12 days, 11 nights
Specific Tour
16 people
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Welcome to Islamabad! You will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant at the airport after immigration and custom. The assistant will escort you to your hotel. We will have ample time for sightseeing and shopping in colorful old bazaars of Rawalpindi and new markets of Islamabad. We may also drive to the modern Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. Drive: 40 minutes Activities: Cultural exploration , Sightseeing Accommodation: Hotel
We rise early to be at the airport in time for our flight to Skardu. If the weather is good, we’ll be treated to one of the finest views available in the world of aviation, as we thread our way up the largest congregation of mountains of Karakoram, Hindukush, Himalaya and Indus River gorges, third longest in Asia and one of the deepest in the world. To our east is K2 (2nd highest in the world and Nanga Parbat (killer mountain) and countless peaks and glaciers. It is sometime possible to catch a glimpse of K2 in the distant before our dramatic landing at Skardu. On arrival we are met by our local staff with jeeps and make the short transfer to the hotel. SKARDU is the administrative capital of Baltistan and gateway to the high peaks of Northern Pakistan. We have some time to explore the town and enjoy the hustle and bustle in peak season of tourists here. Sightseeing in Skardu and surrounding areas during the day. For those seeking a good overview of Skardu, or a place from which to photograph the sunset, Kharfocho Fort is an ideal spot. If the flight is unable to operate because of bad weather, we will resort to travel by road on Karakoram Highway (KKH) to Chilas. The drive is compensated by the beautiful scenery along the Karakoram highway and Indus gorges. The journey on the Karakoram Highway is most exciting and thrilling. It is a monument to the engineering feast and one of the most spectacular roads and the world’s highest metalled border crossing. It connects Pakistan and China stretching over a distance of 1300km between Islamabad and Kashgar, winding through three mountain ranges and following the ancient Silk route along the Indus Valley to the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass. We pass through the historical town of Taxila, beautiful hill station of Abbottabad, quake affected lush green towns of Mansehra, Shinkiari and finally meet the great Indus on Thakot Bridge. From there onward the road snails along the bank of the Indus with contrasting landscape after every two kilometers. We pass through Besham, Dassu, Komila and Shatial to arrive at Chilas with many rock carvings and inscriptions along the way left by Chinese pilgrims and ancient travelers of 5th century A.D. Chilas was on the ancient caravan trail over the Babusar Pass into India. The view after crossing the Rai kot Bridge of Nanga Parbat is without any parallel. Standing at around 1,000 m. you see a mountain which rises to above 8,000 m! This is the largest land escarpment in the world. This is also where the three greatest mountain ranges meet; Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakoram. Flight: 45 Minutes Drive: 10-12 hrs Activities: Cultural exploration , Sightseeing, Hiking,Jeep Safari Accommodation: Hotel
This day may be needed to complete the KKH road journey from Chilas to Skardu. Alternatively, leaving Skardu today will enable us to enjoy an extra day of trekking. Drive:(Chilas to Skardu) 10-12 hrs. Activities: Cultural exploration , Sightseeing, Hiking,Jeep Safari Meals provided: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel
We embark on jeeps for the adventurous ride to the trail head (about six to seven hours) to Hushe village in Hushe valley, famous for its highest mountains. There are many sub valleys which are Gondogoro, Charkusa, Nagma, Nanbroq and Masherbrum. This valley surrounds several peaks above six thousand meters including Laila peak, K6, K7. Murtaza peak is 5100m just behind K6 Base camp and is considered epicenter of trekkers and beginners.The Hushe Valley runs from Masherbrum Mountain (at 7,821 meters, 24th highest in the world) south to the Shyok River, opposite Khaplu. Distance: 135 Km, Drive: 07-08 hrs. Altitude: 3050 M Activities: Jeep Safari, Cultural Exploration Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Today we leave the last inhabited village Hushe. Porters are assembled to carry our luggage for the next section of the journey. The early morning set up our first day trek with porters. A good trail follows the Hushe River’s true left bank north from Hushe village. Two hours from the village, the Aling and Masherbrum rivers join the combined Gondogoro and Tsarak Tsa rivers to from the Hushe River. The trail with sheer granite cliffs above fords a side stream and comes soon to the summer settlement of shepherds. Another clear stream is 15 minutes further, and soon the valley bends east. Continue 30 to 45 minutes, cross a footbridge to the true right (north) bank, and in 15 minutes reach Saicho. Saicho was the place where the Raja of Khaplu come and ate ibex, brought to this place by his hunters, Saicho (3330m), has good water and lots of flat, sandy camp sites amid tamarisks, wild roses and junipers along the river. Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3350 M Activities: Trekking Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mobile Camp
After break fast walk towards east from Saeicho into the ablation valley north of the Sarak Tsa Glacier. The sharp spires of K7 and Link Sar are visible ahead. Tikchumik (small spring), which is in the ablation valley at the base of the ridge west of the Chogolisa Glacier’s, has good water. Continue along the base of the ridge to the Chogolisa glacier’s west margin. Cross this glacier to the green and flowered Spangser above the confluence of the Chogolisa and Tsarak Tsa glaciers. Granite slabs rise above Spangser and Namika (6325m) towers across the Tsarak Tsa Glacier. Spangser (4000m) is the highest pasture and is used mid-July to mid- August. Activities: Trekking Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Trek to K6 & K7 base camp, continue through the ablation valley north of the Tsarak Tsa glacier, at the time over difficult terrain to K7 base camp 4600m. Activities: Trekking Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Morning explore at K-7 base camp and surroundings. Afternoon trek back to Spangsar. Activities: Trekking Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Early morning walk towards Saicho and on further down towards Hushe river on an easy path. Upon arrival camp near the fields in Hushe, with the huge peak of Masherbrum dominating the view to the north. At an altitude of over 3000 metres, Hushe is the highest village in the area and is the first habitation we will see when we reach the Hushe Valley. Walk: Distance: 10 Km, Ascent: 10 m, Descent: 310 m Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3050 M Activities: Trekking Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mobile Camp
A jeep journey along narrow mountain roads passing small farming settlements leads first to Khapulo and then to Skardu (6-7hrs). Drive: Distance: 130 Km, Ascent: 100 m, Descent: 600 m Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3120 M 07-08 hrs Activities: Jeep Safari Meals provided: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel
De-briefing at Ministry of Tourism Skardu. Late morning fly to Islamabad,. With clear skies we will be able to board a plane and be back at our hotel in Islamabad in 45 minutes. If the weather is not so favorable and the flight doesn’t come, then we will have to drive the Karakoram Highway to Rawalpindi through the narrow gorge of the Indus River . The outcome is in the lap of the Gods, so we will be praying that they’re on our side! If we are able to fly down, for those who want to escape the heat of the city a very pleasant excursion is up to the former British hill station at Murree. The faded remnants of the town’s colonial past can be seen in its gable-roofed buildings and small Anglican churchyard. This excursion is not included in the trip price but if any member of the group wish to make this journey a private vehicle and driver can be hired locally for a very modest sum. Back in Rawalpindi we enjoy a final evening meal usually taken at one of traditional food streets either in Islamabad or in Rawalpindi. Activities: Jeep Safari or Air Safari Meals provided: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. Evening sightseeing. If unable to fly on day 18th, this day will be use to transfer from Chilas to Islamabad by road. Activities: Jeep Safari, Sightseeing Meals provided: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel
Gilgit Gilgit Baltistan is a beautiful destination. So much so, that one should definitely plan a visit to this cold desert as a bucket list check box. With beautiful lakes and treks to offer, Gilgit Gilgit Baltistan is a must-visit place to go to. In winter, the temperature in Gilgit Gilgit Baltistan drops down severely and becomes even more picturesque. One can visit the frozen lakes, if not the Baltoro trek, one can do the trek on the Shigar, Khaplu valleys, visit Gilgit Gilgit Baltistani festivals that help you interact with the locals as well.
This activity is largely famous among the avid travellers. The beauty of this region attracts a lot of visitors, but its harsh and deserted environment is quite demanding. On a Baltoro trek, you would meet the locals and understand their way of living in one of the most uninhabitable regions in the world. The Baltoro trek is an experience for the brave-hearted and thrill-seekers. The weather and terrain might shake your confidence, but if you can surpass that then the journey to this land will be the most enriching experience of your life.
Once you have acclimatized, you should not have any high altitude related problems on this trek. Next, the trek is not very rigorous. You do not have to be super fit to do this trek. This trek is all about preparing to deal with cold temperatures. If one’s physical stamina is equipped to do long walks and you’re reasonably fit, then you will enjoy the mesmerizing scenery during this trek, if not it can be prove to be a challenge. Keeping all this in mind, yes, Baltoro can be your first trek.
We usually love to stick to the regular plan. But we always keep a B-Plan ready! Yes, depending on the prevailing situation we can change the itinerary. However the date of trek completion will always coincide with the original itinerary. We should keep in mind that this trek is happening into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your trek leader will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.
Yes, it is always advisable that in any trek carry your own personal medication and basic first aid kit with you. No need to worry!
Our trek leaders are expert in first-aid and are aware of high attitude problems. We carry complete first-aid kit, oxygen cylinders, improvised stretchers,necessary medicines (relating to AMS) and extra team members with us may it be any contingency.
Glacier water is naturally clean but for safe side we use boiled water and chlorine tablets in our camps, it is requested by all the participants to consult our outdoor team before filling up there water bottles during the trek. Hot water is made available for drinking while on the trek. Travelers should also carry chlorine tablets with them.
Yes, if you have a small bag of extra clothing for when you return from the trek, you will be able to store it safely in Islamabad or Skardu for the duration of the trek.
All of the meals served on Our trips are a combination of the best local and regional fares along with some specialty items. Lentils and rice is a common local dish. There will be a variety of hot and cold options for breakfast (porridge, cereal, eggs and bread). Dinners are a mix of pastas and dumplings, chicken, a variety of vegetables, soups and rice dishes. Lunches are often picnic style and various items for and fruit as well as hot tea are provided. Our cook staff is very accommodating to various dietary needs. Let us know before your trip of any dietary restrictions and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.
We have three men tents but two people will be accommodating in one tent. Also it maintains the temperature required to have a warm and comfortable sleep in the night
Yes, our first priority is to create a safe environment for all the trekkers, and a girls’safety is the foremost important thing for us. At the time of Rooms/Tents allotment the boys and girls are segregated in different accommodations. We always create a friendly environment between trekker's and other supporting staffs are carefully chosen for your trips keeping all safety measures in mind. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings.
Trekking shoes is one of the most important things needed in any trek, so you have to be very careful before buying it. Recommended only high-ankle and waterproof shoes which are branded and are specifically designed for trekking purposes.Quechua, Zamberlan, Lafuma, Conquest and The North Face are some high quality brands dealing in High Altitude trekking shoes
The choice is yours if you want a walking stick or not. But it is always more comfortable with a trekking pole. Also a trekking pole will help you make firm steps and help you grip on slippery grounds.
What do i need to bring? A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a dossier. Every year, after assessing feedback from our clients and guides, we review and update our lists so they are as complete and up-to-date as possible. Every list has a description of each item, however feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. It is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
Typically, we don’t have equipment checks for international trips until you are in-country, and you can’t always count on finding an outdoor supplier in Skardu during the days just before a trip begins that has what you need. Therefore, it’s extremely important you follow the equipment list guidelines and bring every item on the list. If you have any questions concerning any of the items mentioned in the equipment list, please contact us.
We may be able to procure some items in Skardu. Call us for specific information regarding your trip.
Your K2 Base Camp Trek will be a fully supported trek with porters and pack animals. You will be carrying a daypack on trekking days, which would contain snacks, camera, water and extra clothing.
The trips get progressively warmer from March through May. Day time temperatures can be in the 25 to 30s (Celsius scale) when the weather is calm and clear. Night time temperatures at the higher elevations may be below freezing upto -20 Cs, especially if the weather is windy. You might expect a little bit of snow at the higher elevations and temperatures in the 20s. Temperatures during the fall season are a bit colder and you may see more snow near the trail.
All accommodations are based on double or triple occupancy. If you are traveling solo and wish to share accommodations, we will pair you with another traveler of same gender. Singles are available in Skardu. If you request single accommodations or a roommate cannot be assigned, you will be responsible for paying the single supplement fee.
We loves to customize personal trips -- for you, your friends, or organization. Our published land costs are typically based on number of individuals, so the number in your party may affect your land costs. Just give us a call/contact us and let us know what you're interested in, and we'll do our best to Make It Happen.
We are happy to help you arrange accommodations before and after your trip. Our area directors can recommend side excursions and restaurants for the extra time.
Our guide or representative will pick you up at the airport on the scheduled arrival date. We can help you arrange accommodations if you arrive earlier, and we are happy to make suggestions for transportation, restaurants and sightseeing.
All of our guides are highly skilled experienced professionals who have been selected based on their careful judgment, local knowledge, understanding of our client's needs, patience and supportive guiding styles, and great personalities. In addition to their impressive personal achievements in the field, our guides bring a wealth of natural history, cultural anthropology and linguistic knowledge for their group's enlightenment. Our international guides and staff surpass the needs of our clientele and make the trip enjoyable beyond expectations.
During a trek, if someone becomes ill or feels that they do not wish to go any farther, the guides decide whether the person requires an escort for descent (by a local staff or assistant guide) or if he or she can stay put until the group returns.
Tipping is always a personal choice, but is greatly appreciated by your guides. Check your departure packet for details.
Absolutely! Our recognizes our trips as physical, scenic, and cultural odysseys into these landlocked regions, and so we encourage you to interact with the locals. Our guides are experienced in the proper cultural courtesies and will be able to advise you along the way regarding these considerations.
There is no way to know how quickly our trips are going to fill up. Many of our trips fill up months in advance. So send in your application and a deposit as soon as you have decided which trip date you want.
You can sign up for the trip directly on our website. To secure your place on this trip, please click on the BOOK NOW button at the side of the page, or the dates tab to the right. You will also need to have the below information to hand: • Name as per Passport • Home Address • Email Address • Telephone Number • Date of Birth Before you embark on your trip, it is essential that we receive your passport, travel insurance, next of kin, medical details and dietary requirements (if applicable). If you have any medical conditions to declare or are over the age of 65, you will be required to complete a medical declaration form, signed and stamped by your GP. If you don’t have all this information to hand, you can still register your place today, and then re-log into the form before you depart by using your email address and the password you create upon registration.
US$300 for scheduled trips. An application alone won’t reserve a space.
If we cancels a trip due to any reason, you will receive a full refund.
We highly recommends the purchasing of trip cancellation, travel insurance and medical evacuation policies. Once we have received your application and have confirmed your spot on a trip, we will send you information about the various types of insurance and insurance companies we would recommend.
Being in good cardiovascular shape is the key. We encourage you to walk steps and stairs each day as the best conditioning before you depart. If you work out at a gym, focus on the StairMaster although walking actual stairways is probably more effective for your overall training. For those of you who are already in great shape – trail runners, marathoners and triathletes – you should know that while you’re in great shape physically, you won’t have much advantage to those in your group who aren’t when it comes to acclimatization. You won’t be able to ascend any faster than the group. Whatever your level of fitness, you should adopt the mantra: Trekking is about the journey not the destination… and remember that we take it slowly to properly acclimatize. Read more about How to get fit for a trek?
A normal day starts with your guide knocking at your door at around 6:00 am in the morning. The breakfast served in the dining tent is usually at 7:00 am allowing you enough time to wash up and pack up. The trek normally begins at 8:00 am. You will be accompanied by your guide and a porter. In average, 3-4 hours of walking is covered before lunch. Lunch will be at a tent en-route. After lunch, normally 3 more hours are covered before reaching the destination of the day. Dinner in the dinning tent is around 7:00 pm before retiring for the night.Acclimatization days are built in along the way where we stay at the same place for an extra night. During this day, you are welcome to explore side hikes.
We have taken trekkers ranging in age from 18 to 78 as high as Gondogoro La (5585m). Our trekking groups are limited to a maximum of 12 members to guarantee quality and personalized service. Small group travel fosters intimacy with the local cultures and the land and ensures quality for each trip member. Our guests come from a remarkable cross-section, ranging from full-time students to physicians, business executives, computer programmers, stay-at-home moms (and dads), writers, etc. In addition, your trekking entourage includes a staff which will number approximately 1:6 . Along the way, your trekking staff will introduce you to their family and friends putting you on a first name basis with tea shop owners, traders, porters, farmers, schoolteachers, and curious children.
The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly almost none despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Karakorum region is known for centuries of peaceful coexistence. The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly almost none than in anywhere in the world despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Karakorum region is known for centuries of peaceful coexistence. we have continued to operate trips in the region each year and we are confident that these regions remains one of the most beautiful, compelling and welcoming places on earth. The major concentrations of troubles are in the western parts of Pakistan and 100s of miles to the Islamabad. Their major concentrations are in areas which have had little or no tourism (investment, hard currency, etc) which is one of the reasons that their message has played well in these very poor districts. By comparison, the K2 Region is a very well and worldly part of Pakistan. That said, whenever you travel in Pakistan (or anywhere in the world for that matter), you should definitely use personal caution. We avoid any known dangerous situations. We monitor political situations posted by the government Office and ground reports from our staff and network of contacts. As when traveling in any region, make sure to keep an eye on your possessions and take certain common-sense measures to prevent theft or dangerous situations. The first rule of trekking K2 Base Camp is to step to the wall side when you meet a mule, since otherwise you can be knocked off the edge. The main danger for most people doing the straight-in, straight-out route is altitude sickness(AKA Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS). For most people, this can be avoided by sleeping no more than 300 metres higher than you did the night before and taking an acclimatisation day every 1000 metres. Serious AMS is more common in folk doing group tours than in independent trekkers. Other common injuries are twisted ankles and sprains. Rock falls, moraine and glacier crossings add significant risk to longer treks involving crossing high passes such as the Gondogoro-La. As always, it’s unwise to trek solo in case you fall and can’t extricate yourself: Do note, that it is illegal to trek solo.
Most people report that they have some mild symptoms of Mountain Sickness ranging from headache to sleep apnea to loss of appetite above 12-14,000 feet. While these symptoms are not of great concern, they are monitored closely by the Expedition Manager and staff. If symptoms become more serious, there are two options: Descend to a lower elevation – possibly resuming the trek once symptoms subside. or airlift.
For snacks, we recommend chocolate, chocolate bars, dried fruit bars and dried fruit which are readily available in Skardu, but Cliff bars, Power bars and the like are not usually available.
Sleeping bags can be hired at US$ 3.50 per day basis. However, in terms of hygiene, we recommend the guests to bring their own sleeping bags. Trekking poles can be hired in Skardu, but the cost will be the same as that of buying a new one.
Trekkers need to have traveling insurance which covers the comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents. This includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and medical treatment costs. In worst cases, we can evacuate / rescue you via helicopter, but this can be very expensive without travel insurance.
There is no specific age of USD bills, however, we recommend the guests to carry new crisp bills when traveling. All denominations are acceptable, however, it is easier if you have smaller denominations of 5’s, 10’s and 20’s.
Pakistani tap water is not safe to drink. Bring water purifying tablets or a water purifying stickto save money and the environment. Note that at higher elevations during the coldest times of year the water will freeze, so you’ll need to use boiled water.Buy a decent thermos flask or plastic water container, so that you can top up with hot, boiled water at the beginning of the day – starting with hot water will stop it freezing.
Check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance very carefully before embarking on the K2 Base Camp trek – the elevations involved are above 5000m, and many companies simply will not cover you at that level. World Nomads offers cover for trekking up to 6000m on recognised routes like K2 Base Camp and the gondogoro and hispar Passes. You should also ensure you are covered for helicopter evacuation from the mountains in emergencies, while mountaineers should arrange cover with their specialist mountaineering association at home before they travel.
Yes – why not stay on and explore more of what Pakistan has to offer! We can request with to change your return date with the airline. Places are limited and all arrangements are subject to availability.
Our unique style of off the beaten track, face-to-face travel is the only way to really experience a destination, but it also serves to keep the costs down. We spend your money providing an authentic experience, instead of on lavish hotels and expensive western-style meals. We pass these savings on to you with our low prices. Another thing you'll notice are the inclusions. While we don't include everything, we do throw in the major highlights of a destination, the things that everyone goes to see. On every trip page we show you the 'Included Highlights' of your trip, things that many other companies charge locally for. We leave many other activities as options, to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do on a daily basis.
# | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Group 2-4 Adult | 2 | 4 | 10% |
2 | Group 5-8 Adult | 5 | 8 | 15% |
3 | Group 9-12 Adult | 9 | 12 | 20% |
4 | Group 13-16 Adult | 16 | 25% |
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