K2 Gondogoro La Circuit Trek - 21 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

Pass By: F-6 Markaz, Islamabad Pakistan
Your flights will normally arrive in Islamabad in the afternoon. Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon the participants will be transferred to hotels. This day the participants can relax and recover from the journey.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royal, Prestige Residence or equivalent standard hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.

Day 2: Fly to Skardu

Pass By: Skardu Airport, Airport Rd, Skardu, Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan
Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge or equivalent standard hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.

Day 3: Spend free day in Skardu

Pass By: Kharpocho Fort, Chumik Rd, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan
After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. The participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.

During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the trek in case of any delays.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge or equivalent standard hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.

Day 4: Drive to Askole village

Pass By: Askole School, Askole, Gilgit-Baltistan
The participants will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the participants will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 5: Trek to Jhola via the snout of Biafo Glacier

Pass By: Shigar Valley, Shigar Pakistan
After completion of necessary supplies list and equipment the porters will load up for the trek ahead to Jhola. The valley is gateway to Biafo glacier that flow over fifty kms from Hispar La to Braldu. The participants will experience the moraine walking as the snout of the glacier is crossed and they will descend to lunch spot beside the Korofon river.

The route will take us the confluence of rivers of Braldu and Domordo. The former trail is not taken for the trek and instead a newer trail will lead us to go upstream where the participants will cross the river by bridge. On the other side of the bridge the participants will descend to the edge of Braldu river and will follow the river bank to reach the camp at Jhola.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 6: Trek to Paiju

Pass By: Shigar Valley, Shigar Pakistan
On this day of our K2 base camp trek the participants will follow the Braldu gorge, along the bank of Braldu river. The participants will be able to view astonishing rocks of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. The participants should prevent themselves from possible sun burns and during this day as the walking conditions can be very dry and hot.

Several streams from glacier flow down into the valley and on the way the participants will have to use river crossing shoes depending on the water levels. The participants will be able to spot the snout of Baltoro Glacier on a clear day. On this day the participants will end their day by climbing away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where you will see trees until for a while.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 7: Acclimatize and rest in Paiju

Pass By: Shigar Valley, Shigar Pakistan
The participants will spend the day at Paiju Camp for acclimatization and rest. However the porters will take their time to bake themselves bread for next week on the glacier. Acclimatization walk can also be taken towards Paiju Peak base camp on this day.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 8: Trek to Khoburtse

Pass By: Shigar Valley, Shigar Pakistan
On this day the walking will get tough however the scenery will become amazing with each step taken onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail has continuous up and down climbs on the glacial moraine, although the trail is quite safe but it is highly recommended to be careful at all times. The participants will experience the stunning views as they move ahead; the views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. The participants are required to go across the glacier to Liligo. From this point the participants will follow a rocky trail which is along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be made.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 9: Trek to Urdukus

Pass By: Urdukas, Pakistan
Trango Towers can be eventually seen after coming across two small glaciers. For the following night the participants will make their stop at Urdukas near the army camp. The camp is 100m above the glacier.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 10: Trek to Goro II

Pass By: Shigar Valley, Shigar Pakistan
On this day of our K2 base camp trek, the participants will be walking in the middle of the glacier. The medial moraine will be followed, to the south we will get the views of Masherbrum (7821m). The participants will be climbing up and down on the rocky moraine and as the participants move ahead they will walk pass massive ice seracs.

This will be the first night stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, it is the confluence of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband. The temperature may drop dramatically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be uncovered for the sight.On this day of our K2 base camp trek, the participants will be walking in the middle of the glacier. The medial moraine will be followed, to the south we will get the views of Masherbrum (7821m). The participants will be climbing up and down on the rocky moraine and as the participants move ahead they will walk pass massive ice seracs.

This will be the first night stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, it is the confluence of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband. The temperature may drop dramatically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be uncovered for the sight.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 11: Trek to Concordia - first view of K2

Pass By: Shigar Valley, Shigar Pakistan
On this day of the K2 base camp trek, the participants will reach Concordia after continuously walking up the moraine, on the way more and more high snowcapped peaks will appear, the culmination for the sighting of K2 will be experienced on this day. Other peaks that can be seen include Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri and many more.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 12: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial & K2 Base Camp

Pass By: K2 Mountain, Skardu Karakoram Mountain Range, 16100 Pakistan
Today there is the opportunity to walk up the Godwin-Austen glacier to the Art Gilkey Memorial (an American geologist and mountaineer) just before K2 Base camp. This is a spectacular day. We will leave early morning, crossing the glaciers onto the faint trail heading towards K2 (there is a faint rocky trail all the way). As we follow the glacier towards K2 the mountain seems to grow bigger and bigger. Broad Peak rears up to our right and after about 3 hours we pass Broad Peak base camp. We usually have our lunch break here and then carry on with K2 towering above us as we get closer and closer.

Just before base camp, amongst the boulder and ice strewn landscape is the Art Gilkey Memorial. A short scramble brings us to the place where those whose life K2 claimed are remembered. Plaques and engraved tin plates are attached to a small rocky outcrop at the foot of this great mountain. There are great views directly above us of K2 and we may see some climbing expeditions. We spend the night at the base camp of K2.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 13: Trek back to Concordia and rest

Pass By: Gasherbrum IV
On this day, we retrace our steps back to Concordia.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 14: Trek to Ali Camp

Pass By: Chogolisa
All participants will set out on slightly different route. Short de tours will be made to avoid crevasses and the participants should walk on rugged ice rather than slippery ice. In case of snow, the participants and the porters will walk together wearing crampons for safety hooked with rope to each other.

The base will be set in Ali camp, where the participants will reach after hiking for 5-6 hours. “Ali Camp” is name after a local porter, who was the first person to cross Gondogoro La Pass. Upon reaching the base some basic skills will be taught to the participants for the next day, which would be the crossing of Gondogoro La Pass.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 15: Trek to Khuispang over Gondogoro La

Pass By: Gondogoro Pass
On this day the participants will wake up as early as 12 am. After gearing up and having breakfast the participants roped as one unit will depart for the Gondogoro La base. Depending upon the situation our support crew will be there to fix ropes or helping the members out with the gears. It takes about three to five hours to get to the top of Gondogoro La Pass. You get to see and experience a breathtaking of all four 8000ers in the baltoro region. (K2, G1, Broad Peak, G2).

While descending to the other side, fixed ropes will be utilized to the full extent, and use of crampons is vital for the safety of the members. The members will get the views of the beautiful and sword head shaped Laila Peak (6,096m) among many others.

The members will have to be extra careful while descending and watch out for every step they take to avoid jolting stones on their teams members. Upon descending for the slope, the trails becomes easy and the participants will move on the moraine. The camp will be set up in the junction point of Gondogoro and Trinity Glacier called Khuispang (4,600m)

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 16: Trek to Saicho

Pass By: Hushe Valley, Gilgit Pakistan
The participants will continue hiking down, Since the hike downwards would be a comparatively easy hike so the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, crampons will be packed while descending. The mountainous and rocky terrain will be taken over the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley.

After lunch, the participants will continue hiking to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, upon reaching the edge they will find a trail which will lead them to the beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass.

At the end of the valley there are 02 different routes to the destination. Our guide with the consent of local porters will decide the trails they are being frequently used.

The trek gets easy when the two trails meet. The members will see the huts made of stones by herders and local settlers. On this day the participants will experience the sign of the settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to big trees and lower altitude. Camp will be setup at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water steams.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent

Day 17: Trek to Hushe and drive to Skardu town

Pass By: Hushe Valley, Gilgit Pakistan
On this day the participants have to trek down for only 3-4 hours, the river stream of glacier melted water of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum and Gondogoro Glaciers. The participants will start see the signs of residences, shelter, fiels and signs of people living.

The participants will experience the 02 storey shelters of the Hushe village, where the ground floor is for cattles and the first floor is for the family to live. After setting up the camp the participants can explore the beautiful hushe valley and interact with the locals. This would be the last camping day of the Gondogoro La Trek.

Upon reaching Hushe, the participants will depart for Skardu town from Hushe and the journey offers a lot of beautiful scenes of the different small village of the Hushe Valley. The participants will cross a suspension bridge above Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India) to get to the other side.

In the past traditional rafts which were made of goat skin fill with air were use to cross the river. The suspension bridge which is use now to cross was built in 1990’s. Upon crossing the bridge, the participants will the reach Khaplu.

The drive from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smooth and the route to be followe is the paved road along the shayok river which leads to the confluence with Indus River. Upon driving along Indus River the Participants will reach Skardu in 4 hours. The participants can have the facilities which they did not have for 02 weeks. The first on that list would be taking a hot shower and secondly having a good meal.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge or equivalent standard hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.

Day 18: Contingency day for trek delays

Pass By: Kharpocho Fort, Skardu
This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flight due to delays. These delays can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) road blocks. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Skardu.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge or equivalent standard hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.

Day 19: Fly to Islamabad

Pass By: Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.

The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. Incase of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by a vehicle.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Twin-sharing at Chateau Royal or equivalent in Islamabad.
Option 2: Overnight in at Shangrila Chilas or equivalent

Day 20: Contingency days for flight cancellation

Pass By: Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory
This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royal, Prestige Residence or equivalent standard hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.

Day 21: Fly to home country

Pass By: Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory
One of our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.