K-2, the Mountain of Mountains, is located in the heart of the Karakoram Range, standing as a sublime pyramid at the head of the Godwin Austin Glacier. Uniting with a second glacier at Concordia to form the mighty Baltoro Glacier, it is along this surreal mountain trail that our route will take us. Described by many as the "Throne room of the Mountain Gods" this unique mountain region is home to four peaks above 8000m, making it the largest concentration of the highest peaks on earth. The journey to get there will first take us first by plane over the stunning Karakoram Mountains and into Baltistan, before heading by jeep to Askole where the track ends and the walking trail begins.
Duration: 21 Days Average group size: 2 – 12
TOUR DETAILS
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Skardu Valley
- Drive in FWDs on narrow roads
- Views along the Karakoram Highway
- The most amazing views in the world
- Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m). View four 8,000m peaks (K2, Gasherbrum I & II, Broad Peak) and other peaks (Gasherbrum 4, Laila, Gondogoro Peak etc) from one point
- Excellent camping facilities
- Interaction with the local people
Accommodation:
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this trip we use small local guesthouses, fixed campsites and wild camps on the Glacier, plus a luxury hotel in Shigar.
Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability. For security reasons we do not provide details of the hotels used on this trip but if you would like more information please contact the office.
Transport: On tour transport will be in minibuses or domestic flights between Islamabad and Skardu, from there we use jeeps to allow full access to the mountains. Other than that – it’s your own two feet!
Climate:
The weather conditions can be extremely varied. Islamabad is likely to be hot, as is Skardu and the first few days of the trek. However, once we approach heights around 4,000 metres it can turn bitter so you should fully expect there to be some snowfall. Generally the late summer should be lovely with clear skies and warm days.
Is this trip for me? It may sound obvious but Adventure Hunza tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. Please therefore take time to read the dossier carefully.
All our tours are graded to give an overall picture of the trip but these are only guidelines and you should check the daily itinerary. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
Adventure Rating: 10/10
Comfort Grade: 3/10
Fitness Level: 10/10
Cultural Interest: 5/10
Additional Comments:
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited.
It is vital to note that this is a demanding trek overall and it’s important that you be in good shape. For someone with good fitness the days are typically not more than six-seven hours of walking, but we have heard of less-fit people having days that extend to eight-nine hours. This is especially important in the first few days, as the heat can be an issue.
Clarifying fitness levels for each individual is not easy, but clearly you will need to be able to amble along for six-eight hours in a day (including breaks, lunch etc) on rough terrain and carrying a reasonably heavy day pack. It is advised to get out for some test runs of 10miles/16km (if you are close to some rough terrain, even better!) in the months leading up to the trip. If you are working out aerobically at 45+ mins three times a week in the build-up and are able to do some longer walks once a week you ought to be in good shape for the trip. Clearly, if you can do more then you will simply enjoy the trek that much more! To summarize, you can be of almost any age, but you need to be in good active shape.
Day 1: Tour starts in Islamabad:
Arrival at Islamabad airport and transfer to your hootel (no meals)
Day 2: Islamabad – Skardu (2,500m):
Our journey starts today the exquisite flight over the high mountains of the Karakoram to the town of Skardu. Skardu: Skardu is the main town of Baltistan, situated along the wide bank of the river Indus. Used as a base from where to reach some of the highest peaks in the world; Skardu is very popular with mountaineering expeditions. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers who trek to Baltoro Glacier, K-2 Base Camp and Concordia. Skardu has a character all of its own and has very interesting scenery; surrounded by dry, rugged mountains and sand dunes. The Indus becomes wide and still at this point
This town has acted as the starting point for many an expedition into the high mountains of the Karakoram since the airport was improved by the military, and has a unique identity. This afternoon we should be able to visit the K2 Museum, home to the famous photographs of Vittorio Sella taken in 1909, and have a walk around town. Hotel (B)
Please remember if the flight is cancelled due to bad weather we’ll have to drive, stopping for the night at Naran, if you travel via Babusar Pass (4100m) or Chilas on KKH and on to Skardu on Day 3.
Day 3: Skardu - Khaplu – Skardu (2,500m):
For those that are interested today there will be a chance to visit the picturesque Khaplu Valley, towards the towering peak of Mashabrum. Anyone that wishes to stay behind can chill in town. Hotel (B)
In case of flight cancellation on previous day, you will travel from Chilas to Skardu.
Day 4: Skardu – Jhula (3100m):
After breakfast we load up the jeeps and head into the heart of the mountain range. Continuing the drive for 8 to 10 hours through the Braldu Gorge, is guaranteed to knock your socks off! Camp will be set up near Jhula. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 5: Jhula - Paju (3250m):
And so for the real adventure…from camp the trek begins but, you will be pleased to know, along a gentle plain which can be accomplished in 6 - 7 hours. We cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier on the way to our lovely campsite at Paju. We shall have our lunch at Bardumal before we reach our camp at Paju. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 6: Paju – Khurburche (3400m):
From camp, we follow the Braldu and Biafo rivers to our campsite. This is one of our longer days walking as we must cross the Domurda River coming out of the Choktoi and Panmah Glaciers. You will have your lunch at Liligo. This crossing is done on a bridge upstream shortly before Jhola which we pass through. There is some scrambling over rocks today and the walk will likely take around 5 to 6 hurs hours. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 7: Khurburche – Urdukas (4050m):
Today is a short four hour walk on the rocky moraines and ablation valley of the Baltoro. We cross a couple of icy side glaciers on the way and may have our first sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. The historical campsite is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most intense mountain views in the world. The campsite was originally prepared by the Duke of Abruzzi in the beginning of the last century. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 8: Khuburche - Urdukas (4,050m):
Free day at Urdukas to wash yourselves and do your laundry. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 9: Urdukas – Goro II
This is a tough day’s walk on the undulating Baltoro. However, the footing becomes easier and the rocks become smaller as we move up the glacier and we take lunch at Goro I - which must be one of the most magnificent spots on earth. It takes about 8 hours to get to Goro II, as we walk smack up the central moraine of the Baltoro. Masherbrum emerges on the right taking our breath away, as does the stunning Gasherbrum IV right in front of us. As we get closer to camp we get a vivid reminder that we are walking on a block of ice as large icebergs sprout from the ground all around us – making for a very surreal experience! Goro II is a cold campsite, but it has a great view of the Muztagh Tower. (No pain, no gain!) Camp (B,L,D)
Day 10: Goro II - Concordia (4,700m):
Today we reach our destination: the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. The walk takes between four - six hours and our ultimate reward is K2 emerging on our left. Here we feel that we have arrived at one of Earths special places. For many, it is lifelong goal to come here, a place of superlatives and without any parallels! Camp (B,L,D)
Day 11: Concordia to Broad Peak Basecamp (4,860m):
Today we trek to the basecamp of Mt. Broad Peak (8068) in 4 to 5 hours. After reaching the Broad Peak Basecamp, and having lunch, walk to the basecamp of mighty K2 (2 hours maximum) For camp night walk back to the basecamp of Broad Peak Camp (B,L,D)
Day 12: Broad Peak to Concordia (4,700m):
Walk back to Concordia in 4 to 5 hours and after having lunch we would suggest a walk to the Vigne Glacier named after Godfrey Vigne. He was an early British traveler to this region. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 13: Concordia – Ali Camp (4,950m):
Sadly we cannot stay here forever and today we start our retreat off the glacier. This will be a long day’s trek of 6-7 hours. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 14: Ali Camp – Gondogoro La - Xispang (59400m):
We shall start very early in the morning towards Ghondogoro La today. Ghondogoro Pass is a mountain pass that stands at an elevation of 5585 meters. It is located approximately 25 km south of the world's second-highest peak, K2. This pass serves as a connection between the Gondogoro Glacier to the southwest and the Vigne Glacier to the northeast.
Gondoghoro Pass, although very popular with the trekkers, involves class 4 trekking and ropes are fixed to climb the pass with possible use of crampons at places. The north side is a 50 degrees slope with possible dangers of avalanche and rock falls. It will be a long and tough day with up to 9 hours hike involving some steep hikes, maneuvering with snow and icy slopes, and climbing ridges.
By mid-day you reach the campsite Xispang, which is a beautiful place with plenty of wild flowers around. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 15: Xispang – Dalsangpa (4150m)
Your start your day through moving boulders and ice, finally crossing the glacier up to the camping site to reach Dalsangpa (field of flowers Balti language) after walking for 6 6o 7 hours. It is set up between two lakes, with Masherbrum Mountain and the white glacier shooting down from Masherbrum Pass reflected in the still water. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 16: Dalsanpga – Siecho
By keeping to the left of the moraine, and crossing many glacial streams, with scrambling through huge boulders, you will reach Siecho; the campsite. It is a large settlement with shepherds and few other signs of modern age. You campsite will be surrounded by trees of various type. The whole will require and effort of 6 to 7 hours. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 17: Free day at Siecho
Free day at Siecho to recover and groom yourself. Camp (B,L,D)
Day 18: Siecho – Hushe – Khaplu - Skardu:
In morning after a walk of two hours, reach transfer to jeeps and drive to Skardu. In Skardu you will stay at a hotel to refresh yourselves. Hotel (B)
Day 19: In Islamabad:
Today we will look to catch the flight from Skardu back to the Pakistani capital. Sometimes the flight does not depart due to the weather, and if this is the case we will drive the route down the Karakoram Highway tomorrow. Hotel (B)
Day 20: In Islamabad:
If we are driving then today we will conclude our journey down the KKH. If we have flown we will have some additional sightseeing before a final dinner overlooking the city. Hotel (B)
Day 21: Islamabad:
The tour finishes after breakfast at the hotel in Islamabad. (B)
Extensions: If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration. The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries.
Here is just a small sample of what you could do:-
Arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts. Explore the country after your tour on a bespoke adventure extension or just allow a few days to relax afterwards.
IWHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Full services of an Adventure Hunza Tour local guides and drivers
- Meal plan as detailed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) with drinking water as required
- Three meals during trek only
- All transport as outlined in the itinerary (air-conditioned transport on paved roads and FWD jeeps to and from Skardu towards Askole)
- All accommodation on twin sharing basis at standard hotels as per itinerary
- Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad Economy Class Airfare (will be adjusted if flight is cancelled)
- Camping equipment:
- Member sleeping Tents, Mess Tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Mattress, Chairs, Tables and Lamp.
- 2-person dome tents while camping (twin sharing basis)
- Foam mats while camping
- 12 kg of trekker’s personal transportation by the porters during the trek
- Porters to carry the camping equipment and food
- Staff: Guide, cook and assistants, their insurance, transport. food and kit allowance
- All entrance fees, as per itinerary (national park fees in the mountains only)
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Visas (if applicable)
- Local airport taxes
- Entrance fee the museums and other public interest site in the cities except during trek
- Tips (always optional, but some guidance will be given in the predeparture information pack you’ll receive after booking)
- Beverages other than drinking water & any costs of a personal nature
- Horse rentals @ USD 550 per person from Askole to Askole as per itinerary (horses cannot be taken across Ghondogoro Pass)
- International flights to/from the start/finish of the trip
- Helicopter rescue charges of USD 10000 in case of emergencies
- Anything which is not mentioned in the cost
Travelling Solo & Single Supplements:
Our prices are typically based on twin share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Adventure Hunza tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Flights:
Please note that flights to the mountains in Pakistan are subject to weather. If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flight or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know although it should be noted that in most cases we are only able to quote on flights originating in the Pakistan.
Helicopter Rescue Information:
All clients must ensure that you have helicopter rescue coverage in view of the terrain and area of the country being visited. There is a helicopter bond of US$10,000 and AH will cover this on the understanding that this will be fully repaid by the clients Insurers or clients themselves should the need arise.
