ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

Islamabad International Airport - Most international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your guide will meet and greet you at the airport and then transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. Later, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the K2 and Gandogoro Trek. Depending on the time available, there may be an option for some sightseeing in Islamabad, a city purpose-built in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.

SPECTACULAR DRIVE TO SKARDU (2,230m):

Skardu Tour - Today, you will travel to Islamabad International Airport to take a spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu, the capital of Baltistan. It’s a 45-minute flight offering spectacular mountain views of the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain range. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8126m). If the weather is clear, we might also see K2 and Gandogoro Pass. After checking into the hotel, the rest of the day will be spent visiting the local bazaar, historical forts, scenic lakes, or ancient rock inscriptions, including the 8th-century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock, which shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who influenced the area before Islam.

SIGHTSEEING & PREPARATION DAY, SKARDU

Upper Kachura Lake - Skardu, the capital of the ancient Baltistan Kingdom, has much to see and explore. It is the gateway to many famous treks and climbing expeditions, including the K2 and Gandogoro Trek. In the morning, we will walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (built in the early 1700s), which overlooks the town and offers a great view of the Indus River. This is a perfect location for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset (we can arrange this for you). We will then walk to a small village called Organic Village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore; perhaps you would like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the bazaar.

DRIVE TO JOHLA CAMP VIA ASKOLI

Shigar Valley - The following day, we will drive along the mighty Indus, Shigar, and Braldu Rivers to the lush green Shigar Valley towards Askoli. Askoli is the last village before entering the heart of Karakoram. We will spend our first night under the stars in Askoli, high above the thundering Braldu River. Askole is a single street of wooden houses, backed by irrigated fields of corn, potatoes, and groves of apricot trees. After a short stay in Askole, we head to Johla camp for the night.

TREK TO PAJU

K2 Mountain - Today, you will have an early start from Johla. The path runs for a while at the very edge of the river before climbing to higher ground, allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak. You will have to negotiate a couple of streams today, and depending on the melting of the glaciers above, you may have to ford these (sports sandals or old trainers are useful). Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this camp, you have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier, granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups, and if the weather is clear, you might see a glimpse of K2. Night stay at Paiju Camp.

TREK TO KHOBURTSE

K2 Mountain - Another early start today. From your camp at Paiju, a walk of approximately one hour brings you to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. After viewing the outpouring of meltwater from the ice, we now climb up onto the back of this great beast. At this point, the ice of the glacier is completely covered by rubble and rocks, and although we are following a trail used by many expeditions, the going here can be quite tough. The trail undulates as we climb over the swells of the flowing glacier, and it is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, or K2. Gradually, we work our way across the glacier to its south side, where we can use a path along the lateral moraine. Heading roughly east, we continue, sometimes on the moraine and sometimes down beside the glacier, until we reach a side valley. At this point, it may be possible to continue more or less directly by climbing up onto the glacier. Or, if the glacier is not easily accessible, we will turn off into the valley for approximately half an hour to reach a point where we can cross the meltwater stream (sandals or old trainers required). Finally, reaching the camping place at Khorburtse (3,760m), we have sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, the Trango Group, and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho. A great day of trekking over difficult and mixed terrain.

TREK TO URDUKAS

K2 Mountain - Today is a short day but quite hard work as we walk up the undulating moraine, gaining height all the way. We continue east beside the Baltoro Glacier, either along the lateral moraine or sometimes on the glacier itself, passing the ship-like prow of Great Trango and the isolated pillar of the ‘Nameless Tower’ to our next camp at Urdukas. It has truly sensational views of the Trango Towers to the west and directly opposite, almost a mile away across the valley, the vast rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang rise like ramparts above the glacier. This is a truly awesome place. We should reach here in time for a late lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free to camp, relax, and soak up our fabulous mountain vistas.

ACCLIMATISING DAY AT URDUKAS

K2 Mountain - From many years of K2 and Gandogoro Trek experience, we have learned that taking a rest day at Urdukas has worked well. The advantages of spending an extra night here are very helpful. It helps the acclimatization process and has proved to be more effective than a rest day at Paiju.

This is the last campsite on grassy slopes off the main glacier, and it also has facilities for washing and cleaning. There is a pleasant walk behind the campsite through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers. Climbing high and sleeping low is the best way to help the acclimatization process.

TREK TO GORO II

K2 Mountain - Leaving Urdukas behind, you will follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu glacier, which flows from Masherbrum, and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m), and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. We are quite high now and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions, so we will make sure to wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier, where ledges have been leveled out for the tents.

TREK TO CONCORDIA

K2 Mountain - Today, you will trek to Concordia, taking you through what must arguably be the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world! Our approach to Concordia continues along the heaving swells of the Baltoro Glacier as we pass Mustagh Tower (7284m). Ahead of us, Gasherbrum IV (7925m) acts like a beacon drawing us on, while at some points on today’s walk, we can also see Gasherbrum II (8035m), which peeks out to the right of Gasherbrum IV. As we make our way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad Peak (8051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left. K2 keeps itself hidden until the very moment we reach Concordia, when suddenly its full height is revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4000 meters from the valley floor to the summit – a sight that will never be forgotten. Concordia is a wide area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on the planet, and here you can stand within 24 kilometers of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks! We make our camp at approximately 4500 meters on a moraine ridge surrounded on all sides by jagged peaks, including Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak, and K2.

TREK TO BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP

K2 Mountain - Most trekkers camp at Concordia, which gives them a very long walk to K2 Base Camp. Our experience has taught us that camping at the base camp of Broad Peak will give us a better and more amazing view of K2. From Concordia, the route passes through some jumbled ice fins and moraine ridges before gaining the medial moraine of the Godwin Austen glacier. Broad Peak Base Camp is located on this moraine near the base of the climbing route on Broad Peak. One of the best views of K2 is from Broad Peak Base Camp. Enjoy the marvelous situation of Karakoram.

TREK TO K2 BASE CAMP & BACK TO CONCORDIA

K2 Mountain - Today, you will make an early start for the amazing walk up to the mighty K2 Base Camp. For many people, a visit to the actual base camp used by climbers on K2 will certainly be a highlight of their trek. We can stop and admire the sensational view of K2 in one direction and, in the other, look back to Concordia framed by Mitre Peak and the bulk of Chogolisa, also known as ‘Broad Peak‘. On the return, you pass through Broad Peak Base Camp and then continue down to Concordia. From Concordia, we will descend Baltoro.

TREK TO ALI CAMP

K2 Mountain - Today, you will leave the main trekking trail behind, striking out on a far less traveled route that will take you along the Upper Baltoro, one of the glaciers coming down from Chogolisa that feed the huge glacial junction of Concordia. From Concordia, there are several moraine ridges to scramble over to reach the Vigne Glacier, which is flatter with fewer crevasses. After 5 – 7 hours of trekking along the Upper Baltoro towards the enormous bulk of Chogolisa at the head of the valley, you eventually reach the confluence of this glacier with the West Vigne Glacier, which sweeps down from the base of the Gondogoro La. Here on the moraine beside the junction, we make our home for the night at the place known locally as ‘Ali Camp’ (4800m).

We would normally reach Ali Camp around mid-day or early afternoon, and after settling in, your trip leader will organize a skills session to practice the simple techniques of using a jumar to safeguard moving on fixed lines.

CROSS GANDOGORO LA TO KHUSPANG

K2 Mountain - Today, you will have an early start before the light breaks in the morning, probably around 2 am, to minimize the risk of rockfall on the descent down the Hushe side of the pass.

After fueling up in the dining tent with breakfast, you will don crampons and harnesses and set off roped together onto the West Vigne Glacier. In the black, star-studded crisp night air, you will make your way slowly over the sparkling glacier illuminated in pools of light from your head torches.

This is a tough day, but the views from the top of the pass really make it worthwhile. All four 8000’ers are visible in one direction, and the other way looks down the Hushe Valley with the beautiful Leila Peak.

Depending on the snow conditions, it may be necessary to rope up for the crossing of the glacier before getting to the base of the pass. There are several sections with fixed ropes in place that can be used as a handrail. It is also best practice to clip a carabiner and sling onto the rope for safety.

If the snow conditions are good and the trail has already been broken, the pass can be ascended quite quickly (in about 4-5 hours). After approximately 4 hours of climbing from the West Vigne Glacier, with views opening up behind us, we reach the summit of the pass, an incredible and exhilarating feeling. The view from the top is breathtaking, with 4 eight-thousand-meter peaks in view and close at hand, namely K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. The top of the pass is a broad shoulder, and on the far side, the ground drops precipitously away, and we find ourselves looking down into the Gondogoro Valley. Directly opposite are the faces of the Trinity peaks, but all eyes will be drawn to the beautiful spire of Laila Peak (6096) and then further down, following the curve of the glacier, we can see the perfect cone of Masherbrum II.

The Hushe side of the pass can be a tricky descent, although there are fixed ropes in place at the top. The slope starts at a sustained 50 degrees on snow and finishes on loose scree towards the bottom. On reaching the green oasis of Khuspang, you can put your feet up and relax, remembering the excitement of the day.

Important note: the crossing of the Gondogoro La is dependent on good weather and conditions on the approach to the pass. If it is not possible to safely ascend the pass, the group will walk back down the Baltoro glacier to Askole.

We believe our 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. We have two nights at Concordia and one night at Broad Peak Base Camp.

We have two buffer days in case of delays or bad weather on Day 17 & 18 of the itinerary.

SPARE TREK DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS

K2 Mountain - It is in the nature of a journey such as this that there can be delays, and it is important to build in some time to allow for this.

In case of bad weather on Day 16, these days will give us another chance to cross the pass. If we successfully got over the pass on Day 16, you may enjoy rest or exploration days, or the other option is to continue down to Hushe to spend a night.

CONTINGENCY DAY FOR POSSIBLE DELAYS:

K2 Mountain - It is in the nature of a journey such as this that there can be delays, and it is important to build in some time to allow for this.

In case of bad weather on Day 16, these days will give us another chance to cross the pass. If we successfully got over the pass on Day 16, you may enjoy rest or exploration days, or the other option is to continue down to Hushe to spend a night.

KHUSPANG TO SAICHO

K2 Mountain - After a couple of minutes of easy walking, we get onto the glacier, where we pick our way across the moraine and ice, finally crossing the glacier up to the camping site to reach Dalsangpa, which means ‘field of flowers’. There is a spectacular view of Masherbrum and the glacier cascading down from Masherbrum Pass.

It is a beautiful walk to Shaicho as we pass yak pastures and see the first trees since Paiju. Shaicho is a small village. At this point, we have returned to more benign altitudes where things grow, and the trees actually become bigger than us as we continue the descent of the moraine to the valley bottom. We make our camp at Saitcho (3350m), a sandy area of sparse grasses beside the river at the junction of the Gondogoro and Charakusa valleys. This will be the first night in almost a week where we can breathe the oxygen-rich air below 4000 meters and sleep to the sounds of running water!

TREK TO HUSHE 2 HOURS, DRIVE TO SKARDU

K2 Mountain - Today will be our last walking day of the K2 and Gandogoro trek. It will be an easy walk to Hushe village. Hushe is quite large, with a warren of alleys and buildings. Most traditional houses are built from rounded river stones and are 2 stories high, with space for the animals downstairs and people upstairs. Hushe also has some more modern houses, a shop, a school, a hotel, and a trekkers’ campsite.

Our vehicles will already be waiting for us, so we make an early start for the return drive through the lush green Khapulu Valley. We have a faster, smoother journey on a paved road following the great Indus River into Skardu. Arriving in the town, we will check into our hotel, and there will be time for a welcome shower and clean up before sitting down to dinner. Tonight, we will enjoy the comfort of a real bed.

DRIVE TO ISLAMABAD

Upper Kachura Lake - After breakfast, we will follow the Indus River to reach KKH, then drive on KKH to reach Islamabad.

Skardu to Islamabad is an 18-20 hour drive.

We have the option to stay overnight in Chillas.

DEPARTURE DAY

Islamabad - Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

• Private transportation
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Travel insurance