Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours
BACK
K2 BASE CAMP GONDOGORO LA PASS TREK / Pakistan
K2 Base Camp Gondogoro La Pass Trek / Pakistan
INTRODUCTION:
This exciting trek takes us to K2 Base Camp in the Karakoram Mountains – home of the highest peaks on the planet and a mecca for climbers, and further challenges us to go through the dramatic col of Gondogoro La Pass (5680m.). As we walk through the remotest parts of Karakoram along glaciers, broad valleys and roaring glacial streams, we meet the “Mountain of the mountains”, or K2, the second highest in the world with 8 611 meters, and also enjoy the surrounding views of Gasherbrum-I (8068 m), Gasherbrum-II (8035 m) and Broad Peak (8051 m).
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Islamabad and its old twin town Rawalpindi with a taste of Pakistani culture and life ♦ The Karakorum Highway, or the Old Silk Road from China ♦ The Karakoram Mountains with K2 – the second highest in the world ♦ Concordia –the area with the greatest concentration of high peaks over 8 000 m. in the world ♦ Biafo, Baltoro, Abruzzi and Godwin Austin Glaciers – some of the biggest on Earth ♦ K2 Base Camp ♦ Gondogoro La Pass – situated at 5 680 meters above the sea level with supreme views
DATES: 04 - 24 September 2016
DURATION: 21 days
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
DURATION: 21 days
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
Full Board (except dinners and lunches in Islamabad): Overnights: 6 in hotels in Islamabad, Skardu/Chillas ♦ 14 overnights in camp tents ♦ breakfasts, lunches, dinners for the whole stay based on stay in DBL room/tent ♦ all ground transportation as per itinerary: transfers from and to Islamabad airport; domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu or minibus from Islamabad – Chilas- Skardu and back, transfer by 4x4 Jeeps to Askole♦ English speaking mountain guide, Azimut Tours tour leader and full expedition equipment (except personal sleeping bag) ♦ staff – porters (personal luggage up to 15kg. per person), cooks, kitchen tent and utilities during camping ♦ guided city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
International flight tickets ♦ dinners in Islamabad ♦ drinks and other personal expenses ♦ personal insurance ♦ visa ♦ tips
ITINERARY:
DAY 4. Skardu – Askole
Today we head by 4x4 Jeeps for Askole, situated at 3050 m.a.s.l. in one of the most remote regions of the Karakoram mountains. It is about 7-8 hrs. drive through the picturesque and fertile Shigar Valley and further on the narrow roads winding through the steep mountainous slopes over abysses and roaring glacial rivers. A Jeep safari we could call it to remember for a lifetime. And our camping adventures begin. Overnight in tents.
DAY 5 – DAY 7. Askole – Jhola – Paiyu (Rest day)
On the first two days of the trek we start slowly ascending along the green pastures of Braldu valley and river in the beginning, continue on to crossing Biafo Glacier – 63 km. long river of ice and rock coming down from Karakoram’s central peaks. After ascending by the steep banks of Dumordo River, the mountain starts to reveal its raw beauty. We cross the river with the help of a zip line and soon we reach our campsite in Jhola (3150 m) in about 6-7 hrs altogether. Overnight. We continue alongside the raging waters of Braldu River to a point where we could see the snout of the impressive Baltoro glacier, Cathedral Peak (5828 m) and Bakhor Das Peak (5809 m). We reach the green oasis – our campsite Payu (3480 m) lying in the shadow of beautiful Payu Peak (6610 m) in about 6-7 hrs. We stay here 2 overnights in tents.
DAY 8. Rest day. Exploring the area. Relaxation. The staff is organizing luggage – food and equipment.
DAY 9 – DAY 10. Payu – Urdukas – Goro-II
As we go deeper into the mountain the feel is almost like out of this world. Nature is so close, landscapes get more and more dramatic. From Payu camp, after a short hike, we enter the vast Baltoro Glacier – 63 km. long – one of the biggest on Earth, outside the Polar Regions. This huge ‘highway’ of ice, tall seracs, deep aqua pools of melting water, fast streams, rocks and boulders will be our track until we reach Concordia. The terrain gets rough winding up and down the moraines of Baltoro Glacier. As we progress up to Urdukas (4050 m) we have stunning views of some of the most emblematic peaks for trekkers and climbers worldwide – Lobsang Spire(5707 m), Uli Biaho (6190 m), Trango Towers (6300 m). We reach campsite in 5-6 hours walking and we stay here overnight. From Urdukas to Goro-II camp(4380 m) we walk about 5-6 hours with surrounding Muztagh Tower (7273 m) and K1, or Masherbrum (7821 m) slowly revealing to us. Overnight.
DAY 11 – DAY 12. Goro-II – Concordia – K2 Base Camp – Concordia
The walk from Goro-II to Concordia (4720 m.) amazes us with some of the most spectacular mountainous scenery in the world – four peaks out of fourteen over 8,000 m., and also many more that haven’t been climbed and named, yet. Concordia offers a panorama that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. We stay here for 2 overnights. On next day we hike up to K2 Base Camp. Words are hard to describe the overwhelming feelings as we get close to the giant. We hike along Godwin Austin glacier and go back to Concordia in about 10 hours, fresh and ready for the next day’s adventure. Overnight.
DAY 13 – DAY 14. Concordia – Ali Camp – Gondogoro Pass – Hispung
This is the most challenging part of the trek crossing the high Gondogoro Pass – 5680 m.a.s.l. The trek from Concordia to Ali Camp (5050 m) – the highest point where we stay overnight is relatively gradual and easy walk over ice and snow. The first two hours are more difficult as we traverse Baltoro Glacier and its crevasses.guarded by Chogolisa Peak (7665 m) on the south. We reach Ali Camp in about 6-7 hours and we go to bed early to prepare for an early start on the next day. We wake up after midnight (around 1 AM) to start our climb to the pass. Early start is necessary to avoid stone falls on the descent form Gondogoro La. The ascent is normally all on snow to the base on the pass and a steep ascent to the top using at places fixed ropes as a handrail and crampons for safety. From the top of Gondogoro we are speechless in front of ‘the big four’ rising to the northeast and Hushe Valley to the south dominated by picturesque Leila peak. The descent from the pass is steeper – initially a 45o snow slope with the angle easing, but requiring a good balance. The exact location of our campsite will be determined by our pace of walking. Overnight.
DAY 15 – DAY 17. Hispung – Daltsampa – Saicho (Free day)
We start down from Hispung with a long traverse of the Gondogoro Glacier along small crevasses and soft ice to Daltsampa (4300 m.) where we camp overnight. The last part of walk is a pleasant stroll through yak pastures with wild flowers and striking views of the glacier, Yermandu Kangri Peak (6246 m) and Masherbrum South (7804 m). On the next day we gradually leave the icy landscapes and descend to the meadow and pastureland at Saicho (3330 m.). Although we've left the icy wilds, we still have tremendous views of the mountains, including Namika Peak and Defokhar (6560 m). Free day at Saicho. Overnight.
DAY 18 – DAY 20 Saicho – Hushe – Skardu/Chillas
We trek down to Hushe in about 4-5 hours descending by to the Gondogoro River, enjoying spectacular views of K6 (7278 m), K7 (6941 m) and Link Sar (7039 m). We continue to descend, passing through small summer settlement en route to the green irrigated fields at Hushe - the last village up the valley, about 140 kilometers east of Skardu which is the starting point for treks to various summer pastures up five glaciers. The Hushe valley runs from Masherbrum Mountains ,south to the Shyok River, opposite Khaplu.. After lunch we drive by 4x4 Jeeps to Skardu. Overnight at hotel.
On the next day we either fly to Islamabad or drive to Chillas where we stay overnight and drive back to Islamabad.
DAY 21. Departure. Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for departure.
DAY 1. Arrival – Islamabad
Meeting at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon we have time to wander around the streets of Rawalpidni – the old twin town of Islamabad with its vibrant bazaars, and get a taste of the culture of Pakistan. We will also visit Shah Faisal Mosque, Shakarparian Park and the Institute of Folk and Traditional heritage in Islamabad – the new cosmopolitan capital which was built from 1959 until 1969 when it officially replaced Karachi as the new capital. Overnight.
Meeting at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon we have time to wander around the streets of Rawalpidni – the old twin town of Islamabad with its vibrant bazaars, and get a taste of the culture of Pakistan. We will also visit Shah Faisal Mosque, Shakarparian Park and the Institute of Folk and Traditional heritage in Islamabad – the new cosmopolitan capital which was built from 1959 until 1969 when it officially replaced Karachi as the new capital. Overnight.
DAY 2 – DAY 3. Islamabad – Skardu (Free day)/*Chillas - Skardu
We have a domestic flight to Skardu (1 hour) if weather allows. We enjoy from a bird’s view the astounding views of the highest mountains, glaciers and broad valleys. Overnight in Skardu – a charming town and the gateway to the highest peaks of Northern Pakistan. It lies at the bank of the Indus River with the mighty Karakoram peaks and sand dunes in the backdrop. We have a free day in Skardu and another overnight here.
*In case the weather wouldn’t let us fly, we drive on the Karakoram Highway to Chillas (460 km/11-12 hrs.) where we stay overnight and continue to Skardu (290km/8-9 hrs.)on the next day along the great Indus river with overwhelming panoramas behind each turn. En route we awe at the close view of the north side of Diamir, or Nanga Parbat, just a kilometer away. It is the 9th tallest mountain in the world reaching the sky at 8 126 meters.
We have a domestic flight to Skardu (1 hour) if weather allows. We enjoy from a bird’s view the astounding views of the highest mountains, glaciers and broad valleys. Overnight in Skardu – a charming town and the gateway to the highest peaks of Northern Pakistan. It lies at the bank of the Indus River with the mighty Karakoram peaks and sand dunes in the backdrop. We have a free day in Skardu and another overnight here.
*In case the weather wouldn’t let us fly, we drive on the Karakoram Highway to Chillas (460 km/11-12 hrs.) where we stay overnight and continue to Skardu (290km/8-9 hrs.)on the next day along the great Indus river with overwhelming panoramas behind each turn. En route we awe at the close view of the north side of Diamir, or Nanga Parbat, just a kilometer away. It is the 9th tallest mountain in the world reaching the sky at 8 126 meters.
DAY 4. Skardu – Askole
Today we head by 4x4 Jeeps for Askole, situated at 3050 m.a.s.l. in one of the most remote regions of the Karakoram mountains. It is about 7-8 hrs. drive through the picturesque and fertile Shigar Valley and further on the narrow roads winding through the steep mountainous slopes over abysses and roaring glacial rivers. A Jeep safari we could call it to remember for a lifetime. And our camping adventures begin. Overnight in tents.
DAY 5 – DAY 7. Askole – Jhola – Paiyu (Rest day)
On the first two days of the trek we start slowly ascending along the green pastures of Braldu valley and river in the beginning, continue on to crossing Biafo Glacier – 63 km. long river of ice and rock coming down from Karakoram’s central peaks. After ascending by the steep banks of Dumordo River, the mountain starts to reveal its raw beauty. We cross the river with the help of a zip line and soon we reach our campsite in Jhola (3150 m) in about 6-7 hrs altogether. Overnight. We continue alongside the raging waters of Braldu River to a point where we could see the snout of the impressive Baltoro glacier, Cathedral Peak (5828 m) and Bakhor Das Peak (5809 m). We reach the green oasis – our campsite Payu (3480 m) lying in the shadow of beautiful Payu Peak (6610 m) in about 6-7 hrs. We stay here 2 overnights in tents.
DAY 8. Rest day. Exploring the area. Relaxation. The staff is organizing luggage – food and equipment.
DAY 9 – DAY 10. Payu – Urdukas – Goro-II
As we go deeper into the mountain the feel is almost like out of this world. Nature is so close, landscapes get more and more dramatic. From Payu camp, after a short hike, we enter the vast Baltoro Glacier – 63 km. long – one of the biggest on Earth, outside the Polar Regions. This huge ‘highway’ of ice, tall seracs, deep aqua pools of melting water, fast streams, rocks and boulders will be our track until we reach Concordia. The terrain gets rough winding up and down the moraines of Baltoro Glacier. As we progress up to Urdukas (4050 m) we have stunning views of some of the most emblematic peaks for trekkers and climbers worldwide – Lobsang Spire(5707 m), Uli Biaho (6190 m), Trango Towers (6300 m). We reach campsite in 5-6 hours walking and we stay here overnight. From Urdukas to Goro-II camp(4380 m) we walk about 5-6 hours with surrounding Muztagh Tower (7273 m) and K1, or Masherbrum (7821 m) slowly revealing to us. Overnight.
DAY 11 – DAY 12. Goro-II – Concordia – K2 Base Camp – Concordia
The walk from Goro-II to Concordia (4720 m.) amazes us with some of the most spectacular mountainous scenery in the world – four peaks out of fourteen over 8,000 m., and also many more that haven’t been climbed and named, yet. Concordia offers a panorama that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. We stay here for 2 overnights. On next day we hike up to K2 Base Camp. Words are hard to describe the overwhelming feelings as we get close to the giant. We hike along Godwin Austin glacier and go back to Concordia in about 10 hours, fresh and ready for the next day’s adventure. Overnight.
DAY 13 – DAY 14. Concordia – Ali Camp – Gondogoro Pass – Hispung
This is the most challenging part of the trek crossing the high Gondogoro Pass – 5680 m.a.s.l. The trek from Concordia to Ali Camp (5050 m) – the highest point where we stay overnight is relatively gradual and easy walk over ice and snow. The first two hours are more difficult as we traverse Baltoro Glacier and its crevasses.guarded by Chogolisa Peak (7665 m) on the south. We reach Ali Camp in about 6-7 hours and we go to bed early to prepare for an early start on the next day. We wake up after midnight (around 1 AM) to start our climb to the pass. Early start is necessary to avoid stone falls on the descent form Gondogoro La. The ascent is normally all on snow to the base on the pass and a steep ascent to the top using at places fixed ropes as a handrail and crampons for safety. From the top of Gondogoro we are speechless in front of ‘the big four’ rising to the northeast and Hushe Valley to the south dominated by picturesque Leila peak. The descent from the pass is steeper – initially a 45o snow slope with the angle easing, but requiring a good balance. The exact location of our campsite will be determined by our pace of walking. Overnight.
DAY 15 – DAY 17. Hispung – Daltsampa – Saicho (Free day)
We start down from Hispung with a long traverse of the Gondogoro Glacier along small crevasses and soft ice to Daltsampa (4300 m.) where we camp overnight. The last part of walk is a pleasant stroll through yak pastures with wild flowers and striking views of the glacier, Yermandu Kangri Peak (6246 m) and Masherbrum South (7804 m). On the next day we gradually leave the icy landscapes and descend to the meadow and pastureland at Saicho (3330 m.). Although we've left the icy wilds, we still have tremendous views of the mountains, including Namika Peak and Defokhar (6560 m). Free day at Saicho. Overnight.
DAY 18 – DAY 20 Saicho – Hushe – Skardu/Chillas
We trek down to Hushe in about 4-5 hours descending by to the Gondogoro River, enjoying spectacular views of K6 (7278 m), K7 (6941 m) and Link Sar (7039 m). We continue to descend, passing through small summer settlement en route to the green irrigated fields at Hushe - the last village up the valley, about 140 kilometers east of Skardu which is the starting point for treks to various summer pastures up five glaciers. The Hushe valley runs from Masherbrum Mountains ,south to the Shyok River, opposite Khaplu.. After lunch we drive by 4x4 Jeeps to Skardu. Overnight at hotel.
On the next day we either fly to Islamabad or drive to Chillas where we stay overnight and drive back to Islamabad.
DAY 21. Departure. Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for departure.
