ПАКИСТАН
PILGRAMAGE TO HIGH HEAVENS K2 CIRCULAR TREK
22 DAYS
The opening of the 5940 m high Gondogoro La adds a new dimension to the magnificent K2 Trek, making it possible to return via beautiful Hushe Valley. Given a little luck with weather the view from this pass is just incomparable, anywhere in the world. From no other place on earth can one see such incredible views of K2 (8616 m) the second highest peak in the world, and world's most beautiful high pyramid, Broad Peak (8048 m), Gasherbrum I to 6, Golden Throne (7240 m), Chogolisa (7665 m), and the entire upper Baltoro Massif. This trek requires a good degree of physical fitness, as the variable weather conditions make the crossing of pass quite challenging, but more rewarding too. It is recommended that the trek may be started from, Askole as group can reach up to Concordia being able to see major Baltoro Peaks and, return the same route in case of extreme snow conditions and unkind weather situations. We also recommend that the members should take crampons and ice axe.
Day 01. Islamabad
Arrive Islamabad. Transfer to hotel. Welcome reception (briefing) at Alpine Club of Pakistan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02. Skardu / Chilas
- Fly to Skardu PK-451 (09:30 – 10:30). (Flight is subject to weather). Upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.
- In case of cancellation of flight (12-14 hrs) drive by coach to Chilas (480 km) on Karakoram Highway. Overnight at hotel
Day 03. Chilas / Skardu
- Day free at Skardu
- If your are driving, complete road journey (08–09 hrs) to Skardu (275 km) En-route has good view of Nanga Parbat (8125m) at junction of Indus River and the rapids and fall of Indus River. Overnight at hotel
Day 04. Askole: (3000 m)
By jeeps drive to Askole (6-7 hrs). The last village of about 50 houses. The villagers grow their own cereals, vegetable and fruit and own large herds of sheep’s, goats, yaks and dzos. Overnight in tent.
Day 05. Jhola: (3200 m)
Start 3 hours, walk across wasteland and traverse Biafo Glacier, a tortured Ocean of moving boulders and crevasses 2 km wide. Cross the glacier and after a lunch break continue to Jhola (5 hrs). Cross-Dumardo River Bridge and camp at rather dusty campsite surrounded by a few bushes with a side stream. Overnight in tent
Day 06. Paiyu: (3600 m)
Start on a relatively easy trail for 2 hrs. Crossing Bardumal campsites along a 2-km stretch of sandy River beach. After a lunch break continue towards Paiyu for another 3 hrs. trail climbs to a Vantage Point providing view of the Snout of Baltoro. And in the far distance a magnificent Panorama of Cathedral Towers and triangle of K2 to the left for the first time. Paiyu is a crowded campsite. Overnight in tent.
Day 07. Paiyu: (3600 m)
Rest day at Paiyu. Overnight at tent.
Day 08. Khuburtze: (4000 m)
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 BC of Trango Tower and the Sarpo Lago 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 Khuburtze lovely walks for about 90 minutes to the campsite and with clear water. Overnight at tent.
Day 09. Urdukas: (4200 m)
3 hours lovely walk mostly along the crest of lateral moraine with stunning views of Paiyu Peak, Chorichi, Uli Biaho, Trango Towers and so on. Urdukas is a spectacular campsite. However like Paiyu this site is over used and polluted. Overnight at tent.
Day 10. Goro II: (4500 m)
The first hour walk is across difficult side crevasses, however the way is smoother and easy in the center. Continue for 2-3 hours to Goro-I opposite of Yermanendo Glacier falling down from the Mashebrum pass. For the next 3-4 hrs continue east up the Baltoro glacier. Following telephone wire from army HQ Goro to Gasherbrum IV. Goro-II campsite is pitched on the rough stones and ice in the center of the glacier with water from the glacier melt. Overnight at tent.
Day 11. Concordia (4700 m)
5-6 hours slightly easy walk, with spectacular views and gigantic mountain panorama, including Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak and the mighty K-2. Camp at Concordia named by Martin Conway after the place De La Concordia in Paris. Overnight at tent.
Day 12-13. Concordia: (4700 m)
2 days free for optional excursion to K2 BC. Overnight at tent.
Day 14. Vigne Glacier: (4800 m)
5 hours continue walk on Vigne Glacier, proving superb views of Chogolisa, and Mitre Peak, A rare mountain panorama and camp just below pass. Overnight at tent.
Day 15. Gondogoro-La (5940 m) / Khuspang (4680 m)
6 hrs Start very early in the morning for the strenuous and steep ascend to Gondogoro la (high pass), descend to the high camp (Khuspang) on the other side. Also BC for Gondogoro Peak. Overnight in tent.
Day 16. Dalzampa: (4300 m)
4-5 hours easy descends glacier Moraine to beautiful campsite of Dalzampa “field of flower”. A climb to the lateral Moraine provides spectacular views of glacier and jagged spires. Overnight in tent.
Day 17. Shaieshcho: (3600 m)
Another 3 hours walk on the lateral moraine through wild roses, gooseberry cedar and Tamarisk bushes. The Charksa valley joins the Gondogoro at Shaieshcho and the route leads towards the base camp of K6 and K7. Overnight in tent.
Day 18. Hushe: (3300 m)
3-4 hours the last day of the trek follow the east bank of Hushe River on an easy path through the field and camp out side the village.
Day 19. Skardu: (2340 m)
By jeep drive to Skardu via Khaplu 5 hrs. The second largest kingdom in the old Baltistan guarding the trade route to Ladakh along Shyok River. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20. Islamabad / Chilas
- Fly to Islamabad PK-452 (11:20 – 12:20). (Subject to weather). Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
- In case of flight cancellation drive to Chilas. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21. Islamabad
- Leisure day at Islamabad
- In case of driving, complete road journey from Chilas to Islamabad. Overnight at hotel.
Day 22. Fly Out
Morning de-briefing at Alpine Club of Pakistan. In the Evening transfer to airport for your return flight home.