Depart from your own destination, arriving Islamabad the next day and transfer to the hotel for a few hours’ sleep. After an early breakfast we return to the airport for the flight to Skardu, which usually departs mid-morning. Given good weather this is perhaps the most spectacular commercial flight in the world, with magnificent views of Nanga Parbat the ninth highest mountain in the world. The flight however will not operate in poor weather, and you must be prepared for a wait in Islamabad if the flight is cancelled

In case of cancellation of flight (13-14 hrs) drive by coach to Chilas (480 km) on Karakoram Highway. Or Drive to Chilas via the Babusar Pass 4173m. Babusar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.173 m (13,691 ft) above the sea level. The pass is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley, Pakistan. The pass connects the Kaghan Valley via the ThakNala with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. It’s one of the famous hair pinned roads in the world.

Complete road journey (10-11 hrs) to Skardu (275 km) En-route has good view of Nanga Parbat (8125m) at junction of Indus River and the rapids and fall of Indus River.

Full day for official formalities and final preparation of Expedition at Skardu.

After a free day in Skardu, we travel by Jeep to Askole, the last village between us and K2, This journey takes about 7 hours and is on very rough narrow tracks often blocked / damaged by landslides.

We set off early to avoid the heat of the day. We follow the Braldu river valley through green pastures and after crossing the Biafo River we skirt around the base of the terminal moraines of the Glacier for lunch at Korophon. Beyond here a new path has been cut through the cliffs making the walk to camp straightforward. 7 to 8 hours walking.

We continue up the Braldo River, sometimes close to the raging water, sometimes taking a higher path used by pack animals. If the weather is clear we get our first glimpse of Broad Peak today. Despite the stories in old guide books and journals, much has been done in recent years to remove rubbish and human waste to leave a much cleaner environment with well managed camps.7 to 8 hours walking.

An important resting day follows when the porters will prepare their food for the trek ahead. We will make a side excursion to gain some altitude from where we can get superb views up the Baltoro Glacier.

Today we should get our first distant sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. A shorter day of walking up the glacier to the campsite which is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most dramatic mountain views in the world, dominated by ‘Nameless Tower’. 6-7hours walking.

We continue gently upwards, passing the Yermanandu glacier which flows down from Masherbrum (7821m), while the Muztagh Tower pierces the sky on the north side. At the head of the glacier Gasherbrum 4 looms large. Tonight we camp on the glacier. 6-7 hours walking.

A shorter day takes us on up to Pastore Base camp, where we spend 3 night with a day’s rest to aid acclimatization and climbing to Pastore Peak 6209 meter.

We continue up to the K2 base camp, passing Broad Peak camp on the way. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Heading south we cross several moraine ridges on the Baltoro glacier before turning up the Vigne glacier which is flatter and less crevassed. Early to bed for an early start tomorrow. 6 to 7 hours walking.

Starting in the early hours to minimize the risk of stone fall as we descend from the Gondogoro La later. The ascent is normally all on snow, and we may need to rope up to cross the glacier to the base of the pass. On the steeper sections ropes are in place to use as a handrail and for safety. From the top the ‘big four’ are clear to the northeast, and to the south we look down the Hushe valley dominated by the arrow-like Leila peak. The descent is initially a 45o snow slope, with the angle easing and the snow changing to screed as we descend. Our exact campsite for the night will be determined by our pace and whether or not we have been delayed.09 to 10 hours walking.

We continue on down the Gondogoro glacier, passing a camp at Dalsan and once off the glacier pleasant trekking through yak pastures and passing trees (the first we have seen since Paiju) take us to the village of Shaisho and on to the road head at Hushe. 7 to 8 hours walking total.

Three to four hours trek through summer pastures and shepherd huts and along the Gondogoro River, enjoying spectacular views of K6 (7282m), K7 (6934m), and Linksar (7041m) we reach Hushe village. Overnight and meal in camp.

5-6 hours jeep ride will take us to Skardu along the Shyok and Indus Rivers. Afternoon de-breifing at Ministry of Tourism, Skardu. Meals and overnight at hotel.

Skardu de-briefing & final farewell dinner

Transfer to airport for flight to Islamabad if the flight operates otherwise drive (9 hours) to Chilas along the Karakorum Highway. Meals and overnight at hotel.

Free day in Islamabad or drive to Islamabad from Chilas for 12 hours.

Transfer to Islamabad international airport and onward to your own destination.