In this story
Six guests, fourteen days on ice, and a weather window that held just long enough for the Gondogoro La. This is how the K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La expedition unfolds, from the day you land in Islamabad to the day you fly home: twenty one days, with the acclimatization and buffer days that most short itineraries skip.
Islamabad to the end of the road
The expedition begins with a briefing and a full kit check in Islamabad. On day two the group flies to Skardu, about an hour, weather permitting. If the flights are grounded, the team drives the Karakoram Highway and uses the reserve days built into the plan.
Day three is spent in Skardu on final permit formalities, supplies and a gentle acclimatization walk. On day four a jeep follows the Braldu Valley to Askole, around 3,000 metres: six to seven hours of pure drama, and the last village before the road gives up.
Onto the Baltoro
From Askole it is all footsteps. The days that follow are steady, with a rest day placed where the body needs it most:
- Day 5. Trek to Jhola, the first taste of glacial rivers and big skies.
- Day 6. Trek to Paiju, with a first look at the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and the Trango Towers.
- Day 7. Rest and acclimatization at Paiju.
- Day 8. Step onto the Baltoro Glacier and trek to Khoburtse.
- Day 9. Trek to Urdukus, a grassy perch facing Trango and Cathedral Towers.
- Day 10. Trek to Goro II, camping on the glacier itself.
- Day 11. Reach Concordia, around 4,600 metres.
Concordia and K2 Base Camp
Concordia is where glaciers meet beneath K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. Four of the world's fourteen 8,000 metre peaks stand within a few days' walk, and K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrums and Masherbrum line up in a single panorama.
On day twelve the group walks via Broad Peak Base Camp to K2 Base Camp, around 5,000 metres, and the Gilkey Memorial, then returns to Concordia. Day thirteen is a rest day there, with crampon and rope practice for the pass ahead.
The Gondogoro La window
On day fourteen the team moves to Ali Camp at the foot of Gondogoro La. Day fifteen starts at midnight: the pass, about 5,585 metres, is crossed on fixed ropes while the snow is still hard, with sunrise over K2 behind you, before the descent to Khuspang.
The pass needs fixed rope support, a night start and the right equipment, and it is crossed only when the team leader judges conditions safe. If not, the group returns along the Baltoro. On this departure, the window held.