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Join us for the K2 Base Camp Trek this summer! Only a few spots left…

How to Prepare for the K2 Base Camp Trek

k2 base camp trek

We get asked these questions a lot by people: “just how difficult is the trek to K2 Base Camp?” and “how can one prepare for it?”

The journey to base camp is not always easy. There are numerous challenges along the way – the weather and rugged terrain to name a few – that need to be treated with seriousness and respect.

That being said, the trek to K2 Base Camp is still very doable and can be undertaken by anyone who has the right attitude. Like all great wilderness experiences, anything is possible with proper preparation and a healthy dose of enthusiasm.

It should go without saying that finishing the trek is also extremely rewarding. After all, this is one of the most adventurous and epic trails you’ll ever have the chance of doing.

So what do you need to do to get ready for the trek to K2 Base Camp? Read on to find out more about expectations, conditions, and necessary precautions.

What to expect

The trek to K2 Base Camp can be difficult, yes, but it’s NOT enormously difficult. Anyone with the proper gear, fitness, and mindset can do it. 

What’s more important is that, despite the difficulties, the trek to K2 Base Camp is well worth the effort.

So what can you expect from this epic adventure? Consider the following.

The terrain

Aside from the first and last few days of the trip, the trek to K2 Base Camp is mostly on glacier. That means ice, sparse vegetation, and a whole lot of rocks. 

Pakistan’s glaciers are unique in that most of them are covered in rubble and mountain debris. Some areas are so packed with earth that it doesn’t feel like a glacier at all. If it wasn’t for the ice blocks, tarns, and meltwater streams, you wouldn’t think you’re walking on ice at all, let alone ice that is almost 170 meters deep in places!

k2 base camp trek

That being said, walking on a rubble-strewn glacier still presents some challenges. Crevasses, though not always gaping, are still present, so it’s better not to wander off. The terrain also undulates frequently, meaning that you’ll be switching between incline and decline pretty often. 

Listen and follow your guides when walking on the Baltoro Glacier. They’ll know the best way to navigate around the boulders and will most often take the path of least resistance. 

Gondogoro La is a proper alpine pass complete with ice and snow. Crampons/microspikes, a harness, helmet, and sling will be vital. Despite the need for this gear, no technical mountaineering experience is required to cross the pass.

The living conditions

K2 Base Camp is an expedition-style trek meaning groups need to pack all of their supplies in with them. This includes food, shelter, camp equipment, power supply, the works. Seems like a lot right? 

Luckily, competent* expedition organizers will spare no expense when it comes to bringing the proper gear. Employing a combination of hearty porters and mule drivers, trip leaders will pack in as much as it takes to make the group relatively comfortable. There won’t be any lazy sofas or Netflix parties up there but we can promise you a nice lounge chair and French press in the morning at least. 

Interestingly, following the installation of a SCOM tower in recent years, internet is actually a possibility now near Concorida – which is pretty mind-blowing considering how remote it is. Granted, it’s only available to SCOM users but still, that’s a hell of a development. 

On a similar note, electricity is usually available at the camps. Well-equipped groups bring a generator with them, which can be used for lighting the camp and charging devices.

*I use the word “competent” here because competency is not always a given on these treks. Some tour organizers cut costs and skimp on camp amenities. That means less food, fewer comforts, like tables, chairs, and a toilet tent, and less overall service.

We, Epic Expeditions, DO NOT cut corners. We bring all of the necessary supplies and take great pride in our camp setups. 

The distances

The total trekking distance for the entire trip is 160 km or 100 miles spread out over 10-12 days. (A few of those will be rest days, of course.)

If you follow a typical itinerary for K2 Base Camp, you should be trekking around 12-16 km (7-10 miles) per day. Some days, like the languid walk from Khoburtse Camp to Urdukas, will be shorter; others, like the downhill push from Kuisbang to Saicho, will be longer. 

Expect to walk around 5-6 hours per day. Mornings will be the best time as the afternoon heat can be oppressive at times. 

The weather

Weather is unpredictable on the Baltoro Glacier, even in the relatively stable summer season. Lower down, the valley can feel like a furnace at times as temperatures push 30 Celcius. Meanwhile, up at Concordia, blizzards can hit at any moment. 

On our trip to K2 in 2021, we were treated to almost a foot of snow at Base Camp. On the return trek back, the thermometer swung in the other direction and some people were on the verge of heatstroke. 

Point being: be ready for any kind of weather on the glacier. Sun, snow, rain, hail, dust, you name it – it’s probably a likelihood on the trek. Have the right clothing and gear to protect yourself from the elements. Here’s a complete packing list to refer to.

k2 base camp trek concordia

The altitude

High altitudes can have a profound effect on the human body. Just ask anyone who’s spent a lot of time hiking in the Andes or Himalayas how they felt when topping out on a huge alpine pass.

With an average elevation of around 4300 meters, the trek to K2 Base Camp is quite high. Beyond 3500 meters, altitude-related ailments start to become more likely. What those symptoms are depends on the person.

When it comes to dealing with high altitude, there is no one cure-all. Diamox* might help your body acclimate more easily but there is no guarantee that it will eliminate altitude-related symptoms altogether. 

In our experience, the best way to handle high altitude is a combination of self-care, fitness, and, most crucial, awareness. Drinking plenty of (purified) water, good sleep, eating plenty, and listening to others when they notice something wrong are all good preventative measures. 

We spread the trip out in a way for maximum acclimatization and keep a close eye on everyone in the group to see if anything is awry. If altitude-related symptoms start to appear, we’ll be there to help.

*Diamox is a prescription drug that requires a doctor’s order. Epic Expeditions cannot advise on when or how much to take at any time. Please consult a healthcare professional first.

Trek to K2 Base Camp

This is the adventure of a lifetime - be one of the lucky few and join us when we go this year!

Make sure you’re prepared

Before embarking on the trip, you’ll want to make sure you have your ducks in a row. Not just organizationally either, but physically and mentally as well. 

Below are some ways that you can prepare for the trek to K2 Base Camp and maximize your chances of having an epic experience.

Physically train beforehand

Even if you won’t be doing any actual mountaineering on this trek, people still need to be in shape before embarking. The distances can be long, the terrain unforgiving, and the atmosphere thinner than you’re used to – you need to be ready and able to handle all of these.
Physically preparing yourself for the K2 Base Camp Trek is somewhat similar to what you might have done for other multi-day backpacking trips. Endurance is crucial as is strength, particularly in your legs, glutes, back, and joints. Having these will ensure that you can not only complete the day’s walk without exhaustion but also avoid unnecessary injuries like sprains.

snow lake trek pakistan

In the months leading up to your trek, try to hike as much as possible. Choose trails that have some sort of incline and take a weighted pack with you to help increase strength. Shoot for length without overtaxing yourself.

When you’re not out on the trail, do workouts that hit the key bodily areas. Squats, lunges, sleds, burpees, stairs, and anything involving a box e.g. step-ups are good exercises to start with. Don’t forget to work on your stability – with a BOSU ideally – and stretch when you’re finished as well.

Have the right gear 

The Karakoram isn’t the place to skimp on equipment or settle on the cheap stuff – this is one of the most rugged mountain ranges in the world. To cope with the conditions and conquer the terrain, you’ll absolutely need the right gear. 

Here are a few extra notable items (among many other mandatory ones): 

  • Sturdy hiking backpack – Not necessarily a large 60+ liter one since porters will be carrying a lot of your camp equipment. We recommend combining a 35-liter backpack with an expedition duffle actually.
  • Trekking shoes – Keep in mind that your trekking shoes are about to take a beating and there will be short glacial river crossings. Good quality and GoreTex material are essential. DON’T bring a brand new pair without breaking them in first either, unless you want to be suffering from terrible blisters.
  • 4-season sleeping bag – It gets real cold on the Baltoro Glacier, even in peak summer. Invest in a proper 4-season bag (preferably a 0-degree one) so that you can stay warm during the night and limber during the day.
  • Basic climbing/glacier equipment – You will need crampons/microspikes, a climbing harness, a helmet, and accessories for the ascent and descent of Gondogoro La. 
  • Filtered water bottle – The water can be silty and even contaminated in places. Don’t risk the runs; purify water whenever you can.
  • Layers – A down jacket, fleece, thermals, pants, base layer, shell, socks, etc, etc. Experienced trekkers know the drill by now.

These are just the TIP of the proverbial iceberg in terms of what you actually need for this trip. To see a more complete breakdown, check out our comprehensive K2 Base Camp packing list post

Be comfortable in the wilderness

Tromping around the backcountry in the remote corners of the Earth is immensely rewarding, and we are very lucky to have access to them. 

But wilderness trekking comes with both pros and cons. 

Yes, it’s raw, unspoiled, relatively empty, and beautiful beyond words. Without a doubt.

On the flip side, the wilderness is not always accommodating. With the isolation comes the occasional feeling of loneliness. Boredom can also set in, especially on days where there is not much walking to do.

k2 base camp trek

When you’re not active, it helps to have some things to kill time. A good book, journaling, cards, photography, mountain bocce, and so on. Hang out with the porters and you may even be invited to a dance party Balti-style! 

Also, remember to practice ‘leave no trace’ as is our sacred duty as excursionists and backpackers. Pack your personal garbage out, avoid contaminating nature, and take only photos. 

Invest in the right insurance

When trekking to K2 Base Camp, you’ll definitely need some sort of protection in the form of insurance. 

The thing is, standard travel insurance just isn’t going to cut it.

For starters, many insurance plans don’t cover trekking or hiking beyond 4000 meters. A third of this trek is above that. 

More importantly, though, most travel insurance doesn’t provide you with adequate emergency evacuation coverage. That means if you get hurt and have to be transported out, you could get stuck with a very hefty bill. 

We recommend using Global Rescue for the trek to K2 Base Camp. These folks provide some of the best coverage in the industry in some of the most remote places in the world. Helicopter evacs are included.

Double check your documents

Because the Central Karakoram National Park lies within a restricted zone, there is a bit of bureaucracy to deal with. 

Thankfully, tour operators will be handling most of the heavy lifting for you when it comes to paperwork. They’ll liaison with you to make sure everything is in order.

Have all the necessary documentation ready, including the trekking permit, passport copies, and a printout of your visa before heading out. Put everything in a safe place as well, such as a plastic envelope. 

Start getting excited

k2 base camp trek

Seriously: finishing the K2 Base Camp Trek is one of the most spectacular things that you can do in a lifetime. It’s demanding, unpredictable, awe-inspiring, and surreal all at the same time. 

Walking amongst giants through the Throne Room of the Gods; there’s just nothing else like it.

So prepare yourself – mentally, physically, spiritually – for the best three weeks of your life. The trek won’t be a walk in the park by any means but it will all be worth it in the end.

So if you haven’t already done so, now is the time to get PUMPED.

Still not convinced? Here are MORE reasons why this trek is amazing. 

So how difficult is the K2 Base Camp Trek actually?

All things considered, we’d say that the trek to K2 Base Camp is certainly a tough trek. The terrain is rugged, the weather is unpredictable, and you’ll be miles away from civilization.

But with the right preparation beforehand and a positive attitude during the trek itself, you should have no problem making it to the end.

Just remember: the things worth having in life usually take work to get. The trek to K2 Base Camp is no different.

Interested in joining us in Pakistan this year?

You can put down a deposit to secure your place on our trip page if you are keen to get signed up.

Contact us for any trip-related questions. Hope to see you at the foot of K2 sometime soon

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Welcome to our Journal!

snow lake trek pakistan

Here at Epic Expeditions, adventure is constantly on our minds. 

Our blog – or Journal as we like to call it – contains epic trip stories, photo diaries, and news about new tours. 

Thanks for checking it out! 

What's new in the journal?

The trip we're most stoked about

MONGOLIA
Horse Trekking in Mongolia Expedition

Next trip: September 3rd - 17th, 2024

Adventure Guide

Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a  love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.

In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to. 

When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer. 

Adventure Guide

Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.

She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos. 

Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team! 

Adventure Guide

As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…

for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry. 

He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world! 

He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi…
The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)

– Coastal

Head of canine operations

Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight. 

She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.

These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen. 

Adventure Guide

An experienced trek leader and
IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.

Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka.

A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.

We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!

– Monika Steinlechner

epic backpacker tours team

Adventure Guide

Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.

His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.

Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. 

His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.

We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations! 

– Alexandra Ruth

Fairy Meadows

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Our Favorite Experiences

#1 Sunrise from Reflection Lake

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#2 Hiking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp

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#3 Playing cricket with the locals

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Trips Where We Visit Fairy Meadows

Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour.  Road trip with some  hiking and cultural immersion.

A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.

Adventure Guide

João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare. 

With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.

João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions. 

After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.

João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none

When not in Pakistan, João is  guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails –  discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.

João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!

– Jeffery 

travel hunza valley

Adventure Guide

Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic Backpacker Tours team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles 

in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!

– Borgan

iran travel tour

Adventure Guide

Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.

Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.

Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro will be leading his 11th tour in Iran with EBT this coming spring 2020

When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Backpacker Tours, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.

 I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!

– Coastal

Diane Bouvet

Adventure Admin / Marketing

After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe

She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Backpacker Tours and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements. 

Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.

k2 gondogoro la trek

Head of Operations | Guide

A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations. 

Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.

Together with Epic Backpacker Tours, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.

Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge. 

– Calvin


Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.

– Katrina 

adventure tours pakistan

Founder | Adventure Guide | Director

Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way. 

Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.

A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Backpacker Tours at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.

Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe. 

For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.

He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands. 

Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.  

Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!

 

Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”

– Will De Villers

Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]

Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.

– Clark Tyler

epic backpacker tours

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