Concordia & K2 Base Camp Trek
Spectacular trek to K2 Base Camp over the Gondogoro Pass (Gondogoro La)
Overview
This trek needs little introduction. Considered as one of the world's top 5 treks, the route up the 62km Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, where the Godwin-Austen, upper Baltoro and Vigne glaciers all converge was described by photographer Galen Rowell as the "throne-room of the mountain gods". Seven of the world's 25 highest peaks rise above the Baltoro as well as mind blowing rock towers such as Uli Biaho, the Trangos and the Cathedrals. All this culminating in the ultimate mountain - K-2 (8611m) the second highest peak in the World.
Duration: 20 Days
Grade: 4
When to Visit: March to October
Start: Islamabad
Finish: Islamabad
Price: From £1850 / $2891 / €2253
From Skardu, the charming capital of Baltistan, we will proceed by jeeps towards Askole, the last village before the trek. The next stage takes us over the Baltoro glacier to our destination. We will spend one day at Concordia to enjoy the fascinating view or the same day can be used to trek up the Godwin Austin glacier to the K-2 base camp, if you are fit enough for the round trip. This strenuous trek requires a good degree of physical fitness as the return leg involves crossing the Gondogoro La (pass) which is very challenging. There is some class 4 climbing and fixed ropes will be used. But the reward is that not only will you avoid retracing your steps down the Baltoro Glacier but you will experience one of the most overwhelming mountain panoramas on earth and the only place on the planet where you can see four 8000m+ peaks. We return via Gondogoro pass either to Hushe or by the same route in case of extreme weather conditions.
Itinerary
Days 1 to 4.
Islamabad to Askole (3061m) - The flights to Skardu are weather dependent so if it is cancelled, we travel up the legendary Karakoram Highway and overnight in Chilas. We will break off just before Gilgit and head to Skardu on a road that is even more dramatic and a greater feat of engineering than the KKH itself.
The 6 hour journey to Askole uses more of a track than a road but you will hardly feel the time as we drive through the Shigar Valley and its stunning scenery.
Askole is a small friendly village with unique Balti features in the way that the homes have summer living qaurters on top of their roofs
Day 5.
Askole to Jhula (3100m) - Today is our first day walking and we will aim to be covering two porter stages. The terrain is relatively flat, somewhat sandy conditions and gently undulating. The hot sun will be beating down and there is very little shade. Lunch will be at Korophon, a traditional porter stage.
Jhula camp is now a developed campsite with set terraces for groups and porters thanks to the Mountain & Glacier Protection Organisation set up by Aysha Khan. You'll be pleased to know that there are purpose built washing, toilet facilities, litter bins and even solar powered lighting.
Day 6.
Jhula to Paiyu (3407m) - Today we again will cover two porter stages. The terrain still feels relatively flat, although we do gain 300m in altitude. It will another scorching day but thankfully, there will be some shade. Lunch will be at Skam Tsok, the first of our stages. After lunch we have to ford a river which provides much entertainment for the day and views ahead will give us our first glimpse of The Baltoro Glacier.
Paiyu camp, like Jhula is also managed by the MGPO so all facillities will be available.
Day 7.
Paiyu - Today is an acclimatisation day for us as well as a rest day for the porters. We will go for a 2-3 hour walk to about 3700m. Tonight the porters will slaughter the live food and if the time of year does not conflict with religious obligations, porters are known to sing and dance through the night
Day 8.
Paiyu to Urdukas (4067) - Today we again will cover two porter stages. We will now be walking on the Baltoro itself but as it is covered in morraine, the terrain provides a good grip and feels like walking over lose rock. There is still little shelter from the sun but occasionally glacier cooled wind may refresh you. Lunch will be at Liligo where there is some shade. After lunch we continue on to Khoburtse a traditional porter stage and on to Urdukas Camp. This is a magnificent campsite set 100m above the lateral morraine and with spectacular views of Paiyu Peak, Choricho, Uli Biaho, The Trango Towers, Cathedral and Biale. This is the last of the MGPO camps and the last before we camp on ice so we thankfully still have some amenities!
Day 9.
Urdukas to Goro II (4500) - Today we again will cover two porter stages. The Baltoro shows a little more of the ice today and you are reminded that you are walking on one of the largest glaciers in the world. The beautiful peak of Masherbrum welcomes you and Gasherbrum IV with its flat top is always in front of you. With binoculars, and the angle you are at you can make out the two 8000m+ peaks of GI and GII. Broad Peak is now also seen clearly. Today, as the sun starts dipping towards the end of the day you will start to feel the cold and it will be the first night camping on the glacier itself.
Day 10.
Goro II to Concordia (4600m) - Excitement mounts as we approach Concordia. First we pass the Mustagh Tower and then Broad Peak comes clearly into view. The Gasherbrum Range is straight ahead and as we reach Concordia K2 finally reveals herself. All around are stunning peaks and you are standing in with one of the most amazing mountain panoramas on the planet. Concordia was named by Martin Conway in 1892 after the Place de La Concorde in Paris as it is the junction point of five glaciers.
Enjoy the rest of the day by relaxing and marvel at the surroundings or if you can't help yourself, take a short walk and explore.
Day 11.
Concordia to K2 Base Camp (5000m) - Today is a long day as we have the optional walk to the base camp and in all honesty, very few stay at Concordia other than the porters who have earned a well deserved day off. We pass by Broad Peak base camp and continue to the Gilkey Memorial where we reflect on all those that have lost their lives to K2. From there we visit the base camp and have a chat with any climbers that are hoping to take on K2. Then it's the long journey back to Concordia but what a day to remember.
Day 12.
Concordia to Ali Camp (5000m) - Today is a welcomed shorter day and incredibly beautiful as we are walking on the pure white Vigne Glacier with dramatic peaks all around. We have an early night at Ali Camp as tomorrow will be one of the hardest so far...
Day 13. (Ascent)
Ali Camp to Gondogoro La (5600m) - Today is on par with excitement with reaching Concordia but way ahead for adrenalin and exhilaration. We leave Ali Camp at 0100 by torchlight and continue towards the Gondogoro La with any other groups that are camped with us. The route becomes increasingly steep and your lungs are pumping hard as to keep pushing upwards. Thankfully, there are fixed ropes in the mountain side so that you can keep hauling yourself up. It's all worth it when you reach the top and the sun is rising over the Karakorams. The top of the pass is the only place on the Planet where you will see 4 8000m+ peaks: K2, Broad Peak, GI and GII. It's an overwhelming experience and one to savour before you get too cold!
Then it's the descent... even steeper than the ascent in fact there's hardly any snow it's that steep but fear not, the ropes are there too so it's slow and steady work but quite straight forward. The terrain is very loose rocks and stones so it's important to know where you are stepping and who is below.
Day 13.(Descent)
Gondogoro La to Huspang (4600m) - After crossing the pass, we still have to get to our next camp, Huspang. This lovely camp is set in the beautiful Gondogoro Valley and dominated by the distinct shark fin of Laila Peak. In summer turquoise flowers blanket the area and it is a welcome sight after days of snow and ice. There are many streams and rockpools where you can wash.
Day 14.
Huspang to Saitcho (3400m) - Our return journey continues over the Gondogoro Glacier with spectacular ice walls to keep your eyes from looking where you are supposed to be! The terrain is gentle and you are acutely aware of the greenery that surrounds you.
Day 15.
Saitcho to Hushe (3050) - Today is very easy walking through lush green valleys and the occasional stream or river to ford. Eventually we reach the village of Hushe and the end of our trek.
Day 16.
Hushe - Today is an optional rest day in Hushe where we can take a scenic walk around the local area and meet the locals before the drive back to Skardu.
Day 17.
Hushe to Skardu - Today we return to four wheels and take our transport back to Skardu stopping off for photo opportunities and points of interest along the way.
Day 18.
Skardu to Islamabad or drive to Chilas if no flight.
Day 19.
Chilas to Islamabad.
Day 20.
Return flight home.
Included:
• All meals on the trek.
• Porters and guides.
• Bed & breakfast in Islamabad.
• All necessary equipment for the trek.
Not Included:
• International flights.
• Visas for Pakistan.
• Personal items including suitable clothing and footwear.