K2 and Ghondogoro La

Arrive in Islamabad. A representative of Karakorum Adventures will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. This representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to the hotel in Islamabad. Discover the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is an old British -era settlement and Islamabad is the capital city and administrative centre built sometime after the partition of India in elevation in 1947. The cities are Located at about 1,500 feet in elevation in the hot and steamy plains of Pakistan’s upper Punjab. You may wish to explore Rawalpindi by wandering among its many and varied bazaars, or visit the imposing Shah Faisal Mosque superbly situated at the foot of the Margalla Hills. This mosque is one of the largest in the world, with room for 15,000 worshippers inside and 85,000 in the courtyard.
Overnight at Hotel.

We will drive from Islamabad 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 kilometres. We pass through Besham, Dassu, Komila and Shatial to arrive at Chilas with many rocks carving and inscriptions along the way left by Chinese pilgrims and ancient travellers of 5th century A.D.
Overnight at Shangri-La Midway House.

We have a free day in Skardu if we flown the previous day. We have free time explore the town and visit the historic fort of Skardu situated 40 feet high on the northern hillside of main Skardu city. The fort lock from east and north angles by mighty Indus river, so it possesses tremendous strategical advantage and significant geographical position from a military point of view. Therefore it is locally called “Kharpocho” which means Strong Fort. We’ll explore its narrow bazaars and in the afternoon visit Turquoise blue Sadpara Lake by bus or a jeep which is about four miles south of the town.
Overnight at Hotel.

We will travel by jeep with our crew and supplies along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole. Village in Shigar have changed little in over five hundred years; farms with fields of barley, wheat and vegetables surrounded by stone walls and stands of poplar, willow and apricot trees. The apricot is a very important crop in the north, having a multitude of uses to the Balti and Hunzakut people. Villagers greet us as we pass through on the rugged dirt and stone road that leads to Baltoro. As we approach, the landscapes become desert-like and once within the sheer valley of the Braldu, it is necessary to cross the river several times by suspension bridges. At various points, the road may have collapsed due to erosion and we will transfer the gear across on foot to a vehicle on the other side. The journey may take anywhere from six to twelve hours, with patience, we will arrive at our first camp of the trek. In Askole the villagers grow their own cereals, vegetables and fruit and own large herds of sheep, goats and dzos.
Overnight in Camp.

After the considerable organisation of equipment, supplies and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Jhola. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier flowing for more than fifty kilometres from the Hispar La pass to the Braldu. We have our first taste of moraine walking as we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to our lunch spot beside the river at Korofon. We also experience the harsh, stark environment that forms the base of these great mountains. Our route takes us to the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers where the infamous flying fox or ‘Jola’ is located. It is still there, however, a footbridge has now been built making the passage much easier by every perspective. (Consider individual passage of 50 to 70 people with loads, compared with walking straight across a steel bridge!). In past years it was necessary to make a high traverse across a rocky face and descend steeply to the riverside of the Dumordo to gain the flying fox. There is now a safe and pleasant pathway above the river. It is this valley, fed by the Panmah Glacier, which was once a passage between Baltistan and Yarkand across the West Mustagh Pass (5370m) into China. Once across, we descend beside the river to the Braldu and then follow along its banks to our camp at Jhola.
Overnight in Camp.

The route is mainly at Riverside throughout the day, switching up and down somewhat according to the level of erosion and water levels of the Braldu. 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, as we approach camp several small glacially fed rivulets to flow down from the north and the first peaks of the Trango and Uli Biaho group appear on the distant ridgeline. The vast snout of the Baltoro glacier, the fourth longest in Pakistan, is also visible but it’s hard to gather a sense of scale from here.
Overnight in Camp.

An important preparatory stage for our crew and porters. Our goats are slaughtered and roti (bread) baked throughout the day for the journey ahead on the glacier. It is a welcome opportunity for us to relax, read and take photos. Perhaps do some washing and simply enjoy being in the mountains.
Overnight in Camp.

Making the short approach to the glacier, the great expanse of ice stretching across the Braldu comes into perspective when we see the many porters forming an ant-like trail across it. Ice cliffs tower more than sixty metres above the turbulent waters at the origin of the Braldu River. As a result of its continually changing nature, the glacial moraine may be difficult to trek upon at this stage and our route varies somewhat each time. One should be prepared for a hard day of walking and carry plenty of fluid. Once on the other side, the trail will hug the side and occasionally necessitate a glacier or river crossing. There are now uninterrupted views of Paiju Peak (6610m), Uli Biaho group, Trango Group and Cathedral Group – a majestic, spired collection of mountains that the Karakoram is so well known for. Behind us, the steep grassy slopes make high grazing pastures for ibex and the rocks are home to mouse hares (Pikas) and colourful hoopoe birds which forage for food scraps.
Overnight in Camp.

Biango. For the first two hours, we walk along the rest of the lateral moraine. Across the Baltoro glacier, we have exciting views of Paiju Peak, Choricho (6700m), Uli Biaho, Trango Towers, Cathedrals, and Biale (6750m). After crossing the green pastures of Urdukas (approximately 4050m), we cross the side crevasses, then walk on the medial moraine of the Baltoro to Biango campsite. Biango, at 4250m, is part of the Yermanadu Glacier flowing down from Masherbrum Pass (17,594 ft). From here we have a spectacular view of the snowy triangle of Masherbrum (7821 m ft), the 24th highest peak in the world. Seven to eight hours hiking.
Overnight in Camp.

Today we cross the side crevasses, then walk on the medial moraine of the Baltoro to Biango campsite. Biango, at 4250m, is part of the Yermanadu Glacier flowing down from Masherbrum Pass (17,594 ft). From here we have a spectacular view of the snowy triangle of Masherbrum (7821 m ft), the 24th highest peak in the world. Seven to eight hours of hiking.Overnight in tents

Trek seven to eight hours to Concordia. As we make our approach, Gasherbrum IV (7925m) stand guard in the east, with Gasherbrum II (8035m’) peering from its right shoulder, More extraordinary mountain views await us at Concordia, where we see K2 (8611m), Broad Peak (8047m), Golden Throne (7285m), Mitre Peak (6560m), and a vast array of other peaks. Six to seven hours walking. Overnight in tents

Day excursion to K2 base camp. We start hiking from Concordia, cross the crevasses of the Baltoro Glacier; walk on the Medial moraine of the Godwin-Austen Glacier through the Broad Peak base camp to K2 base camp. we take an around one-hour lunch break on broad peak base camp and then continue to K2 base camp. will visit k2 memorial and In the afternoon walk back to Broad Peak base camp. Overnight in tents. approx 10/12 hrs
Overnight in Camp.

Trek back to Concordia it is and a short walk back to Concordia .in the morning after breakfast we start the walk and will arrive at Concordia at lunchtime .having lunch with beautiful views of mighty mountains. after lunch will enjoy the Sapir time.

Ali Camp. The first two hours of the trek are difficult as we leave Concordia and traverse the Baltoro Glacier and its crevasses. One of the Vigne Glacier. It’s a comparatively easy and gradual walk over snow and ice, Mighty Chogolisa (25,110 ft.) stand s guard in the south. Overnight at Ali Camp (16,600 ft.), a combination of small rocky platforms between the cliff face and crevasse. We turn in early, as we have a midnight wake-up call for the departure over the Gondogoro La.
Overnight in Camp.

We leave camp at about 1:00 a.m.to climb the Gondogoro La (5600m). For the first two hours, we walk on the lateral moraine to avoid crevasses. As we get closer to the pass we shift on snow until the base of the pass. The final ascent involves a steep walk on snow and, depending on conditions, the use of fixed ropes as well as crampons and ice axe. The views from the top of the pass are unparalleled, with K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I to IV, Masherbrum, and many other mountains appearing at our level. The descent on the Hushe side is steeper, requiring good balance on the rocks. Camp at Khuispan (4700m.), a lush green meadow with wildflowers covering all around the Campsite.
Overnight in Camp.

As we leave Khuispan, we make a long traverse of the Gondogoro Glacier, first encountering small crevasses, then hiking over the soft ice of the Glacier to get to Dalsampa on the other side. The last half hour is a pleasant stroll through wildflowers, with Commanding views of the Gondogoro Glacier, Yermanadu Kangri (7160m) Masherbrum South (7810 m), and the Masherbrum La. As we continue, we gradually leave the icy landscapes and descend to the meadow and pasture land at Saicho (3400m.). Although we’ve left the icy wilds, we still have tremendous views of the mountains, including Defo Khar (6540 m.). Continuing along the lateral moraine we descend to Saitcho, a picturesque campsite nestled amongst tamarisks, wild roses and junipers set beside the river. There are views up to the Charakusa Valley towards K7 (6934 m). Tonight there is the chance for song and dance as the porters are relaxed and happy with a successful crossing of the Gondogoro La behind them.
Overnight in Camp.

Trek to Hushe (3150m) 4-5 hrs Descend to the Gondogoro River, enjoying spectacular views of K6 (23,881 ft.), K7 (22,744 ft.) and Link Sar (23,094 ft.),. We continue to descend, passing through small summer settlements en route to the green irrigated fields at Hushe.
Overnight in Camp.

By jeep to Skardu. Meet with jeeps and drive to Skardu, passing through many picturesque villages perched on vertical rocks. This part of Baltistan appears greener and more prosperous than on our drive to Askole.
Overnight at Hotel.

Fly from Skardu to Islamabad, weather permitting, rest of the day is at leisure if flight cancelled drive to Chilas on the Karakorum Highway.
Overnight at Hotel.

if has flown day at leisure in Islamabad. If by road today we arrive Islamabad from Chilas
Discover the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is an old British -era settlement and Islamabad is the capital city and administrative centre built sometime after the partition of India in elevation in 1947. The cities are Located at about 1,500 feet in elevation in the hot and steamy plains of Pakistan’s upper Punjab. You may wish to explore Rawalpindi by wandering among its many and varied bazaars or visit the imposing Shah Faisal Mosque superbly situated at the foot of the Margalla Hills. This mosque is one of the largest in the world, with room for 15,000 worshippers inside and 85,000 in the courtyard.
Overnight at Hotel

Transfer to airport and fly home from Islamabad.