K2 ITINERARY

DAY 1 - JULY 3rd: 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.

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DAY 2 - JULY 4th: 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 - JULY 5th: 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 - JULY 6th: 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 - JULY 7th: 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 - JULY 8th: 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 - JULY 9th: 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 - JULY 10th: 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 - JULY 11th: 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 - JULY 12th: 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 - JULY 13th: 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 - JULY 14th: 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 - JULY 15th: 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 - JULY 16th: 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 - JULY 17th: 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 - JULY 18th: 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 - JULY 19th: 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 - JULY 20th: 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 - JULY 21st: 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 - JULY 22nd: 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 - JULY 23rd: 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 - JULY 24th: DEPARTURE Transfer to Islamabad airport for your international flight back to the United Kingdom. This flight may include a stopover. Breakfast included.