from 4 reviews
20 days, 20 nights
Daily Tour
16 people
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Table of Contents
Take on the adventure of a lifetime trekking to reach Concordia K2 base Camp and cross the Gondogoro La.
K2’s daunting summit soars so high that trekking to its base camp (5000m) is still an adventure of the highest
sort. K2 has traditionally been the ultimate goal for mountaineers. Today hard-core trekkers seek the challenge 
of reaching the mountaineer’s Base Camp.
Join Vertical Explorers on a 20-day K2 Base Camp Gondogoro La Trek to Baltoro glacier to Concordia through some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery. With favorable weather and trail, you will climb the 5485m Gondogoro La for an astounding view of 8000 m peak and many other from a pass.
Explore the mountains and valleys around the towering peak, rest in camps with the locals, stay in villages set against soaring, jagged pinnacles, learn about the traditions and cultures of the famous Balti culture and spend time in exotic villages. walk trails lined with stones, engraved with Tibetan prayers.
The Baltoro Glacier, at 63 km in length, is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. It is a trek on baltoro glacier on its entire length.
You’ll rest easy at night in camps knowing that our experienced, knowledgeable guides and porters are there to ensure
the safest, most enjoyable, most fascinating experience possible.
This is truly a trek for aficionados of tough, spectacular, high mountain trekking, led by expert guides and assisted
by support staff throughout, you’ll be greeted by locals who offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional rural life and
majestic views few ever experience.
The K2 Gondogor La Trek is considerably harder than the classic K2 Base Camp Trek. It will be hard physical work given you are climbing above 5,000m, so we recommend you have a good fitness level before embarking. Ascending the high pass involves long days of strenuous trekking that would not be encountered on the classic base camp trek and other variations.
6/7 hours of trekking per day is to be expected and altitudes of up to 5,485m are reached on the trek. That being said, the trek is still very popular among people wanting a bit more of a challenge.
The ascent of Gondogoro Pass/ La requires use of ice axe and crampons plus a jumar for ascending the fixed rope. The climb follows a moderate angled snow slope to the summit of Gondogoro Pass. The most challenging section is the descent down the Gondogoro La.
This requires multi pitch rapels (also known as abseils) at an angle of around 40 to 45 degrees. At this gradient one can walk back down the slope with weight on the feet rather than hanging on the rope. One has to be careful not to kick and knock rocks down to trekkers on the ropes below. Lower down on the slope after three or four rapels the angle eases off. At this point you can use the rope as a handrail as you walk down the rocky slope.
June : 20th, 25th
July : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
August : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
September : 1st, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
June : 20th, 25th
July : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
August : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
September : 1st, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
June : 20th, 25th
July : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
August : 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
September : 1st, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th
K2 Gondogoro La Trek Quick Facts:
Maximum Altitude: 5585 m
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Airport: Skardu, Pakistan
Starting and Ending Point: The trek starts and ends at Skardu.
ATM: Skardu Bazaar has the last ATM point.
Best Time to travel to K2 Base Camp Gondogoro La Trek
Travelling to these giant base camps has its on-peak and off-peak seasons. For ordinary tourists, the golden season
to take a Mt. K2 tour would be in June to October. But Gondogoro La crossing is weather dependent. At these times of the year, the skies are clearer, with very few
days where visibility is even slightly limited.
There is very little rain and snow, and daytime temperatures, while not the hottest in the year, are well above
freezing, and quite comfortable for trekking and touring the region. Although, you will still need some warm
clothes for the nights, which can still get quite cold.
However, tours to K2 can be arranged at any time of year, given an individuals’ unique preference. As long as
you are not a professional mountaineer with a particular time frame to summit the mountain, K2 Base Camp
welcomes you whenever you come.
Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable
and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and
occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus
thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer.
In general, Trekking region is not as conservative as other regions, and you do not have to worry about keeping your
legs or shoulders covered on a day to day basis. However, when visiting religious sites, you will need to cover up.
We recommend having long trousers to cover up for this.
| Basics Gear | |
| Back pack & rain cover | (50 – 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
| Day pack + rain cover | 20 – 30 ltr |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Head torch | 1 No. |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
| People who use hydration pack | |
| 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter | |
| Carry at least one thermos flask | |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
| Be comfy at the trek | |
| T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
| Fleece T-shirts | 1 No. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 No. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollow fill jacket | 1 No. |
| Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| Poncho | 1 No. |
| Personal Utilities | |
| Sunscreen cream SPF 30+ | Hand sanitizer |
| Moisturizer | Antibacterial powder |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Lip balm | Quick dry towel |
| Think about your head | |
| Sun cap | 1 No. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 No. |
| Balaclava | 1 No. |
| Neck-gaiters | 1 No. |
| Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. |
| People who wear spectacles- | |
| (A)- Use contact lenses. | |
| (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. | |
| Mind your step | |
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
| Cotton socks | 5 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 3 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair |
| Crampon | 1 pair |
| Keep these handy | |
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
This trek ( K2 Base Camp Gondogoro La Trek) has an activity level of maximum, and is designed for serious hikers
who are very fit and have experience hiking or trekking at high elevations. During our 14-day trek, we will hike 4 to
10 hours per day on moderate to steep grades, at elevations ranging from 9,318 feet to a maximum of 18,192 feet.
Some days will be rest days with optional hikes to properly acclimatize. Your trip leader will set a suitable pace to
minimize risk of altitude issues. Porters and pack animals will transport our gear. This is a strenuous grade trek and
need well preparation.
Tips for K2 Base Camp Gondogoro La Trek
The preparation before K2 Base Camp Gondogoro La Trek should be adequate. Beside some of the few obligatory items like
hiking boots, warm clothes, UV sun-block etc, there are a lot of things that you need to carry on your way ahead. A lot of stuff
that you might not have considered taking along are mentioned here; these things may seem unnecessary at first but would
enhance your trekking experience once you start your trip.
The closest airport to K2 Base Camp is the Skardu airport in Skardu. This airport is a national airport, but,
there are now few direct flights from Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Sialkot to here, and even those are limited.
Also, flying in and out of this airport can be hair-raising, due to its geographical location high in the mountains.
Flights can only depart during the day when visibility is clear and the weather is favorable, so flight delays
and cancellations are common.
Flights to Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad operate regularly from many around the world
and it is easy to find direct flights. You will need to go through Immigration and Customs and will need to
retrieve your luggage even if your flight to Skardu is immediately afterwards.
Though travelers can fly into Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Sialkot as well but flight from these cities to Skardu is irregular and in case of flight cancellation, travelers need to travel to longer distance and hours compared to Islamabad. From there you will join your group and either fly to Skardu or make the journey overland by road, which takes two days with an overnight stay in between.
On the flight from Islamabad to Skardu, if you sit on the right-hand side of the plane, you may glimpse Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world.
If your flight lands in Islamabad after 9 AM , you will need to spend the evening in Islamabad. We recommend
heading to the Islamabad city which takes about 35 minutes by taxi as there is no hotel close to airport.
From Islamabad.
Nonstop flights from Islamabad to Skardu cost anywhere from $100 to $200 and run every day
of the week. The flight is only 50 minutes long. We do recommend booking few weeks before departure as there is
a high demand and low supply. They seem to cancel flights less often and have more options if you need to move
your flight.
Another way to get to Skardu from Islamabad is by the road.
Hop on a bus from Rawalpindi Pirwadah Bus station to Skardu, There are many buses leaving to Skardu each day on Karakoram Highway (KKH).
From China.
Crossing Khunjerab Pass from Tashkurgan, China to Pakistan (From April to November –
Monday -Friday except Holidays)
To do this crossing from China, you have to have your visa for Pakistan in advance by online or through the
embassy consulate in your country. https://vepakistan.com/pakistan-visa-information/ you cannot get a Visa
in Tashkurgan or Kashgar for Pakistan.
Also, there is no stop to purchase food/snacks/drinks along the way (Tashkurgan to Sost); so ensure that you
take enough snacks /food/drink with you to last you this 4+hr drive You can to take a local bus to make this
crossing. You can take a private car, higher in prices to bus but smoother and quicker. The bus that goes from
China to Pakistan is run by the Xinjiang Province Govt; whereas the bus from Pakistan to China is run by
NATCO, a Pakistani govt service. The bus tickets cannot be bought in advance. You can only purchase them on the
day of travel. The purchase of the bus ticket and the start of the bus route for this border crossing bus is NOT at the
bus stop in Tashkurgan town. Instead, go to the Customs/ Immigration building on the outskirts of Tashkurgan
(towards Pakistan, about 2km outside Tashkurgan downtown); and buy the tickets (RMB 225 each, cash) at the
small building at the far end of the parking lot of the Customs/Immigration building.
The Bus is supposed to leave at 11:30AM Beijing time (9:30AM Uyghur time). However, the departure time can
be late as all travelers have to clear through Chinese Customs and Immigration.. you need to keep your luggage
with you, as the bus is not allowed to be loaded until it is cleared by Chinese Customs.
Note, There is a bathroom on the edge of the parking lot of the Customs building. Once you are
through Customs/Immigration formalities, you cannot go anywhere unescorted (since you have
officially left China). So bathroom visit here once you have cleared Customs/Immigration has to
be escorted to the bathroom at edge of the parking lot. No other restrooms are provided/
Once you board the bus and leave, there is one Chinese soldier will join the bus and escort it all the way to the
Khunjerab Pass Police border post. Along the way, there are multiple Chinese police posts where your passport
/visa will be checked. There are NO bathroom facilities on the way; jungle bathrooms are your only choice.
At the border, the bus simply crosses over into Pakistan without stopping on the Chinese side, crosses over from
right hand drive to left hand drive, and stops on the Pakistani side for a jungle bathroom break, and to take pictures.
In Pakistan, the Pakistan Customs/Immigration is in Sost, which is another 60+kms away. Along the way, you
have to cross a Khunjerab National Park; for which foreigners are required to pay US$6 each (cash only, US$’s
only). Pakistani and Chinese nationals don’t pay anything. So make sure you have the cash on hand.
In Sost you need get clear through Pakistani Customs and Immigration. Foreigners have a separate line, and takes
much longer than Pakistanis and Chinese nationals. Make sure your Passport+ Visa are totally in order as they check
everything very carefully. We can arranged your pick up from here for the rest of trip in Pakistan.
If you want to travel your own, you can take a mini bus/van during the day time to Hunza Aliabad, (approximately
takes 2 hours travel time) and from there another bus onward to Gilgit ((approximately takes 3 hours travel time)).
From Gilgit you can catch a van to reach Skardu during day time only which takes 5+ hours.
From India
Cross Wahga Border to Lahore and Islamabad by Bus:-
Take a taxi, rickshaw from Amritsar to Wahga Border. The ride takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Wahga Indian
side. Cross the border by foot. (open from 10 am to 5 pm daily) Walk across the Border, After immigration at
Pakistan side Take a bus or Rickshaw on to Lahore city which takes around 1 hour. From Lahore there are many
buses leave for Islamabad after every 30 minutes. From Lahore one can also fly to Skardu. There is also train service from Lahore to Islamabad. From
Islamabad you can fly to Skardu or take a bus to reach Skardu.
Experience the sights of Peshawar or Taxila with a qualified English speaking guide. See some ancient sites nestled within the city,
places that have remained the same for centuries. But don’t just see them; get a valuable insight from a knowledgeable
local guide. You will be amazed. Peshawar has more surprises than you can imagine.
Islamabad has a few accommodation options. if you feel you would like to upgrade to luxury style, we can assist with
booking alternative hotels.
Just a few hours drive from Skardu is the beautiful Deosai National Park at a height of 4500. We offer two
pre-acclimatization trips to either the Deosai National Park or Thaley La Shiar. An ideal opportunity to pre-acclimatize
prior to your K2 Trek. contact our office for more information.
Kosre Gunge (6400m) Climbing
Add a privately guided climb of Kusre Gunge to your trip. A superb entry into Karakoram climbing, Kosre Gunge is mostly
non-technical with some basic snow climbing skills required to achieve the ascent.
We are also able to offer Privately Guided Treks where you have the services of a professional experienced guide as well as
your own porter support team to work exclusively with you on the trek to ensure your needs are best met. VE have been
fortunate to work with many privately guided groups over the years with exceptional results.
Responsible Travel Ethics
We operate following the best in “responsible” or “eco” travel ethics including Leave No Trace camping and many
other best practices that are sometimes forgotten about in the world of travel.
Rich Itinerary
Our itinerary is designed to visit many different points of interest, taking advantage of rock art sites, pioneer homesteads,
and natural wonders in the region we visit. You may only visit through these natural wonders once in your life and we
want to make sure you see the best that it has to offer.
Full-Service Camping
We are one of very few outfitters who have a cargo vehicle crew, that travel ahead to set up camp, including your tent and
a complete kitchen with tables and chairs. This means when you get to camp you’re free to explore – hike, relax under a
tree, rather than worry about the cumbersome setting up tents each night.
Luxury Camping
Our luxury-style camping includes all camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags and thick, self-inflating mattresses.
Guides Like No Others
Your trip is enriched by knowledgeable guides who share the regions’s cultural and natural history.
Highly Personal Service
We staff our trips with one guide for every 6-7 guests providing you the ultimate in personal attention.
Carefully Orchestrated
Our guides are divided into a “guest crew” and a “kitchen crew.” While the kitchen crew prepares dinner, our guest crew
is available to spend time with you, lead a hike, show you how to cast a fishing line or simply sit in the shade and visit. This
is a fundamental distinction between us and others.
Sharing Our Passion
Guides join you at all meals, sharing conversation and laughter at meal times and around the campfire.
Choice of Activities
We offer you a choice of like biking, fishing, rafting etc.
Your Security First
We carry satellite telephones on all trips – for emergency use only.
Ideal Logistics
Trip logistics are designed to maximize time on the sites of interests culture, history and nature, depending on the
length of trip.
Touch of Class
At the end of the trip we close the circle of friendship and celebration with a festive, hosted farewell dinner.
Easy Transportation
Shuttle from the Islamabad, Skardu Airport to the meeting point of the trip is included.
Easy for You
Pre- and Post-trip hotel reservations are handled by our competent office staff (hotel costs are not included in your
basic trip cost).
Custom Trips
Trips can be chartered for special occasions – bachelor / bachelorette parties, family reunions, all women/men groups, etc.
Unique and Exclusive Combination Ideas
You can combine your trek with a pre 2- or 3-days accalimatization trek or jeep safari – or post cultural visit to valleys,
sites and historical heritage sites.
Distance from Askole to K2 Base Camp is 90 Kilo meters and it takes 14 days in total (up and down), and starts in Jula. This journey takes 6-7 hours walk ( on average) in Karakoram with serrated summits and towering cliffs rear up either side of the wide valleys.
The Baltoro Glacier, at 63 km in length, is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. It is located in the Shigar district Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
| # | 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 | 13-16 | 16 | 25 |
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
Today we rise early and view the beautiful sunrise against the backdrop of the Karakoram. After breakfast drive to Shigar, a history-soaked medieval town. There is also a heritage Palace cum Fort (Fong khar ). Completely renovated by the AKCSP a few years back, the Palace and its suburbs reflects a medieval look. Here we will pay a brief visit to the Garden House, Royal room, museum handicraft shop and The Khanqah Moalla, famous for its uniquely carved wooden windows and meditation cells. Shigar retains a mystical, medieval aura that may leave you feeling like you have stepped through the looking glass.Then an exciting jeep journey takes us through the fields of the Shigar valley before the road narrows to a mountain track leading to the trail head at Askole, the last inhabitancy on our way to the great glaciers. Highest in the region, the stone & timber abodes contain dark & narrow stairwells raven by gloomy, unlit alleys cluster within the embrace of the fertile terraces.
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 Askole. Porters are assembled to carry our luggage for the next section of the journey. For the remaining portion of our journey we rely on our porters who carry our food and equipment and sustain our expedition. After scrambling over a ridge we come across what legend says an old polo field. Passing through a rock gap we cross the Biafo glacier. The Biafo Glacier is a huge river of ice 63 km long which descends from the central peaks of the Karakoram and flows east into the Braldu valley at a point about 10 km east of Askole. After two and a half hour trek a long and uphill walk over a steep ridge along the Dumordo river. descend at Jula, (wire rope bridge supported by a wooden basket) cross it and camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas peak.
Walk: Distance: 19 Km, Ascent: 300 m, Descent:290 m
Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3120 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green oasis under the shadows of Paiu Peak, the last grove of trees before the trail moves onto the glacier, 6611 M. Paiu – is a Balti dialect word that means “SALT”. Since there are some rock salt deposits at the base of this peak, the locals believe that the snow on the summit of Paiu Peak is not snow but a huge deposit of salt which drips down to the base. From this camp we have the first views of the impressive Baltoro Glacier.
Walk: Distance: 22 Km, Ascent: 580 m, Descent: 335 m
Time: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3420 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Today we resume trek with a gradual climb up Baltoro Glacier on the southern edge. After about two hours the path divides at the snout of Baltoro glacier where the left branch goes to the base camp of Trango Tower and the Serpo Lgo pass. Continue to the right climbing up on to the glacier that stretches up the valley, 62 km long and 2 km wide.
Further 2-3 hours steady climb on a long diagonal to the other side. Follow the southern edge to Liliwa and onward to Khuburse, a lovely walk for about 90 minutes to the campsite with clear water.
Walk: Distance: 15 Km, Ascent:750 m, Descent:290 m
Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3800 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Today morning we leave Kho-burse camp and walk mostly along the crest of lateral moraine towards Urdukas. This camp has superb views across the Baltoro Glacier to the Trango peaks, having view of Paiu Peak, Chorichi, Uli Biaho, Trango Tower and so on and is our last 'green grass' campsite.
Walk: Distance: 16 Km, Ascent:700 m, Descent:200 m
Time: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4130 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
This is the last campsite the main glacier, with very impressive views over the Baltoro and to the dramatic rock spires on the opposite on grassy slopes off side of the glacier. (Courtesy by Udom Peter) So based on our past experience rest day at Urdukus comes with the following advantages. Helps the acclimatization process and has proved to more effective than a rest day at Paiu. Can take a pleasant walk behind the campsite through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers. Climbing high & sleeping low is the best way to help the acclimatization process. Trek leader will lead a training session explaining in detail the techniques for crossing the Gondogoro La.
Walk: None
Activities: Rest /Training
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier, Traveling on the glacier all the time now, it is an all day walk over the boulder-strewn glacier to the campsite at Goro. Traverse the Yermanandu Glacier which flows down from Masherbrum & joins the Baltoro. Masherbrum is visible on the right side of the glacier, and Mustagh Tower on the left. Gasherbrum IV and Broad Peak can be seen directly ahead, as they catch the evening sunlight.
Walk: Distance: 12 Km, Ascent: 335 m, Descent: 90 m
Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4300 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Trekking to the campsite at Concordia, we pass through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world; a huge junction of Baltoro, Abruzzi & Godwin Austin Glaciers at 4000 meters. Within a short radius of 15 Kilometers, stand 41 peaks over 6500 meters including 04 peaks above 8000 M. The 360 view offers a panorama of peaks nowhere to be found on this planet.
Walk: Distance: 12 Km, Ascent: 300 m, Descent: 90 m
Time: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4600 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
There is plenty of time to admire the scenery and find the best vantage points from which to take photographs of the surrounding peaks. Concordia, the confluence of five glaciers, offers unprecedented views of the Karakoram peaks. Within a radius of nine miles rise 41 peaks above 21,000 feet, almost half of them still unnamed and unclimbed. Some team members may wish to make the return journey to K2 Base Camp in a single day (10 hrs round trip). Some people might prefer to walk to Broad Peak Base Cam p rather than walk al the way to K2 Base Camp. Others may choose to explore base camps or just sit and watch K2 all day long and sip tea; or go to the other way towards the Gasherbrum peaks. The choice is yours! Overnight at Concordia in tents.
Walk: 10-12 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4600 m
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile camp
After an early breakfast leave the GashaBrum Base camp and we will cross several side glacier to reach our right path.It is also possible to walk on the Vigne glacier which is fairly easy then walking on the stony path on the right side of the glacier but it depends on the snow condition. Looking back gives an unusual view of the great Karakoram peaks: K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. The trail continues to 'Ali Camp' situated on a rocky site overlooking the long ridge running from Masherbrum to Chogolisa . We turn in early, as we have a midnight wake-up call for the departure over the Gondogoro La.
Walk: Distance: 14 Km, Ascent: 200 m, Descent:290 m
Time: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4900 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Today our trek starts as early as 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning to cross the Gondogoro la to reach Khuspang. The basic theme behind the early walk to reach the top of the Gondogoro Pass 5700 meters is that in the morning snow will be soft and we will not get tired quickly as the sun is not strong, but as sun gets strong snow get soft, snow going to be melt and bring water and stones, also the chance of ice falls or avalanches. Today is one of the toughest and most challenging days of the trek, and although it is a long and tiring day, we are now well-acclimatized to the altitude. Our guides will fix ropes to safeguard this ascend and descend for both the porters and clients. Depending upon the snow and trail condition it may be necessary to rope up for the crossing of the glacier before getting to the base camp of pass. There are several sections with fixed ropes in place which can be used as a handrail. It is also best practice to clip a karabiner and sling onto the rope for safety.On the top to Gondogoro la you will find the most spectacular view on earth. From here you can see the K2, Broad Peak, G1, G2, Muztagh Tower and towards Hushe side you will find Laila peak, Ninchi peak and a lot more.
Important Note: Gondogoro La crossing is dependent on favorable weather and conditions on the trail to the pass. If it is not possible to safely ascend the pass the group will retrace steps back down the Baltoro glacier to Askole. If the prospects of safely crossing the pass are not good, Vertical Explorers guide will be obliged to make the decision to abort the crossing – and you must be prepared to accept it.
Based on our over a decade experience itinerary maximizes our chances of crossing the pass because: • everyone should be well acclimatized due to the gradual ascent on the trek and also from the careful monitoring of everyone’s acclimatization by using the pulse oximeter and a day training at Urdukus.
Walk: Distance: 10 Km, Ascent: 800 m, Descent: 900 m
Time: 09-12 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4600 M
Activities: Trekking/Climbing
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
If bad weather hampers the crossing of pass on day13, this will give us another chance to cross the pass. Rest day or area excursion.
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
After an easy walk we will come onto the glacier. You pick your way across moving boulders and ice, finally crossing the glacier up to the camping site to reach Dalsangpa, meaning 'field of flowers', lives up to its name. It is a beautiful campsite at about 4,150 meters, set between two lakes, with Masherbrum Mountain and the white glacier cascading down from Masherbrum Pass reflected in the still water. Resume trek along the path, Keep yourself on the left side of the lateral moraine, crossing several side streams. The next hour is an unpleasant scramble along the stony, sliding glacier edge, with huge boulders poised above, ready to fall. Continue your trek along the path goes down hill to the summer settlement called Saicho, a large shepherds settlement with its own mosque, now here you can find a hotel and a shop. This is the traditional camp among the forest of juniper, cedar and willow trees with giant bushes of wild roses and a good water supply.
Walk: Distance: 18 Km, Ascent: 100 m, Descent: 1290 m
Time: 08-09 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3350 M
Activities: Trekking
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile Camp
Early morning walk 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
After breakfast we will go for De-briefing at Ministry of Tourism in 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. Today we will spend sightseeing around Islamabad and Rawalpindi. 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.
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 Rondu valley along Indus River to Karakoram Highway at Junction Point of three largest congregation of mountains(i.e Karakoram, Hindukush and Himalaya). After a brief stop here we leave on the Karakoram Highway on KKH to Chilas. From Chilas depending upon the road condition and preferrence, either continue on KKH to Besham in Indus Kohistan or to Naran Kaghan valley via Naran Chilas road via captivating and enthralling landscape of Babusar valley's zigzag road winding through terraced filed, fruit laden orchard and above Babusar pass at a height of 4145 m. The Valley extends for 155 km rising from an elevation of 2,134 meters to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,145 meters. Before Karakoram Highway was opened in 1978, the only road access to Gilgit was through Kaghan Valley. Kaghan valley is a very beautiful & attractive valley. That’s why it is called virtual paradise, unbelievably in pristine state and still unspoiled by the human. You’ll find the Himalayan peaks hidden with clouds or snow, somewhere you’ll find the beautiful fairy tale lakes, which will attract you toward them, and you might decide not to leave this at any cost.Take a rest at the pass enjoying the scenic beauty around before descending down to Lulusar lake.
Lulu Sar Lake which is wreathed in blue and gold wild flowers, and is the main source of river Kunhar. Near Gittidas is the 11,000 feet high Lulusar Lake out of which river Kunhar issues anew with redoubled strength to flow down the valley first as placid blue stream and then a roaring torrent until it joins the Jhelum. Lulusar has very enchanting beauty and its view remains in the mind of tourist for a long time. The is surrounded by snow capped hills whose purple and white forms are reflected in the green-blue waters of the silent lake, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the valley. Take a rest at Lulusar lake and drive down to Naran Kaghan stopping at Gittidas, Batakundi for scenic photo ops. These are numerous scenic places, sheer, snow capped mountains ascending from deep valleys, lush alpine meadows are carpeted by colorful wildflowers and dazzling fruits. Terraced villages dot this monumental terrain, supported by traditional farming methods and lifestyles that have changed little over the centuries.
Time: 1 hr by flight / 10-12 hrs by Road
Activities: Sightseeing, Jeep Safari or Air Safari
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Sightseeing or rest day in Islamabad. If unable to fly on previous day, this day will be use to transfer from Besham or Naran to Islamabad by road. in Case of by road travel, drive in the morning through natural beauty of Naran valley to Balakot. After a brief stop at Balakot, drive onward to Mansehra stopping at scenic points for photo ops and also in Manserha to visit Ashoka Rock Eddicts.
Mansehra Rock Edicts are fourteen edicts of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, inscribed on rocks in Mansehra. The edicts are cut into three boulders and date back to 3rd century BC and they are written in the ancient Indic script of Gandhara culture, Kharosthi. The edicts mention aspects of Ashoka’s dharma. This site is World Heritage Sites tentative list.
After Manserha rock edicts visit, we will pass through the alpine scenery towards Islamabad.
Evening back to Islamabad, proceed to airport for onward flight.
Drive: 7-8 hrs
Activities: Cultural exploration , Sightseeing, Interaction with local
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
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Doreen
Unforgettable experience