Experience one of the world’s most extraordinary high-altitude trekking adventures as you journey to the base camps of all five 8,000-metre peaks of Pakistan.
From the legendary Nanga Parbat and the peaceful meadows of Fairy Meadows to the immense glaciers of the Karakoram, this expedition combines two of Pakistan’s greatest mountain regions into one unforgettable journey. Trek through the remote Baltoro Glacier, stand at Concordia surrounded by some of the highest mountains on Earth, and reach the base camps of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II.
This is more than a trek to a single mountain. It is a journey through the heart of Pakistan’s greatest mountain landscapes and an opportunity to experience all five of the country’s 8,000-metre giants in one extended adventure.
Duration: 25- 26 days
Trekking Days: Approximately 19-20 Days
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 5500m/5600m depending on the route
Difficulty: Challenging to Strenuous
Best Season: June to September
Starting Point: Islamabad, Pakistan
Trek Type: High-Altitude Camping Trek
Accommodation: Hotels and camping
Major Areas: Nanga Parbat, Skardu, Baltoro Glacier, Concordia, Gasherbrum Region
Group Size: Subject to the selected departure
Most high-altitude trekking journeys in Pakistan focus on a single mountain or valley. This expedition brings together the country’s five 8,000-metre giants in one continuous adventure.
The journey begins with Nanga Parbat, where the green landscapes of Fairy Meadows provide a dramatic contrast to the enormous mountain rising above them. From there, the route continues towards Skardu and into the remote heart of the Karakoram.
As you progress along the Baltoro Glacier, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. Massive granite towers, glaciated valleys and some of the world’s highest mountains gradually surround the trail.
At Concordia, the scale of the Karakoram becomes truly extraordinary. K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II dominate the surrounding skyline, creating one of the world’s most remarkable high-mountain panoramas.
Please review our booking, payment, cancellation and expedition terms before confirming your participation.
The first major objective of the journey takes you into the Nanga Parbat region.
After travelling towards Chilas, the route continues towards Fairy Meadows and the Nanga Parbat massif. The trek provides spectacular views of the mountain and an opportunity to experience one of Pakistan’s most famous mountain landscapes.
Depending on the selected route and local conditions, the Nanga Parbat section can approach the mountain through the Fairy Meadows/Rakhiot side or another permitted base-camp route.
K2 Base Camp is the principal objective of the Baltoro section.
From Concordia, the route continues along the Godwin-Austen Glacier towards the foot of K2. The journey takes you through one of the most spectacular high-altitude environments on Earth.
Standing beneath K2 at approximately 5,150m is the defining moment of the expedition.
After entering the Baltoro region, the journey eventually reaches Concordia and the upper Baltoro area.
Broad Peak rises dramatically above the surrounding glaciers and is one of the defining peaks of the Karakoram landscape.
The Broad Peak Base Camp excursion provides a closer view of this enormous 8,000-metre mountain while also offering extraordinary views towards K2.
The journey continues from the Concordia region towards the Gasherbrum massif.
Gasherbrum I, also known as Hidden Peak, rises to 8,080m and forms one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in the upper Karakoram.
The Gasherbrum Base Camp section is remote and physically demanding, requiring careful pacing and appropriate acclimatization.
Gasherbrum II reaches 8,035m and stands alongside Gasherbrum I in the remote Gasherbrum region.
Trekkers reach both Gasherbrum peaks via the same broader approach, making this section particularly rewarding for those who want to experience the remote upper Baltoro and Gasherbrum landscape.
| Day | Route / Destination | Trek & Activities | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Islamabad | Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. Rest and prepare for the expedition. | Islamabad |
| Day 2 | Islamabad → Chilas | Drive towards Gilgit-Baltistan along the spectacular mountain route. The journey introduces you to the changing landscapes of northern Pakistan. | Chilas |
| Day 3 | Chilas → Raikot Bridge → Fairy Meadows | Continue to Raikot Bridge and transfer into a local 4×4 jeep for the mountain road to Tato Village. Trek from Tato to the beautiful Fairy Meadows. | Fairy Meadows |
| Day 4 | Fairy Meadows → Nanga Parbat Base Camp Area | Trek into the Nanga Parbat region and explore the spectacular mountain landscape beneath the 8,126m giant. Base-camp access will depend on the selected route and local conditions. | Fairy Meadows |
| Day 5 | Fairy Meadows → Chilas / Gilgit | Descend from Fairy Meadows to Tato and continue by vehicle towards Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountain valleys. | Gilgit / Chilas |
| Day 6 | Gilgit → Skardu | Travel towards Skardu through the spectacular landscapes of the Karakoram and Baltistan. Prepare for the main high-altitude trekking section. | Skardu |
| Day 7 | Skardu – Acclimatization & Preparation | Rest and acclimatize in Skardu. Final equipment checks, briefing and preparation for the Baltoro expedition. Optional local sightseeing may be arranged. | Skardu |
| Day 8 | Skardu → Askole | Drive towards Askole, the traditional gateway to the Baltoro Glacier trekking region. The route passes through remote mountain valleys and traditional villages. | Camp |
| Day 9 | Askole → Jhula | Begin the main trek. Follow the Braldu Valley and gradually enter the remote wilderness of the Karakoram. | Jhula Camp |
| Day 10 | Jhula → Paiju | Continue trekking towards Paiju through rugged mountain terrain. The surrounding peaks become increasingly dramatic as you approach the Baltoro Glacier. | Paiju Camp |
| Day 11 | Paiju – Acclimatization Day | Rest and acclimatization at Paiju. Use the day to recover, explore the surrounding area and prepare for the glacier section ahead. | Paiju Camp |
| Day 12 | Paiju → Khoburtse | Enter the Baltoro Glacier region and trek through increasingly spectacular glacial landscapes surrounded by enormous granite towers. | Khoburtse Camp |
| Day 13 | Khoburtse → Urdukas | Continue across the Baltoro region towards Urdukas. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. | Urdukas Camp |
| Day 14 | Urdukas → Goro II | Trek deeper into the Baltoro Glacier towards Goro II. The landscape becomes increasingly remote and high-altitude. | Goro II Camp |
| Day 15 | Goro II → Concordia | Continue towards Concordia, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain panoramas. As you approach, the views of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum massif begin to dominate the horizon. | Concordia Camp |
| Day 16 | Concordia – Acclimatization & Exploration | Rest and acclimatize at Concordia. Enjoy extraordinary views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II and surrounding peaks. | Concordia Camp |
| Day 17 | Concordia → Broad Peak Base Camp → K2 Base Camp | Trek towards the upper Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glacier. Visit the Broad Peak Base Camp area and continue towards K2 Base Camp, weather and glacier conditions permitting. | Concordia / K2 Region |
| Day 18 | Concordia → Gasherbrum Region | Continue towards the remote Gasherbrum area, following the upper Baltoro and surrounding glacier systems. | Camp |
| Day 19 | Gasherbrum I & II Base Camp Area | Explore the Gasherbrum region and experience the spectacular surroundings of Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak) and Gasherbrum II. Exact access and overnight location depend on glacier and weather conditions. | Gasherbrum Region Camp |
| Day 20 | Gasherbrum Region → Concordia | Begin the return journey towards Concordia, retracing the spectacular upper Baltoro route. | Concordia Camp |
| Day 21 | Concordia → Goro II | Descend along the Baltoro Glacier, enjoying different perspectives of the mountains and glacier landscape. | Goro II Camp |
| Day 22 | Goro II → Urdukas | Continue the descent towards Urdukas through the spectacular Baltoro landscape. | Urdukas Camp |
| Day 23 | Urdukas → Paiju | Trek back towards Paiju as the altitude gradually decreases and the landscape begins to change. | Paiju Camp |
| Day 24 | Paiju → Askole → Skardu | Complete the final trekking section and return to Askole. Transfer by vehicle towards Skardu. | Skardu |
| Day 25 | Skardu → Islamabad | Travel back to Islamabad by domestic flight or road, depending on availability and weather conditions. | Islamabad |
| Day 26 | Departure from Pakistan | Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward journey. End of the Five 8,000m Base Camps Trek. | — |
26 Days / 25 Nights
Islamabad → Chilas → Fairy Meadows → Nanga Parbat → Gilgit → Skardu → Askole → Baltoro Glacier → Concordia → Broad Peak Base Camp → K2 Base Camp → Gasherbrum Region → Concordia → Baltoro Glacier → Askole → Skardu → Islamabad
Important: The exact sequence, camping locations and access to individual base-camp areas may change according to weather, glacier conditions, local regulations, group acclimatization and operational considerations. Treat the itinerary as a planned framework rather than a fixed schedule.
Check out our departure dates of 2027, and book now
Let us arrange your transportation as part of a complete travel experience, including tours, accommodation and local travel services.
International guests travelling to Pakistan should review the current visa, permit, travel and expedition requirements before making travel arrangements.
Visa requirements, mountaineering permissions, trekking regulations and government policies may change. We strongly recommend checking the latest information directly from the relevant official authorities before travelling to Pakistan or planning a mountaineering expedition.
This is a serious high-altitude trekking expedition rather than a conventional sightseeing tour.
Expect long trekking days, steep and uneven terrain, glacial moraine, cold nights, basic mountain camps and rapidly changing weather. Some sections can be physically demanding, particularly at higher elevations.
The route reaches approximately 5,000m and above, so acclimatization, hydration, pacing and appropriate preparation are extremely important.
The trek does not involve climbing the 8,000m peaks themselves. The objective is to reach their respective base-camp areas and experience the surrounding mountain environment.
The Five 8,000m Base Camps Trek is designed for experienced trekkers and physically prepared adventurers.
Participants should be comfortable walking for several consecutive hours on uneven mountain terrain and carrying a daypack at high altitude.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
The expedition also involves spending several nights in remote mountain camps with limited facilities.
You should prepare for:
Regular cardiovascular training, long-distance walking, hiking and strength training before the trek are recommended.
Meals during the trekking section are prepared by the expedition cooking team.
Typical trekking meals may include rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, lentils, meat, eggs, soups, bread, porridge, tea and other suitable high-energy foods.
Special dietary requirements should be communicated before departure so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Transportation includes road travel between major destinations and local 4×4 vehicles where required.
The Nanga Parbat section may involve local jeep transportation to the trekking trailhead.
The Baltoro section begins from Askole and continues primarily on foot.
Domestic flights between Islamabad and Skardu may be used when available and operational. Because flights in northern Pakistan depend on weather, road travel may sometimes be required instead.
The main trekking season is generally from June to September, when the high-altitude Karakoram trekking routes are most accessible.
July and August are traditionally among the main months for trekking in the Baltoro and Gasherbrum regions.
Weather conditions can still change rapidly, and glacier conditions, snowfall, rainfall and road conditions may affect the itinerary.
Thank you for choosing Karakoram Holidays for your mountain expedition, trek or adventure in Pakistan.
Our expeditions and mountain journeys involve extensive planning, permits, transportation, accommodation, staff, equipment and other logistical arrangements. Please read the following booking and cancellation terms carefully before confirming your trip.
To reserve your place on an expedition, trek or other adventure programme, an advance deposit may be required.
The required deposit amount and payment schedule will be communicated to you during the booking process and may vary depending on the selected expedition, services, permits and logistical requirements.
A booking will be considered confirmed only after the required deposit has been received and accepted by Karakoram Holidays.
The remaining balance must be paid according to the agreed payment schedule before the start of the expedition or trip.
For certain expeditions, particularly high-altitude mountaineering expeditions, advance payments may be required for permits, government fees, accommodation, transportation, logistics and other arrangements.
These costs may be non-refundable once they have been paid or committed to third-party service providers.
Payment instructions and available payment methods will be provided during the booking process.
Participants are responsible for any bank charges, transfer fees or other transaction costs associated with their payment.
Any outstanding balance must be settled according to the agreed payment schedule.
Failure to complete payment within the agreed timeframe may result in the cancellation of the booking.
If you wish to make changes to your booking, please contact us as soon as possible.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requested changes. However, changes may be subject to availability, additional costs, permit requirements and the policies of third-party service providers.
Certain expedition arrangements, permits, transportation services and other bookings may not be changed once they have been confirmed.
Any additional costs resulting from changes requested by the participant may be the participant’s responsibility.
We understand that unexpected circumstances may require you to cancel your expedition or trip.
If you need to cancel your booking, please notify Karakoram Holidays in writing as soon as possible.
The cancellation will take effect from the date on which written notification is received.
Refund eligibility will depend on the timing of the cancellation and the costs that have already been incurred for permits, government fees, accommodation, transportation, logistics and other expedition arrangements.
Certain costs may be non-refundable once they have been paid or committed.
These may include:
• Government permits and fees
• Mountaineering permits
• Trekking permits
• Expedition royalties
• Visa support documentation
• Hotel reservations
• Transportation bookings
• Domestic flights
• Equipment and logistical arrangements
• Payments made to third-party service providers
• Other services specifically arranged for the participant
Any non-refundable costs already incurred may be deducted from any applicable refund.
Refunds, where applicable, will be calculated according to the cancellation terms agreed during the booking process.
The amount of any refund may depend on:
• The date of cancellation
• The type of expedition or trip
• Government and permit costs already incurred
• Payments made to service providers
• Transportation and accommodation arrangements
• Expedition logistics already organised
• Other non-recoverable expenses
We strongly recommend that participants obtain appropriate travel and trip cancellation insurance.
Mountain expeditions and travel in remote regions can be affected by circumstances beyond our control.
We reserve the right to modify, postpone or cancel an expedition or trip when necessary due to factors including:
• Severe weather
• Unsafe mountain conditions
• Natural disasters
• Road closures
• Landslides
• Flight cancellations or delays
• Government restrictions
• Security concerns
• Political situations
• Permit issues
• Natural emergencies
• Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control
In such circumstances, we will make reasonable efforts to provide suitable alternatives where possible.
However, additional costs resulting from circumstances beyond our control may be the responsibility of the participant.
All itineraries should be considered flexible.
Mountain expeditions and trekking programmes operate in environments where weather, road conditions, flights, glacier conditions, snow conditions and other factors can change unexpectedly.
The itinerary may therefore be modified for operational or safety reasons.
The expedition leader or relevant team members may make changes to the itinerary when necessary.
For high-altitude expeditions, climbing rotations and summit attempts depend on:
• Weather conditions
• Mountain conditions
• Route conditions
• Snow and ice conditions
• The health and acclimatisation of participants
• Team readiness
• Safety considerations
Safety will always take priority over the planned itinerary or summit objective.
Participants should understand that unexpected delays may result in additional expenses.
These may include:
• Additional hotel accommodation
• Extra meals
• Extended transportation services
• Additional domestic travel costs
• Extra expedition logistics
• Additional accommodation before or after the expedition
• Changes to international flights
• Other personal expenses
Where additional expenses result from circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Karakoram Holidays, these costs may be the responsibility of the participant.
We strongly recommend maintaining sufficient financial flexibility and allowing additional time when arranging international travel.
For mountaineering expeditions, a successful summit cannot be guaranteed.
Mountain conditions, weather, health, altitude, physical condition and other factors may prevent a participant or the entire team from reaching the planned summit.
Participants must be prepared to turn back at any point if continuing becomes unsafe.
Failure to reach a summit or complete the planned itinerary does not automatically entitle a participant to a refund.
THE SUMMIT IS OPTIONAL. RETURNING SAFELY IS ESSENTIAL.
Participants are strongly advised, and may be required depending on the selected expedition, to obtain appropriate travel and expedition insurance.
Insurance requirements may include coverage for:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Personal accidents
• Search and rescue
• Emergency evacuation
• Helicopter evacuation where available
• High-altitude mountaineering
• Trekking activities
• Trip interruption
• Trip cancellation
• Repatriation
Participants are responsible for ensuring that their insurance provides appropriate coverage for their selected activity and altitude.
Standard travel insurance may not cover high-altitude trekking or mountaineering.
Participants joining high-altitude expeditions should carefully confirm that their policy specifically covers the intended activity and maximum altitude.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are physically and mentally prepared for the selected expedition or trip.
Participants must provide accurate information regarding their health, fitness and previous mountaineering experience where required.
For high-altitude expeditions, participants may be asked to provide details regarding:
• Previous climbing experience
• Highest mountains climbed
• Technical climbing experience
• High-altitude experience
• Relevant mountaineering skills
Participants must follow reasonable instructions provided by expedition leaders, guides and authorised team members.
Failure to follow safety instructions may result in a participant being asked to discontinue participation in certain activities.
Karakoram Holidays cannot be held responsible for delays, changes, cancellations or additional expenses resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
These may include natural disasters, severe weather, earthquakes, landslides, floods, road closures, flight disruptions, government actions, political situations, security concerns, pandemics or other unforeseen events.
In such circumstances, reasonable efforts will be made to modify the itinerary or provide suitable alternatives where possible.
By confirming a booking, participants acknowledge that they have read and understood the applicable booking and cancellation terms.
Participants also acknowledge that mountain travel, trekking and mountaineering involve inherent risks and that itineraries may change due to weather, safety and operational conditions.
We encourage all participants to carefully review these terms and contact Karakoram Holidays if they have any questions before confirming their booking.
The specific terms, prices, inclusions, exclusions, payment schedules, permit requirements and expedition services may vary depending on the selected expedition or programme.
Any specific terms agreed for an individual booking or expedition will be communicated during the booking process.
International participants travelling to Pakistan for an expedition, trek or mountain adventure should carefully review the relevant travel, visa, insurance and expedition requirements before making final travel arrangements.
Mountain travel in Pakistan involves remote regions, changing weather conditions and specialised logistical arrangements. Requirements may vary depending on nationality, destination and the nature of the planned activity.
The following information provides general guidance for international participants.
International visitors travelling to Pakistan should ensure that they have a valid passport and meet the applicable entry requirements for their nationality.
Visa and entry requirements may change from time to time. Participants are responsible for checking the latest official requirements before making travel arrangements.
Karakoram Holidays may provide appropriate supporting documentation where applicable for confirmed participants. However, visa decisions and entry permissions remain the responsibility of the relevant government authorities.
We recommend beginning the visa process well in advance of your planned departure.
Certain trekking and mountaineering activities in Pakistan may require official permissions, permits or other documentation.
Requirements may vary depending on:
• The destination
• The selected mountain or trekking region
• The type of activity
• The nationality of the participant
• Government regulations
• The specific expedition programme
High-altitude mountaineering expeditions may involve additional permits, government fees and administrative requirements.
Karakoram Holidays will provide appropriate guidance regarding expedition-related arrangements. However, participants are responsible for ensuring that they understand and comply with applicable official regulations.
International participants normally begin their journey by travelling to Pakistan’s main international airports.
Depending on the selected expedition or programme, the journey may continue by domestic flight or road transportation towards the mountain region.
Many expeditions in northern Pakistan involve travel through remote areas where weather, road conditions and flight operations can affect the schedule.
Domestic flights, particularly flights to mountain regions, may be affected by weather conditions.
Road travel may also be affected by:
• Weather
• Landslides
• Road closures
• Traffic conditions
• Seasonal conditions
• Other operational factors
Participants should maintain flexibility when arranging their international travel and avoid scheduling tightly connected international flights immediately after the planned expedition.
Additional days may occasionally be required because of travel delays.
Participants are responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance for their selected activity.
Standard travel insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for trekking, mountaineering or high-altitude activities.
Depending on the selected programme, appropriate insurance may include coverage for:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Personal accidents
• Search and rescue
• Emergency evacuation
• High-altitude trekking
• High-altitude mountaineering
• Helicopter evacuation where available
• Trip interruption
• Trip cancellation
• Repatriation
Participants must carefully check the terms and limitations of their insurance policy.
For high-altitude expeditions, the insurance policy should specifically cover the intended mountaineering activity and appropriate altitude.
The specific insurance requirements for each mountain may be provided on the relevant expedition page.
Participants are responsible for arriving with appropriate personal clothing and equipment suitable for their selected expedition or trekking programme.
Mountain conditions can vary significantly depending on:
• Altitude
• Weather
• Temperature
• Season
• Terrain
• Snow and ice conditions
High-altitude expeditions require specialised clothing and mountaineering equipment.
Participants should carefully review the equipment requirements for their selected expedition before travelling.
A detailed equipment list may be provided during the preparation and booking process.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that their personal equipment is appropriate, functional and suitable for the planned activity.
High-altitude mountaineering and trekking require careful physical and mental preparation.
Participants should prepare appropriately before joining an expedition.
Preparation may include:
• Physical fitness training
• Endurance training
• Strength training
• Previous trekking or climbing experience
• Technical mountaineering training
• Acclimatisation planning
• Equipment preparation
The experience and fitness requirements vary depending on the selected mountain.
Participants should carefully review the requirements of their chosen expedition.
For major mountaineering expeditions, previous high-altitude and technical climbing experience may be required.
Participants should plan for personal expenses that may not be included in the selected expedition package.
Depending on the programme, personal expenses may include:
• International flights
• Visa costs
• Travel insurance
• Personal equipment
• Additional hotel nights
• Meals not included in the programme
• Personal purchases
• Tips
• Communication expenses
• Additional transportation
• Costs caused by unexpected delays
• Other personal expenses
Participants should maintain sufficient financial flexibility during their journey.
Unexpected weather or travel delays may occasionally result in additional expenses.
Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
Access to banking and payment facilities may be limited in remote mountain regions.
International participants are advised to make appropriate financial arrangements before travelling towards remote areas.
Cash may be required for certain personal expenses.
Participants should discuss any questions regarding expedition payments and included services with Karakoram Holidays before confirming their booking.
Mobile and internet coverage may be limited or unavailable in remote mountain regions.
Communication services may vary by location and selected expedition.
Participants should not expect reliable mobile or internet access during all stages of a mountain expedition.
Communication arrangements at Base Camp and other remote locations may depend on the available facilities and services.
Participants should inform family members that communication may be limited at certain points during the journey.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are physically prepared for their selected activity.
Participants should provide accurate information regarding relevant experience, fitness and any information necessary for safe expedition planning.
High-altitude environments can place significant physical demands on the human body.
Participants must follow reasonable safety instructions provided by expedition leaders, guides and authorised team members.
If a participant is considered unable to continue safely, the expedition team may recommend or require changes to their participation.
Safety decisions made during an expedition must be respected.
The Karakoram, the Himalaya, and other mountain regions of Pakistan are environmentally and culturally important.
We encourage participants to respect:
• Local communities
• Local traditions
• Mountain environments
• Glaciers
• Wildlife
• Cultural sites
Participants should minimise unnecessary waste and follow responsible travel practices throughout the journey.
We believe that responsible tourism and mountaineering play an important role in protecting Pakistan’s mountain environments for future generations.
The requirements, regulations and logistical arrangements for each expedition may vary.
Participants should carefully review the specific information provided for their selected mountain or programme.
Government regulations, visa requirements, permits and travel conditions may change.
The information provided by Karakoram Holidays is intended as general guidance. Participants are encouraged to confirm their current requirements with the relevant official authorities before travelling.
