Overview
The Baltoro Glacier flows west from the foot of K2 and Broad Peak for roughly 60 km, a grey river of ice and rock covered in boulders and lined by granite towers. It is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions, and its upper basin, Concordia, is surrounded by some of the highest mountains on earth, including K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group. Most people know it as the way to K2 Base Camp.
The trek starts at the village of Askole and follows the Braldu River and then the glacier itself, passing campsites at Paiju, Urdukas and Goro II before reaching Concordia. It is a demanding, remote journey of about two weeks there and back, over uneven ice and moraine, with views of the Trango Towers, Masherbrum and the Cathedral peaks along the way. This guide covers the glacier as a whole, while the K2 and Concordia guide describes the trek in more detail.
Highlights
- The long glacier and its walls of granite spires
- Views of the Trango Towers, Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV
- Campsites at Paiju, Urdukas and Goro II with huge views
- Concordia, where the great glaciers and peaks meet
Best time to visit
The trekking season is short: late June to August, when the snow has melted from the lower trail and the glacier is safest to cross. July is the busiest month, and August can bring unsettled weather and high river levels. The route is not open to trekkers outside summer.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Not ideal
- JunJune: Good
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Not ideal
- OctOctober: Not ideal
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Islamabad (ISB), then to Skardu (KDU) when the weather allows, or take the Karakoram Highway over two days. Jeeps take about seven to eight hours from Skardu to Askole on a rough road, and the trek begins from there. Foreign trekkers need permits and a registered tour operator, and porters, a guide and a cook are normally arranged through the operator.
What to expect
This is a serious expedition-style trek, with long days on uneven ice, river crossings and altitude above 4,000 m. Camps are basic, and there are no shops or shelters beyond the road. Good fitness, strong boots, layers for a wide range of temperatures and acclimatisation days are essential.
Practical tips
- Book a licensed operator well ahead, and confirm the permits and insurance.
- Plan acclimatisation days and recognise the signs of altitude sickness.
- Carry all rubbish out, and treat all water you drink.
- Hire porters through your operator and ensure they have proper clothing and fair pay.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Baltoro Glacier?
Roughly 60 km, although sources give slightly different figures. It is among the longest glaciers outside the polar regions.
Do I need a guide to trek the Baltoro?
Yes. Permits and a registered operator are required, and the glacier has crevasses, rockfall and river crossings.
What is the difference between this and K2 Base Camp?
The Baltoro Glacier is the route and the landscape. K2 Base Camp is a destination reached from Concordia by further trekking.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Guilhem Vellut from Paris (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Shikari7 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Zacharie Grossen (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
