Rakaposhi Base Camp, Batura and K2 Base Camp: how the three compare, and which one suits your first trip to northern Pakistan.
People often ask us where to start. Each of these three treks shows a different side of the Karakoram, and each asks a different amount of you.
Rakaposhi Base Camp
The shortest of the three. The trail leaves Minapin village in Nagar, close to the Karakoram Highway, and climbs through forest and pasture to the base camp meadow below Rakaposhi (7,788 m). It is graded moderate and suits fit first-time trekkers. The season runs from June to September, and it pairs easily with a few days in Hunza.
Batura Lake
Also moderate, and also June to September. It starts near Passu in Gojal, Upper Hunza, and explores the country around the Batura Glacier with the Passu Cones behind you. This is the home ground of our team, so you walk with people who grew up in these villages.
K2 Base Camp
The big one. From Skardu you drive to Askole, then walk the length of the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and the foot of K2. Masherbrum, the Trango Towers, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums line the route. It is a strenuous glacier trek for fit, experienced walkers, best done between June and August.
Which one?
If this is your first trek at altitude, start with Rakaposhi or Batura. If you have trekked at altitude before and want the full Karakoram, choose K2 Base Camp. We tailor the length of all three to your dates.
