Fairy Meadows & K2 Base Camp Trek

🧭 Trip Facts

Trek Type: Adventure trekking expedition

Difficulty: Moderate → Challenging

Duration: 20–22 days

Max Elevation: 5,150 m (K2 Base Camp)

Best Season: June – September

Group Size: 4–6

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad

• Arrival at Islamabad International Airport

• Meet & greet by Nomadic Expeditions team

• Transfer to hotel

• Equipment check & trek briefing
  Accommodation: Hotel
  Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Islamabad to Chilas 

Long scenic drive via Kaghan & Naran Valleys, Babusar Pass

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 Meadow

Jeep to Tato, hike to Fairy Meadows, view of Nanga Parbat

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

Hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp/Beyal Camp or relax at 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 

Hike down, jeep to Raikot Bridge, drive along Indus River

Altitude (Skardu): 2250 m
Distance: Fairy Meadows-Tato: 2 hours’ hike
Trek down to Tato valley and jeep drive to Raikot Bridge. Further drive to Skardu along Indus River. Overnight in hotel

Day 6 – Skardu

Sightseeing: Kharpocho Fort, Buddha Rock, Sadpara Lake, shopping

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 Askole 

4WD drive through Shigar & Braldu Valleys, first night in tents

Altitude (Askole): 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 Askole, the last settlement. Askole is a small town of eighty-five households. This will be the first night in tents.

Day 8 – Askole to Jhola

First trekking day, Biafo Glacier views, wilderness camping

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 🌳🏕️🌄

Lush campsite, views of Broad Peak & Paiju Peak

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 🧊⛰️🧗

Enter Baltoro Glacier, views of Trango Towers

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 🌌⛰️🏕️

Stunning campsite with views of Biale & Trango group

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 ❄️🧊🥶

First campsite on ice, Muztagh Tower, Masherbrum, Gasherbrum IV

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 🏔️🌍✨

Arrive at Concordia, “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” with K2

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 K2, 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 😌☀️📸

Rest day: relax, optional hikes, take in the views

Altitude (Concordia): 4687m
A rest day in paradise. Take time for optional hikes, sunrise photos, or simply sit back and let the giants of the Karakoram inspire you. Overnight in tents.

Day 15 – Concordia to Broad Peak BC 🥾🏕️🏔️

Short trek to Broad Peak Base Camp, dramatic views

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 BC to K2 Base Camp & back to Concordia 🏔️🕊️🕯️

Trek to K2 Base Camp & Gilkey Memorial, return to Concordia

Altitude (K2 Base Camp): 5050m
Altitude (Concordia): 4687m
Distance & Hiking Time (Broad Peak BC to K2 BC): 5.1 km / 2 hours
Distance & Hiking Time (K2 BC to Concordia): 12.1 km / 5 hours
Altitude Gained/Lost: ↑150m & ↓213 compared to the previous night
We’ll visit K2 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 ❄️🥾🌌

Glacier walk with views of Chogolisa & Mitre Peak

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 & Huispang ⛏️🏔️🌄

Early climb, cross 5,650m Gondogoro Pass, descend 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 Saicho 🎶🔥🌲

Beautiful meadow camp, local songs & dances with porters

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 – Saicho to Hushe 👋🌳🚙

Last trek with porters, farewell to trekking crew

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 🏘️🚙🌊

Jeep through Ganche villages, along Shayok & Indus Rivers

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 ✈️🏨😴

Flight to Islamabad, rest & leisure

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 🛍️🏛️📖

Shopping or excursion to Taxila, cultural day

Enjoy a free day for shopping or an excursion to Taxila, the ancient heart of Gandhara civilization. Overnight in hotel.

Day 24 – Departure from Islamabad 🎒✈️🌍

Transfer to airport, farewell to Pakistan

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward journey. Farewell, with unforgettable memories of the Karakoram.

Note: The flight between Islamabad and Skardu is subject to weather conditions.

🏕️ What’s Included

✔️ Airport transfers
✔️ Domestic flights / road transport
✔️ Licensed trekking & high-altitude guides
✔️ Porters, cooks & kitchen staff
✔️ All camping equipment (tents, mess, toilet)
✔️ Meals during trek (3x daily)
✔️ Trek permits & park fees
✔️ Ropes & safety equipment for Gondogoro La
✔️ Emergency oxygen & first aid

❌ Not Included

• International flights

• Personal trekking gear

• Travel insurance (mandatory)

• Rescue / evacuation costs

• Tips for staff