The Grand Traverse of Karakoram Mountains combines two of the world’s most exciting and beautiful treks! The combination of Gondogoro-La (5450m) via Baltoro Glacier Panoramic Trek goes through Snow Lake and Hisper La (5150 m). During the trek, we meet two main passes of Karakoram. Gondogoro-La offers a breathtaking view of Masherbrum, Hidden Peak, Chogolisa, Trinity Peak, Layla Peak, and the Gondogoro Glacier. The trek starts at Hushe Valley and goes through some outstanding mountain views. Trekking in the Karakoram Mountains is a beautiful experience, but traveling to Concordia is a lifetime journey. Galen Rowell described Concordia as the “throne room of the mountain gods.” Baltoro, home of hundreds of peaks, is also home to four 8000-meter peaks: K-2 (8611m) (Mountain of Mountains), Broad Peak (8047m), Gasherbrum-I (8068m), and Gasherbrum-II (8035m). The trek is in the heart of the mighty Karakoram and offers a magnificent view of snow-capped mountains. We have a special reserved day at Concordia to explore the hidden beauty of these panoramic peaks. The trek is a bit difficult and is recommended for good trekkers. The journey to giant Baltoro begins at Skardu, the capital town of Baltistan. Biafo & Hispar Glaciers have a total length of 126 km and are the longest outside the Polar Regions. They meet at the 5150-meter Hispar Pass. This immense highway of ice and stones connects the ancient kingdoms of Nagar in the west and Askoli (little Tibet) in the east.
The trail covers the Karakoram Range in Pakistan from the Baltistan capital, Skardu, to Khaplu and Hushe Valley. It continues through Baltoro, Snow Lake, and Bifo Hispar Huza Nagar.
| Departure/Return Location | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad | ||
| Departure Time | Mountain Range: Karakoram | ||
| Elevation: 5500m | Best Time: Mid-June to End-August | ||
| Duration: 32 Days | Zone: Permit needed |
Day
01: Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad Airport and transfer to hotel overnight stay in Islamabad.
Day
02: Islamabad to Skardu (By Air)
Early morning flight to Skardu (flights are subject to weather); if unable to fly, we will depart for Skardu by road with an overnight stay at Chilas. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
Day
03: Skardu
In case a flight has operated, we will go for a sightseeing tour of Skardu, and in case of no flight, the day will be used for overland travel from Chilas to Skardu. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
Day
04: Skardu to Hushe
We drive in jeeps along the Indus and Shyok valleys before turning northwards up the Hushe valley to reach the road head at the little Village of Hushe. (Tent)
Day
05: Hushe to Shaicho
After breakfast, Trek to Shaicho.Today, we will leave the last inhabited village of Hushe. We will rely on our local team for the remaining portion of our journey, who will carry our food and equipment and sustain our Trek. A short trek of about 3-4 hours takes us to the idyllic campsite at Shaicho. This camp lies at the junction of the Charakusa and Gondogoro valleys and is situated on a sandy, tree-shaded area beside a swift-flowing river. There are excellent views of Nameka, the rock pillars of K7, and the trail leading to the camp. (Tent)
Day
06: Shaicho to Dalsanpa
After breakfast, Trek to Dalsanpa. We take a path on a wooded moraine ridge, which climbs steeply to the seasonal goat herder’s settlement at Golong. We stop for lunch here before dropping onto the glacier to scramble along its edge to bypass a steep rock section. A final scramble up a rocky gulley leads to the spectacular campsite at Dalsanpa, where there are a couple of tiny lakes and staggering views of a range of rocky summits, culminating in the snow-plastered summit of Masherbrum. (Tent)
Day
07: Dalsanpa to Khuspang (Gondogoro base camp)
After breakfast trek Khispang. Down onto the glacier, our path follows the center of the ice river, sometimes walking on moraine and sometimes snow and ice. We got our first views of the Gondogoro La and passed the stunning spire of Lila Peak. A long day, walking beneath the beautiful spire of Lila Peak. (Tent)
Day
08: Rest day at Khuspang (Gondogoro base camp)
Rest and acclimatization day at Khuspang. (Tent)
Day
09: Khuspang to High Camp
After lunch, we will move our base camp to below the pass on a level site on the lateral moraine of the Gonogoro Glacier. This is a short walk of just a couple of hours, and the rest of the day is spent preparing for the crossing. (Tent)
Day
10: High Camp-Cross Gondogoro La to Ali Camp
A very early start, as early as 1 or 2 a.m., a long day, but we are now well rested and more acclimatized to the altitude. We start very early to make the best of the snow conditions. The climb to the pass is fairly straightforward snow, with the final stretch to the pass being slightly more than 45 degrees of steepness. We will fix ropes to safeguard the ascent of clients and porters. After about 4 or 5 hours, our efforts are rewarded by one of the most fantastic panoramic views in the Karakoram. K2, Broad Peak, Chogolisa, and the Gasherbrums are all laid out before us as we stand at the crest of the pass. Descending from the pass presents greater route-finding difficulties than the ascent, and we must rope up since there are several crevasses and some short sections of steeper snow as we near the Vigne Glacier. It will take us an hour or more to descend from the pass to the West Vigne Glacier, and from here, we have a further three hours of roped trekking to our spectacularly sited camp, Ali Camp. (Tent)
Day
11: Ali Camp to Concordia
After breakfast, Trek to Concordia. A long walk on the Vigne Glacier to Concordia – a huge junction of Baltoro, Abruzzi & Godwin Austin Glaciers at 4000 meters. (Tent)
Day
12: Rest day at Concordia
Members are free to explore K2 base (A day trip 4 hrs up 3 hrs down) after an early breakfast, resume your walk to K2 Base Camp and visit Memorial lunch at K2 base camp and back to Concordia (Tent)
Day
13: Concordia to Urdukas
After breakfast, Trek to Urdukas. A long walk on the Baltoro Glacier, reaching the camping place at Goro I at lunchtime. Here, we are in the center of the glacier, directly below the imposing spire of Masherbrum. During the morning’s walk, we had a good view of the shapely summit of the Mustagh Tower on our right and Masherbrum on our left or south side. After lunch, we continued down the glacier, trekking across and around enormous piles of glacial debris. We headed for our first off-glacier campsite for a few days at Urdukas (4050Mm/13,287 ft). This famous camp is situated in the green ablation valley on the south side of the Baltoro Glacier. It offers fantastic views of the stunning granite architecture of the Lobsang, Cathedral, and Trango groups of peaks and the Uli Biafo. (Tent)
Day
14: Urdukas to Paiju
After breakfast, Trek to Paiju. We continue our descent of the Baltoro on the glacier and a trail cut into the valley side. We pass the off-glacier camping place at Khorbose, cut across the glacier to its northern side, and descend from its snout to the camp at Paiju. (Tent)
Day
15: Paiju to Karofong
After breakfast, Trek to Karofong. The Braldo River downstream, we skirt beneath Paiju Peak and follow a sandy and boulder-strewn path beside the Braldo River. Beyond the place known as Trowbaraq, we reach the tributary Pangma Valley and head upriver for half an hour to reach the bridge, which provides the only way of crossing the torrential Pangma River. On the other side, the route climbs over a steep spur to rejoin the north bank of the Braldo, which we follow for two hours to the camp at Karofong. (Tent)
Day
16: Karofong to Namla
After breakfast, Trek to Namla. We cross the rubble-strewn snout of the Biafo and turn north to follow grazing trails beside this fantastic glacier. The path beside the glacier is initially quite demanding as it clings to the valley side, neither truly on the glacier nor entirely off it. The moraine-strewn glacier gives further harsh underfoot conditions, and it is with some relief that we climb the lateral moraine to discover a grassy meadow in the ablation valley beyond. This is Namla (Tent)
Day
17: Namla to Mango
After breakfast, Trek to Mango is the short and moderate Trek on the glacier to Mango. (Tent)
Day
18: Mango to Baintha
After breakfast, Trek to Baintha. We cross the jumble of boulders to the moraine ridges in the glacier’s center. Soon, we reach the ‘miracle highway’ of white ice, which provides easier walking to the glacier’s east side to make camp at Baintha. This is a splendid camping place, with lush grassland, abundant flowers and birds, and the chance to spot shy ibex on the mountain slopes above the camp. (Tent)
Day
19: Rest day Baintha
Rest day at Baintha, since the alpine loveliness of this camp is not something to be rushed, bearing in mind that there is absolutely nothing in the way of greenery beyond this point for some considerable distance. This rest stop also allows the porters to bake a supply of Balti bread and chapattis over the coming days. Today, the very worthwhile option is ascending a peak above the camp for fantastic views down the glacier and across to the Latok group of mountains and the Ogre. (Tent)
Day
20: Baintha to Simgang
After breakfast, Trek to Simgng. We will trek on the crevassed Biafo to Simgang Biafo junction. A hard & long day rewarded with breathtaking views of dozens of nameless peaks from 5060 m to Sosbun Brakkk 6413 m. (Tent)
Day
21: Simgang to Snow Lake
After breakfast, Trek to Snow Lake. This will be a strenuous walking day but the most rewarding and memorable day of your life. Cruising first the crevassed glacier & later the upper ice flow, follow the footsteps of Conway, Shipton, and Workmans to reach Snow Lake. The workmen, on their first sight of this magical place, are bound to declare it “A huge basin of ice & snow that seemed in no way of this world” (Tent)
Day
22: Snow Lake to Hisper Pass (5150m) and Khani Basa
After breakfast, Trek to Khani Basa. Today, we will wake up early in the morning and leave as soon as we are done with breakfast. We will try to reach the pass before sunrise. From the top of Hispar Pass (5150m), some of the finest views of the Karakorum, Ogre Peak (7285m) in the background of Snow Lake’s wide plateau and Hispar Glacier stretching as far as the eye can see, with the white pyramid of Workman peak to its north. After a refreshment and photo stop, we will proceed to the other side of the pass, which takes three hours to reach the campsite at Khani Basa. Most of the day, we will walk through deep, soft snow in single file with rope to avoid the hidden crevasses. (Tent)
Day
23: Khani basa to Yutmuro Glacier
After breakfast, Trek to Yutmuro.Today, we will traverse the Khanibasa glacier, which takes around 2 hours. During the day, we have spectacular views of Kanjut Sar 1 (7700m) and the glaciers. The great number of wildflowers makes this day pleasant again. (Tent)
Day
24: Yutmuro to Bitanmal
After breakfast, Trek to Bitanmal. An easy stroll through Ablation Valley brings us to Yutmaru Glacier, which takes approximately 2 hours to reach the viewpoint of Hisper Pass in the backdrop. Bitanmal’s campsite is filled with willow bushes and wildflowers. (Tent)
Day
25: Rest day at Bitanmal
Rest day at Bitanmal and Explore around (Tent)
Day
26: Bitanmal to Hispar Village
After breakfast, Trek to Hispar village. An early start is essential each morning as we descend the Hispar Glacier. This is because the side streams that must be negotiated are much less formidable before the heat of the day (and associated snowmelt) swells them to impassable proportions. After crossing the Kiang Glacier, there is a steep climb to regain the path that leads through the grazing grounds of Daltanas and Falolingkish. One large stream has to be crossed just before Falolingkish, and then a footbridge leads across to Hispar Village. (Tent)
Day
After breakfast, we will drive to Karimabad. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel and checked in. In the afternoon, you will be free at leisure to go for a walk around. Overnight stay in a hotel in Karimabad.
Day
28: Rest day at Karimabad
After breakfast, we will visit Baltit Fort, and later on, we will proceed to Attabad Lake for cruise excursion (16 km) alongside KKH. Overnight stay in a hotel in Karimabad.
Day
29: Karimabad to Chilas
After breakfast, we will depart for Chilas. En route, lunch stop at Gilgit will also visit the local bazaar. Afternoon drive to Chials. Overnight stay in a hotel at Chilas.
Day
30: Chilas to Islamabad
In the early morning, we will depart for Islamabad, vis Babusar pass. Overnight stay in a hotel in Islamabad.
Day
31: Islamabad
After breakfast, we will go for a de-briefing at Alpine Club and later on a sightseeing tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Overnight stay in a hotel in Islamabad.
Day
32: Islamabad to Flight out
Transfer to airport for flight back home
Please Note: Gilgit Baltistan flights are subject to weather and backlog, in case of flight cancellation we will travel by road, and one night of Islamabad will be adjusted in overland travel.
Services included as following
- Trekking permit from Gilgit Baltistan Tourism
Hotels:
- 02 nights hotel in Islamabad (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- 01 night in Hotel Naran (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- 03 nights in Skardu (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Transport:
- Pick up from group when arrive and drop to the airport when group Departure Air-condition van from Islamabad –Skardu-Gilgit-Islamabad
- Flight Tickets Islamabad-Skardu
- Arrange transport on briefing and debriefing occasions
- Sightseeing the capital city of Islamabad
4 x 4 Jeeps:
- Jeeps from Skardu to Hushe and Hispar Village to Hunza
Trekking Food:
- Food (during the Trek (we will serve breakfast, lunch and Dinner)
Porters:
- Carry on member’s personal equipment, foodstuff, camping crew, etc. All porters insurance
- 16 Kg porter facility for members’ gear. (Above 16 Kg will be separately charged from the member on the spot, as per porter rate per Kg)
Staffs:
- Guide Cook and assist cook wages, camp food, transport, and insurance
Camping Equipment:
- Mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent mattress, chairs, Tables
Kitchen utensils:
- Complete kitchen utensils (crockery)
General Services:
- Tips for baggage handling at airports & hotels
- Fess: (CKNP, Bridge crossing, cable crossing, camping)
- International flights tickets re-confirmations
- Custom clearing assistance
Services not included in the given price
- Member international flight tickets
- Helicopter emergency rescue fees Members any climbing gears
- Member personal insurance
- 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
- Custom clearing charges (import and export of equipment)
- Any unforeseen expenses (like road block extra hotel stay or if members stay more days at Base Camp) will be paid according to the number of days bases.
