Signature trip
23 days in the Karakoram: the Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp, the Gondogoro La pass and the Nangma Valley. Small group, guided by Javier Gil.
Trip overview
K2 Base Camp, Gondogoro La and the Nangma Valley
23 days in the Pakistani Karakoram, following the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, then crossing the Gondogoro La pass (5,585 m) to descend into the Nangma Valley, almost unknown to tourism. Three valleys, four views of the same massif and 63 kilometres of glacier covered on foot. Javier Gil guides the trip with a local support team on the ground. A very small group, maximum 8 people, minimum 4 to confirm the departure.
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Who will be with you on this trip
Javier Gil personally guides this expedition from start to finish, supported by a local team (porters and cooks from the valley's own communities) who know the terrain, the permits and the logistics of a region where any setback is best handled by people who have worked there for decades.
Ecotour departure
Small group · max. 8-10 travellers
Share Pakistan with a small group, a well-judged pace and an itinerary designed by Ecotour.
Start day
Pick your start day: the 23 days of the trip are marked automatically.
Bookings are not open yet. Get in touch and we'll personally tell you all the details.
We design the itinerary and support you throughout your decision. Sending the form is not a booking or a payment.
Flexible dates: get in touch and we'll tell you about the next departure windows and how the trip is organised.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll contact you personally. It isn't a booking or a payment, just a request for information.
Complete freedom
A route just for you and your group, with the freedom to adapt the dates, pace and priorities of the trip.
We tailor the itinerary and pace, and shape the proposal with you. No commitment until every detail is settled.
2026
Choose a month and we'll tell you the availability and price for those dates. The price varies with dates, group size and available accommodation.
International flight to Islamabad. On arrival, your first meeting with the Ecotour team and the rest of the group.
Islamabad
Domestic flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram, with the first aerial views of the great peaks if the sky is clear.
Skardu
A day of acclimatisation and logistical preparation in Skardu (2,438 m): kit check, last-minute shopping and a full briefing on the route and the local context.
Skardu
Jeep journey along mountain tracks to Askole (3,050 m), the last village before the walk-in and the real starting point of the trek.
Askole
The first day of trekking, following the Braldu river valley to the camp at Jhola (3,150 m).
Jhola
The route approaches the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The last vegetated area before you enter glacial terrain for good.
Paju
Onto the Baltoro Glacier (3,600 m). A transition day over moraine and ice, with the first great rock walls of the Karakoram already in view.
Khoburtse
A climb to Urdukas (4,050 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the route, overlooking the Baltoro Glacier and the Trango Towers.
Urdukas
You continue along the glacier to Gore I (4,200 m), with the K2 massif beginning to appear at the head of the valley.
Gore I
Arrival at Concordia (4,600 m), the great crossroads of the Baltoro, with K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums gathered on a single horizon.
Concordia
A round trip to K2 Base Camp (5,150 m), the mountain climbers call "the savage mountain". You walk with respect, not with fear.
Concordia
A spare day for acclimatisation or bad weather. If all goes to plan, a free day to enjoy the surroundings of Concordia at a relaxed pace.
Concordia
You leave the classic Baltoro route and head for Ali Camp (4,950 m), the base for the climb to the Gondogoro La pass. It is common to meet caravans of local porters carrying loads across the glacier.
Ali Camp
The most demanding day of the crossing: you set off before dawn to cross the Gondogoro La (5,585 m), with Laila Peak as your landmark, then descend to the Hushe valley. The pass is crossed only when snow conditions are safe.
Hushe
A transfer and entry into the Nangma Valley (3,100 m), practically unknown to international tourism, with Masherbrum as a backdrop.
Nangma Valley
A day of exploration in the Nangma Valley (3,500 m), among high meadows and rock formations, with far less group traffic than on the Baltoro.
Nangma Valley
A second day in the Nangma Valley, with the choice of longer walks or a rest depending on how the group feels after the Gondogoro La.
Nangma Valley
You leave the Nangma Valley for Hushe and from there travel by road back to Skardu, closing the loop of the trek.
Skardu
A rest day in Skardu, also held as a buffer in case a domestic flight is delayed by the weather.
Skardu
Domestic flight back to Islamabad, with one last chance to see the Karakoram from the air if the weather allows.
Islamabad
A free day in Islamabad before the international flight home, with the option of a final group dinner.
Islamabad
Transfer to the airport and international flight back to Spain.
Return flight
Arrival in Spain. Twenty-three days of Karakoram, glacier and a mountain that stays with you for good.
Arrival
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1
International flight to Islamabad. On arrival, your first meeting with the Ecotour team and the rest of the group.
DAY 2
Domestic flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram, with the first aerial views of the great peaks if the sky is clear.
DAY 3
A day of acclimatisation and logistical preparation in Skardu (2,438 m): kit check, last-minute shopping and a full briefing on the route and the local context.
DAY 4
Jeep journey along mountain tracks to Askole (3,050 m), the last village before the walk-in and the real starting point of the trek.
DAY 5
The first day of trekking, following the Braldu river valley to the camp at Jhola (3,150 m).
DAY 6
The route approaches the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The last vegetated area before you enter glacial terrain for good.
DAY 7
Onto the Baltoro Glacier (3,600 m). A transition day over moraine and ice, with the first great rock walls of the Karakoram already in view.
DAY 8
A climb to Urdukas (4,050 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the route, overlooking the Baltoro Glacier and the Trango Towers.
DAY 9
You continue along the glacier to Gore I (4,200 m), with the K2 massif beginning to appear at the head of the valley.
DAY 10
Arrival at Concordia (4,600 m), the great crossroads of the Baltoro, with K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums gathered on a single horizon.
DAY 11
A round trip to K2 Base Camp (5,150 m), the mountain climbers call "the savage mountain". You walk with respect, not with fear.
DAY 12
A spare day for acclimatisation or bad weather. If all goes to plan, a free day to enjoy the surroundings of Concordia at a relaxed pace.
DAY 13
You leave the classic Baltoro route and head for Ali Camp (4,950 m), the base for the climb to the Gondogoro La pass. It is common to meet caravans of local porters carrying loads across the glacier.
DAY 14
The most demanding day of the crossing: you set off before dawn to cross the Gondogoro La (5,585 m), with Laila Peak as your landmark, then descend to the Hushe valley. The pass is crossed only when snow conditions are safe.
DAY 15
A transfer and entry into the Nangma Valley (3,100 m), practically unknown to international tourism, with Masherbrum as a backdrop.
DAY 16
A day of exploration in the Nangma Valley (3,500 m), among high meadows and rock formations, with far less group traffic than on the Baltoro.
DAY 17
A second day in the Nangma Valley, with the choice of longer walks or a rest depending on how the group feels after the Gondogoro La.
DAY 18
You leave the Nangma Valley for Hushe and from there travel by road back to Skardu, closing the loop of the trek.
DAY 19
A rest day in Skardu, also held as a buffer in case a domestic flight is delayed by the weather.
DAY 20
Domestic flight back to Islamabad, with one last chance to see the Karakoram from the air if the weather allows.
DAY 21
A free day in Islamabad before the international flight home, with the option of a final group dinner.
DAY 22
Transfer to the airport and international flight back to Spain.
DAY 23
Arrival in Spain. Twenty-three days of Karakoram, glacier and a mountain that stays with you for good.
Trip highlights
K2 from Concordia
Concordia is the great crossroads of the Baltoro: from here you see K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums all at once, four 8,000-metre peaks around a single camp.
The Trango Towers and the Baltoro Glacier
The trail along the Baltoro passes right below the Trango Towers, some of the tallest vertical rock walls in the world, on a glacier 63 km long.
The Gondogoro La pass and Laila Peak
The Gondogoro La (5,585 m) is the highest and most demanding point of the route, with Laila Peak, one of the most photographed needles of rock and ice in the Karakoram, as your visual landmark on the climb.
The Nangma Valley, the other side of the pass
After the Gondogoro La everything changes: meadows, huge granite boulders for climbers and Masherbrum in the distance. Here you hardly meet any other groups.
Design, coordination and support for the trip from start to finish.
Ecotour designJavier Gil goes with you all along the route, together with the team of local guides and porters of the Karakoram.
Ecotour guide + local guidesPorters for the shared equipment (not your personal rucksack) and a camp cook throughout the route.
Porters and camp cookHotels in Islamabad, Skardu and Hushe, and tents with camp equipment during the trek.
AccommodationBreakfast, lunch and dinner on every trekking day.
Full board on the trekTrekking permits for the Baltoro and the Gondogoro La, jeep transfers Skardu-Askole and Hushe-Skardu, and domestic flights Islamabad-Skardu-Islamabad.
Permits and transfersInternational flight to Islamabad, travel insurance, the Pakistan visa and a few extras. Click for the full details.
What is not includedYou must travel with insurance that includes medical cover, mountain rescue and repatriation.
The Gondogoro La (5,585 m) and K2 Base Camp (5,150 m) are the highest points of the route. Previous experience of multi-day treks and good fitness are required; we recommend training for 3-4 months beforehand with long walks.
The Pakistan visa is arranged online (evisa.pakistan.gov.pk, about €35, 5-10 working days). We recommend consulting a travel doctor about hepatitis A and typhoid.
Frequently asked questions
There is no fixed date yet. The next planned window is August 2027, on a priority list. Write to us to sign up and we will let you know as soon as it is confirmed.
The Karakoram and the Hushe valley are very different, in terms of safety, from the popular image of Pakistan: they are established trekking areas where international groups regularly go. Before the trip we hold a full briefing on protocols and the local context.
You need to be able to walk 6 to 8 hours at a stretch on consecutive days with a 10-12 kg rucksack, climb 500-800 m of elevation gain in a day and have no known problems with altitude. If you train regularly and have already done a multi-day trek, you probably fit the profile. If in doubt, we talk it through and tell you honestly whether it is for you.
The crossing depends on snow conditions. If it is not safe, we return via Concordia and add an extra day in the Nangma Valley: the trip is still spectacular. The programme includes spare days calculated to absorb these changes.
No, you must take it out separately, and it must cover mountain rescue and medical repatriation. If you would like recommendations for insurers that cover this area well, we will send them to you.
The group is very small: a maximum of 8 people and a minimum of 4 for the departure to be confirmed, with Javier Gil as guide and the support of a local team on the ground.
Gallery
Reviews
Sara Rojas3 months ago
Morocco
Just back from spending a few days in Morocco with Ecotour, all I can say is that the experience was wonderful, the kind that leaves unforgettable memories and makes life even more beautiful!!! Thank you
Hector Rus2 years ago
Morocco
I went on a trip to Morocco with Ecotour and Javi: 4 people and two specialists in snake spotting and rescue. Honestly, the number of different species we saw was surprising, from cobras to vipers and grass snakes, very big desert lizards, geckos and so on. It was non-stop, including getting into Western Sahara, with a group that from minute one felt like we'd known each other all our lives, great vibes and lots and lots of passion for animals and sharing. I learned a ton of things and was able to handle these animals in complete safety. I'd also say that I never felt we were going through tourist spots, quite the opposite. The places we passed through hadn't seen outsiders for days. That means that, besides everything being cheaper, you feel you've really got into the heart of a trip. One hundred percent adventure; more than a tour, it was a trip among friends passionate about animals. Thanks for everything, Javi, and for being there looking out for everyone. A big hug, and I'll do it again as soon as I can, no doubt. 🫂🙌
Sergio Gonzalez Yagüe2 years ago
Morocco
The trip to Morocco was one of the best moments of my life, 10/10, nothing more to add.
Lara Redondo González2 years ago
Morocco
How lovely it is when things are done with passion! A truly authentic trip with Javi in Morocco. If I were you, I'd rush to grab the next place :)
Juan Pablo Bernalte Toledo2 years ago
Morocco
This trip to Morocco was magical, the organisation and the guides super professional, every day an adventure. 100% recommended.
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier. Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
Adrian Romero Fernandez2 years ago
Patagonia
I set off on a trip to the southernmost point in the world with Eco Tour and the experience couldn't have been better. Without a doubt, I'd do it again a thousand times!
Veronica Bimba2 years ago
Patagonia
I went on a trip to Chilean Patagonia with Javi last Christmas and it was impressive!! Besides the scenery, which is truly incredible, Javi's management and organisation were great. Before the trip he advises you on everything you need, and during the trip he was one more companion and friend. A good person and a good professional, I'd definitely travel with him again.
rajae azelmad3 months ago
Honest and good experience
Rut V2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat. He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes. Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest. 100% recommended
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