20 days
Karakoram
Demanding
Gondogoro La Pass & K2 Trek Circuit
Highest
5,585m
Starts
Islamabad
From
See Full Itinerary$1,850
per person
Discover the Spirit of the Mountains
Trek deeper into theKarakoram Mountains.
Explore K2, Concordia, Gondogoro La, Fairy Meadows and the remote valleys of northern Pakistan with experienced local guides who know these mountains as home.
Based in Skardu
Local team from Baltistan
Max 8 Trekkers / Small Group Focus
Our Story
We come from here.
Trek Karakoram was not built by people who discovered these mountains from the outside. It was built by people who grew up in Baltistan, with these peaks on the horizon every single day.
We started this company because we believe the best way to experience the Karakoram is with the people who actually live in it. Our guides know every trail, every change in the weather, and every family in these valleys. That kind of knowledge does not come from training. It comes from a lifetime of being here.
Northern Pakistan
The Karakoram is not just where we work.It is home.
From Skardu to the remote valleys beyond, our connection to these mountains is personal. We know the people, the trails, the seasons and the rhythm of life here.
Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan
From the trail
Gallery
Moments from our Karakoram expeditions, captured by our local team.
Local Knowledge
We are from here.
Our guides grew up in Baltistan. They have walked these trails their entire lives. When they point at a peak and say its name in Balti, it is because they grew up looking at it every day.
Everything Organised
We handle everything.
Airport pickup, accommodation, meals, guides, permits, transport back. Every detail is sorted before you arrive. You focus on what is in front of you. We take care of the rest.
Responsible Travel
We travel carefully.
No waste left on the trail. Fair wages for every porter and cook. Respect for every village we walk through. This is not a policy. This is just how we work.
The Karakoram
Where we take you.
Some routes take two weeks. Some take three days. All of them are worth it.
Multi-day treks
K2, Baltoro & Concordia
Follow some of the world's great mountain trails through the heart of the Karakoram.
Remote roads
Deosai Plains & Astore Valley
4WD journeys into remote mountain country.
Higher ground
Minglik Sar & Chafchingol Pass
Take on the Karakoram's high trekking peaks.
High passes
Nanga Parbat & Fairy Meadows
Trek beneath Nanga Parbat — Fairy Meadows, the Rupal Face and the Mazeno circuit.
Villages & valleys
Hunza & Nagar
Easier walks through villages, valleys and local life.
Choose Your Route
Our treks.
From the trails beneath K2 to quiet valleys beyond the main routes, find the trek that suits you.
20 days
Karakoram
Strenuous
Baltoro Glacier & K2 Base Camp Trek
Highest
5,150m
Starts
Islamabad
From
See Full Itinerary$1,650
per person
9 days
Himalayas
Moderate
Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Fairy Meadows
Highest
3,967m
Starts
Islamabad
From
See Full Itinerary$850
per personShowing 3 of 21 treks
Different Ways To Explore
Not ready for K2? Start here.
K2 Base Camp is our most well-known trek. But not everyone has two weeks or wants to sleep on a glacier. Some people have five days. Some are travelling with their family. Some just want to sit on the Deosai plateau and watch the mountains change colour. We plan all of those journeys with the same care.
01
The big treks.
K2 Base Camp, Nanga Parbat, Concordia, Biafo and Hispar. These are the routes that take weeks and stay with you for years. We guide them with experienced local teams who have done them many times before.
02
The quieter places.
Deosai at 4,000 metres. Kachura Lakes an hour from Skardu. Basho Meadows. Shigar Fort. These places rarely appear on international travel lists. They should. We take you there too.
03
Your own journey.
Different dates, a specific interest, travelling with children, a photography goal, not much time. Tell us what you have in mind and we will plan something that fits it properly.
Find Your Way
Choose how you want to explore.
A long trek, a high pass, a family adventure or a few days in the mountains. Start with the kind of journey you have in mind.
Glacier & High Pass Treks
14 expeditions
6000m Trekking Peaks
8 expeditions
4WD Mountain Safaris
12 expeditions
Family & Scenic Walks
9 expeditions
Glacier Photography
7 expeditions
We believe the mountains should look the same after we leave. Our trips are planned with respect for the trails, villages, people and landscapes that make the Karakoram what it is.
Before You Go
You should know who is taking you into the mountains.
We are a local trekking company based in Skardu. Our team knows these mountains because they are home. From planning and permits to transport, guides and the trail itself, we stay involved throughout the journey.
Life in the Karakoram
See the landscapes and trails we call home.
Local guides who know the terrain.
Our guides come from the communities around these mountains. They know the trails, valleys, weather and the places that do not appear on a map.
Everything arranged before you arrive.
Airport pickup, accommodation, transport, meals, permits and the trek itself are planned ahead of time. You should not have to figure out logistics while standing at the trailhead.
Small groups. More attention.
We keep groups manageable so our guides can pay attention to the people actually walking with them, rather than managing a crowd.
We stay with you from start to finish.
Your journey does not start when you reach the trail and it does not end when you leave it. Our team handles the details around the trek as well.
Based in Skardu. Working with local teams across Baltistan and the wider Karakoram.
Guided tours
Pakistan Tours
Handpicked tours across Pakistan Hunza, Skardu, Swat, Kashmir, Kalash festivals, day trips and city tours with transparent pricing and a 1-minute booking form.
Tour3 daysAndarab Lake Tour Kalam Swat
On request
Andarab Lake Tour Kalam Swat: A 3-day guided tour through Swat, Kalam in Pakistan with transport, stays and local guides.
Trek22 daysAround Nanga Parbat Trek (Circular)
US$ 1,990 / person
Around Nanga Parbat Trek (Circular): A 22-day trek through Nanga Parbat in northern Pakistan with experienced local guides. From US$1,990 per person.
Tour6 daysAstore Valley and Fairy Meadows BC (6 Days)
On request
Astore Valley and Fairy Meadows BC (6 Days): A 6-day guided tour through Fairy Meadows, Astore in Pakistan with transport, stays and local guides.
Tour5 daysAstore Valley & Fairy Meadows (5 Days)
On request
Astore Valley & Fairy Meadows (5 Days): A 5-day guided tour through Fairy Meadows, Astore in Pakistan with transport, stays and local guides.
Our fleet
Rent a Car
Need wheels for the mountains? Cars, SUVs, jeeps, vans and coasters with clear per-day pricing book in under a minute.
CarsUS$ 45 / day
- 4 seats
- 4 seats
- 4 doors
- 4 doors
- Manual
- Manual
- Air-conditioned
- Air-conditioned
- Limited mileage
- Limited mileage
- Driver 21+
- Driver 21+
Newer Corolla sedan with comfortable seating for four and air-conditioning.
Prado/SUVsUS$ 60 / day
- 5 seats
- 5 seats
- 5 doors
- 5 doors
- Manual
- Manual
- Air-conditioned
- Air-conditioned
- Limited mileage
- Limited mileage
- Driver 21+
- Driver 21+
5-door Prado Classic with room for five — a proven mountain workhorse.
JeepsUS$ 60 / day
- 4 seats
- 4 seats
- 2 doors
- 2 doors
- Manual
- Manual
- No AC
- No AC
- Limited mileage
- Limited mileage
- Driver 21+
- Driver 21+
Open mountain jeep for rugged trails — built for rough terrain.
Vans/BusesUS$ 85 / day
- 10 seats
- 10 seats
- 3 doors
- 3 doors
- Manual
- Manual
- Air-conditioned
- Air-conditioned
- Limited mileage
- Limited mileage
- Driver 21+
- Driver 21+
Premium 10-seater van — more comfort for group travel.
Voices From The Karakoram
What our trekkers say
Notes from guests after their expeditions, the routes, the camps, the food, and the local team who looked after them on the trail.
Your story could be here.
Trek Karakoram is in its first season. Our first guests are on their way. When they return, their words go in this section exactly as they wrote them, unedited and in full.
Guest words · Unedited · Published after each expedition
Our Team
The people behind your expedition
Local guides, porters and office staff from Skardu, the team that plans your route, carries your loads and brings you home safely.
Ahmad Ali
Founder & CEO
Ahmad Ali founded Trek Karakoram to share the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan with the world through guided treks across the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush. He leads the company’s vision and brand, with a focus on safe, authentic, locally led journeys.
Daniele Perillo
Honorary CEO
Daniele Perillo serves as Honorary CEO of Trek Karakoram, supporting the company’s vision and long-term growth. He is a valued advocate for our mission of safe, authentic, locally led treks in the Karakoram.
Aslam Khan
Head Cook / Porter Lead
Aslam Khan leads the kitchen and porter team on Trek Karakoram’s expeditions, making sure every group is well fed and well supported on the trail. His work keeps camp life comfortable, so guests can enjoy the journey.
View All Team Members
Meet all 7 people behind Trek Karakoram
Route Explorer
Explore the Karakoram & Himalayan Peaks
Discover legendary peaks, glaciers and high-altitude passes across Gilgit-Baltistan, then explore the trekking expedition connected to each destination.
Destinations8 locations
peakCentral Karakoram, Gilgit-Baltistan
Elev. 5,150m (BC) / 8,611mK2 Base Camp
The Savage Mountain, the second-highest and most demanding peak on Earth.
Key FeatureCrown of Karakoram, Godwin-Austen Glacier
Coordinates35.88° N, 76.51° E
ExpeditionGuided departures 2027
Field Notes
Prepare for the Karakoram.
Practical guides, route knowledge and expedition advice to help you prepare properly for trekking in Pakistan's high mountains.
Expedition Journal
Updated for the 2027 season
Expedition Guides
Jan 12, 20268 min read
The Soul of the Karakoram: Complete Guide to K2 Base Camp & Concordia
Discover the ancient trade paths, glacier moraines, acclimatization schedules, and what it truly feels like to stand in the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.
Visa & Logistics
Feb 02, 20265 min read
How to Obtain Your Pakistan Trekking E-Visa & Letter of Invitation (LOI)
Step-by-step instructions on obtaining the Pakistan E-Visa under the Mountaineering & Trekking category, LOI requirements, and restricted zone NOC clearance.
Health & Safety
Feb 18, 20266 min read
Preventing Altitude Sickness at 5,000m+ in the Karakoram
Acclimatization strategies, hydration standards, Diamox protocols, and daily pulse oximeter monitoring. Ask your own doctor about medication.
Expedition Guides
Mar 02, 20269 min read
K2 Base Camp vs Everest Base Camp: Cost, Difficulty & Which Trek to Choose in 2027
The honest comparison: K2 vs Everest Base Camp on cost ($2,300 vs $1,800+), difficulty, crowds, scenery, and permits — so you can choose the right expedition.
Planning your first Karakoram trek?
Start with the practical knowledge you need before you go.
Expedition Knowledge Base
Everything you need to know before the Karakoram.
Clear answers about permits, visas, altitude, preparation, logistics, safety, and what to expect on your expedition.
Yes. K2 Base Camp and the Baltoro Glacier are located in a designated restricted area near the international border. Trekkers require a formal trekking permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan Department of Tourist Services (DTS) and Alpine Club of Pakistan. Trek Karakoram handles 100% of the permit paperwork, environmental fees, and military liaison requirements for you.
You can apply online through the official Pakistan Online Visa Portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk). Once you book your trek with us, we issue an official Letter of Invitation (LOI), certified tour operator license copy, and confirmed itinerary to attach to your visa application. Tourist e-visas are typically approved in 48-72 hours.
You should have good cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. You will be walking 5 to 7 hours daily over uneven glacial moraine, boulders, and snow for consecutive days, reaching a maximum altitude of 5,585m at Gondogoro La. We recommend 3 to 4 months of prior training including stair climbing, weighted backpack hiking, running, and cycling.
Safety is our highest priority. All our group itineraries are designed with gradual ascent schedules and rest days at Paiju and Urdukas. Our head guides carry daily pulse oximeters to monitor blood oxygen levels, supplementary medical oxygen bottles, first aid medication, and a portable hyperbaric Gamow bag.
In Islamabad and Skardu, you stay in comfortable 4-star hotels. On the trek, you sleep in high-grade four-season waterproof mountaineering tents (The North Face or Mountain Hardwear) with thick insulating foam pads. Our expedition chef and kitchen crew prepare 3 freshly cooked hot meals daily (porridge, eggs, pancakes for breakfast; soups, pasta, fresh vegetables, chicken/mutton curries, rice, and fresh bread for dinner).
Gilgit-Baltistan and the Karakoram region are among the safest, friendliest, and most peaceful regions in Asia. The local Balti and Hunza communities are world-renowned for their hospitality, honesty, and respect. Hundreds of international climbers and solo female trekkers travel with us every season without incident.
To celebrate our global launch, early explorers booking for 2026/2027 receive a 20% direct discount, 10% loyalty discounts on all future treks, a featured testimonial on our website, and free Trek Karakoram merchandise (expedition cap and organic tee).
Mountain weather in the Karakoram can be unpredictable. We include 2 buffer days in our itineraries for domestic flight delays. If you need to cancel your booking more than 60 days before departure, your deposit is fully transferable to any future departure date within 24 months.
Still have questions?
Talk directly with our expedition team about routes, preparation, permits, or anything else on your mind.
Local expedition teamPractical adviceNo-pressure guidance
Discover the Spirit of the Mountains
Secure Your 2027 Karakoram Permit
Connect with our Skardu operations HQ.