Baltoro K2 Base Camp Trek

BALTORO CONCORDIA K-2 BASE CAMP TREK - THE CLASSIC ROUTE
24 DAYS

THE GREATEST MUSEUM OF SHAPE & FORM ON EARTH...FOSCO MARAINI

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 most 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 peadmont 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 crevassed glaciers.

The incentive for this strenuous walk is undoubtedly equally rewarding. Chongo Brakk, Mango Gusar, Sobla, 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. 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 climbers paradise. Nowhere can you find such a collection of lofty peaks and glaciers.

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. Our scores of lively Baltis and Hunzakuts 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.

24 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, canceled or delayed flights, road washouts, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, sickness, govt restrictions, & all other unforseen exigencies.

DAY 01
ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI

AM : Arrival at Islamabad Airport  hrs. Transfer to Hotel. Previous night included. Later, briefing at Ministry of Tourism & registration of members. Overnight at Hotel with all meals included.

DAY 02
ISLAMABAD -TO- SKARDU

AM : Transfer to Islamabad Airport to embark weather permitting flight to Skardu. This flight is the most spectacular mountain flight in the world and flies over the picturesque Kaghan Valley, Nanga Parbat & the Karakorams. Perched at a height of 7500 Ft, Skardu is the District Headquarters of Baltistan and the gateway to the great Monoliths of Pakistan.

On arrival at Skardu, transfer to Hotel.

Note : Operation of all flights to Northern Pakistan is subject to clear weather and confirmation of seats is subject to clearance of back log. We "DO NOT GUARANTEE" seats on any such flight. If unable to fly, the group will be transferred by road (22-24 hrs) at additional cost with one overnight enroute.

Overnight at Hotel. All meals included.

NOTE : If unable to fly today, travel to Chilas with overnight at        Hotel Chilas Inn.

DAY 03
SKARDU

Free day for rest.

Note :- If unable to fly yesterday, this day will be used to complete road journey from Chilas to Skardu.

Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

DAY 04
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. Highest in the region, the stone & timber abodes contain dark & narrow stairwells riven by gloomy, unlit alleys cluster within the embrace of the fertile terraces.

Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.

Note :-The road to Askole has been recently completed but undergoing rapid erosion and gets closed quite oftenly. If unable to jeep, the group will disembark & walk to Askole on the same day or camp for overnight (subject to distance).

Distance 96 Km, Drive 06-07 Hrs. Altitude 3050 M.

DAY 05
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 06
KOROPHONE -TO- JHULA or  BARDUMAL

A long & uphill walk over a steep ridge along the Dumurdo river. Descend at Jhula, (wire rope bridge) cross it & camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas.

Walk : 03-04 hrs, Grade : Strenuous, Altitude : 3150 M

DAY 07
JHULA -TO- PAIJU

Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green Oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak 6611 M. Paiju - is a Balti word which means "SALT".  Overnight in tents with all

Walk : 06-07 hrs, Grade : Moderate, Altitude : 3480 M.

DAY 08
PAIJU -TO- KHUBURSE

Begin trek after an early breakfast. Traverse the junction of Paiju - Baltoro Glaciers. Overnight in tents. All meals included.
Walk : 05-06 hrs, Grade : strenuous, Altitude : 3800 M

DAY 09
KHUBURSE -TO- URDUKAS

Cross the Khuburse torrent early morning and ramble over two glacier moraines to reach the grassy slopes of Urdukas offering splendid views of the Trango, Uli Biaho & Bial Groups. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
Walk : 04 - 05 hrs,  Grade : Moderate,  Altitude : 4130 M

DAY 10
AT URDUKAS

Rest & acclimatization day at Urdukas. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.

DAY 11
URDUKAS -TO- GORO

A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier. Traverse the Yermanandu Glacier which flows down from Masherbrum & joins the Baltoro.  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 4720 meters . Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.Walk : 05 - 06 hrs,  Grade : strenuous,  Altitude : 4720 M.

DAY 13
CONCORDIA ? K2 BASE CAMP

Today members of the group will trek to K2 base camp 4 hours and return the same day 2 hours while porters will rest at Concordia.. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.

DAY 14
CONCORDIA

Another free day at Concordia to explore the area. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.

DAY 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19
CONCORDIA -TO- ASKOLE

Begin outbound trek to Askole via Goro, Urdukas, Khuburse, Paiju, & Korophone and Askole. End of Trek. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.

DAY 20
ASKOLE -TO- SKARDU

Jeep to Skardu. Breakfast in camp, lunch, dinner & overnight at Hotel.

DAY 21
SKARDU -TO- GILGIT

AM : After an early breakfast, drive to Gilgit 6-8 hours with frequent stop on the way to explore the Indus River.

DAY 22
GILGIT -TO- ISLAMABAD

AM : After an early breakfast, drive to Islamabad via Chilas and KKH 16 - 18 hours drive.

DAY 23
ISLAMABAD

AM : Free for rest or shopping in Islamabad and trek debriefing at tourism office in Islamabad.

DAY 24
RETURN FLIGHT BACK HOME

AM : Transfer to airport for your return journey back home..