A trek to K2 base camp in Pak­istan’s Karako­ram Range, apt­ly called the Throne Room of the Moun­tain Gods, is in the world’s most spec­tac­u­lar moun­tain region. The fabled expe­di­tion and walk­ing route up the Bal­toro Glac­i­er to K2 offers tru­ly one of the world’s great­est treks, and jus­ti­fi­ably so. Sur­round­ed by six peaks over 25,919 feet / 7,900 meters and crowned by the mas­sif of K2, this is with­out ques­tion one of the most mag­nif­i­cent places on the plan­et. The list of peaks along the way is exten­sive and each holds a sig­nif­i­cant place in climb­ing his­to­ry.
The crown of the Karakoram is K2. At 8,611m (28,251ft) it is the world’s second-highest mountain and an expedition to its base camp at 5,150m (16,896ft) makes for one of the most exciting walks in the world. Beginning in the remote village of Askole, the trail winds its way along the grand Braldu Valley before mounting the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia. Positioned 12km (7.5 miles) from K2, Concordia is one of the few places on Earth where it’s possible to see four 8,000m (26,247ft) peaks from one place: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II.
Unlike the approach to Everest base camp in Nepal, where trekkers are treated to only teasing glimpses of the iconic summit, K2 is unimpeded by its satellite peaks, and instead stands imposing, watching over all who tackle the trail to its base. K2 may be second in height and notoriety to Everest, but as a spectacle, it is second to none.
The K2 base camp trek takes 14 days in total (up and down), and starts in the village of Askole. Once away from this small green oasis, the mighty Karakoram doesn’t take long to reveal its beauty. Serrated summits and towering cliffs rear up either side of the wide valleys. By the end of the first day trekkers are camped beneath the distinctive peak of Bakhor Das, affectionately referred to as Mango Peak due to its curiously shaped summit cone.
The following day the remarkable granite spires of Trango Towers and Cathedral rear up, standing sentry over the trail for three days. Once onto the Baltoro Glacier the first 7,000m peaks (22966ft) - Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower - appear. Despite their dominance, it’s not long before the first 8,000m peaks (26247ft) emerge on the horizon. At the end of Baltoro Glacier stands the Gasherbrum Range, a massif of five peaks over 7,000m including two above 8,000m.
Another day of walking brings trekkers to the huge rocky amphitheater of Concordia that makes the European ranges look puny in comparison. The eye is immediately drawn from the Gasherbrums, across the wide summit ridge of Broad Peak to the sharp and abrupt pyramid of black rock ridges and glinting snow gullies of K2. On this night, trekkers pitch their tents at one of the finest campsites on the planet.
The following day trekkers have a choice of how to approach K2 base camp. They can make the exhausting round trip from Concordia in a day. However, the more popular option is to hike to Broad Peak base camp and stay for the night. The following day is then a far more agreeable push to K2 base camp and back.
K2 base camp is not the sea of yellow tents and prayer flags that’s found at the foot of Everest. There are no iconic signs; instead a modest rockpile marks the site. Depending on the time of the season and the number of expeditions, hikers may well find they’re alone at base camp. There, at the foot of over two vertical miles of rock and ice, the second highest mountain on Earth stands proudly as reward for over a week of toil.
Depending on their itinerary, trekkers either return to Askole back down the Braldu Valley or head towards the high pass of Gondogoro La (finishing the trek in the village of Hushe). While the Gondogoro La pass provides an alternative perspective of the Karakoram, it also proves quite the challenge. Trekkers should be confident with an ice axe and crampons and willing to rise at the stroke of midnight to take on the high pass.
Whichever route one opts for, a trek through Pakistan’s mighty Karakoram to the foot of the world’s second highest mountain, is one of the world’s classic - and currently lesser-tackled - high-altitude adventures. You’ll enjoy one the most incred­i­ble treks on the plan­et, the friend­ly peo­ple of the Karako­ram, and the intrigu­ing cul­ture of Pak­istan - a true jour­ney for the soul, mind, and body.
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Composer - Chris Zabriskie
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Photo Credits at the end of the video goes out to our tour expedition members