A world-wide favourite and a ‘must do’ on the wish list of many trekking enthusiasts, the journey up the Baltoro Glacier is an awe inspiring venture into the inner sanctum of the Karakoram Himalaya. 2004 is the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of K2, and this season will see many events taking place to mark the occasion, as well as a procession of some of the world’s leading mountaineers of the 60’s and 70’s visiting the country. It is a great opportunity to see the region and be a part of the historical association of exploration of Karakoram climbing.
In the local dialect Karakoram translates to ‘Black Mountains’, and the stark juxtaposition of creamy ice capped and very rugged peaks against the deep hues of a Himalayan summer sky never fails to leave an impression on anyone who visits this greatest of mountain ranges.
The western end of the Himalayan Range is also geologically the youngest; subsequently there are few surrounding foothills, and the dominant skyline feature consists of untold hundreds of jagged peaks ranging from spectacular rock spires soaring thousands of feet into the sky, to the 8000m giants at the Concordia confluence.
There are no hilly trails to negotiate, all the walking is glacier or side glacier based. The only feasible way into Concordia is via the Baltoro Glacier. As a result you are constantly surrounded by the most stunning array of high peaks on the planet, and as we proceed up our course, each hour and day brings with it new vistas to marvel at.
Group Size:
Season:
Greading:
Region:
Trekkings
The fee is USD$2500 for all services ex Islamabad.
01 Arrive Islamabad hotel - day free
02 Islamabad hotel - permits - sightseeing
03 Coaster to Skardu or fly
04 Day free in Skardu sightseeing or trout fishing
05 Jeep transfer to Askole Village (7hrs) overnight in tents
06 Approach march - camp on glacier side (6 hrs walking)
07 Approach march - camp on glacier side (5hrs walking)
08 Approach march - (7hrs walking)
09 Rest and acclimatise
10 Approach March - 5 hours walking
11 Approach March - 6 hours waling
12 Arrive Concordia
13 Rest and acclimatise
14 Visit K2 basecamp and Broad Peak basecamp
15 Rest
16 Ascend Vigne Glacier
17 Cross Gondogoro pass
18 Rest Gondogoro camp - optional climbing
19 Optional big wall rock climbing with guides
20 Walk out to Saicho camp
21 Walk out to Hushe Village
22 Overnight and rest Hushe Village
23 Spare - inclement weather
24 Jeep drive to Skardu
25 Fly or drive to Islamabad
26 Day free in Islamabd
27 Fly onwards/home connections
Details itinerary and other information will be supply on request. If you wish to join with others, please check with us for fixed departure dates.
Included
Airport transfers in private vehicles, six nights hotel accommodation in high quality hotels in Islamabad and Skardu with breakfasts included, private air-con coach for transfer to Skardu if flights not available, sightseeing or trout fishing in Skardu, jeeps for trailhead transfer, porters for 20kgs personal gear to Base Camp, all trekking sleeping tents, all trekking messing and dining facilities, all fresh high quality kitchen tent prepped food on trek, spares, qualified field staffs/ staff/guides on the trek, any group technical gear for the pass crossing, permit fees, National Park entry fees, porters insurance and clothing as required.
Excluded
Coffee or cold drinks in cities, (coffee and cold drinks included on trail), lunches and dinners while in cities, visa costs, airfares thru to Skardu Pakistan, personal laundry, tips for local expedition staff.
