DAYS | 23
CHARITY | Any Charity
REG FEE | £490
FUNDRAISE | £4,900
DIFFICULTY | Extreme
DATE | 6th-29th July 2024
THE challenge
The K2 Base Camp trek is one of the most well-known and well-loved trekking challenges in the world. Your challenge begins in Isalamabad, Pakistan's vibrant capital, before you depart on a spectacular flight into Skardu, far to the North. From here you will continue on your trek into the heart of the Karakoram on our journey toward K2, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way.
To qualify for this trip, participants must have previous experience of high-altitude trekking, in excess of 4,000 metres above sea level, preferably including prior use of crampons and an ice axe. You will be asked to provide details of your experience during the registration process.
K2 ITINERARY
DAY 1 - DEPARTURE
You will depart from a London-based airport for Islamabad, which may include a stop.
Upon arrival at the airport in Islamabad, you will be collected by the Choose a Challenge team and transferred to your accommodation. You will have free time to explore and relax ahead of your trek. Hotel accommodation.
Dinner included.
VIEW FULL ITINERARY +
DAY 2 - ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION
Elevation: 2,500m
After breakfast, you will make an early start for your spectacular flight to Skardu. On a clear day, you'll be able to see K2 (8,611m) and Nanga Parbat (8,124m) as you fly into the high mountain region of Baltistan. On arrival in Skardu you will be able to relax and explore, will receive a trek briefing from your guides, and will stay overnight in basic accommodation. Hotel accommodation. Breakfast included.
DAY 3 - SCENIC FLIGHT TO SKARDU Elevation: 2,500m
Today, you will have some free time in Skardu to explore and prepare for your trek. If you were unable to fly into Skardu and had to drive via Chilas, then you will use this day for the second leg of the drive, arriving into Skardu in the afternoon. Hotel accommodation. Breakfast included.
DAY 4 - FREE DAY IN SKARDU Elevation: 2,500m
Today, you will have some free time to explore Skardu and prepare for your trek. Hotel accommodation. Breakfast included.
DAY 5 - JOURNEY TO ASKOLE Elevation: 3,200m (approx. 7hrs drive)
Today you will travel by 4x4 vehicle along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, and on to Jhola. The journey will take you through a stunning landscape dotted with villages and farms, some of which have scarcely changed in some 500 years. Approaching Askole, the landscape will become more barren and the road conditions will become more worn and weathered. After Askole, the valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier, where you'll pass by the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo rivers. You will reach your night's camp located on the banks of the Braldu.
DAY 6 - TREK DAY 1
Elevation: 3,450m / Distance: 21km (7 - 8 hours trekking)
Today, your trek will commence, with the route closely following the Braldu river. Depending on the erosion and the water level, you will vary your path up-and-down the bankside. Walking conditions today will be hot and dry, and will offer spectacular views of the Gasherbrum - a group of spectacular peaks reaching elevations of 6,900m to 8,100m. Gasherbrum I, the highest of these, is the 11th highest mountain on Earth, and within the Karakorum it is dwarfed only by K2 itself. Camp is at Paiju, a traditional stopping point for all groups headed to Concordia.
DAY 7 - TREK DAY 2
Elevation: 3,450m
Located at a widening of the Braldu valley and within sight of the snout of the Baltoro glacier, Paiju is a key staging point for climbing expeditions. The campsite at Paiju is equipped with long-drop toilets and wash basins - a bathroom with one of the best views in the world! You will spend an acclimatisation day here, to allow your body to adapt to the lower oxygen levels at this altitude. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 8 - TREK DAY 3
Elevation: 3,795m / Distance: 15k (7 - 8 hours trekking)
As you approach the glacier, which is the origin of the Braldu river, you will see ice cliffs towering over 60 metres high. Today will be a hard day's trekking over varied and changeable terrain. It will also bring spectacular views of the high peaks including Paiju Peak (6,610m), Uli Biaho group, Trango group and Cathedral group - the majestic, spired mountains that the Karakoram is so well known for. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 9 - TREK DAY 4 Elevation: 3,900m / Distance: 6km (3 - 4 hours trekking)
A much shorter and easier trekking day, you will follow a well-kept trail at the side of the Baltoro, with two glacier crossings en route. The occasional sound of helicopters overhead will provide a reminder of your proximity to the disputed Kashmir region nearby. The grassy camp at Urdukas is well located, and is the last camp before the glacial camps further into the mountains. If the weather is clear, you'll catch glimpses of Broad Peak (8,050m) and Gasherbrum IV (7,930m) which are two of the most prominent peaks of the region. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 10 - TREK DAY 5 Elevation: 4,295m / Distance: 12km (6 - 7 hours trekking)
Descending the rugged terrain from Urdukas you will trek downward onto the glacier, crossing to its centre, where it is easier to walk. You will weave over rolling mounds of rock and scree, heading in almost a direct trajectory towards Gasherbrum IV. The impressive mountain groups that have dominated your views over the past few days will now be dwarfed as you trek higher and further into the mountains. Camp is at Goro II, on the glacier. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 11 - TREK DAY 6
Elevation: 4,500m / Distance: 12kmm (5 - 6 hours trekking)
Leaving Goro II, the trail will continue along relatively easy rolling slopes of moraine. You will pass among ice towers and your guides will point out some of the surrounding peaks - such as Mustagh Tower (7,284m), Mitre Peak (6,030m) and Baltoro Kangri (7,312m) - each with their own character and history. Weather permitting, you will enjoy your first glimpse of K2 today. The campsite at Concordia is considered one of the most spectacular camps in the world, positioned at the junction of four glaciers, and surrounded on all sides by stunning peaks. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 12 - TREK DAY 7 Elevation: 5,000m / Distance: 5km (3 - 4 hours trekking)
Today is a shorter trekking day to allow you the best possible chance of reaching K2 Base Camp tomorrow morning. You'll camp high in the mountains at Broad Peak Base Camp, rubbing shoulders with some of the top climbers in the world undertaking their own ascents. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 13 - TREK DAY 8
Elevation: 5,100m / Distance: 15km (7 - 8 hours trekking)
Today, your main objective will be to endeavour upwards to K2 Base Camp and the humbling Gilkey Memorial. Pushing from Broad Peak camp towards K2, you will finally reach its Base Camp - the narrow strip of land where nearly all expeditions to the summit begin - in the late morning. After spending a short amount of time there and conquered the main part of your trekking adventure, you will steadily begin to retrace your steps to Condordia. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 14 - TREK DAY 9 Elevation: 4,800m / Distance: 12km (5 - 6 hours trekking)
Heading towards the final stage of your adventure, you will journey across the Vigne glacier towards Ali Camp. Today is a short day's trek, but comes accompanied by superb views of Chogolisa and Mitre Peak. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 15 - TREK DAY 10 Elevation: 4,800m
It's important to remember that adverse weather conditions may prevent the group from crossing Gondogoro La. Today is a contingency day in your itinerary to allow you the best chance of being able to make the crossing. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 16 - TREK DAY 11 Elevation: 3,450m / Distance: 8km (9 - 12 hours trekking)
You will start your ascent of the La during the night, approximately 1am. After 4-5 hours of steep and strenuous ascent with crampons and ice axes (provided by our team), you will reach the top of the pass, being rewarded with stunning views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums. Having witnessed this spectacular sight, you will descend to Xhuspang camp at 4,600m. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 17 - TREK DAY 12
Elevation: 3,350m / Distance: 18km (6 - 7 hours trekking)
Continuing along the lateral moraine you will descend to Shaieshcho, a particularly picturesque campsite nestled amongst wild flowers on the riverside. Having crossed the Gondogoro La, there will be time for celebrations during your penultimate night under the stars. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 18 - TREK DAY 13
Elevation: 3,000m / Distance: 7km (3 - 4 hours trekking)
Today is your final day of trekking in Pakistan, with 3-4 hours of easy descent into the village of Hushe, nestled in the Hushe valley, and the gateway to many expeditions to Masherbrum, the Charakusa and Nangma. Tented accommodation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
DAY 19 - RETURN TO SKARDU
Elevation: 2,500m / Distance: 160km (4 - 5hours driving)
This morning you will pack up your gear onto
the 4x4 vehicles and descent the Hushe valley,
crossing the Shyock river and back into the warm
climes of Skardu. Hotel accommodation. Breakfast included.
DAY 20 - FLY TO ISLAMABAD
Weather permitting, you will fly back to Islamabad
today, and on arrival will transfer to your hotel. In case of flight cancellations, you will drive back
to Islamabad with an overnight stay in Chilas. If
this is the case, you will use tomorrow (your free/
insurance day) as a travel day to complete the
journey via road vehicle. Hotel accommodation. Breakfast included.
DAY 21 - FREE DAY
Today is a free day to spend exploring and picking
up any last-minute souvenirs in Islamabad. Hotel accommodation. Breakfast included.
DAY 22 - DEPARTURE Transfer to Islamabad airport for your international flight back to the United Kingdom. This flight may include a stopover. Breakfast included.
COSTS & INCLUSIONS
For this challenge, you can either pay full cost yourself or pledge to a minimum sponsorship amount for charity, which you must fundraise to complete the challenge.
The full details of the minimum sponsorship option are below:
SELF FUND
Registration fee:
£490
Balance Payment:
£2,450
Fundraise:
No Fundraising required
Read more...
You will be required to pay the registration fee of £490 at the time of booking, which you're welcome to split into two payments of £245 (incurs £25 admin fee). The final balance payment is £2,940 which is due 10 weeks prior to your departure.
When taking on a challenge with us, you can rest assured that all of the money you fundraise throughout the year will go directly to the charity you are supporting.
Once you hit that all-important fundraising target and your place on the challenge is confirmed, the charity will use this money to cover the remaining costs of your challenge (which will never exceed 50% of your fundraising target).
The remainder of your fundraising (never less than 50% of your fundraising target) will stay with your charity, as a donation to their vital work. In addition, 100% of any Gift Aid and every single pound that you raise above your target will stay with your charity.
MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP
Regisration fee:
£490
Fundraise:
£4,900
Read more...
You will be required to pay the registration fee of £490 at the time of booking, and you'll then need to raise a minimum sponsorship amount of £4,900 for your nominated charity, which usually needs to be raised in full by 8 weeks prior to your departure.
When taking on a challenge with us, you can rest assured that all of the money you fundraise throughout the year will go directly to the charity you are supporting.
Once you hit that all-important fundraising target and your place on the challenge is confirmed, the charity will use this money to cover the remaining costs of your challenge (which will never exceed 50% of your fundraising target).
The remainder of your fundraising (never less than 50% of your fundraising target) will stay with your charity, as a donation to their vital work. In addition, 100% of any Gift Aid and every single pound that you raise above your target will stay with your charity.
FLEXI FUND
Regisration fee:
£490
Flexi payment:
£195 or £395
Fundraise:
£4,510 or £4,110
Read more...
You will be required to pay the registration fee of £490 at the time of booking, and then you will make a further contribution of either £195 or £395 to your trip costs, due 10 weeks before departure. You will also have a minimum fundraising target.
The benefit of the Flexi Fund option is that it gives you the best of both of the other funding options: your contribution toward your trip costs will decrease the minimum fundraising amount you need to raise. The more you contribute with your Flexi Fund payment, the greater the discount on your fundraising target:
- If you opt for the £195 Flexi Fund amount then your fundraising target will be £4,510.
- If you opt for the £395 Flexi Fund amount then your fundraising target will be £4,110.
When taking on a challenge with us, you can rest assured that all of the money you fundraise throughout the year will go directly to the charity you are supporting.
Once you hit that all-important fundraising target and your place on the challenge is confirmed, the charity will use this money to cover the remaining costs of your challenge (which will never exceed 50% of your fundraising target).
The remainder of your fundraising (never less than 50% of your fundraising target) will stay with your charity, as a donation to their vital work. In addition, 100% of any Gift Aid and every single pound that you raise above your target will stay with your charity.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Your full itinerary, in the Challenge Information Pack, gives details of the specific inclusions for your trip.
Take a look below to see at a glance the inclusions and exclusions for this challenge.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Transfers as mentioned
Accommodation as mentioned
Meals as mentioned
All national park fees, entrance fees, taxes,
permits and vehicles as applicable to the
above itinerary
Professional English speaking guides at all
times
Drinking water during the hike
24/7 support and emergency line available
throughout the itinerary
Equipment hire facilities
All camping equipment required on the trek
(excluding: sleeping bags/roll mats)
Porter service - you will only need to carry
day-packs whilst on the trek
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Evacuation: in the event of a serious medical
injury, we will coordinate with your travel
insurance company to arrange evacuation
Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Country visa (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Vaccinations
Personal equipment such as trekking
equipment and sleeping bags
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Is this challenge safe?
All of our challenge events involve an element of risk (that’s part of what makes them challenging!) but we work closely with our partners in Pakistan to ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons. We risk assess all our trips and we comply to the BS8848 British Standard of trekking.
What will the weather be like?
Weather in the Karakoram can be very changeable due to the nature of the surrounding terrain. When it does rain, it can be heavy and last for several hours. As you reach K2 Base Camp itself, the altitude leads to a sharp drop in temperatures, particularly at night.
Our full challenge briefing pack (which you will receive upon sign-up) will give you a full description of the weather and climate. Please bear in mind that whether you will be able to make an attempt on the Gondogoro La crossing is very contingent on the weather and this is something we cannot control!
Who will be looking after us in Pakistan?
We use only the best English speaking guides who have years of experience of guiding our participants. They will not only be there to ensure that you are healthy, safe and well looked after, they’ll also be more than happy to give you a real insight into the culture and traditions of Pakistan.
Do I have to speak Urdu to enjoy this trip?
No! Pakistan is a linguistically diverse country with multiple languages in use - but all our staff in Pakistan speak English and you’ll find that, whilst learning a few local words is greatly appreciated and very useful, English will be spoken fairly widely.
Please get in touch to arrange a private trek date
