What we’re about
Go take a HIKE!
I grew up in the beautiful wooded hills of Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur till my teens. Somehow, 35 years later, I found myself once again living next to the lush 160 acres wooded forests of Gasing Hills.
Gasing Hills, is a beginner friendly hike site for anyone who seeks to venture into hiking and I have been hiking there with my two children since 35 years ago. Kids grew up enjoying the wildlife, forests and flora. We bonded together with nature just as how I bonded growing up at & my Historical Heritage Hike is a personal journey of my life & my most popular FREE Hike.
14 years ago, in search of a healthy quasi-retirement hobby, I began hiking every weekend. However, hiking alone was boring and so I formed a group “Happy Hikers’. A few like-minded outdoor-loving folks joined and we began small hikes at Gasing Hills. Soon the group grew bigger, now 3000!
Our eager bunch of hikers, consisting of both Malaysians and foreigners soon got bored of the same tracks and ventured out further outside the Klang Valley and climbed dozens LOCAL mountains; first was Nuang which stands at 1,493 meters above sea level, followed by Datuk, Bukit Tabur, Pine Tree, Ledang, Rajah, Bunga Buah, Kinabalu, Repin, Kutu, Galla, Irau, Berembun, Hitam, Raka, Brinchang, Jasar, Broga and many other mountains not once anymore but over 13 years, several times each year!.
Hiking become a family affair, my supportive wife (now EX) has been with me on the adventures and on her 55th Birthday, she summitted Mt Kilimanjaro. I was leading 45 Climbers at Mt, Halasan Jeju Korea 0n my 60th Birthday! Both my children, who are now working adults in the 30's are ardent hikers too.
I am proud to say that Happy Hikers have had great adventures, more than a 1,500, amongst them, Mt Pulag in Manila Thrice (many times, Mt Kinabalu, Gunung Agung, Bali, Gunung Ranjani, ( five times) Pangkubang Perahu (twice), Doi Pui, Doi Sutep (Chiangmai-Twice), Mt Fansipan, Vietnam, Mt Fuji, Japan (8 times) Mt Homan, Mt Takao ( a dozen times) , Mt Apo, Philippines, Shiva Puri (Nepal), Hampta Pass (thrice), India, Tibet-Kailashm, Pulchowki, Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, (7 times) & Everest Base Camp which I did 6 times, going 5th!
I also have had hikes all over Europe. Having done many climbs till 6,000 meters, my sights on now on peaks above 7,200 meters in 2023. I never imagined that at retirement age of 63! (Now 666 years old) I could attempt and succeed at such feats.
Hiking builds confidence and self-esteem, which leads to managing issues, business or personal life an easy breeze. My group members are healthier, fitter, feeling better and are full of enthusiasm and confidence. Together we have made a difference in several hundreds of us, on health, friendships, self-esteem & personal growth.
Our hikes are Sundays, Saturdays and Wednesdays, usually lasting for a duration of three to six hours and we organize one or two major hike up a mountain twice a month & overseas every month. I found the morning hikes to be really beneficial. We hardly have any temptations to skip the mornings as opposed to the evening, we may be tired or stressed. In the mornings the mind is fresh and open for any exercise hikes which are technically, walking and climbing that requires no special skills!
What is it in for me? A great start to the day, less stress, better sleep, weight loss, overall muscular strength, increase in brain power, raises good cholesterol HDL levels in blood, lowers LDL or bad cholesterol levels, makes back pain or any pain disappear, boosts immune system, strengthens joints and better sexual health.
Only pain I feel on my local climbs and hikes, I loathe the wanton destruction of nature for development, agriculture and timber. I wonder in generations to come the beauty that we now enjoy would ever exist at the pace the jungle environment is mowed down.
Happy hikers contribute to nature by organizing annual jungle clean up, we have done SEVEN, 8th is soon. Happy Hikers is an Enterprise now, Happy Hikers Kuala Lumpur & being in Government Regulations has since morphed into Lifetime Adventures Holidays SDN BHD, a licensed Travel Agency!
As we all age, I would like to say, embrace the great outdoors, it’s FREE! Only if you hike or simply exercise Any ailments can be kept at bay and one will feel wonderful and years younger; I find that amongst all my holidays, when a nature hike is thrown in, it makes all the positive difference in life, work, family and most importantly health. Go take a HIKE!
Ganesan S Pillay
019 228 6666 or 012 203 8889
Founder & Lead Hike Captain
Happy Hikers Kuala Lumpur
K2 Base Camp Trek – 24 Days
Group Chat for K2 Base Camp
Itinerary- K2 Base Camp Trek 21-Days It is our intention to keep to the day-by-day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary in order to minimize your inconvenience.
Day 1: Arrival at Lahore This is the first day of trekkers in Pakistan. Upon arrival one of our staff will pick up the guest from Airport and escort them to the hotel. You are bound to provide flight details 3 to 4 days before arrival. Our staff will pick you up and transfer to a partner hotel. At the hotel, after relax and rest clients are bound to pay their dues upon late arrival payment of dues and briefing will be conducted in Skardu. GPS: Altitude: 540 m; Location: Lahore Accommodation: Hotel Room on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 2: Flight to Skardu / Karakoram We will fly to Skardu in the morning. Skardu is the logistic hub of the expeditions and trekking’s in the Karakoram range. The flight from Lahore to Skardu will provide spectacular views of the Himalaya and Karakoram mountains and we should be able to see Nanga Parbat towering among other peaks. Upon arrival in Skardu, one of our staff will be waiting at Skardu Airport and will escort the clients to the partner hotel. Upon early arrival, we would have enough time to rest and pay a visit to the local Bazar and outskirts of Skardu city. GPS: Altitude :540m-2228m, Location: Skardu Accommodation: Hotel Room on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Rest Day at Skardu Skardu is a mountainous town along the Indus River, surrounded by mountains. After breakfast, we will go on an acclimatization hike to the kharpocho and old castle some hundred meters hike from Skardu Bazars. The fort provides a breathtaking view of the Indus River, Skardu, and its Surroundings. While the afternoon you can check out your trekking kit or need to buy something you can go to Bazar for shopping or sightseeing. During the whole activity, our guide will facilitate you. while our office staff at Skardu will do our paperwork that mostly cleared in a day but unfortunately more than a day in most cases. GPS: Altitude: 2228m, Location: Skardu Accommodation: Hotel Room on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4: Drive to Askoli Embarking on a 5-7-hour jeep drive from Skardu, we'll reach Askoli Village, the final stop before the K2 Baltoro trek. The journey passes through Shigar Valley, featuring lush green fields, and continues along the Braldu River, with an overnight stay in a well-serviced camp. GPS: Altitude: 3000 m; Location: Askoli Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Trek to Jula the trek to K2 Base Camp begins, with a two-hour walk leading to Korofon camp at the junction of Biafo Glacier and Baltoro River. Continuing towards Mongron camp, guests can admire the notable Bakhordas peak, the first peak visible on the Baltoro K2 trek. GPS: Altitude: 3100 m; Location: Jula Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 6: Trek to Paju The trek to Paju camp unfolds with awe-inspiring mountain vistas, offering a challenging yet rewarding journey through the stunning Karakoram landscape. The trail showcases the natural beauty of the region, making the trek a memorable experience for adventurers. GPS: Altitude: 3,666 m; Location: Paju Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 7: Rest Day at Paju Rest Day at paju camp for acclimatization GPS: Altitude: 3,666 m; Location: Paju
Day 8: Trek to khobusre On this day of k2 Base Camp Trek, we will start our trekking on the 65km Baltoro Glacier and it will follow us till Concordia where it confluence with Godwin Austin Glacier. After half an hour trek from Paju camp, we will be at the snout of Baltoro Glacier. This is where you can see Trango Towers. Uli Baiho and Paju Peak. The trek will take on the high and downs of Baltoro glacier from here ahead. It is suggested that to be careful while trekking, let the horses and donkeys go if they are crossing your way. 4 to 5 hours’ trek will take us to Liligo, where we will take our lunch in front of Trango towers. The walk will continue to the Khoburse camp along the right edge of Baltoro Glacier and camp overnight there. GPS: Altitude: 3,800 m; Location: Khuburse
Day 9*: Trek to Urdukas After early wake up and getting breakfast we will start our trek to Urdukas Camp over the rough terrain of Baltoro Glacier. This is the last camp before glacial camps on Baltoro Glacier and the shortest day while Baltoro Glacier or k2 Base camp trek. The camp is located at a higher location above Baltoro Glacier and provides the best view of the Granite spire (Trango, Uli Biaho, and Cathedrals). This is the second scenic camp during k2 trekking after Concordia camp. Good weather also provides a glimpse of Gasherbrum 4 as well from Urdukas Camp. GPS: Altitude: 3,950 m; Location: Urudukas Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.*
Day 10: Trek to Goro II On this day of the k2 base camp trek, participants trek in the middle of Baltoro Glacier through the rough moraines. Masherbrum peak is visible on the right side and Muztagh on the left. This day we get first distant sight of Gasherbrum’s and Broad Peak. 3-4 hours’ trek on the glacier we will take our lunch and rest for a while at Goro 1. After lunch, we will resume the trek and it will take 3-4 hours to Goro 2 and Camp overnight in front of Masherbrum. Goro 2 is a windy and cold campsite this is our first camping at Baltoro Glacier. It is the junction of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband. Looking back to Baltoro Glacier the views of the collection of peaks are mesmerizing. GPS: Altitude: 4,300 m; Location: Goro II Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 11: Trek to Concordia A very special day of k2 base camp trek passing through panoramic scenery of spectacular mountains to Concordia and k2 visible if weather permits. Concordia no doubt is one of the best campsites on the planet, also known as the “throne room of mountains gods”. Surrounded by sky kissing giant peaks as Marble peak, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum 3, Mitre peak, Baltoro Kangri, Sia Kangri, and Chogolisa. Concordia is the junction of Baltoro, Godwin Austin, Gasherbrum, and Vigne Glaciers. After a 5-6 hours’ trek on the Baltoro glacier from Goro 2, we will reach Concordia. Very few people are fortunate enough to experience this wilderness. The camp is cold and even snowfall many times and overnight camping in a completed wilderness. GPS: Altitude: 4,691 m; Location: Concordia
Day 12: Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp and K2 Base Camp (Gilkey Memorial) This day we have a flexible schedule most of the trekkers want a closer look at k2 and want to visit Gilkey Memorial while most prefer to hike to Broad Peak Base camp and back to Concordia on the same day and some just want to stay at Concordia to enjoy the 360-degree view of mountains around. We have a whole day to fully absorb the wilderness of the “Throne Room of Mountain Gods”. Trekkers would choose the option they prefer. Those trekkers who want to go to Broad Peak Base Camp and K2 Base camp (Gilkey Memorial) will rise early in the morning. We start our trek towards Broad peak base camp crossing the Glacial streams flowing through the junction of Glaciers very next to the Concordia camp. This part of the glacier between Concordia and K2 Base Camp is rough and technical due to the melting down of the glaciers and the rest is smooth plain track till Broad Peak Base Camp. It will take almost three hours to reach Broad Peak Base camp, where we will take our lunch and resume the trek for two more hours till k2 base camp through Godwin Austin Glacier mostly white glacier. K2 Base Camp elevation/height estimated as 4998m (16,400 ′) almost five thousand meters above sea level. At k2 Base Camp, Gilkey Memorial is a 10-15 minutes’ hike on the mountain. We can find the memories of legends who lost their lives while scaling mountains in the Karakoram. We would have chances of meeting with climbers at Broad Peak and K2 Base Camp only when we are there during July and August. After paying homage to the legends at Gilkey Memorial we will start the trek back to Concordia via the same route and overnight camp at Concordia. GPS: Altitude: 5,100 m; Location: K2 Base Camp
Day 13: Trek Back to Concordia Today we will return to Concordia from K2 Base Camp and it will be a rest day for those who chose to stay at Concordia. We will trek back via the same route that we have followed while going to k2 Base camp and will have the same view of the Karakoram mountains. The hike is now easy while returning to Concordia. We will trek on the Godwin Austin and camp overnight at Concordia. It will be a hike of 5-6 hours. GPS: Altitude: 4,690 m; Location: Concordia Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 14: Trek to Goro 1/ Biango Camp Today we will return to Goro 1 via the same route that we have followed while going to k2 Base camp and will have the same view of the Karakoram mountains. The hike is now easy while returning to Goro 1. We will trek on Baltoro Glacier and camp overnight at Goro 1. It will be a hike of 5-6 hours. GPS: Altitude: 4,300 m; Location: Goro I / Biango Camp Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 15: Trek to Khoburse On this day of the k2 base camp trek, we will start trekking down from Goro 1 and stay at Urdukas the stunning sanctuary for lunch and resume the trek along the edge of Baltoro Glacier. Overnight stay and dinner at Khoburse Camp, it will up to 6 hours hike to reach Khoburse from Goro 1. GPS: Altitude: 3,800 m; Location: Khuburse Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 16: Trek to Paju Today we will resume the trek back to Paju camp through the rough terrain of Baltoro Glacier. Again Trango Towers. Uli Biaho and Paju peak in the scene. The trek will take 5-6 hours to reach Paju from Khoburse. And overnight stay in Camping. GPS: Altitude: 3,666 m; Location: Paju Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 17: Trek to Jhula Today we will resume the trek back to Jula camp through the same rotute along the Baloro River with the scenic view of the high rising peaks and the river gorges. The trek will take 5-6 hours to reach Jula from Paju And overnight stay in Camping. GPS: Altitude: 3,666 m; Location: Paju Accommodation: tents on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 18: Trek Back to Askoli Drive to Skardu On this Day of Baltoro Glacier or k2 Base Camp trek, we will trek back to Askoli and will take us back to Skardu city. At Skardu, it is time to wash, shopping, and excursion and the K2 Base Camp Trek is concluded. GPS: Altitude: 2,228 m; Location: Skardu Accommodation: Hotel rooms on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 19: Fly Back to Lahore Today we will resume the drive back to Lahore from our last stay. Lahore Accommodation: Hotel rooms on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 20: Contingency Day it is a free day in Lahore. Where you can go sightseeing, shopping Bazars or Historical monuments. GPS: Altitude: 540 m; Location: Lahore Accommodation: Hotels rooms on twin sharing basis. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 21: Departure to Home Country This is the last day of the K2 Base Camp Trek; our staff will transfer the trek participants to Islamabad Internal airport to say goodbye.
