05816-450965
info@highlanderspk.com | License ID-2486
The most well-known trekking destination in the world is the K2 Base Camp Trek. There is no hiking route more amazing than the K2 and no destination more thrilling than Concordia. Concordia offers a magnificent vantage point over K2 and Broad Peak, two magnificent summits. It also provides a 90-degree vista in every direction of the 7000 and 6000 high peaks. Furthermore, the climb from Askoli- via the Baltoro glacier allows access to numerous additional well-known mountains, including K-1, Trango Group, and Pajiu Peak.
The world’s most famous mountain pass trek is the Ghandoghoro Pass trek. It’s a quick but difficult trip back from K2 base camp. Going the other way would be tedious and exhausting. Unbelievable views of K2, as well as three more 8000-meter peaks that tower to the sky, Broad Peak, G-I, and G-II, may be seen from the top of Ghandoghoro Pass.
Trekking to Gasherbrum Base Camp via the standard K2 Base and K2 Ghandoghoro Trek is an additional alternative. If someone wants to incorporate Gasherbrum as well, there is an additional $200 US and a two-day wait time. Alternatively, we could go to Ghandoghoro Pass by taking the following route: Concordia – Shaghring – Gasherbrum BC – (Abruzzi glacier) – back to the junction of Baltoro and Abruzzi glacier – cross the upper Baltoro glacier to Chogholisa side – descend to Vigne glacier and ascend to Ali camp. The view is breathtaking; we can get up close and personal with Gasherbrum I and II, and the view of Chogholisa is astounding.
As part of our routine journey, we visit K2 and Broad Peak base camps before heading straight from Concordia to Ali camp (Ghandoghoro Pass, BC).
Islamabad International Airport
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Our Gondogoro La Trek full-board package doesn’t start until after you get in Pakistan. There would be plenty of time to unwind at the hotel before lunch following the airport transport. The majority of foreign aircraft will arrive in the morning. After lunch, all participants will gather for a briefing regarding our adventure and a question-and-answer period. After that, there will be a brief visit to Pakistan’s Ministry of Tourism for an official, required briefing regarding visiting the northern highlands. Our team will finish the required papers in the meanwhile. The twin cities, which are unique from one another, can be visited if time permits. While Rawalpindi is a historic city constructed in the British era with numerous bazaars and bustling alleys, Islamabad is a contemporary capital city that is wonderful for sightseeing.
A lot is available on the one-hour “subject to weather” flight from Islamabad. The spectacular path of the flight passes across a major Himalayan mountain range, providing breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat summit (8126m), the ninth highest peak in the world. If we’re lucky, we might be able to see the stunning K2 before landing, as well as other nearby peaks. Perhaps even a portion of the K2 Gondogoro La Trek path will be visible to some. Following our hotel check-in, the day will be spent exploring medieval forts, picturesque lakes, and Bazar. One of the stops on our itinerary is the 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock, which has inscriptions from Buddhist monks and pilgrims who lived in the region before to Islam.
We will first traverse the chilly desert to Shigar Valley before beginning our seven-hour jeep adventure to Askole hamlet. Before the jeep route, the final two hours’ journey through Braldu Gorge was a two-day hike. Only off-road vehicles are taken into consideration for this route because the road crosses a few streams in sections. It may be necessary to begin the walk one day earlier because the roads are susceptible to landslides caused by melting glaciers, however this is uncommon. If everything goes according to plan, we will spend the first night in Askole in the village by the roaring Braldu River, beneath a gorgeous sky. Askole is a little community with a single street and few dwellings. Many porters live there, most of them have completed the Gondogoro La Trek with loads exceeding twenty.
Askole, the final barred settlement before Concordia, is where we start our first trek for the Gondogoro La Trek. It’s fascinating to see the native Balti people as they go about their job on their fields. We will go to the base of Biafo Glacier, the third-longest glacier in the world outside of the polar regions, which also serves as a gateway to the Hispar Pass, a snow lake that connects the Hunza Valley to the Baltistan region. The 63 km long snow river at the base of the glacier is crossed by a bridge; otherwise, we would have to traverse the glacier, which is composed primarily of boulders and rubble. The other foot of the glacier is where our campground, Korofong (3,075 m), is located.
After ascending from Korofong, we continue on the Braldu route until we bridge the Panma River, deviating along a trail carved into the side of a cliff. Before the construction of this trail, hikers had to scale enormous cliffs and stones to cross a fast-moving river and continue their walk. While the trail is largely wide, there are a few spots where it is rather exposed. We cross the toll “suspension” bridge, which is run locally and is authorized by the government. An earlier version made use of a wire pulley. The Karakorum Mountains were home to many of these Jhola pulley bridges. Jhola, the name of our camp, is located beyond this bridge. On the Gondogoro La Trek Map, Jhola is located.
We keep going in the same direction, back to the Braldu River. A handful of the camp sites that are no longer in use due to the worn-out ground will pass us by. The trail continues on a short road beside the river before climbing to a higher location from where we can see the amazing Paiju Peak. We would wear the sports boots because there wouldn’t be many streams to settle in. We will be able to see the Trango towers, the Cathedral group’s summits, and the Baltoro Glacier from high positions today. On a bright day, Lobsang Spire partially obscures K2. We go on to the trek’s acclimatization point at Paiju as we continue on into the center Braldu. On the Gondogoro La Trek, acclimatization is crucial at this point because making an abrupt, high ascent can result in altitude sickness.
The acclimatization point before reaching Concordia is Paiju camp, which is situated where the Braldu valley opens at the base of the Baltoro glacier. With access to spring water, this is a crucial resting place on the Gondogoro La Trek. This camp is equipped with restrooms, wash basins, and long drop toilets. The porters bake bread in preparation for the ascent over the glacier during this entire day that is set aside for acclimatization. For those with more energy, a fantastic hike above the camp can provide excellent workout and a chance to see the Cathedral Peaks group, the breathtaking Trango towers, and, on a lucky day with clear skies, K2.
From Paiju, a stroll upstream to Baltoro Glacier, where melting ice spills into the river. We climb up and walk on the boulders and debris that make up the glacier. Here, the team sticks to the established paths, although traversing the massive glacier will be difficult. We will carve our way through the Baltoro glacier and follow the moraine trails to the south. We proceed eastward along the glacier until we reach its smaller side. From here, we head south till we cross to go into the valley. We arrive to Camp Khoburtse at night. After an amazing day of trekking, take in the breathtaking views of the Uli Biaho tower, Trango towers, and Cathedral tower complex. The first day of the Baltoro Glacier Trek can be taxing for lot of people.
We’re going to have a short trek day because of the elevation gain in sleep and to be cautious of all participants. We’ll keep going by the glacier, occasionally even on top of the moraine. En route to our tent, we pass the Trango tower and the lone peak known as the “unnamed tower.” The campsite for today was discovered and cleaned in 1909 by the Duke of Abruzzi during the K2 expedition. We will ascend to the terraces, where the campsite is situated, a few hundred meters above the glacier. It provides a captivating perspective of the cathedral group, the Lobsang, the Trango Towers, etc. After arriving here, we’ll have a belated lunch and relax for the remainder of the day. The rewards of Gondogoro La Trek start to appear, with breathtaking vistas from Urdukas camp.
After getting ample rest in Urdukas, we continue eastward along the moraine until we reach the top of the massive glacier. We will travel smoothly into the center of the glacier and get a view of Masherbrum (7821m). As we proceed toward camp “Goro” (4,295 m), we will pass over and around the debris on the massive glacier, continually descending and ascending, until we finally see peaks surrounding Concordia and the great Gasherbrum IV (7925 m) staring down at us. Behind us, the Trango tower and the Cathedral peaks are still visible. It’s crucial to stay warm when sleeping at a high altitude on the powerful Baltoro, especially at night.
Baltoro glacier trek to Concordia offers the greatest spectacles of the Gondogoro La Trek. We continue our walk on the mighty Baltoro while participants pass by Mustagh Tower (7,284 m) and Gasherbrum IV, partially obscuring behind it the Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), thus called “Hidden Peak”. We can spot it on the right side of Gasherbrum IV with fin like ridges. Making our route up on Baltoro, views of Broad Peak (8051 m) appear while Marble and Crystal Peaks appear on the left. K2 remains concealed till the minute we reach Concordia; a breathtaking sight that becomes a beautiful memory forever. Concordia is wide area of glacier which is one of the greatest places on earth. We will be surrounded by 4 eight-thousanders, 10 out of 30 highest peaks of the world. Camp will be set at 4,500 m in Concordia on the moraine
We might begin the Gondogoro La Trek day early by traveling across minor rivers and crevasses formed by melting glacier. We continue on the glacier that bears Godwin Austin’s name, who was the first to determine the height of K2. Three hours later, we will reach Broad Peak base camp with an amazing view of the Bride Peak, Mitre Peak behind us, and the amazing Karakoram 2nd (K2). We stroll across the primarily boulder-filled moraine. We do, however, occasionally walk on ice. We will finish our one-way adventure through the K2 Base Camp after three more hours of hiking, arriving at a moraine safe zone—a typical base camp location for K2 climbers. If time permits, one can also go the Gilkey Memorial. The names of courageous people are written on plates and plagues at the memorial. K2 was fatal for these hardened individuals. The participants will determine whether to travel to K2 Base Camp, Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial, select one choice or all of them, or decide to spend the day relaxing in Concordia. It is required that you return to Concordia on this day.
Today, we embarked on our trek by a less-traveled path. The kind of snow that falls between June and late August determines the nature and difficulty of trekking. Typically, we would stroll on non-slip ice, which is actually rather comfortable for hiking on. If there were significant crevasses, we would only proceed by making brief detours. On the other hand, if there was snow at Baltoro, hikers and porters would utilize their crampons for safety and travel together while attached to a rope. Walking over five hours should get us to the place where Baltoro meets West Vigne Glacier, which connects to the base of Gondogoro La. We camped on the high moraine close to the confluence for the night. Our campsite is called “Ali Camp” since it was during his return as a porter after a climbing expedition to Gasherbrum when Ali, a porter from a local village, was first known to cross Gondogoro La. After arriving at camp, we would have enough time to acquire and put some fundamental abilities into practice in order to move on the Gondogoro La Trek’s fixed lines the next day.
Participants in the Gondogoro La Trek wake up earlier than first light on this particular day. Following a satisfying breakfast, we don crampons and harnesses and head out into the amazing West Vigne Glacier, where we are roped together as a group until we reach the base of Gondogoro La. We might be able to continue as a group tied to the rope or we might be able to climb the hill without a rope, all depending on the weather and snow conditions on the high pass’s lower slope. On the steeper slopes, there would often be at least one steep section to navigate. Our support team will be fixing ropes during this portion of the climb. A typical trip up Gondogoro La Pass takes three hours or more. Four of the 8,000-meter summits, namely Gasherbrum 1 and 2, Broad Peak, and the formidable K2, are magnificently visible.
The massive pass consists of a single, broad shoulder from which we have a wonderful perspective over the Gondogoro valley on the other side. Ascending the other stable slope offers vistas of the Trinity peaks, including the magnificent Laila Peak (6,096 m). Because of how abruptly the fall occurs, fixed ropes must be used for the majority of the descent. Most of the way down the pass and the top portion of Hushey Valley, which is typically covered in snow, would need the use of crampons. In order to prevent knocking stones into their teammates, participants must pay close attention to every step they take during descending. As the grade lessens, we soon come to a route that follows the gorgeous Gondogoro valley above Trinity Glacier. After crossing a moraine and coming to a valley with little ponds and grass close to the Gondogoro and Trinity glacier intersection, the Gondogoro La Trek gradually becomes easier. Khuispang is the name of this lovely campsite (4,600 m).
We will be following the Gondogoro glacier downhill today, and the Gondogoro La Trek day will be relatively easy. Usually, as we descended toward Hushey Valley and saw new scenery, we would pack our climbing gear. Participants walk across Laila Peak, journey on the moraine of the Gondogoro glacier, then descend it. Italian climbers achieved the official first summit of this breathtaking peak in the mid-1990s, but they discovered traces of an earlier ascent done in 1987 by British mountaineers Mark Miller, Simon Yates, and Sean Smith. It seems that the Italians were unaware of the British mountaineers’ earlier attempt until they discovered a used gas cartridge and four names written on it. As we walk, we come to the edge of Gondogoro Glacier and discover a trail leading to a stunning valley filled with grass and rhubarb. We camped at Dalsampa (4,150 m), a stunning spot.
We begin our hike by going through this breathtaking valley, where the hikers tented the night before. There are just two paths left to choose from when the valley abruptly ends. Walking down between cliffs and the glacier is the first option. The other is to keep going over the precipices. After consulting with local porters who trek more frequently and are aware of the conditions on at least one of these routes recently, our guide will decide what to do.
When these two routes converge, the Gondogoro La Trek becomes simple. We keep walking and come upon Gondogoro’s meadows. Herders’ improvised stone shelters are seen. A small brook must soon be crossed in order to get to the lateral moraine. Strolling along this moraine that descends to the bottom of the Gondogoro valley, where the camp is located, one may notice large trees. Our campsite Saicho (3,350 m) is situated at the confluence of the Charakusa and Gondogoro valleys, on a sandy stretch bordered by sparse grasses beside a glacier river. Participants will be able to breathe in “oxygen rich” air after nearly a week below 4,000 meters, and the sound of running water will help them sleep better.
There is always a possibility that Gondogoro La Trek will be delayed. It’s wise to set aside time for this at all times. If not, you would often use this day to relax in Saicho, a nice campground where you can take a sun bath, write in your journal, or do laundry. Hikers who are still interested in exploring can go to Charakusa Valley. If someone chooses this option, we will go out early in the morning to follow a track upstream on the lateral moraine of Charakusa Glacier, which is home to snow leopards. On a fortunate day, one of the team members might see an animal or at the very least, clues that our guides can help you find—signs of the big cat.
We reach the main Charakusa glacier after passing through a glacier, a moraine, and some ice and debris. Depending on when we start, the state of the glacier, and the energy level of each participant, we may go a certain distance. However, if all the conditions are right, we can go far enough to see K7 and K6. This is yet another fantastic bonus on the Gondogoro La Trek, and it will take about 6 to 8 hours to complete the trip.
We should start our walk early in order to avoid the heat, which can reach temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius because we are below 3,500 meters. In comparison, this day’s trekking will be simple and take three to four hours. The river that carries the glacier melt from the Charakusa, Gondogoro, Ailling, and Masherbrum glaciers will be our route of travel. The valley ultimately bends south, and participants begin to notice houses, fields, and other structures one by one. ultimately, we climb up to a plateau, which is home to the center hamlet. The typical stone buildings constructed with river stones, alleyways, and other features comprise the core village. The constructions are two stories tall. Animals are housed on the ground floors, while people are housed on the upper stories. Recently, the residents have also constructed contemporary homes. Our team will set up camp at the trekkers’ campsite, which is located in the village together with a hotel, shop, and school. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing or visiting Hushey Village and engaging with the nice and welcoming locals. This day marks the end of the camping trip on Gondogoro La Trek.
The drive back offers wonderful views as we travel past the various settlements in the Hushey Valley, where we can see modest farms and mountain farming operations as we descend the valley. Eventually, we reach the meeting point of the Hushey and Shyok rivers, which originate in Ladakh. To reach the opposite end, we shall traverse a suspension bridge that spans the Shyok River. Traditionally, people crossed the river on rafts composed of big sticks and goat skins packed with air. Later, in the 1980s, tractor tire tubes took the place of the goat skin, and the suspension bridge that is in use today was constructed in the 1990s. Once we cross this bridge, we will arrive in Khaplu, a sizable village that has developed into a town, on a surfaced road. A Raja (Prince) used to be the ruler of Khaplu, a princely kingdom. There aren’t many remnants of the princely state left. We accelerate on the paved road leading along the Shyok to the confluence with the Indus River, which we continue to follow until we reach Skardu. Our trip from Khaplu to Skardu gets smoother. After more than two weeks, we finally receive a warm shower at one of our partner hotels, and we have a satisfying supper thereafter. It’s possible that some participants will dream about Gondogoro La Trek.
It takes forty minutes to get from the hotel to the airport on a metal road. We hop on the aircraft for an exciting journey to Islamabad. We pass over the Nanga Parbat once more. After an amazing vacation, arriving at Islamabad airport is a quite different experience that requires some getting used to. Our car will be waiting for us at the Islamabad airport, taking us directly to the hotel. If there isn’t a strange delay, we will settle in and eat lunch. Following a satisfying meal, attendees can spend the day relaxing, exploring the city, or shopping for must-have items like rugs or relics. We will gather together in the evening to share our experiences from the Gondogoro La Trek while enjoying a special dinner at a nearby restaurant or at our hotel.
Skardu is a weather-dependent region to fly because aircraft only take off and land when there is enough visibility. Summertime weather is often suitable for flying, although weather conditions in the mountains might vary and result in rain. An alternative route is along the Karakorum Highway, which is a fantastic experience for many visitors. We can utilize the day to relax and go sightseeing if we take a plane to Islamabad. On this day, the trekking party leaders will provide participants with guidance regarding potential possibilities.
Only breakfast and the airport shuttle mark the conclusion of our land package for the Gondogoro La Trek.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions and group preferences.