Camp
- Summer (June to September): the trekking season. Days are usually dry and clear; at lower altitudes daytime temperatures are around 10–20°C, and at the high camps nights fall to around 0 to −10°C. Storms and strong wind can still happen, and light snow is possible high up.
- Spring (April to May): changeable, with snow still on parts of the route.
- Winter (November to March): heavy snow and extreme cold (as low as −20°C by day at base camp). Not a trekking season.
Month-by-month advice: K2 Base Camp Trek guide.
Visa, permits and insurance
- Visa: foreign trekkers need a Pakistan visa; for K2 this is usually the mountaineering and trekking visa, which needs an invitation letter from a licensed Pakistani operator. Apply about 4–6 weeks before you travel. We provide the invitation letter and help with the process.
- Permits: K2 lies in the Central Karakoram National Park, a restricted trekking area. The trekking permit, government fees and the park fee are arranged by us and included in the price.
- Insurance: required. It must cover helicopter rescue and emergency evacuation and trekking up to at least 6,000 m. Mountain rescue in Pakistan uses army helicopters, and payment may be needed in advance, so check this with your insurer.
More on safety, rescue and insurance: Before you trek in Pakistan
Fitness, altitude and health
- Fitness: you need good fitness and an earlier trek to at least 4,000 m. Train with cardio and leg-strength work for long days on uneven ground.
- Altitude: the itinerary climbs slowly, with a rest day in Skardu and another at Paju. Drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any headache, dizziness or nausea.
- Need a gentler pace? The K2 Base Camp Trek for Beginners has shorter walking days.
How to prepare: K2 Base Camp Trek guide · Baltoro trekking tips.
What to bring
- Your own clothing in warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and well-worn trekking boots.
- A sleeping bag for freezing nights. If you don't have one, you can rent one in Pakistan for about USD 40–80.
- Climbing gear (gaiters, helmet, crampons, carabiners, harness, ascender and descender) can be rented in Pakistan for about USD 60–100 if you'd rather not bring your own.
- Porters carry up to 16 kg of your bag; each extra kilo costs USD 12.
Travelling alone, and women travellers
- You cannot trek the K2 route without a licensed guide and porters; it is a restricted area. But you can book any of our fixed departures on your own and join a group.
- A woman travelling alone gets a separate room or tent.
- Local custom is to dress modestly: cover your shoulders and legs in public.
Villages on the way: Askoli and Hushe
Askoli (3,000 m) is the last village before the Baltoro Glacier and the start of every K2 trek. Hushe (3,050 m) is where the Gondogoro La treks come out, in a valley known for its Balti villages and peaks. Read more: Askoli Valley · Hushe Valley.
What is included in our K2 treks
- Domestic flights or road transport, and jeeps to and from the trailhead
- Hotels in Islamabad and Skardu on the full treks (1 night in Islamabad and 2 in Skardu on arrival; 1 in Skardu and 2 in Islamabad on return)
- Tents on twin sharing and all meals on the trek
- A licensed guide, cooks and porters (16 kg of your bag; USD 12 per extra kg)
- The trekking permit, government fees and taxes, and the Central Karakoram National Park fee
- Satellite phone for emergencies and a basic first-aid kit
The trek-only versions from Skardu do not include flights or hotels in Islamabad and Skardu. Tips, gear rental, drinks and laundry are extra: see the cost breakdown.
Plan your K2 trek
How hard is it?
Fit trekkers who have trekked to at least 4,000 m can do it, but the days are long and much of the walking is on glacier. Read more: K2 Base Camp Trek guide: difficulty and preparation.
When is the best time to go?
Our fixed departures run from June to early October. The fixed ropes on the Gondogoro La are usually in place from mid to late June. Read more: Best time and weather · Best time for the Gondogoro La.
How high and how far is it?
K2 Base Camp is at about 5,150 m. The trek starts at Askoli (3,000 m) and follows the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia. Read more: K2 Base Camp height, distance and map.
What is the Baltoro Glacier like?
It is the long glacier you walk along to Concordia, surrounded by some of the highest peaks on Earth. Read more: Baltoro Glacier trekking tips.
How hard is the Gondogoro La?
The pass is crossed at night on fixed ropes, with a steep, rocky descent. Read more: Gondogoro La difficulty.
Is it safe?
The main risks are altitude, weather and glacier terrain; we explain how we manage them. Read more: Before you trek in Pakistan.
Climbing K2
Climbing K2 itself is a mountaineering expedition, not a trek. It is for experienced high-altitude climbers and takes about 50 days. See our K2 Climbing Expedition, and read our K2 climbing guide for the route, the camps and how long it takes.
Why trek to K2 with Chogori Adventure
- A local company, founded in 2015 in Skardu, at the start of the Karakoram, by Imtiyaz Ahmed Shigri
- Local, government-licensed, English-speaking guides, most of them trained in first aid
- Licensed by the Department of Tourist Services (licence no. 2494) and the Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department (licence DTS-GB-055), and a member of the Pakistan Association of Tour Operators
- Offices in Skardu (near Ali Plaza, Hussaini Market, Naya Bazar) and Islamabad (1 Street 2, I-9/1)
- More than 3,000 customers and 500 trips
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 47 reviews on Google (November 2026). Read our reviews on Google
- Fixed departures you can join on your own: we group travellers together
Frequently asked questions about K2
Where is K2?
K2 stands in the Karakoram range on the border between Pakistan and China. Trekkers reach it from Pakistan, flying to Skardu and walking up the Baltoro Glacier.
How tall is K2?
K2 is 8,611 m (28,251 ft) high, the second-highest mountain in the world after Everest.
How long is the K2 Base Camp Trek?
Our classic trek takes 21 days from Islamabad back to Islamabad. There are also 15-day trek-only versions from Skardu and a slower 29-day version for beginners.
Can beginners trek to K2 Base Camp?
You need good fitness and an earlier trek to at least 4,000 m. If you want shorter walking days, choose the K2 Base Camp Trek for Beginners (29 days).
Can I trek to K2 Base Camp on my own?
You can join any of our fixed departures as one person; we put you together with other travellers. Trekking independently without a licensed operator and a guide is not allowed in this area.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. The trekking permit, government fees and the Central Karakoram National Park fee are needed, and they are included in the price of all our K2 treks.
How much does the K2 Base Camp Trek cost?
A fixed departure costs $2,300 per person for 21 days from Islamabad. Private groups pay from $2,300 to $4,500 per person, depending on group size.
Is the K2 Base Camp Trek harder than Everest Base Camp?
Most trekkers find it harder: it is more remote, there are no villages or teahouses after Askoli, and many days are on rough glacier.
How high is K2 Base Camp?
K2 Base Camp is at about 5,150 m (16,896 ft). The trek starts at Askoli (3,000 m) and reaches Concordia (4,691 m) after six walking days; Broad Peak Base Camp, on the way, is at about 4,850 m.
What is the weather like at K2 Base Camp?
In the trekking season, June to September, days are usually dry and clear. At Concordia and K2 Base Camp nights fall to about 0 to −10°C, and light snow is possible even in summer. Lower down, days are around 10–20°C.
All our K2 guides
- K2 Base Camp Trek guide: difficulty, best time, weather and preparation
- K2 Base Camp Trek cost: price, what's included and extras
- K2 Base Camp height, distance and map
- Baltoro Glacier trekking tips
- Gondogoro La difficulty
- Best time for the Gondogoro La
- Before you trek in Pakistan
- Gondogoro La Trek daily distance and altitude
- Askoli Valley: the gateway to the Karakoram
- Hushe Valley
- 10 best treks in northern Pakistan
- Top 10 beginner-friendly treks in Pakistan
Not sure which trek is right for you? Tell us your dates and experience and we'll suggest one.
