K2 North
See the north face of the world’s second-highest mountain from the Shaksgam side.
Trekking / Karakoram North
Karakoram North.
Follow the Aghil Pass into Shaksgam Valley, where river crossings, camel teams, glaciers and the north faces of the Karakoram turn a trek into an expedition.
Start this route briefShaksgam Valley · Xinjiang
Distance156–216 km
depending on the K2-only or extended Gasherbrum plan
Highest point4,800 m
Aghil Pass, with most walking around 4,000 m
Typical time2–3 weeks
including approach, acclimatisation and weather room
Best windowApr–Jun · Sep–Oct
subject to current trail and permit conditions
A different way to see K2.
The northern side of the Karakoram begins beyond Kashgar and the Yarkand River. From a village near Kurul, the route climbs over Aghil Pass and drops into Shaksgam Valley — a large, glaciated landscape with few traces of permanent settlement.
From the valley, the journey can reach the north side of K2 or turn south towards Gasherbrum Base Camp and its glaciers. This is remote country: the exact itinerary must follow current access, river levels, weather and the logistics of the local camel team.
What the route holds.
Four reasons this is a trek for travellers drawn to big, quiet terrain.
Gasherbrum & Broad Peak
Views of the Karakoram’s 8,000-metre giants unfold across the valley.
Untouched glaciers
Short excursions reach crevasses, seracs and the headwaters that feed Shaksgam River.
Complete wilderness
Broad river valleys and long walking days with the space to feel genuinely away.
Choose your line through the valley.
- Reach the trailhead
Travel from Kashgar via G219 to Mazar, then follow the Yarkand River to the walking start near Kurul/Yilik.
- Cross Aghil Pass
Allow time to acclimatise as the route rises from around 3,500 m to the 4,800 m pass, then descends towards Shaksgam River.
- Commit to one or both valleys
Turn west for K2 North Base Camp, south for Gasherbrum Base Camp and glacier side-trips, or combine both with additional days.
- Walk back with room for the unknown
The same valley route carries the return; rivers, weather and camel logistics decide the daily rhythm.
Start in Kashgar. Then leave the easy road behind.
Kashgar is the main resupply and staging city. The original route describes roughly 500 km by G219 to Mazar via Kargilik County, followed by a smaller road of about 50 km along the Yarkand River to Kurul/Yilik.
Road status, border controls and access procedures change. Treat these distances as planning context only; confirm the operational approach with the local team before committing flights or dates.
Plan for the terrain, not just the distance.
Season
April–June and September–October are the usual planning windows. July and August can bring rain, flood risk and difficult river crossings; winter means much greater snow and cold exposure.
Access & permits
This area requires advance planning and may require border and other local permits. Availability and rules must be confirmed with local authorities before any booking; allow substantial lead time.
Terrain & altitude
Expect one 4,800 m pass, valley walking around 4,000 m and no permanent trail in places where the river course shifts. The first days need a deliberate acclimatisation plan.
River crossings
Crossings are part of the route. Local teams, water level and camel support are safety decisions — never assumptions to make from a map or a fixed itinerary.
Camping
There are no conventional lodges. Camps are chosen around water, safe ground and forage for the camel team; high camps above base camps may need extra porterage.
Meals & resupply
Expedition food is arranged in advance: simple hot breakfasts and dinners, with packed trail snacks at lunch. Tell the team about dietary needs before departure.
Field kit: the practical baseline.
This is a packing framework drawn from the original route notes. A final list should be checked against season, current forecast, operator requirements and your own medical needs.
- PacksMain duffel or expedition pack, daypack, rain covers and dry bags.
- ClothingWarm hat, gloves, sunglasses, quick-dry layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell and gaiters.
- FootwearBroken-in hiking boots, camp shoes and water-crossing shoes.
- SleepSleeping bag rated to at least −10°C and an insulated sleeping mat.
- ToolsTrekking poles, headlamp plus batteries, flask, sun protection and navigation backup.
- HealthPersonal medication, first-aid kit, hygiene kit, waste bags and personal snacks.
The camel team is part of the route.
Camels carry camping equipment and food through the valley, and are used for key river crossings. Their local knowledge is not an add-on: it shapes the safe, workable route.
Want to walk beyond the familiar?
Tell us your trekking background, target travel month and whether you are drawn to K2 North, Gasherbrum or both. We will begin with current feasibility before sketching the route.
Start a Karakoram brief