Trip Details

K2 BC & Gondogoro la Trek

Overview

Gondogoro La 5585m, One of the demanding trek condiser in Karkoram range Pakistan. According to past measured it is 25km sought of Mighty mount K2. It connects the Gondogoro Glacier on the southwest and the Vigne Glacier on the northeast. On the southwest side, the route down from the pass descends into the Hushe village which contains the uppermost settlements of the Ghangche District. Most climbers and trekkers approach from the northeast side. In 1986, a route was established that connects Concordia in the upper Baltoro Glacier to the Hushe Valley over the Gondogoro Pass. Since then, this challenging technical pass has attracted trekkers and climbers alike. This pass has one of the most overwhelming mountain panoramas anywhere in the world, with all of the Karakoram’s 8000m peaks close at hand. The Gondogoro La, though popular with trekkers, involves Class 4 climbing with crampons. The northeast side has up to 50-degree snow slopes with avalanche danger requiring fixed ropes. The southwest side is a longer, continuous 50-degree slope with rock-fall and avalanche danger that requires fixing as much as 300 meters of rope.

Itinerary

Depart from your own destination, arriving Islamabad the next day and transfer to the hotel for a few hours’ sleep. After an early breakfast we return to the airport for the flight to Skardu, which usually departs mid-morning. Given good weather this is perhaps the most spectacular commercial flight in the world, with magnificent views of Nanga Parbat the ninth highest mountain in the world. The flight however will not operate in poor weather, and you must be prepared for a wait in Islamabad if the flight is cancelled

In case of cancellation of flight (13-14 hrs) drive by coach to Chilas (480 km) on Karakoram Highway. Or Drive to Chilas via the Babusar Pass 4173m. Babusar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.173 m (13,691 ft) above the sea level. The pass is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley, Pakistan. The pass connects the Kaghan Valley via the ThakNala with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. It’s one of the famous hair pinned roads in the world.

Complete road journey (10-11 hrs) to Skardu (275 km) En-route has good view of Nanga Parbat (8125m) at junction of Indus River and the rapids and fall of Indus River.

Day 4 :
Skardu

Full day for official formalities and final preparation of Expedition at Skardu.

After a free day in Skardu, we travel by Jeep to Askole, the last village between us and K2, This journey takes about 7 hours and is on very rough narrow tracks often blocked / damaged by landslides.

We set off early to avoid the heat of the day. We follow the Braldu river valley through green pastures and after crossing the Biafo River we skirt around the base of the terminal moraines of the Glacier for lunch at Korophon. Beyond here a new path has been cut through the cliffs making the walk to camp straightforward. 7 to 8 hours walking.

We continue up the Braldo River, sometimes close to the raging water, sometimes taking a higher path used by pack animals. If the weather is clear we get our first glimpse of Broad Peak today. Despite the stories in old guide books and journals, much has been done in recent years to remove rubbish and human waste to leave a much cleaner environment with well managed camps.7 to 8 hours walking.

An important resting day follows when the porters will prepare their food for the trek ahead. We will make a side excursion to gain some altitude from where we can get superb views up the Baltoro Glacier.

Today we should get our first distant sight of Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. A shorter day of walking up the glacier to the campsite which is located on a grassy slope high above the Baltoro and commands one of the most dramatic mountain views in the world, dominated by ‘Nameless Tower’. 6-7hours walking.

We continue gently upwards, passing the Yermanandu glacier which flows down from Masherbrum (7821m), while the Muztagh Tower pierces the sky on the north side. At the head of the glacier Gasherbrum 4 looms large. Tonight we camp on the glacier. 6-7 hours walking.

A shorter day takes us on up to ‘Concordia’, where we spend 1 night with a day’s rest to aid acclimatization. Here we are at the junction of the Baltoro, the Goodwin Austen and the Broad Peak glaciers. Within sight to the north and east are four of the world’s 8000m peaks, and a further 37 peaks in excess of 6500m! Where else in the world would a mountain lover dream to be? 5 to 6 hours walking.

We continue up to the K2 base camp, passing Broad Peak camp on the way. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Heading south we cross several moraine ridges on the Baltoro glacier before turning up the Vigne glacier which is flatter and less crevassed. Early to bed for an early start tomorrow. 6 to 7 hours walking.

Starting in the early hours to minimize the risk of stone fall as we descend from the Gondogoro La later. The ascent is normally all on snow, and we may need to rope up to cross the glacier to the base of the pass. On the steeper sections ropes are in place to use as a handrail and for safety. From the top the ‘big four’ are clear to the northeast, and to the south we look down the Hushe valley dominated by the arrow-like Leila peak. The descent is initially a 45o snow slope, with the angle easing and the snow changing to screed as we descend. Our exact campsite for the night will be determined by our pace and whether or not we have been delayed.09 to 10 hours walking.

We continue on down the Gondogoro glacier, passing a camp at Dalsan and once off the glacier pleasant trekking through yak pastures and passing trees (the first we have seen since Paiju) take us to the village of Shaisho and on to the road head at Hushe. 7 to 8 hours walking total.

Three to four hours trek through summer pastures and shepherd huts and along the Gondogoro River, enjoying spectacular views of K6 (7282m), K7 (6934m), and Linksar (7041m) we reach Hushe village. Overnight and meal in camp.

5-6 hours jeep ride will take us to Skardu along the Shyok and Indus Rivers. Afternoon de-breifing at Ministry of Tourism, Skardu. Meals and overnight at hotel.

Skardu de-briefing & final farewell dinner

Transfer to airport for flight to Islamabad if the flight operates otherwise drive (9 hours) to Chilas along the Karakorum Highway. Meals and overnight at hotel.

Day 20 :
Islamabad

Free day in Islamabad or drive to Islamabad from Chilas for 12 hours.

Transfer to Islamabad international airport and onward to your own destination.

Costs

The Cost Include

  • All airports pick & Drops on arrival and departures.
  • Air condition Transportation for Briefing & De-briefing in Alpine club of Pakistan / Ministry of Tourism.
  • Both Way domestic flights between Islamabad – Skardu.
  • Both ways Air condition coaster / mini bus / car between Islamabad – Skardu.
  • 4x4 Jeep / Toyotas between Skardu – Askoli.
  • Comfortable transportation between Hushe / Kanday – Skardu.
  • Transportation for sightseeing.
  • Two nights in Islamabad 3*/4* Hotel accommodation with bed & breakfast.
  • Two nights in Chilas best standard Hotel accommodation with full board.
  • Three nights in Skardu best standard Hotel accommodation with full board.
  • Trekking Permit
  • Insurance premium for Local staff and porters.
  • Gondogoro La Rescue fee
  • Documentation.
  • Visa facilitation letter.
  • Professional guide to for trekking Islamabad - Islamabad.
  • Way Up & down 25kg allow in our services.
  • While ascending any pass above 5000m 15kg allow in our services.
  • Necessary base camp staff (base camp manager, Chief, Cook, and Assistance & Waiters.
  • Three meals a day and tea – coffee – snacks during the trek and base camp stays.
  • Comfortable foam / mattress while trekking and base camp.
  • A north face tent provide as individual member.
  • Hot shower and toilet tents.
  • Comfortable chairs and table while trekking and base camp stays.
  • Complete camping setup with dinning & kitchen tents while trekking and base camp.
  • Imported and local foods during trekking and base camp stay.
  • Medical first aid kit for group and staff.
  • Satellite phone for emergency calling at base camp.
  • All camping and bridge crossing fee.
  • CKNP west management fee and Gondogoro La rescue fee.
  • Assistance for international tickets reconfirmation.
  • Farewell dinner will served in Skardu / Islamabad.

The cost doesn't include

  • Member international flight tickets.
  • Members any Climbing / trekking gears.
  • Sleeping bag and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks,
  • Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of a purely personal nature.
  • Staff tips, We recommend you to give small bonus for our local staff.
  • Mini bars while staying in hotels / travelling.
  • Member personal insurance.
  • RECOMMENDATION:- We recommend our clients to deposit helicopter rescue aviation deposit in advance $5000/- the entire money is refundable if not use. In case any emergency happen on remote mountain range then we fly helicopter on time to save life.
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE:- It is a strongly recommend that while booking treks and tours with us that travelers/trekkers must be protected by insurance themselves that covers cancellation, accidents, health, emergency evacuation, and loss of items, or damage to baggage and personal effects.

Maps

Equipment List

  • 1 Backpack with a carrying capacity of 60 to 70 L/ 15 -17 Gallons (a similar sized duffle bag or travel bag can be used as a substitute)
  • 1 Small backpack for day trips
  • Sleeping bag (down or synthetic, down to 0 degrees, lightweight compression bag)
  • 1 Warm jacket or parka
  • 3 Pairs of outdoor pants (jeans are not recommended as they are difficult to dry out when wet)
  • Warm sweaters
  • 2 – 4 Pairs of woolen socks
  • T-shirts, shirts, hats or caps
  • 1 Set of warm underwear such as long underpants and long undershirts
  • 1 Pair of good hiking boots (make sure they are “broken-in”)
  • 1 Pair of light shoes (runners or sneakers)
  • 1 Set of light rain gear such as a pant and jacket combination (1 Water bottle with a 1 litre capacity
  • 1 Pocket-knife or hunting knife
  • 1 Flashlight
  • 1 Pair of sun glasses (VERY IMPORTANT!)
  • A supply of sun blocker or sunscreen lotion and Lip suncream (VERY IMPORTANT!)
  • Personal medications
  • Underwear, personal items, and toiletries
  • 1 pair of fleece pants
  • 1 wool or fleece hat
  • Headlamp and Batteries (bring at least 2 spare sets)
  • 1 pair of Gore-Tex gaiters (heavy-duty, sized large enough to fit over plastic boots)
  • 1 pair of Gore-Tex shell gloves
  • Trekking poles (recommended)
  • Thermarest sleeping pad
  • Camera and film
  • Journal and pens

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K2 BC & Gondogoro la Trek
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