Overview
K2, at 8,611 m, is the second-highest mountain on Earth. The standard trek to it starts at Askole, in the Braldu valley, and follows the Baltoro Glacier for about a week to Concordia, where several glaciers meet and four of the world's eight-thousand-metre peaks are in view.
This is a serious expedition, not a casual hike. It crosses moving glacier ice and loose moraine, with long days, cold nights and high altitude. Trekkers go with a licensed operator, guides and porters, and many carry on to K2 Base Camp or over the Gondogoro La pass.
Highlights
- Concordia, where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers meet
- Close views of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group
- The Trango Towers and Paiju campsite along the glacier
- The Braldu valley and the old village of Askole
Best time to visit
The trekking season is short. Late June to August is when permits are normally issued and the glacier is passable. Earlier, snow and river crossings are a problem, and later the weather turns cold and unsettled.
- 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), or drive the Karakoram Highway. From Skardu a jeep drive of about six to eight hours reaches Askole, where the trek begins. A trek to Concordia and back takes around two weeks, and a trek to K2 Base Camp a few days more.
What to expect
Challenging. Days of five to eight hours on rough ground, glacier travel, river crossings, cold nights and altitude above 4,500 m. You need good fitness, trekking experience and a plan for emergencies, including insurance that covers high-altitude evacuation.
Practical tips
- Trekking here needs a licensed operator and the right permits, and rules change, so check with the relevant authorities and your operator early.
- Build in rest and acclimatisation days, and listen to your guide about altitude symptoms.
- Take travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue.
- Pack for cold and wet weather even in midsummer, and break in your boots well before you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the K2 trek take?
A trek to Concordia takes around two weeks including travel and rest days. K2 Base Camp adds a few days. Operators set the itinerary.
Do I need a guide?
Yes. Trekking in this area requires a licensed operator and permits. Check current rules with an operator or the authorities.
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
No. It is long, remote and high. Build experience on shorter treks at altitude first.
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: Aapkamajid (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons, mtzendo (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Aapkamajid (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
