Trip Plan
Tour Itinerary
| Trip Duration: | 20 N / 21 D |
| Altitude: | Max: 5,100 m |
| Grade: | Strenuous |
| Range: | Karakoram |
| Zone: | Restricted and permit is required |
| Best Time: | July =September |
| Camping Nights: | 14 |
| Hotel Nights: | 06 |
Trip Highlight
Experience one of the world’s greatest treks with excellent acclimatization.
Enjoy spectacular scenery with views of the great peaks of the Karakorams.
Spend few nights in the magnificent mountain amphitheatre at Concordia.
Take a scenic flight to and from Skardu.
The most famous trekking route not only in Pakistan also in the world is K2 base camp, a strenuous and demanding but rewarding as well. Starting from Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, we cross Shigar, a lush green fertile and fruit laden valley and drive as far as Askole, the road head and the last dwelling before entering into the Galen Rowell’s ‘throne room of the mountain gods. Walking on the treacherous but panoramic Baltoro Glacier, we see several famous and beautiful mountains en route. Finally we arrive at Concordia, the junction of Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers with several other tributaries and a place serving as the base for the four giants of Karakurums, i.e. Gasherbrum II (8035m), Broad Peak (8047m) and Hidden Peak or Gasherbrum I (8068m) dominated by the king of the mountains, K-2 ( 8611m ). The beauty of the place has no match and the view of K2 is gorgeous. The return journey is possible via the same route or crossing the Ghondoghoro La, a technical pass at 5650 meters, offering a good challenge to epic enthusiasts. This route leads to Hushe, another picturesque valley of Baltistan and we drive to Skardu visiting Khaplu, the famous sub division of the area, noted for its old buildings of a castle and a mosque.
Experience one of the world’s greatest treks with excellent acclimatization.
Enjoy spectacular scenery with views of the great peaks of the Karakorams.
Spend few nights in the magnificent mountain amphitheatre at Concordia.
Take a scenic flight to and from Skardu.
The most famous trekking route not only in Pakistan also in the world is K2 base camp, a strenuous and demanding but rewarding as well. Starting from Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, we cross Shigar, a lush green fertile and fruit laden valley and drive as far as Askole, the road head and the last dwelling before entering into the Galen Rowell’s ‘throne room of the mountain gods. Walking on the treacherous but panoramic Baltoro Glacier, we see several famous and beautiful mountains en route. Finally we arrive at Concordia, the junction of Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers with several other tributaries and a place serving as the base for the four giants of Karakurums, i.e. Gasherbrum II (8035m), Broad Peak (8047m) and Hidden Peak or Gasherbrum I (8068m) dominated by the king of the mountains, K-2 ( 8611m ). The beauty of the place has no match and the view of K2 is gorgeous. The return journey is possible via the same route or crossing the Ghondoghoro La, a technical pass at 5650 meters, offering a good challenge to epic enthusiasts. This route leads to Hushe, another picturesque valley of Baltistan and we drive to Skardu visiting Khaplu, the famous sub division of the area, noted for its old buildings of a castle and a mosque.
| Cost: | Depends on number of participants. |
| Included: |
|
| Excluded: |
|
01
Day 1
Islamabad
On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Islamabad. You will meet your guide in the afternoon at the hotel for a trip briefing and gear check. If the flight lands late night the briefing will be held the next day.
Overnight at hotel.
02
Day 2
Fly to Skardu (1 hr flight / 10-12 hour drive to Chilas)
Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the northeast. On a clear day, we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains.
(adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approx two days).
In case of cancellation of flight drive. 10-12hrs by air-conditioned coach/car to Chilas (480km) on the Karakoram highway.
Overnight at hotel
03
Day 3
Drive to Skardu from Chilas / Rest Day (2340m / 7677ft)
If we are driving the road journey today will be 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km). On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m).
Preparations for our trek and depending on our time of arrival into Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus and Basha Rivers.
Overnight at hotel
04
Day 4
Drive to Askoli (3000m / 9842ft) Approx 7-8 hrs Jeep drive.
It takes about six hours to drive from Skardu to Askolie or near Askolie. The drive through the Braldu Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off.
Overnight in Mastuj
05
Day 5
Trek to Jola (3200m / 10498m)
Approx 6-8 hrs After the considerable organization of equipment, supplies and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Jola. The walk from Askoli to Jola is on an easy gentle plain and can be done in 6 to 8 hours. We cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier on the way. The first sight of the pinnacles of the Paiyu Group is stunning.
Overnight in tents.
06
Day 6
Trek to Paiyu (3450m / 11318ft) Approx 7-8 hrs
We follow the Braldu and the Biaho rivers to a river’s edge campsite. On the way, we have to cross the Domurda River coming out of Choktoi and Panmah Glaciers. This crossing is done on a ‘garari’ or on a bridge upstream. Depending upon the time it takes for the crossing, the walk can take 8 hours or more. The Masherbrum Group may be glimpsed to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The range is a vast array of peaks that extend almost the full length of the southern side of Baltoro. Walking conditions are hot and dry and care must be taken to prevent sunburn.
Overnight in tents
07
Day 7
Paiyu – Rest Day (3450m / 11318ft)
Rest day. Wash up, relax, read, climb on a steep ridge behind the camp, sing and dance with the porters! Depending upon the size of the party, goats or a goat will be sacrificed and meat will be distributed to the porters as a form of thanksgiving and to bring us good luck on our next day’s walk on the Baltoro.
overnight in tents.
08
Day 8
Trek to Kurbutse (3930m / 12893 ft) Approx 6-8 hrs
Trek on Baltoro Glacier. Six to eight hours of walking. A tough day as we climb on the rocky moraines of the Baltoro, but the sight of Baltoro pinnacles and Paiyu Peak is astounding! An earlier alternative campsite is Liligo, but there is no water there. We will cross some gushing streams on the way.
Overnight in tents.
09
Day 9
Urdukus (4050m / 13287) Approx 3-4 hrs
A short 4 hour plus walk on the rocky moraines and ablation valley of the Baltoro. We will cross a couple of icy side glaciers on the way and may have our first sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum. The historical campsite is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most intense mountain views in this world. The campsite was prepared by the Duke of Abruzzi at the beginning of this century.
Overnight in tents
010
Day 10
Trek to Goro II (4380m / 14370 ft) Approx 6-7 hrs
This is a tough day’s walk on the undulating Baltoro. However, the footing becomes easy as the rocks become smaller and smaller as we move up the Baltoro. It takes about 7 hours to get to Goro II. We walk right up the center moraine of the Baltoro. As Masherbrum emerges on the right, it takes our breath away and so does Gasherbrum IV right in front of us. Goro is a cold campsite! It has a great view of the Muztagh Tower.
Overnight in tents
011
Day 11
Concordia (4650m / 15255 ft) Approx 4-5 hrs
A special day today as we trek into Concordia and enjoy our first views of K2 (weather permitting!). This location must be considered one of the world’s most spectacular camps as it is surrounded by stunning peaks. As we leave Goro II, the Biange Glacier to the north provides a superb view up to Mustagh Tower (7284m), one of the most difficult mountains in the Karakoram to climb. The trail continues along fairly easy rolling slopes of moraine marked by cairns and then passes among ice towers or seracs as we approach the colliding glaciers at Concordia. Mitre Peak (6030m) rises to our right, with Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri) (7312m) beside it, while the Gasherbrum Group is directly before us. The expanse of Broad Peak (8050m) is to the left and finally, K2 (8611m) looms above the ridge towering over the Godwin Austen Glacier twelve kilometers away.
Overnight in tents
012
Day 12
Concordia – K2 Base Camp – Concordia – Approx 4-5 hours each way
Our schedule is somewhat flexible according to the prevailing weather conditions and group preference. One of our objectives is to visit K2 Base Camp (approx 5150m) and the Gilkey Memorial, a spectacular full-day trip from camp. The most exciting day of this trek as you walk past Broad peak and get nearer to K-2 and arrive at the strip which is the most popular camping area for nearly all the expeditions to K-2. Here some of the top climbers of the world can be seen busy in preparations for the challenges ahead. Return to your camp at Concordia for overnight (K-2 base camp is too high and trekkers can get seriously ill from altitude if they stay for the night at this altitude, therefore the group must return to Concordia).
Overnight in tents
013
Day 13
Hike to Goro II (4380m / 14370 ft) Approx 4-5 hrs
We begin the return trek descending first to Goro II where we have magnificent views of the surrounding granite spires and towers.
Overnight in tents
014
Day 14
We continue our descent of the Baltoro glacier, today reaching as far as Urdukas where we Trek to Urdukus (4050m / 13287) Approx 3-4 hrs
We continue our descent of the Baltoro glacier, today reaching as far as Urdukas where we make camp off the glacier for the first time in several days.
Overnight in tents
015
Day 15
Trek to Paiyu (3450m / 11318ft) Approx 8-10 hrs
Crossing the Baltoro to its north side beneath the towers of Uli Biaho we finally climb down its snout to reach a good trail back to the spring oasis of Paiyu.
Overnight in tents
016
Day 16
Trek to Jola (3200m / 10498m) Approx 6-7 hrs
Following the Braldu River downstream, we make the detour into the Panma Valley to the bridge across its tributary to reach Jhola or Korofon.
Overnight in tents
017
Day 17
Trek to Askoli (3000m / 9842ft) Approx 3-4 hrs
The final day of trekking to the village of Askole. Here we say goodbye to our porters who will return to their villages.
Overnight in tents
018
Day 18
Drive to Skardu (2340m / 7677ft) Approx 5-6 hrs
Making an early start we drive to Skardu through the relatively verdant Shigar Valley. We check into the hotel and the afternoon is free for sightseeing.
019
Day 19
Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas
Weather permitting we will fly to Islamabad today, on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight.
In case of flight cancellation, it is necessary to drive to Chilas and overnight at the hotel on the banks of the Indus.
020
Day 20
Islamabad
Subject to good weather you take the morning flight back to Islamabad. If for some reason the flight is cancelled you will spend the next two days driving back to Islamabad.
Upon arrival in Islamabad you will be transferred to your hotel.
021
Day 21
End of trip in Islamabad
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
