The Great Karakoram Traverse Trek is a guided trip lasting 32 days in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 5,150 m. It is graded Strenuous — two high passes, long glacier travel — 20–24 days on foot. 6 fixed departures are open from $3,800 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
Great Karakoram Traverse Trek — 2027 All-Inclusive
The Great Karakoram Traverse Trek is the most ambitious trekking expedition in Pakistan — a 32-day end-to-end crossing of the entire Karakoram Range from Hushe Valley in the east to Hunza Valley in the west, combining the greatest elements of Pakistan's three finest treks into one continuous expedition.
The Complete Route
- Hushe to Gondogoro La (5,585 m): Begin with the technical Gondogoro La Pass crossing — the only point where four 8,000 m peaks are visible simultaneously.
- Baltoro Glacier to K2 Base Camp: Descend onto the Baltoro and trek to Concordia and K2 Base Camp (5,150 m).
- Biafo Glacier & Snow Lake (4,800 m): Cross the vast glacial basin of Snow Lake — the world's largest non-polar glacier confluence.
- Hispar La (5,151 m) to Hunza: Cross the final high pass and descend into Hunza Valley — completing the full Karakoram traverse.
This is a Grade 5 Expert expedition requiring prior glacier experience. All 32 days are spent entirely above 3,000 m.
Related Treks: Snow Lake & Hispar La | Four 8,000 m Base Camps | K2 & Gondogoro La
- Duration
- 32 Days - 31 Nights
- Max altitude
- 5,150 m
- Grade
- Strenuous
- Days on foot
- 20–24
- Best season
- Summer ( June - September )
- Group size
- Max 10
Great Karakoram Traverse Trek — 2027 Fixed Departures
The grand traverse of the central Karakoram: from Hushe over the Gondogoro La at 5,585 m into Concordia beneath K2, down the Baltoro to Askole, then up the Biafo to Snow Lake and over the Hispar La into Hunza. Thirty-two days from Islamabad to Islamabad, all-inclusive at $3,800 per person. This is one of the hardest treks in Pakistan — two high glacier passes, weeks on the ice, real altitude. You’ll cross it with Balti guides who grew up in these valleys, a sat phone in camp and a rescue plan that actually exists. Local hands, real safety, fair price.
Fixed Departures
Fixed departures are scheduled dates you join as part of a group, rather than arranging your own trip. 6 dates are currently open, each capped at 10 people. Every date is the same price, $3,800 per person. A $380 deposit reserves a place. The availability column shows how many places are left on each date.
| Departure | Dates | Price | Availability | Deposit | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 01 | 1 Jun – 2 Jul | $3,800/person | 8 of 10 places | $380 | Book now |
| Group 02 | 20 Jun – 21 Jul | $3,800/person | 6 of 10 places | $380 | Book now |
| Group 03 | 7 Jul – 7 Aug | $3,800/person | 9 of 10 places | $380 | Book now |
| Group 04 | 26 Jul – 26 Aug | $3,800/person | 7 of 10 places | $380 | Book now |
| Group 05 | 12 Aug – 12 Sep | $3,800/person | 5 of 10 places | $380 | Book now |
| Group 06 | 1 Jun – 2 Jul | $3,800/person | 8 of 10 places | $380 | Book now |
Private & customised groups
These are private departures, priced by the size of your party rather than by a set date. Pick the band that matches your group and the price per person is fixed at that rate, across 4 options. The more of you who travel, the less each person pays — from $7,500 for Solo (1 Person) down to $3,800/pp for 7-10 Persons. What each band covers is set out in the table.
| Group size | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo (1 Person) | $7,500 | Private departure, one trekker. |
| (2-3 Persons) | $5,400/pp | Small group, shared crew. |
| (4-6 Persons) | $4,200/pp | Best value mid-size group. |
| (7-10 Persons) | $3,800/pp | Largest group, lowest per-person price. |
Can you do this trek?
Yes, with some training behind you. Plenty of first-timers do this one and finish strong.
Graded Strenuous — two high passes, long glacier travel.
What to expect
The highest point is 5,150 m, so altitude counts here. The itinerary is built around acclimatising and your guide sets a pace that gets you there comfortably.
One thing we do insist on: travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Travel Experience
Itinerary — Great Karakoram Traverse Trek
The Great Karakoram Traverse Trek is the most ambitious trekking expedition in Pakistan — a 32-day end-to-end crossing of the entire Karakoram Range from Hushe Valley in the east to Hunza Valley in the west, combining the greatest elements of Pakistan’s three finest treks into one continuous expedition. The Co...
Day 1Arrive Islamabad
500 m
Arrive in Islamabad for the expedition briefing with our team.
Day 2To Skardu
2,230 m
Travel to Skardu (2,230 m), our base before the great traverse.
Day 3Skardu Prep
2,230 m
Permits, NOC and final gear checks before we head to Hushe.
Day 4Drive to Hushe
3,050 m
By jeep to Hushe (3,050 m), the trailhead in the shadow of Masherbrum.
Day 5Hushe to Shaicho
3,400 m
Trek up the valley to Shaicho camp (3,400 m).
Day 6Onto Gondogoro
4,200 m
Continue to Dalsampa (4,200 m) as the Gondogoro Glacier opens out.
Day 7Below the Pass
4,650 m
Climb to Khuspang (4,650 m), high camp below the Gondogoro La.
Day 8Pass Prep
4,650 m
Rest and prepare for the pre-dawn crossing of the high pass.
Day 9Cross Gondogoro La
4,600 m
Cross Gondogoro La (5,585 m) at dawn and descend to Concordia.
Day 10Rest at Concordia
4,600 m
Acclimatise at Concordia (4,600 m), surrounded by K2 and Broad Peak.
Day 11K2 Base Camp
5,150 m
Trek to K2 Base Camp (5,150 m) and return to Concordia.
Day 12To Goro II
4,380 m
Begin the Baltoro descent to Goro II (4,380 m).
Day 13Goro II to Urdukas
4,050 m
Continue down the glacier to Urdukas (4,050 m).
Day 14Urdukas to Paiju
3,450 m
Leave the ice and return to Paiju (3,450 m).
Day 15Paiju to Jhola
3,200 m
Trek down the valley to Jhola (3,200 m).
Day 16Jhola to Askole
3,000 m
Reach Askole (3,000 m), the trailhead village.
Day 17Rest at Askole
3,000 m
A resupply and rest day before the second glacier system.
Day 18Onto the Biafo
3,500 m
Step onto the Biafo Glacier and camp at Namla (3,500 m).
Day 19Namla to Baintha
3,900 m
Trek up the Biafo to the Baintha oasis (3,900 m).
Day 20Rest at Baintha
3,900 m
An acclimatisation day before pushing for Snow Lake.
Day 21Baintha to Marpogo
4,300 m
Continue deeper to Marpogo (4,300 m).
Day 22Snow Lake
4,800 m
Reach Lukpe Lawo, the Snow Lake (4,800 m).
Day 23Snow Lake Basin
4,800 m
A day to explore and acclimatise in the great ice basin.
Day 24Hispar La Camp
5,000 m
Climb to high camp below Hispar La (5,000 m).
Day 25Cross Hispar La
4,600 m
Cross Hispar La (5,151 m) and descend to Khani Basa (4,600 m).
Day 26Khani Basa to Yutmaru
4,200 m
Trek down the Hispar Glacier to Yutmaru (4,200 m).
Day 27Yutmaru to Bitanmal
4,000 m
Continue along the glacier to Bitanmal (4,000 m).
Day 28Down to Hispar
3,200 m
Leave the ice for Hispar village (3,200 m).
Day 29Hispar to Hunza
2,400 m
Drive through Nagar to Hunza (2,400 m).
Day 30Rest in Hunza
2,400 m
A recovery day in Hunza, held also as weather margin.
Day 31Toward Islamabad
500 m
Begin the long drive south toward Islamabad.
Day 32Departure
500 m
Final transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What’s included in the price
Every fixed departure is all-inclusive from Islamabad. This is exactly what your $3,800 per person covers, and the handful of things it does not — so there is nothing to settle at the trailhead.
Included in the price
- Local Balti guides and porters
- All camping and kitchen crew
- All meals on trek
- Tents
- Mess and toilet tents
- Cooking gear
- Skardu transfers by 4×4 jeep
- Hotel nights in town
- Permits and NOC fees
- Satellite phone in camp and an emergency rescue plan with established helicopter contacts
Not included
- International flights and Pakistan visa fees
- Personal trekking gear (boots
- Sleeping bag
- Down jacket)
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Tips for crew
- Any cost arising from early descent
- Weather delays or evacuation
Resources
Free guides from our local team, so you arrive ready.
- Trekking gear list what to pack
- Trekking medicine & altitude staying well up high
- Maps, books, visa & permits planning your trip
- Trek brochure
Why Karakoram Venture
Because the people who take you up this mountain are from it. Our guides grew up in these valleys, and they are our own team — not a booking desk handing you to whoever is cheapest that week. Every one of them holds a guide licence from DTS Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federal DTS, renewed each year, and worked at least five years in the region before applying for it. Most also hold Wilderness First Aid.
Because the safety is real, and we will name it rather than imply it. A satellite phone travels in every camp, we hold established helicopter-rescue contacts for this region, and we tell you exactly which travel insurance to carry. Budget operators cut precisely these things, because you cannot see them on a web page.
Because the price is honest. Local infrastructure is why $3,800 per person covers the trip from Islamabad rather than a stripped-down base rate. Exactly what it includes — and the handful of things it does not — is set out above.
How to book this trip
More About the Great Karakoram Traverse Trek
Booking & Payment
A 10% deposit confirms your seat on a fixed departure; the balance is due 30 days before the trek starts.
Payment by bank transfer or Wise. Card payment can be arranged on request.
Your seat is held only once the deposit clears.
Cancellation Policy
More than 45 days out: deposit refunded less bank charges.
30-45 days: 50% of total retained.
Under 30 days: no refund — the permit, porters and logistics are already committed.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is mandatory, and we verify your policy before departure. We also strongly recommend trip-cancellation cover.
Permits & Documentation
This trek enters a restricted glacier zone and requires a Trekking & Mountaineering visa (not a tourist visa) plus an NOC — we guide you through both.
A valid passport (6+ months) and trekking insurance covering high altitude and helicopter rescue are mandatory.
We handle the GB permit and NOC paperwork; you provide passport copies and photos in advance.
Health & Fitness Requirements
This is a long, cold, high-altitude glacier trek — you must be fit and comfortable with multi-day walking on moraine and ice.
No technical climbing skills are needed, but good cardio fitness and prior multi-day trekking are expected.
A doctor’s clearance is advised if you have any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition.
Important Notes
Carry at least 2 recent passport-size photos for verification and documentation.
A valid passport (foreign nationals) or CNIC (Pakistani nationals) is mandatory for booking and travel.
Keep your original passport or CNIC with you throughout the tour for security checks and hotel check-ins.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and the correct visa; any NOC and trekking/restricted-area permits are arranged by Karakoram Venture.
Special Information
Professional and experienced Tour Manager available from start to end of the trip.
Delicious and fresh daily meals included from Day 1 until departure.
No complimentary meals provided on flights or during transit stops.
Follow updated state travel policies carefully for a hassle-free journey.
Transportation Details
Comfortable and spacious A/C Coaches for long trips and intercity travel.
Sturdy 4x4 jeeps for mountain roads and sightseeing (up to 7 pax per vehicle).
Reliable 4x4 vehicles (Land Cruiser / Prado) for off-road and high-altitude excursions.
Arrival & Departure Guidelines
Day 1: Report at the designated airport on time as per schedule.
Final Day: Depart after successfully completing the full itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Great Karakoram Traverse Trek cost?
$3,800 per person on our scheduled departures. The package page lists exactly what is included; private and custom-group pricing is available on request — just ask.
How long is the trip?
32 Days - 31 Nights, start to finish.
When is the best time to go?
Summer (June - September). We will help you pick the best window for your dates.
How hard is the Great Karakoram Traverse Trek? Do I need climbing skills?
This is a serious high-altitude trek, though not a technical climb — no general mountaineering skills are needed on the route. Expect long days on glacier and moraine, cold camps, and real altitude with no road access once you are in. Come with strong cardio fitness and ideally some prior multi-day trekking. The Gondogoro La crossing itself uses fixed ropes and crampons on the pass, which our guides fix and manage for you.
How high do you go?
The high point is Gondogoro La at 5,585 m.
What permits or visa do I need?
Trekking here needs a Pakistan Trekking & Mountaineering visa, which is different from a standard tourist visa, plus trekking permits and an NOC for the national park. We arrange the permits and guide you through the visa paperwork before you travel.
What about insurance, safety and rescue?
We require mountaineering or adventure travel insurance that includes high-altitude helicopter-evacuation cover, valid to this trek’s maximum altitude. Out here heli-evacuation is the emergency option and its cost falls to the client and their insurer, so sort it before you travel. Every expedition carries a satellite phone, and we maintain helicopter-rescue contacts for the region.
Who guides the trek?
Your team is 100% local Balti — guides and porters from the valleys themselves, our own staff, never handed to a third-party broker.
How do I get to the start?
Fly Islamabad to Skardu (about an hour, weather permitting) or drive the Karakoram Highway, then 4x4 jeep to the trailhead. We arrange pickup and all ground transport.
Can I do this as a private or custom trip?
Yes — every itinerary can run as a private departure and be tailored to your dates, pace and group size. Tell us what you have in mind and we will build it around you.
