K2 Gondogoro La Trek
GONDOGORO LA CONCORDIA K-2 BASE CAMP TREK
FROM/TO ISLAMABAD - 23 DAYS
Note: one can also do this trek in 21 days
2010 CONFIRMED FIXED DEPARTURES
June 1, 3, 8, 19, 21, and 28 July 1, 16 and 21 August 4, 11, 18, 25 September 1
THE GREATEST MUSEUM OF SHAPE & FORM ON EARTH...FOSCO MARAIN - Only the superlatives can define the beauty and grandeur witnessed on this "sublime sanctuary of nature". Known as the most spectacular trek in the world, the traditional expedition route to K-2 (Chogori) 8611 M - the second highest mountain on Earth, cuts through the greatest concentration of some of the highest peaks in the world. Not only are the mountains high, but they are the jagged and sheer than the monoliths of Nepal. 08 of the world's 30 highest peaks of the world stand around this unusual trek. The apex of this incredible trek is CONCORDIA one of the biggest Piedmont glaciers of the world. It is a spectacular junction of Godwin Austin Glacier, Abruzzi Glacier and Baltoro Glacier. It banks, 06 peaks over 25,912 ft (7900 M) within a short radius of 07 miles (11 Km). The walk to Concordia, however, is not a task to be undertaken lightly. It's a hard trek up and down the gorges, across rushing icy torrents, through broken rocks, over wire-rope bridges and through crevasse glaciers. The incentive for this strenuous walk is undoubtedly equally rewarding. Chongo Brakk, Mango Gusar, Chiring, Bakhordas, Bardumal, Liligo, Paiju, Trango Towers Group, Uli Biaho Towers, Mitre Peak, Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum 3, 4, 5 & 6, Broad Peak, Chogolisa, Golden Throne, Sia Kangri, Angles, Marble Peak & the Mighty K-2 are just a few of the innumerable mountain vistas to be witnessed on this trek in addition to tranquil lakes, blossoming fruit orchards, meandering rivers, tumbling water falls and undulating sand dunes with a unique blend of the modest Balti culture marked with distinct language, architecture and dresses.
SUMMARY: From Islamabad we fly over Kaghan valley, Nanga Parbat and the Karakorams to Skardu - the district head quarters of Baltistan and a gateway to the great Monoliths of Pakistan (Flight is subject to weather). Perched at a height of 7500 feet, Skardu is located amidst an impressive landscape, towering mountains, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, creeping glaciers and quiet lakes. Skardu is in the heart of a towering frontier land. To its north lies the Sinkiang province of China, to the south Kashmir, to the West Gilgit and to the east the district of Ladakh in India. Skardu is the trekker and mountain climber?s paradise. Nowhere can you find such a collection of lofty peaks and glaciers.
Note: we have design this program in a way that one can have both the opportunity to see KKH and chance of flying over Karakoram too. So either at the time of going up or coming down to Islamabad we try over best to fly one way.
The Baltoro Glacier, the best known, is that spectacular conjunction of Godwin Austen and Baltoro glaciers called Concordia, lying in the heart of the most heavily glaciated region outside the polar areas. Within a radius of 12 miles rise six peaks over 20,000 feet. This is the center of the densest concentration of lofty peaks on earth. Some of these magnificent mountains in the Karakoram Range are Masherbrum (25,600), Mustagh Tower (23,690), K-2 (28,741), Broad Peak (26,400), Gasherbrum IV (26,810), Sia Kangri (24,350) Golden Throne (23,989), Mitre Peak (19,718), Chogolisa (25,110) and Hidden Peak (26,470).
After sightseeing the mountain desert, tranquil lakes, bustling Skardu bazaar and a 16th century Khorpocho Fort, for a day, We set off by jeep to Askole - the last inhabited village and commence our exuberant trek with dozens of porters on the trails to the incredible wilderness of ice, rock and sky for over two weeks.
Although on the entire trek we are in absolute wilderness, we will take a colorful part of the Karakoram Culture with us. The lively Baltis, who are tough enough to sing and dance after the hard day's work, we will be invited to join in. There will be many memorable evenings listening to their songs and watching their dances.
23 DAY ITINERARY
Note :- Although we try to adhere to the schedule listed below, this itinerary is subject to change due to numerous reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights, road washouts, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, sickness, government restrictions, & all other unforeseen exigencies.
DAY 01 ARRIVAL RAWALPINDI
Upon arrival met and transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. After a short rest drive to Islamabad for trek briefing at Ministry of Tourism and obtain trekking permit. Night at the hotel.
DAY 02 RAWALPINDI / SKARDU
Fly to Skardu, if unable to fly, same day we will drive to Skardu, spending a night in Chilas.
DAY 03 SKARDU
Emergency day in case, flight does not operate on day 02 this day will be use to transfer the members by road from Chilas to Skardu. Total drive time from Islamabad to Skardu is 22-24 hours. Overnight hotel.
DAY 04 SKARDU
Free day for rest, shopping or sightseeing. While staff will make final arrangement for the trek.
Overnight at your hotel. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
DAY 05 SKARDU -TO- ASKOLE
AM: Embark jeeps for a full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Askole - The last inhabitance on our way to the Great Glaciers. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff. Distance 96 Km, Drive 07-08 Hrs. Altitude 3050 M.
Note:-The road to Askole comes undergoing rapid erosion and gets closed quite often. If unable to jeep, the group will disembark & walk to Askole on the same day or camp for overnight (subject to distance).
DAY 06 ASKOLE -TO- KOROPHONE
Today we leave the last inhabited village. For the remaining portion of our journey we rely on our porters who carry our food and equipments and sustain our expedition. Overnight in tents all meals served by camp staff. Walk: 03 - 04 hrs, Grade: Easy, Altitude: 3100 M,
DAY 07 KOROPHONE -TO- JHULA
Trek to the Dumurdo river cross at Jhula, (Jhula means wire rope bridge sported by a wooden basket), now a days wooden bridge is made across it & camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas. Walk: 03-04 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 3150 M
DAY 08 JHULA -TO- PAIJU
Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green Oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak 6611 M. Overnight in tents. Walk: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3480 M.
DAY 09 PAIJU - Rest Day
Rest & acclimatization day at Paiju. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
DAY 10 PAIJU -TO- URDUKAS
Begin trek after an early breakfast. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff. Walk: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4130 M
DAY 11 URDUKAS -TO- GORO
A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff. Walk: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4500 M.
DAY 12 GORO TO CONCORDIA
After an early breakfast, resume a long walk on the Baltoro Glacier to a point called Concordia - a huge junction of Baltoro, Abruzzi & Godwin Austin Glaciers at 4000 meters. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff. Walk: 05 - 06 hrs, Grade: strenuous, Altitude: 4720 M.
DAY 13 CONCORDIA REST DAY
Members are free to explore K2 base (A day trip 4 hrs up 3 hrs down) after an early breakfast, resume your walk to K2 Base Camp. Overnight in tents at Concordia. All meals served by camp staff. Walk: 07 hrs, Grade: strenuous, Altitude: 4650 M.
DAY 14 CONCORDIA -TO- ALI CAMP
After an early breakfast leave the Concordia. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
DAY 15 ALI CAMP -CROSS GONDOGORO PASS- KHUSPANG
A very early start as early as 2 or 3 O'clock in the morning to cross the Gondogoro la to reach Khuspang. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
Walk: 10 - 11 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 5700 M
DAY 16 KHUSPANG
Rest day at Khuspang.
Incase of bad weather this day will be use to make another attempt to cross the Gondogoro la.
DAY 17 KHUSPANG -TO- DALSANGPA
After a couple of minutes of easy walk we will comes onto the glacier. You pick your way across moving boulders and ice, finally crossing the glacier up to the camping site to reach Dalsangpa. Walk: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4150 M.
DAY 18 DALSANGPA -TO- SHAICHO
Resume trek along the path; Keep yourself on the left side of the lateral moraine, crossing several side streams. Walk: 06 - 07 hrs, Grade: Easy, Altitude: M,
DAY 19 SHAICHO -TO- HUSHEY
After breakfast continue your walk along the Hushe River on a easy path. Upon arrival in Hushe camp near the fields in Hushe village. Overnight in tents all meals served by camp staff.
DAY 20 HUSHEY -TO- SKARDU
AM: Embark jeeps for a full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Skardu. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. All meals included.
DAY 21 SKARDU - RAWALPINIDI
Early in the morning fly to Islamabad, if unable to fly same day drive six hours to Gilgit. Overnight hotel.
DAY 22 RAWALPINDI
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. Evening sightseeing.
If unable to fly on day 21st. this day will be use to transfer from Gilgit to Islamabad by road for about 14 to 16 hours drive. Night at the hotel.
DAY 23 RAWALPINDI
De-briefing at Ministry of Tourism Islamabad. Evening transfer to airport for your onward flight to abroad.End of our services
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