This Broad Peak travel guide explains how to see, trek toward or climb the 12th highest mountain in the world. Broad Peak rises to 8,051 metres in the Karakoram on the Pakistan and China border, close to K2 and the Gasherbrum group. Most visitors meet it from Concordia on the Baltoro Glacier, while climbers follow the West Spur from a base camp on the Godwin-Austen Glacier.
Quick answer: how do you visit Broad Peak?
You reach it on foot. Fly or drive to Skardu, travel by jeep to Askole, then trek up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and on toward base camp. Trekkers can see the peak without climbing it, while climbing needs an expedition permit, a liaison officer and a registered operator.
Broad Peak quick facts
| Detail | Broad Peak |
|---|---|
| Region | Karakoram, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan and Xinjiang, China border) |
| Elevation | 8,051 m (some older sources list 8,047 m) |
| World rank | 12th highest mountain |
| Summits | Main 8,051 m, central about 8,016 m, north about 7,550 m |
| First ascent | 9 June 1957, Austrian expedition by the West Spur |
| Base camp | About 4,850 to 4,900 m on the Godwin-Austen Glacier |
| Gateway town | Skardu, then Askole as the roadhead |
| Languages | Balti and Urdu; guides often speak English |
| Mobile coverage | None on most of the trek; carry a satellite device through your operator |
Location
Broad Peak lies on the western side of the Baltoro Glacier, between K2 and the Gasherbrum peaks. The mountain sits on the Pakistan and China frontier, and it is part of the Baltoro Muztagh. Concordia, where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers meet, gives a wide view of K2, Gasherbrum IV, Chogolisa and Broad Peak together.
History
The British explorer W. M. Conway named the peak in 1892. A first serious attempt followed in 1954. On 9 June 1957 Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Kurt Diemberger and Hermann Buhl reached the summit as a small Austrian team, without supplemental oxygen or high-altitude porters. Buhl died weeks later on Chogolisa. The first winter ascent was made on 5 March 2013 by a Polish team.
How to reach Broad Peak
- Nearest airport: Skardu Airport, with flights from Islamabad that depend on weather. See our domestic flights guide.
- Nearest railway station: None in Gilgit-Baltistan. Rawalpindi is the usual rail starting point.
- Road access: The Karakoram Highway or the Skardu road leads to Skardu. From Skardu a jeep road runs to Askole, where the trek begins. Our road trip vs flight to Skardu guide compares the options.
From Askole the usual trek follows the Baltoro Glacier via Jhola, Paiju, Urdukas and Concordia. One operator describes about six days of trekking to base camp, and times vary with weather and fitness.
Best time to visit and weather
The main window is June to August, which is the climbing season and the busiest trekking period. The route is exposed to cold, wind and sudden storms even in summer. We do not publish temperature figures, because they change by day and altitude. Read our trekking permits guide before planning dates.
Places to visit and things to do
- Concordia: the junction of two glaciers and the best viewpoint for Broad Peak and K2. See our Concordia trek guide.
- Baltoro Glacier: the long approach route, covered in our Baltoro Glacier trek guide.
- Broad Peak base camp: a moraine camp used by expeditions in summer.
- Climbing: the West Spur is the usual route and is described as the standard line.
Photography spots
Clear mornings at Concordia give the best views of the Broad Peak face, and warm evening light helps on the glacier. Carry spare batteries, because cold drains them fast. Ask porters and guides before photographing them.
Where to stay and what to eat
Skardu has the hotels, and you camp from Askole onward. See our Skardu hotels guide. Meals on trek are provided by your operator, and in Skardu you can try local dishes covered in our Skardu food guide.
Estimated costs
We do not publish PKR or USD figures because expedition and trek prices vary widely and change each season. Ask operators for written quotes that show permit and royalty fees, a liaison officer if climbing, porters, food, camping gear, transport and insurance. Our permit fees guide explains the main cost categories.
Packing checklist
- Insulated layers, shell jacket and warm sleeping bag
- Broken-in mountain boots and trekking poles
- Sun protection, goggles and gloves
- Water treatment and personal first-aid kit
- Climbing kit if on an expedition, through your operator
Travel tips
- Choose a registered operator and see how to hire a guide.
- Allow acclimatisation days and read our altitude sickness guide.
- Solo travellers should join an organised group.
- Respect local customs in Balti villages; see our etiquette guide.
Safety tips
- Climbing at 8,000 metres is a specialist activity with serious risks, including avalanche and altitude illness.
- Buy insurance that covers high-altitude trekking or climbing and evacuation.
- Cross glacier streams and moraine with a guide.
- Carry a satellite communication device through your operator.
Responsible tourism
Pack out all rubbish, use designated toilets, and avoid damaging glacier camps. Pay porters fairly and make sure they have suitable clothing and shelter.
Emergency contacts
Your operator should hold current rescue and communication plans. We do not publish a phone list because numbers and procedures change; confirm them before departure.
Possible itinerary
- Days 1 to 2: Arrive in Skardu and sort permits and gear.
- Day 3: Drive by jeep to Askole.
- Days 4 to 8: Trek via Jhola, Paiju and Urdukas to Concordia.
- Day 9: View Broad Peak and K2, then continue to base camp if climbing.
- Return: Walk back down the Baltoro, or cross Gondogoro La on a separate guided plan.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Broad Peak?
Broad Peak is 8,051 metres, and some older sources list 8,047 metres. It is the 12th highest mountain in the world.
Who first climbed Broad Peak?
An Austrian team of Wintersteller, Schmuck, Diemberger and Buhl on 9 June 1957.
Can I see Broad Peak without climbing it?
Yes. Trekkers heading to Concordia on the K2 Base Camp route see it clearly in good weather.
Do I need a permit to climb Broad Peak?
Yes. Expeditions need a climbing permit and a liaison officer. Confirm the current rules and fees through a registered operator.
When is the best time to go?
June to August is the usual season.
Nearby attractions and related guides
- K2 Base Camp trek
- Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II
- Masherbrum
- K2 and Gondogoro La trek
- Pakistan highest peaks
Conclusion
A Broad Peak journey is a Karakoram expedition in itself. Most travellers will enjoy it from Concordia, and climbers need serious experience, the right permits and a strong team.
Sources and official information
Last reviewed October 2026. Permits, fees and conditions change; verify before you travel.