Baltoro Glacier Trek Itinerary: Day-by-Day Route (2026-2027)
A day-by-day plan from Skardu to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, with camp altitudes.
A typical Baltoro Glacier trek itinerary runs about 16-20 days: drive Skardu to Askoli, walk the glacier through Jhula, Paiju, Urdukas and Goro II to Concordia, visit K2 Base Camp, then optionally cross Gondogoro La to Hushe.
Go between late June and August with a licensed operator.
Table of contents
The Baltoro Glacier trek route map
The route climbs from Askoli at about 3,030 m to K2 Base Camp at about 5,150 m.
The map below shows each camp and its altitude.
The Baltoro Glacier trek itinerary follows the glacier east to Concordia, then branches north to K2 and Broad Peak base camps.
The loop continues over Gondogoro La to Hushe Valley.
For a closer look at the junction itself, read our Concordia trek Karakoram guide.
Baltoro Glacier trek itinerary: day by day
Build in rest days at Skardu and Paiju, and keep spare days for weather.
| Day | Leg | Sleep altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad to Skardu | 2,228 m | Fly or drive; flights depend on weather |
| 2 | Skardu rest and briefing | 2,228 m | Permits and gear check |
| 3 | Skardu to Askoli by jeep | 3,030 m | Long rough road |
| 4 | Askoli to Jhula | 3,200 m | First trekking day |
| 5 | Jhula to Paiju | 3,382 m | Last greenery |
| 6 | Rest day at Paiju | 3,382 m | Acclimatisation |
| 7 | Paiju to Urdukas | 4,000 m | Often split into two days |
| 8 | Urdukas to Goro II | 4,310 m | Glacier walking |
| 9 | Goro II to Concordia | 4,600 m | First big views |
| 10 | Concordia to K2 Base Camp and back | 4,600 m | Base camp is about 5,150 m |
| 11 | Broad Peak Base Camp or rest | 4,600 m | Base camp is about 4,800 m |
| 12 | Concordia to Ali Camp | 5,000 m | Pass approach |
| 13 | Ali Camp over Gondogoro La to Khuspang | 4,680 m | Pass is about 5,585 m; very long day |
| 14 | Khuspang to Shaircho | 3,435 m | Descent to green valley |
| 15 | Shaircho to Hushe Valley | 3,600 m | Jeep to Hushe or Skardu |
| 16 | Return to Skardu | 2,228 m | Spare days advised |
If you skip Gondogoro La, you return the way you came, which adds days but avoids the technical pass.
The Gondogoro La option
Crossing Gondogoro La turns the out-and-back walk into a loop, but it is the hardest day of the trek.
The pass tops about 5,585 m and often needs fixed ropes, a harness, crampons and an experienced guide.
Weather can close it for days, so a spare day is essential.
If your group is not ready, the safer choice is to retrace the glacier.
Best season for the Baltoro Glacier trek in 2026-2027
Late June to August is the usual window; book early for 2027.
Snow slows early summer, and weather turns in September.
Check forecasts with the Pakistan Meteorological Department, and confirm permits and dates with your operator well ahead.
Safety and altitude
Ascend gradually, and descend if symptoms worsen.
Headache, nausea and poor sleep can signal acute mountain sickness.
Breathlessness at rest, a wet cough, confusion or loss of balance are emergencies: descend and get help.
See the CDC guidance on altitude illness.
There is little or no mobile signal on the glacier.
Carry offline maps, poles, a warm down layer, sun protection and insurance that covers high-altitude evacuation.
Plan your Baltoro Glacier trek with a Skardu team
A local team handles permits, porters, food and weather decisions.
Tormik Valley Tourism is based in Skardu and builds custom Karakoram itineraries.
Send your dates, fitness level and group size, and we will shape the route and quote.
FAQ: Baltoro Glacier trek itinerary
How many days is the Baltoro Glacier trek?
Plan about 16-20 days including travel, rest days and spare days. The exact length depends on whether you cross Gondogoro La.
Where does the Baltoro Glacier trek start?
It starts at Askoli, reached by jeep from Skardu, at about 3,030 m.
How high does the Baltoro trek go?
K2 Base Camp is about 5,150 m. If you cross Gondogoro La, the pass is about 5,585 m.
When is the best time for the Baltoro trek in 2026-2027?
Late June to August is the usual window. Confirm dates and permits with your operator.
A well-paced Baltoro Glacier trek itinerary, with rest days and a spare day for weather, is the best way to reach Concordia safely.
Leave a comment
Questions about the itinerary or season? Ask below and our Skardu team will reply.