No. of days : 22
Trekking Days : 12
Range : Karakoram
Grade : Strenuous
Best Season : Jun. to Sep.
Max. Elevation : 5650 meters
Out of 14 eight thousand meters high peaks in the world, 5 are situated in Pakistan. Nanga Parbat is the only Himalayan Peak situated apart from the other 4 in Karakorams, clustered around Concordia, the famous place on Baltoro Glacier. Concordia trek is one of the most demanding but rewarding treks in the world. Serving as the basic point for the 4 giants of Karakorams i.e. Gasherbrum II ( 8035m ), Broad Peak ( 8047m ) and Hidden Peak or Gasherbrum I ( 8068m ) dominated by the king of the mountains, K-2 ( 8611m ), Concordia is the junction of Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers with several other tributaries.
We drive from Skardu to Askole, the last permanent village at the head of jeep road and visit base camp of all 4 eight thousanders in days to follow. Completing the trek at Hushe across the Ghondoghoro Pass ( 5650m ).
ITINERARY
Day 01 Islamabad – Chilas
We depart from Islamabad and arrive at Besham Bye passing the famous towns of Abbottabad and Mansehra travelling on Hazara Motorway . Later on following the upstream course of River Indus, we will make photo stops at Shatial rocks with ancient graffiti’s on it. After a long day aboard, we arrive at Chilas and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Or Travel on Manshera Chilas Via Babusar pass
Day 02 Chilas – Skardu
We keep on following the course of River Indus, and make a brief stop at Chilas rocks carvings. Our next stop is at Nanga Parbat viewpoint which offers breathtaking views of the huge massif of Nanga Parbat. Before entering into the narrow gorge of River Indus, we make another stop at the unique point where three mountain ranges, Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush meet near the confluence of Indus and Gilgit Rivers.
Our onwards journey is through the narrow and barren gorge of Indus and the scenery changes at Kachura, a picturesque lake of Baltistan, where we make a brief stop and later drive on to Skardu town to stay for overnight.
Day 03 Day free at Skardu
This is a free day at Skardu to make an optional trip to Satpara, another vast and picturesque lake of Baltistan. Our staff will make arrangements for porters and make last minute shopping for the expedition.
Day 04 Skardu – Askole
We depart by jeeps from Skardu and enter into Shigar Valley across River Indus. From Shigar, we continue our drive along Shigar and Braldu Rivers to the legendary village, Askole, a kick point for expeditions and trekking parties for most of the famous mountains in Baltistan.
Day 05 Askole – Bardumal
We start our trekking from Askole and making a stop at Korofon, a green campsite and crossing Domurdo River we arrive at campsite of Bardumal. A full day’s walk mostly on flat ground helps us to acclimatize.
Day 06 Bardumal – Paiyu
Another full day’s walk with tough portion of crossing river by Jhola, the flying fox. Later on we arrive at Paiyu for overnight.
Day 07 Paiyu – Day Free
Paiyu is a traditional rest spot before climbing on Baltoro Glacier and the last place to find trees of the region. Our campsite is under the Paiyu Peak which is not visible from campsite. In local language Paiyu stands for salt.
Porters enjoy a feast here as we provide them with meat. They prepare their food for next few days and enjoy a bonfire with dancing and beating drums. A memorable night in the far flung place, deep in the mountains.
Day 08 Paiyu – Khaburse
We start our trekking on the glacier and make a traverse on Baltoro Glacier, the source of Braldu River to arrive at Liligo campsite. Walking onwards along the glacier, we arrive at campsite of Khaburse for overnight.
Day 9 Khaburse – Goro I
Our onwards walk, stay and everything is on the glacier for next few days. We cross Urdukas, the last place to grow grass and alpine flowers, en route and view of Paiyu Peak and Uli Biaho tower behind. Walking in the heart of glacier, Gasherbrum IV – 7929m is visible in her full glory. We pass by the Masherbrum Peak ( K-1 ) – 7821m and view Cathedrals across the glacier. Today our camp will be on the debris of Baltoro Glacier so be prepared for a chilly cold night.
Day 10 Goro I – Concordia
We are walking in a gorge of high mountains i.e. Gasherbrum, Masherbrum, Cathedrals and Mustagh etc. Mustagh Tower is an eye catching peak on the route. We finally arrive at Concordia and camp under Mitre Peak.
Day 11 Day Free at Concordia
Enjoy the superb panorama of surrounding peaks at Concordia as one can see K-2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-IV, Baltoro Kangri, Mitre, Crystal, Marble and Angel Peaks. Reaching at Concordia is rewarding as the first phase of the trek is complete.
Day 12 Concordia – Excursion K-2 Base Camp
To Day, we will make a trip to the base camp of K-2, crossing Broad Peak base camp en route. The walk is through heavily crevassed glacier but trekking is safe. After photography and having cold picnic lunch at base camp, we start walking back to Concordia, our campsite.
Day 13 Concordia – Gasherbrum Base Camp
We depart from Concordia campsite and crossing Shama Camp, arrive at the base camp of two more eight thousanders i.e. G-I & G-II. The all time great climbing legend Reinhold Messner has made a traverse of both mountains in one go, another record of his time. Our choice is same as of Messner’s with the only difference as we will stay at base camp only.
Day 14 Gasherbrum Base Camp
Day free for photography and side walks at base camp. Enjoy the overwhelming grandeur of the lofty mountains all around.
Day 15 Gasherbrum Base Camp – Ali Camp
We start back to our main trekking route i.e. towards Ghondoghoro La, we leave Baltoro Glacier and start walking on Vigne Glacier to arrive at Ali Camp, a famous campsite serving as the base camp for Ghondoghoro La.
Day 16 Ali Camp – Kheuspang
A very early start to cross Ghondoghoro La at 5650m, our main challenge of the trek where we fix ropes to cross the crevassed slopes on both sides of the Pass. Once on the top of the pass, a clear Day reveals superb panorama of the peaks all around. The Gasherbrums, Broad Peak and K-2 are visible superbly.
We start descending down to our campsite and enjoy a relief as the hardest portion of the trek is finished and onwards is an easy walk down to Hushe.
Day 17 Kheuspang – Dalsangpa
It is an easy and short walk to Dalsangpa, meaning a field of flowers. Superb views of towering Masherbrum and other peaks from the campsite. We enjoy almost a free Day as the walking is quite easy in comparison to the previous Day’s adventure.
Day 18 Dalsangpa – Hushe
Finally we are out from savage glaciers and start walking on dry ground. We descend down to Saistcho, a campsite along riverside with trees and greenery. Our walk finishes at green and fertile village Hushe, the first permanent village after leaving Askole.
Day 19 Hushe – Khaplu
We will drive by jeeps to Khaplu, a major division of Baltistan and known for its delicious fruits. Its other attractions include a Raja’s Palace and an old mosque.
Day 20 Khaplu – Chilas
After staying in constructed buildings and enjoying a shower after a long time, we make an early departure for Gilgit driving along River Shyok and then following the same route from Skardu to KKH. Once on the KKH, we drive to Chilas, the commercial centre of the northern areas.
Day 21 Chilas- Islamabad
Drive Back to Islamabad Via Naran
Day 22 will be a cushion day
End of the Tour
For 22 Days K-2 Base Camp / Ghondoghoro La trek, .