The Mega Trek

In the first part of the mega trekking trip, a visit to Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat Base Camp from Raikot Glacier will be completed. Nanga Parbat means ‘the naked mountain (8125 m), is the second highest peak in Pakistan and 9th in the world is known as one of the three most challenging mountains above 8000M. The mountain has three famous faces known as Rupal, Diamir and Raikot. Our program will cover mountain from Raikot side to witness the beauty and culture of surrounding glaciers, villages and people. Next stop is Concordia known as “the Throng Room of Mountain gods” from here hikes to K-2 Gasherbrum base camps will be made.  Finally, there will be hiking to Gondogoro La 5450m in the Karakoram. If weather favors, this high pass offers the most overwhelming and extraordinary view of K2, Broad Peak, G-I, G-II, G-III, G-IV, Masherbrum, & Chogolisa besides other peaks and glaciers in the region.

Day 1: Islamabad

Altitude (Islamabad): 500 m

Upon arrival at Islamabad Airport, transfer to hotel. Half-day city tour: Our representative/guide will meet our valued guest(s) at Islamabad International Airport and transfer them to the hotel (the new airport is about a 40-45-minute drive from Islamabad city). In the afternoon, a half-day city tour will include visiting Faisal Mosque, built in 1986, the Pakistan Monument, and Lok Virsa (an anthropological museum). At last, you’ll get a breathtaking aerial view of Islamabad from Daman-e-Koh. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Islamabad to Chilas

Altitude (Chilas): 1265 m

Distance: 365 km/10 hours’ drive

After an early breakfast, drive to Chilas via the picturesque Kaghan valley, Naran Valley, and Babusar Pass. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Chilas to Fairy Meadows

Altitude (Fairy Meadows): 3310 m

Distance: Chilas – Raikot Bridge: 56 km/1.5 hours’ drive

Departure for Raikot Bridge from Gilgit or Naran early in the morning. From Raikot Bridge, we will change our vehicle and take jeeps for Tato village (2560 m). From Tato, after a scenic walk, we will reach the fairytale meadow (3310 m), an idyllic place amidst lush coniferous forests. Enjoy the great panoramic view of Nanga Parbat! Overnight stay in simple wooden bungalows or tents.

Day 4: Fairy Meadows

Altitude (Nanga Parbat Base Camp): 4000 m

Altitude (Beyal Camp/View Point): 3550m–3600m

Altitude gained: ↑700m (compared to Fairy Meadow camp)

The day is available for exploring the surroundings of the fairy meadow. A nice hike takes you closer to the ice giants in the direction of Nanga-Parbat base camp (4000m) if conditions (little or no snow) allow. If you do not want to go up the base camp, you can hike up to the viewpoint (near Beyal Camp) or stay at the fairytale meadow and enjoy the day at the foot of the ninth highest peak on Earth. Overnight stay as the day before.

Day 5: Fairy Meadows to Skardu

Altitude (Skardu): 2250 m

Distance: Fairy Meadows-Tato: 2 hours’ hike

Trek down to Tato and jeep drive to Raikot Bridge. Further drive to Skardu along Indus River. Overnight in hotel.

Day 6: Skardu

Altitude: 2250 m

Distance: Chilas – Skardu: 260 km/7 hours’ drive

We will go on a half-day sightseeing tour today. This includes Kharpocho Fort, Manthal Buddha Rock, and Sadpara Lake. If our valued guests wish to do so, they can visit Upper Kachura Lake and Broq. Or they can just make final preparations, as Skardu is the last town where shopping is possible. Overnight in hotel.

Day 7: Skardu to Askoli

Altitude (Askoli): 3100 m

Altitude Gained: ↑850m compared to the previous night

Distance and Driving Time: 130 km/6 hours’ drive

We will drive in four-wheel vehicles through the lush green Shigar and Braldu valleys until we reach Askoli, the last settlement. Askoli is a small town of eighty-five households. This will be the first night in tents.

Day 8: Askoli to Jhola

Altitude (Jhola camp): 3200 m

Altitude Gained: ↑100 m compared to the previous night

Distance and Hiking Time: 17.5 km / 5-6 hours

Our first trekking day, accompanied by a caravan of porters and kitchen staff. We will cross Korophong (3109m) at the snout of the Biafo Glacier, the third-biggest glacier in the Karakoram range. Those undertaking the Snow Lake trek turn left and hike on Biafo Glacier. After lunch at Korophong, we’ll proceed to Jhola along the Domardo River. Today’s hike is on barren land, and on a sunny day, it can be quite warm, so trekkers are advised to have an umbrella and enough drinking water. Overnight at Jhola camp, in the wilderness, in the shade of Bakhor Dass Peak (5809m), a beautiful pyramid with seracs on the top. Overnight in tent.

Day 9: Jhola to Paiju

Altitude (Paiju camp): 3600m

Altitude Gained: ↑400m compared to the previous night

Distance & Hiking Time: 18.8 km / 7-8 hours

The trek continues to Bardumal (3253m), which is situated in the Biaho-Lungma valley. The Ching-Kang valley appears on the opposite side with a view of one of the beautiful peaks, Mango Gusar (6820m). Afterwards, the path proceeds via Bardumal to Paiju in another 4 hours. Today, if weather conditions permit, you will see Broad Peak (8051m), your first peak above 8000m. Paiju is a lush green campsite in the shadow of Paiju Peak (6611m). Overnight in tent.

Day 10: Paiju to Khuburtse

Altitude (Khuburtse): 4000m

Altitude Gained: ↑400m compared to the previous night

Distance & Hiking Time: 13 km / 5 hours

After an hour’s walk from Paiju, you will meet the Baltoro glacier. Baltoro is one of the biggest glaciers outside polar regions and is 62km long. A narrow and winding trail leads along the terminal moraine up to the back of the great ice stream. It takes roughly 4-5 hours across the glacier to the Khuburtse camp. One gets a glimpse of Liligo Peak (6251m) if facing southwards. To the northwest, the world-famous rock faces of Trango Towers rise up into the sky. Overnight in tent.

Day 11: Khuburtse to Urdukas

Altitude (Urdukas): 4240m

Altitude Gained: ↑240m compared to the previous night

Distance & Hiking Time: 8.1 km / 4-5 hours

Urdukas is the most beautiful campsite on solid ground. It offers superb views of Biale (6729m), Uli Biaho Tower (6417m), Chorich, the Trango group, and the Muztagh Glacier. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 12: Urdukas to Goro-II

Altitude (Goro-II): 4500m

Altitude Gained: ↑260m compared to the previous night

Distance & Hiking Time: 11.6 km / 6 hours

The trek continues along the Baltoro glacier, the trail becoming progressively icier. Goro I is reached within 3-4 hours. Then it’s another 2-3 hours to reach Goro II. At the junction of the Baltoro with Yermanandu Glacier, there are spectacular views of Muztagh Tower (7270m), Masherbrum (7821m), and Gasherbrum IV (7925m, 6th highest peak in Pakistan and 17th highest peak on earth). This is the first campsite on ice and the coldest of the whole trek. It doesn’t provide much comfort, yet it is a pleasing experience. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 13: Goro-II to Concordia

Altitude (Concordia): 4687m

Altitude Gained: ↑187m compared to the previous night

Distance & Hiking Time: 12.9 km / 6 hours

The next lap of the trek proceeds from Goro II to Concordia (4687m). The name Concordia has its origin in the British explorer Godwin Austen, who invented the name due to its almost 40km wide part where 14 glaciers come together from all directions. It’s the campsite with the best views. If lucky with the weather, we will have the most magnificent views of the mountain giants of Karakoram, including the crown K-2, which majestically stands just in front of you to the north. The peaks tower over you, and all appear to be tantalizingly close: Gasherbrum-IV & V, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa (7665m), Golden Throne (also known as Baltoro Kangri, 7312m) and Broad Peak (8051m) are just the most prominent of them. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 14: Concordia

Altitude (Concordia): 4687m

Rest day at Concordia.

Day 15: Concordia to Broad Peak Base Camp

Altitude (Broad Peak Base Camp): 4900m

Altitude Gained: ↑213m compared to the previous night

Distance & Hiking Time: 7 km / 3 hours

It takes 3 hours to reach Broad Peak Base Camp (4900m). An amazing day during which we will enjoy the dramatic views of the giant Karakoram Mountains along with large glaciers all around. A look back offers magnificent views of Chogolisa and other beautiful mountains. Parallel streaks of white ice and dark moraine conjure up the idea of Zebra stripes. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 16: Broad Peak Base Camp to K2 Base Camp and to Concordia

Altitude (K-2 Base Camp): 5050m

Altitude (Concordia): 4687m

Distance & Hiking Time (Broad Peak BC to K-2 BC): 5.1 km / 2 hours

Distance & Hiking Time (K-2 BC to Concordia): 12.1 km / 5 hours

Altitude Gained/Lost: ↑150m & ↓213 compared to the previous night

We’ll visit K-2 base camp today, giving the opportunity to meet many mountaineers if they are not in higher camps. We will also visit the Gilkey Memorial with its many memory plaques for climbers who died on K2. After lunch, trek back to Concordia. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 17: Concordia to Ali Camp

Altitude (Ali Camp): 5000m

Distance & Hiking Time: 12 km / 5-6 hours

Altitude Gained: ↑313m compared to the previous night

Continue walk on Vigne Glacier, providing superb views of Chogolisa, and Mitre Peak, a rare mountain panorama, and camp just below pass. Overnight in tents.

Day 18: Ali Camp to Gondogoro La and to Huispang

Altitude (Gondogoro Pass): 5650m

Altitude (Huispang): 4600m

Distance & Hiking Time: 20 km / 10 hours

Altitude Gained/Lost: ↑650m & ↓400 compared to the previous night

We start quite early in the morning (1:00 am) with the traverse of the Vigne Glacier to the Gondogoro. The trail continues via several 45-degree inclined steps – always alongside massive crevasses – up to Gondogoro-La in 4-6 hours. The Pass, with its altitude of 5,650m, provides a breathtaking view of the Karakoram’s great mountains in good weather conditions. The descent to Huispang requires secure walking since it is quite long and tedious. The terrain has a maximum gradient of 45 degrees, with icy and stony ground, and can be reached in 4-6 hours. An overnight in tents.

Day 19: Huispang to Siacho

Altitude (Saicho): 3300m

Distance & Hiking Time: 16 km / 5-6 hours

Altitude Lost: ↓300m compared to the previous night

Proceeding along the lateral moraine, we descend to Saicho, a pleasing campsite with a small shop and toilets. The trek is full of highlights all the way to Saicho, passing through small lakes, lush green meadows, and spectacular views of snow-covered mountains. The best is the most beautiful campsite. Our porters will celebrate the crossing of Ghondoghoro La by the evening with local songs and dances, which makes it fun. An overnight in tents.

Day 20: Siacho to Hushe

Altitude (Hushe): 3000m

Distance & Hiking Time: 8 km / 3-4 hours

Trek down to Hushe (3000m), from where we will get jeeps to Skardu. Today is the last day with porters. We will say goodbye to our porters. Overnight in tents.

Day 21: Hushe to Skardu

Altitude (Skardu): 2250m

Distance & Hiking Time: 168 km / 6 hours

Jeep drive to Skardu, traveling through the beautiful villages of Ganche district and then along Shayok and Indus Rivers. Overnight in hotel.

Day 22: Skardu to Islamabad

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 23: Islamabad

Day at leisure for shopping or visit Taxila, the ancient center of Gandhara civilization. Overnight in hotel.

Day 24: Departure from Islamabad

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the departure flight.

1st Departure

First day of trip: 08-JUL-2025

End of trip: 31-JUL-2025

Duration: 23 nights/24 days

2nd Departure

First day of trip: 15-JUL-2025

End of trip: 07-AUG-2025

Duration: 23 nights/24 days

3rd Departure

First day of trip: 05-AUG-2025

End of trip: 28-AUG-2025

Duration: 23 nights/24 days

• Trip Name: The Mega Trek (Nanga Parbat, K2 Base Camp, Gondogoro La Trek)

• Trip Code: ATP-TR-03

• Trekking Zone: Restricted Zone 

• Route: Islamabad-Chilas-Raikot-Fairy Meadows-Nanga Parbat BC-Skardu-Askoli-Concordia-Broad Peak Base Camp-K2 Base Camp-Gondogoro La-Hushe-Islamabad.

• Best time: June to September

• Maximum Elevation: 5450 meters

• Trek Grade: The first part is easy & the second part is Strenuous

• Trip Duration: 25 nights/26 days (8 hotel nights & 16 camping nights)

• Visa Category: Mountaineering & Trekking 

• Sub Visa Category: Trekking

• Permit Requirement: A trekking permit is required as the trek falls in the restricted zone.