The Trans Karakoram Trek is one of the most challenging and remote trekking routes in the world, taking adventurers deep into the Karakoram mountain range — home to some of the planet’s highest peaks, including K2. This trek is not a single fixed trail but rather a collection of expeditions that cross glaciers, high passes, and valleys in northern Pakistan, often extending into disputed regions near the Trans-Karakoram Tract (Shaksgam Valley), which is administered by China but claimed by India.
Trans Karakoram Trek – Day-by-Day
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skardu – Askole | Jeep ride through Shigar Valley, trek start |
| 2 | Askole – Jhola | Braldu River crossing, first camp |
| 3 | Jhola – Paiju | Views of Paiju Peak, gateway to Baltoro Glacier |
| 4 | Paiju – Khoburtse | Trek along Baltoro Glacier |
| 5 | Khoburtse – Urdukas | Trango Towers panorama |
| 6 | Urdukas – Goro II | Masherbrum and Gasherbrum peaks come into view |
| 7 | Goro II – Concordia | Iconic junction of glaciers, K2 visible, Gasherbrum 4, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa Peak, Broad Peak. |
| 8 | Concordia – K2 Base Camp | Legendary base camp of the world’s 2nd highest peak |
| 9 | K2 Base Camp – Concordia | Return to Concordia |
| 10 | Concordia – Gasherbrum II Base Camp | Trek towards another 8,000m giant base camp, witness world top climbers climbing GI and GII peaks. |
| 11 | Gasherbrum II Base Camp – Conway Saddle | Remote high saddle crossing, explore by Italian in 1934 |
| 12 | Conway Saddle – Hardinge Glacier | Rugged glacier travel, explore by G. Peterkin in 1912 with a view of Mt. Hardinge 7093m |
| 13 | Hardinge Glacier – Base Camp of Sia La (5,700m) | Camp below the pass, continue trekking keeping the right moraine, turning right to Sia La at the junction of West Source Glacier, which lead to Siachen glacier |
| 14 | Cross Sia La – Kondus Glacier | Challenging high-altitude pass, coming down to Kondus Glacier explore by Workman in 1912. Beautiful view of Kury Kangri 6650m, Silver Throne 6500m, Ghent Peak 7401m. |
| 15 | Kondus Glacier – North Sherpi Glacier Camp | Continue on Kondus glacier, crossing Chogron Glacier, North Sherpi Glacier with view of Sherpi Kangri 7280m, Saltoro Group of mountains. |
| 16 | Sherpi Glacier – Link Sar / K6 Glacier Camp | Continue trekking on Kondus glacier with Views of unclimbed giants, reaching the junction of Kaberi Glacier leads to Chogolisa peak SW face 7654m, at the junction beautiful view of K7 and Link Sar Peaks. |
| 17 | Glacier Camp – Karmanding Village (3,010m) | Descend into Karmanding village keeping right side of glacier moraine, with view of Moon Light Peak 5900m and Khorkondus peak 6100m. |
| 18 | Karmanding – Khaplu | Drive by jeep to Khaplu, Cultural immersion in Baltistan |
| 19 | Khaplu – Skardu | Return to Skardu by road |
| 20–24 | Buffer Days | Weather, acclimatization, rest |
| 25 | Departure | End of expedition |
Key Features
- Length: ~ 25 days (with buffer)
- Difficulty: Extremely strenuous — involves glacier travel, high passes, and remote camps.
- Altitude: Highest point ~5,700m (Sia La).
- Special Permits: Required due to proximity to sensitive border zones (Pakistan–China–India).
- Uniqueness: Unlike the standard K2 trek, this route explores Gasherbrum II, Conway Saddle, Sia La, Kondus Glacier, and Link Sar/K6, making it one of the most comprehensive Karakoram expeditions.