Karakoram Trek to the Base Camps of Five 8,000m Peaks

Arrival Islamabad, transfer to hotel for relaxation.

Fly or drive to Skardu, which is located in the heart of the mountain region of Baltistan. The flight has great views of the Karokorum range. Skardu lies at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Indus, Shyok and Basha rivers. Overnight in a hotel. If flight is not possible due to bad weather then drive along the Highway over two days.

Skardu to Askole – 96 kms over 6 hours drive. Campsite.
Or continue drive to Skardu.

In the morning we’ll attend an official briefing by the tourism department regarding our trek in the Karakoram National Park. After this we’ll have some free time for final kit check and if needed we can buy anything that’s needed. If times allows we can also visit Katchura Lake and Skardu fort. The view from the fort is stunning, with Skardu city and the Indus River framed by the Karakoram Range.

We’ll then overnight in the hotel.

Today we start our journey into the Karakoram by first travelling by jeep to Askoli. The road to Askoli passes through the stunning valleys of Shigar and Braldu, each having its own mystique and uniqueness. Shigar valley comprises of several villages and farms with fields of wheat, barley, apricot trees and cherry trees. The taste of apricots and cherries of Shigar valley is second to none. Locals will greet us with big smiles as we pass, and will show us their hospitality by inviting us to their farms to eat fresh apricots and cherries!

The landscape then becomes more desert-like, with barren mountains and steep gorges, as we approach the Braldu valley. We’ll cross several suspension bridges over the Braldu River, which is a lofty experience at times. Due to the steep mountain environment the road is prone to land slides and can at times be blocked, which can delay our journey. On arriving at Askoli village we’ll go to the campsite and spend our first night camping (2 people / tent). The campsite is home to trekkers and climbers from all around the globe. It’s very friendly and hospitable, as are the people of Askoli. The local area is full of crops such as wheat, vegetables and fruits, alongside large herds of goats and sheep. After our evening meal we’ll have a briefing about the next day’s schedule, then relax.

After our approach by road and air we now start our trek towards K2! A short distance along the trail we’ll register at the Karakoram National Park (CKNP) office, then proceed along the Braldu valley, which opens up to reveal the Mighty Biafo glacier, that flows from the Hispar Pass and Snow Lake into the valley. Biafo Glacier is a massive 67 km long glacier and is the world’s 3^rd longest glacier outside of the polar-regions. We’ll have our first experience of moraine walking as we cross the snout of the glacier to reach Korophong and our lunch spot beside the river.

After lunch we continue along the valley, until we reach the confluence of the Braldu River and Dumordo River (flowing from the Panmah Glacier). This is where the famous ‘Joula’ or flying fox is located and was in the past used to cross the fast flowing Dumordo River. Nowadays a footbridge has been built, making the crossing of river much safer! The Dumordo River valley leads to the Panmah, Chaktoi, Nobande-Sobande and Chiring glaciers. It also connects with the Sim (5,833m), Skam (5,407m) and West Muztagh (5,735m) Passes and has views of many famous Karakoram peaks such Latok 1 (7,151m), Latok 2 (7,108m), Biantha Brakk (7,285m). This valley once used to be a passage between Baltistan and Yarkhand through West Muztagh Pass (5,735m) into China. After crossing the river, we will walk along the river bank to the Joula campsite.

We start the day early and walk along the Braldu River to reach our destination for the day at the Paiju campsite. Todays route gradually gains altitude but undulates along the river bank due to differing levels of erosion and changing water levels. We’ll enjoy lunch at the former campsite at Bardumal before continuing our trek. As we do, we may get glimpses of the Masherbrums to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The Masherbrum range is large number of peaks along the south side of Baltoro Glacier.

It’s common for the walk to be very hot and dry today, and can lead to difficult walking conditions. As we approach our destination, Paiju campsite we’ll pass several small, glacial fed, streams and if we’re lucky we’ll catch sight of Trango Towers and Uli Biaho.

Today is a rest and acclimatisation day. There is an option to go for a short trek above the village, to again gain some altitude and enjoy views of the Trango Towers and if we’re very lucky the distance, yet still impressive K2. Otherwise we’ll relax at the campsite which is an international hub of trekkers and climbers.

After a good breakfast we’ll leave camp and after an hour we’ll approach the mighty Baltoro glacier. The Baltoro glacier is an impressive sight as it stretches across the Braldu River, but it’s not until you spot the people, that appear like ants, crossing the glacier does its size become apparent. The glacial ice rises over 70m above the river at it’s snout. Due to its ever-changing nature, the glacial moraine can be difficult to navigate but you’ll be in expert hands with your guide.

This can be a hard days walking and on the other side of the valley, and often requires some stream crossings. From this point onwards we’re treated to uninterrupted views of Paiju Peak (6,610m), Uli Biaho Tower (6,109m), Trango Towers (6,363m) and Cathedral Peak (6,024m) and behind us are the contrasting steep grassy grazing pastures of the ibex. We then cross the Liligo glacier, which flows from the south of the Baltoro glacier, and reach our campsite at Khoburtse, which is opposite the Trango Towers.

Today is a short trek for around 4 hrs however our height gain of 350m is a comfortable gain in altitude and to assist with our acclimatisation we’ll relax in the afternoon.

We’ll leave camp and initially continue along the south side of the Baltoro glacier. Depending on the conditions our route will either be along the moraine or perhaps at times on the glacier. We’ll also cross two glaciers flowing down from Urdukas Peak (6,320m). W’ll then pass Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak, both of which are on the north side of Baltoro glacier and arrive at Urdukas by lunchtime. Urdukas campsite is a fascinating place perched a 100m above the glacier on terraces that were originally hacked out of the hillside by the Duke of Abruzzi’s K2 expedition in 1909. The views from the campsite have to be amogst the best campsite views in the world as you sit and soak up Trango Towers (6,363m) to the west, and the vast rock walls of Cathedral Peak (6,024m) and Lobsang (5,707m). It is really an amazing campsite! From here we should also be able to see Broad Peak (8,051m) and Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) at the head of the valley.

After breakfast we’ll leave Urdukas campsite and initially follow the moraine along the edge of the glacier before crossing to the centre of the glacier, where it’s easier to walk. Soon we will be able to see the spectacular Masherbrum (7,821m) to our right hand side, along with the vast Yermamendu glacier flowing from the south. We will constantly ascend and descend the mountains of rubble which are scattered over the ice. Ahead of us lie the peaks of Concordia, including the stunning Broad Peak (8,051m) and Gasherbrum IV (7925m). Looking back towards Paiju, the impressive mountains that initially dominated our views in the early days of the trek, now seem to be dwarfed. At this point, being at high altitude and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar-regions, you can expect cold nights. Again we camp in a fully facilitated campsite at Goro II.

The final approach day to Concordia takes us through what is arguably the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world! Concordia is considered one of the world’s most spectacular campsites as it is surrounded by numerous giant and famous peaks of the Karakoram, and offers the highest concentration of +7,000 meters peaks anywhere in the world.

After leaving Goro II campsite, the Biange glacier to the north will provide us with a spectacular view of Muztagh Tower (7,283m), which is considered one of the most technical mountains to climb in the Karakoram. The trail is fairly easy to trek on, with gentle slopes of moraine. Here we will also see the famous “Ice Cubes” of Baltoro glacier, which are ice towers or seracs rising 40-60 meters out of the glacier.

Approaching Concordia, Mitre Peak (6,070m) will be to our right, with Baltoro Kangri (7,300m) beside it, while the Gasherbrum Group will be directly before us. The expanse of Broad Peak (8,052m) is to the left and finally the Mountain of Mountains, the mighty K2 (8,611m) will be looming above the ridge as it towers over the Godwin Austen Glacier 12 km away. K2 is hidden until the very moment we reach Concordia, when suddenly its full height is revealed, in sweeping lines that climb almost 4,000 meters from the valley floor to the summit – a sight that will never be forgotten!

Concordia is a wide area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa, and makes a perfect base from which to explore and enjoy some of the highest mountains in the world. Here you can stand within 24 km of no fewer than 4 eight-thousand metre mountains and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks! Very few people are fortunate enough to witness this sight.

Over the next few days our schedule can have a degree of flexibility, depending on the group preferences and prevailing weather conditions. One of our main objectives is to visit the K2 Base Camp (4,980m), Broad Peak Base Camp (4,850m) and the Gilkey Memorial. Plus we also have the option of a relatively easy trek to the Upper Baltoro Glacier and the Abruzzi Glacier to Gasherbrum I Base Camp (5,156m). Here we will be able to see several majestic peaks like Gasherbrum I (8,080m), Gasherbrum II (8,035m), Chogolisa (7,668m), Baltoro Kangri (7,300m) and Snow Dome (7,150m).Another option can be to relax at Concordia and enjoy the might of several mountains that are already before us: K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,052m), Gasherbrum IV (7,952m), Baltoro Kangri (7,300m), Marble Peak (6,256m), Mitre Peak (6,070m).

If all goes to plan then the ideal itinerary is to wake up early this morning to see the sunrise over Gasherbrum IV (7,925m), K2 (8,611m) and Broad Peak (8,052m). Then after some breakfast we’ll make our way towards Broad Peak Base Camp (4,850m), and arrive around lunch time. There is a bit of tricky ground where the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers meet, which then leads onto easy terrain. We then follow the moraine of the Godwin Austen Glacier to our campsite at Broad Peak BC which again offers sensational views of K2, Mitre Peak and Chogolisa. A number of expeditions will be at base camp and it’s a great opportunity to have a chat with some of the climbers.

Most companies trek from Concordia to Broad Peak BC to K2 base camp and back to Concordia in one day, however it makes for a very long day, too long in fact, as it gives you little time to absorb the views and atmosphere properly.

We’ll start the day early in order to visit K2 Base Camp and then trek back to Concordia. Due to our gradual ascent and due to using an extra camp at Broad Peak BC we will be well acclimatised and after 3 hours we’ll reach K2 Base Camp (4,980m). From here, we will see the Savoia Saddle to the west, Windy Gap and Advance Base Camp on the Abruzzi Ridge to the east and Concordia framed by Mitre Peak and Chogolisa to the south, and of course K2 to the north. This will be an unforgettable experience as you relax, absorb the scenery and explore base camp! We will also visit the Gilkey Memorial where the names of those who have died climbing K2 are inscribed on a collection of plaques and plates.

We’ll have lunch at K2 Base Camp, before heading back to Concordia in the afternoon by following the Godwin Austen Glacier. As we walk in the opposite direction we are again treated to stunning views as we start to drop out of altitude. The return trek will take 5 hours, so we’ll reach Concordia campsite just before dinner.

Today we leave Concordia for a relatively easy trek along the Upper Baltoro Glacier and Abruzzi Glacier to Gasherbrum I & II Base Camp (5,156m). Here we will be able to see several majestic peaks like Gasherbrum I (8,080m), Gasherbrum II (8,035m), Chogolisa (7,668m), Baltoro Kangri (7,300m) and Snow Dome (7,150m). We will also have wonderful views of Conway Saddle (6,113) and Kaberi Saddle (6,400m). Today’s trek will take approximately 6-7 hours, and we will reach Gasherbrum I & II Base Camp by early afternoon. We’ll camp and soak up the glorious views of this lesser visited area.

If all is going well with the trek team and the weather then we now trek back along the Upper Baltoro glacier and then teak a left turn to the south and the Vigne Glacier, which is much flatter with less cravasses. We will have some spectacular views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, Chogolisa and Mitre Peak during the trek. We’ll reach our destination at Ali Camp, which is just below the Gondogoro La pass in the mid afternoon. We’ll have an early dinner and get some much needed rest for the day ahead, as we need to start really early.

If circumstances dictate that we can’t cross the pass, then decisions will be made for an alternative route to Skardu so that we can continue with the latter stage of the trek to Nanga Parbat.

Weather day – at these high altitudes bad weather can happen, even during stable times of the year. This weather day allows us some leeway should weather prevent a crossing of the pass. Or it can be used as an additional acclimatisation day if required.

This is a long and challenging day however when you make it to the top of the pass, the views and achievement create tears in everyone’s eyes and make the whole journey worthwhile! All four 8000m mountains (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II) are visible in one direction and in the other the lush and inviting Hushe valley with the beautiful Laila peak floating above.

We start as early as possible, usually around 1am, to allow for a safer descent down the Hushey side of the pass as any loose rocks or scree should still be still frozen. If the snow conditions are good and the trail has already been broken, the pass can be ascended quite quickly (circa 5 hours) but if we’re breaking trail then it can take longer. If the weather isn’t great it may be necessary to rope up for the crossing of the glacier before getting to the base of the pass. We will need crampons and walking axes on the Vigne side of the pass and there are several sections with fixed ropes in place which can be used as a handrail. It is also best practice to clip a carabiner and sling onto the rope for safety. The Hushey side of the pass can be a tricky descent although again there are fixed ropes in place at the top. Initially the slope is at a steady 50 degrees on snow and finishes on loose scree towards the bottom. On reaching the lush, green oasis of Kuispang, we can put our feet up, relax and reflect on the achievements of the day.

After leaving Kuispang campsite we have a gentle walk to the glacier, which we cross under the shadow of the beautiful Laila Peak (6,096m). We then cross the main Gondogoro Glacier to reach our lunch spot at Dalsampa, which means ‘field of flowers’. From here we have spectacular views of Masherbrum (7,821m) and the Masherbrum Glacier that flows down from the Masherbrum Pass.

After lunch we leave the snow, ice and rocks behind us and return to a greener, technicolour environment. Our trail takes us through yak pastures and we soon see our first trees since Paijuto our overnight camp at Saicho, which is a stunning campsite surrounded by tamarisks, wild roses and junipers beside the meandering river. There are views up the Charakusa Valley to K7 (6,934m). After leaving the colder climes and successfully crossing the Gondogoro La, it often leads to celebrations and parties to happen at Saicho as the climb team and staff relax and enjoy local songs and dancing.

Today is a relatively short trek of 3-4 hours over an easy descent that brings us to Hushey village, which is the gateway for many expeditions travelling to Masherbrum, the Charakusa and Nangma valleys.

At Hushey, we will say goodbye to our support crew and make our way towards Skardu by road (5hr drive). The drive is pleasant as it zig zags the land and travels through rural villages, where we can enjoy fresh cherries and apricots from local farms. We pass through Khaplu, the second largest kingdom of the old Baltistan that guarded the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. In the evening, we will have our official debrief by the tourism department then relax at our hotel.

We depart our hotel and travel in a private air-conditioned along the Karakoram Highway to Raikot Bridge. Our journey follows the famous Indus River which has carved deep gorges due it’s sheer power. In the distance we’ll have views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and Rakaposhi (7,788m). Once over the bridge we drive to Chilas which in total takes around 7-8 hours.

After breakfast in the hotel, we’ll drive (4×4 jeep) to Tato Village 1 hour away. From here, Fairy Meadows is a gentle 3hr trek. The sight of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) – the giant of Western Himalayas draws us closer with every step taken. Fairy Meadows is a popular trekking destination due to the views of one of the most beautiful mountains anywhere in the world, Nanga Parbat, which is also the 9th highest mountain in the world and the 2nd highest mountain in Pakistan. We overnight in a comfortable cottage.

Today we visit the fifth and final base camp of our 8000m peak journey. The trail to Nanga Parbat’s Base Camp at Beyal Camp first passes through thick forest and then follows the Raikot Glacier to the Nanga Parbat viewpoint at 3,667m. There are stunning views of Nanga Parbat all along the trail. After spending some time at Base Camp we then return to Fairy Meadows, which due to it’s low light polution is also famous for clear nights that give stunning views of the Milky Way and the silhouetted Nanga Parbat.

After our 6 – 7 hour trek we’ll enjoy a bonfire and local music to celebrate our achievement of trekking to the base camps of five 8,000m peaks.

After breakfast we trek back down to Tato Village, from were we’ll take 4×4 jeeps back to Raikot Bridge and transfer to our private air-conditioned vehicle and make our way towards Chilas.

Or if we’re travelling by road, we’ll arrive into Islamabad from Chilas late in the afternoon after a 10 hour drive. We’ll enjoy a well deserved shower, cold drink and a good meal.

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to each other and your guide before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.