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Unrivalled high mountain scenery and breathtaking views of Pakistan's K2
The group flight arrives in Islamabad very early in the morning and we transfer straight to our hotel where rooms will be waiting for you; the rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. Those not flying with the group from London will join us at the hotel in Islamabad during the day. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing. We may also have to visit the Ministry of Tourism for an official briefing. *Standard Hotel*
This morning we travel to the airport and take the spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu. The rest of the day is free. *Standard Hotel*
In the morning we will have a walk up to the remains of Skardu fort, which overlooks the town and has great views of the Indus Valley. We will then walk to a small village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore. You may like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake (US$65 per person) or explore the bazaar. We may have to visit the Ministry of Tourism for an official briefing later in the day and to have our official documents cleared to start the trek. *Standard Hotel*
We set off northwards by jeep up the Shigar valley to Dassu, which used to be the end of the road. The spectacular jeep road which mostly follows the raging Braldu River now extends to Askole, the last village on our route and where we leave the jeeps and start walking. It may sometimes be necessary to start walking before Askole depending on the conditions of the jeep road. The journey may take anywhere from six to twelve hours. *Full-service Camping*
After organising all the equipment and supplies our porters load up for the journey ahead to Jhola. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier which flows for more than fifty kilometres from the Hispar La pass to the Braldu. We have our first taste of moraine walking as we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to our lunch spot beside the river at Korofon. Our route takes us to the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers, where the trail used to involve scrambling over a cliff and then crossing the river in a flying fox or box bridge (called a 'jola'). Nowadays there is a newer trail and we go upstream to cross the river by bridge. Once across we descend to the edge of the River Braldu and follow its banks to our camp at Jhola. (Max. altitude: approx. 3150m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 19
Distance in Miles: 11.8
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Gain: 469
Altitude Loss: 364
Today our route mainly follows the Braldu gorge along the riverbank, moving up and down according to the level of erosion and water levels. We start to get views of the fantastic granite rock shapes of Trango Towers and Cathedral. Walking conditions can be very hot and dry, and care must be taken to prevent sunburn. As we approach camp several glacially-fed rivulets flow down into the main valley and we may have to use our river crossing shoes depending on water levels. On a clear day we may be able to spot K2 in the far distance and the vast snout of the Baltoro glacier, the fourth-longest in Pakistan, is also visible but it's hard to gather a sense of scale from here. The day ends with a climb away from the river to our camp at Paiju, set in a clump of trees – the last ones we will see for a while! (Max. altitude: approx. 3400m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 22
Distance in Miles: 13.7
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Gain: 652
Altitude Loss: 424
The walking gets a bit harder today, but the scenery becomes even more spectacular and wild as we climb onto the snout of the Baltoro Glacier, and cross to the south side. The route climbs up and down the glacial moraine and although there is a trail, care needs to be taken at all times. Stunning views are gradually emerging of granite peaks on the north side of the glacier - from Paiju, Uli Biaho, and Trango Towers round to Grand Cathedral. It will take a few hours to cross the glacier to Liligo. From here we follow a rocky trail along the edge of the Baltoro, where shortly before arriving at Khobursay, we will make a decision whether we can safely negotiate the glacier or continue along the side valley before crossing the meltwater stream into camp. (Max. altitude: approx. 3800m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8.1
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Loss: 381
We cross two small side glaciers and eventually, we can see the Trango Towers soaring up on the north side of the valley. We stop for the night near the army camp at Urdukus, which is perched 100m above the glacier on terraces which were hewn out of the hillside for the Duke of Abruzzi’s K2 expedition in1909. The afternoon aids our acclimatization and gives us time to enjoy the views and catch up on some rest. (Max. altitude: approx. 4050m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 3.7
Activity Hours: 4-5
Altitude Gain: 414
Altitude Loss: 165
We strike out into the middle of the glacier and follow the medial moraine, getting our first views of Masherbrum (7821m) to the south. The trail becomes more even and as we get higher, we start to walk past the huge ice seracs which stick out of the glacier-like ice cream cones. Tonight, we spend our first night camping on the Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, where the nighttime temperature will drop quite dramatically. From camp, we have superb views of Masherbrum and up the Younghusband Glacier, named after Sir Francis Edward Younghusband, the well-known explorer and spiritual writer to the impressive Muztagh Tower. (Max. altitude: approx. 4300m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 8.7
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Gain: 574
Altitude Loss: 309
Our final approach day, and our goal is in sight - Concordia! We continue up the rocky moraine as more and more of the big peaks come into view, culminating in the appearance of K2’s summit, rising more than 4,000m above the valley bottom. The views all around our campsite at Concordia are tremendous: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Chogolisa and Sia Kangri are all prominent, as well as dozens of smaller peaks such as Marble Peak, Crystal Peak and Mitre Peak. (Max. altitude: approx. 4600m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 6.8
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Gain: 521
Altitude Loss: 201
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 very long but 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 (there is the option to turn back here). We usually have our lunch break here and then those who are continuing 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 lives 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. After lunch, we retrace our steps back to Broad Peak Base Camp. (Max. altitude: approx. 5100m. The distances may vary from those given, depending on how the moraine has moved and which trail we can follow) *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 10.6
Activity Hours: 8-10
Altitude Gain: 500
Altitude Loss: 300
After a night’s rest at Broad Peak Base Camp, we continue our descent over the Godwin Austin Glacier towards Concordia. We will need to cross back onto the Baltoro Glacier (which might be slightly more challenging due to the rising level of melt water coming from Gasherbrum) before arriving at camp. After enjoying lunch at the “Throne Room of the Gods” you will have time to reflect on this magnificent environment whilst you recharge and prepare for your return journey. *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 4.3
Activity Hours: 4-5
Altitude Loss: 300
Unfortunately, we have to leave this magnificent place with some of the best mountain views on earth. However, we have an easy start today as we retrace our steps down the glacier. Today is a fairly easy walk back down to Goro I. (Max. altitude: approx. 4600m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 10.6
Activity Hours: 6-7
Altitude Gain: 327
Altitude Loss: 742
We follow the same trail down through the glacier to Goro 1 and on down to the spectacular campsite at Urdukas with great views across to Trango Towers before reaching Khobursay. Although we are retracing our steps down the glacier the views are completely different seen on the way back. (Max. altitude: approx. 4150m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7.5
Activity Hours: 6-7
Altitude Gain: 243
Altitude Loss: 582
We continue our walk down the side of the glacier through Liligo, from where we cross the glacier for one more time before stepping off the moraine onto more stable ground. We head back down to the trees and the relative comforts of Paiju campsite. (Max. altitude: approx. 3800m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8.1
Activity Hours: 6-7
Altitude Gain: 381
Altitude Loss: 778
We retrace our steps along the Braldu Gorge. There may be a couple of river crossings today. We stop tonight at the campsite at Jhola. (Max. altitude: approx. 3400m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 22
Distance in Miles: 13.7
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Gain: 365
Altitude Loss: 574
We start the day with a walk up the side river to the bridge. After crossing the bridge we head back to the main valley and continue following the river all day through Korofon and back finally to the village of Askole. (Max. altitude: approx. 3150m). *Full-service Camping*
Distance in Km: 19
Distance in Miles: 11.8
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Gain: 418
Altitude Loss: 458
We pick up our jeeps for the long but spectacular day’s drive back to Skardu and the luxury of a hot shower. *Standard Hotel*
We take the early morning flight to Islamabad and the rest of the day is free to relax and unwind after the trek. *Standard Hotel*
A free day in Islamabad or an extra day to fly to Islamabad if the flight is cancelled for any reason on the previous day. *Standard Hotel*
Very early this morning we depart Islamabad for the flight to London arriving in the early evening. Those not flying with us to London will leave the hotel after breakfast.
* 6 nights hotels and 14 nights full-service camping
* 13 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Optional base camp treks
* Previous altitude experience necessary
* Group normally 6 to 16, plus UK leader, local guide and other appropriate
local staff. Min age 18 yrs
All breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners included.
All food is provided throughout apart from lunches and dinners in Islamabad,
we suggest you allow around £50 for these meals. Food on trek is simple but
wholesome. Breakfasts will consist of porridge and cereal, eggs and chapatti
or toast. Lunches are a picnic usually with soup, tinned meat and fish,
sweets and nuts, cheese and crackers or chapattis. Dinner is 3 courses; soup,
main course which is rice, dhal, vegetables, meat or pasta based. Dessert is
usually jelly, cold custard, fruit, rice pudding or trifle. Snacks are
provided upon arrival at camp; samosas, pakhora, tea and coffee. If you have
any special dietary requirements we recommend you take along some of your own
snacks or food. Pakistan is a meat-eating country (mainly goat and chicken)
and does not cater as well as India for vegetarians, vegans or gluten free
diets.
*Drinking Water*
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but
particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at
least 3-4 litres per person per day. Drinking water will be provided on the
trek but you need to treat it with purification tablets or another form of
treatment.
Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are very effective, can treat 1
litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready immediately –
look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that you will need
to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the product's
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank">*Water-to-Go* for more information*. Exodus customers can
claim 15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value
will be donated to the *
https://www.exodus.co.uk/foundation"
target="_blank">*Exodus Travels Foundation**.* Please note that if the water
freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before use by
sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
* 6 nights hotels and 14 nights full-service camping
* 13 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Optional base camp treks
* Previous altitude experience necessary
* Group normally 6 to 16, plus UK leader, local guide and other appropriate
local staff. Min age 18 yrs
The trek is graded* 'Tough' (Activity Level 7)* [1] with 13 days walking to a
maximum altitude of 4,500m at Concordia (5,120m Gilkey Memorial just below K2
Base Camp - optional) and an average of 3,650m.
Previous altitude experience is necessary and you must be prepared physically
(see fitness guide below). The walking on the Baltoro glacier is fairly tough
and is definitely not recommended for those who have not previously been
walking at a strenuous level in high mountain regions in recent years. It can
also be extremely hot in the early stages of the trek and on the glacier
during the day, so please also bear this in mind. There are river crossings,
and if the rivers are too high we may have to use alternative trails.
Although there is a trail on the glacier nowadays, the moraine is constantly
moving and sometimes new crevasses open up, so we often have to find an
alternative route. Given this, the walk distances and hours given in the Trip
Notes will not always be accurate and sometimes you will walk considerably
further than is stated. What makes this trip particularly hard, is the often
rocky and uneven terrain underfoot, which requires great concentration and
balance - you must be sure-footed and wear walking boots with ankle support.
There is a lot of walking on glacial moraine (rocky, boulder-strewn terrain)
and at the upper reaches of the trek around Concordia and Gilkey Memorial,
there is usually considerable time walking on snow or ice.
We do not advise inexperienced walkers to attempt this trek. There is no
habitation, except a couple of military posts, after leaving Askole, so
conditions are more basic and remote than elsewhere. It also means that it is
extremely difficult to leave the trek should you be struggling with this
level of activity.
We highly recommend that you work on your fitness to prepare yourself for
this trek. You may find our
https://assets.exodus.co.uk/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf"
target="_blank"Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the
altitude warning in the trip notes.
*Skardu Flight Delays*
Due to the mountainous conditions, it is not uncommon for flights between
Skardu and Islamabad to be delayed or cancelled at the last minute. In this
event, we will endeavour to get the group on the next available flight. If
bad weather persists and flights are not scheduled to operate in the
following day or two, or if the flights are fully booked, Exodus may (as a
last resort only) consider going by road along the Karakorum Highway (KKH) to
get our passengers to Skardu to begin the trek, or to get passengers back to
Islamabad after the trek to meet onward international flights. However, this
is only an option so long as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
advice remains okay for travel along the KKH, and (with your safety in mind)
if we are able to hire transport with working seatbelts for all passengers
at short notice (sourcing vehicles with seatbelts in Skardu for travel back
to Islamabad is particularly difficult). It is a 24-hour journey (with an
overnight stay in Chilas) and the last 270km of road from Jaglot to Skardu is
in poor condition.
[1] node/714#walk
Hotels & Campsites
6 nights hotels, 14 nights camping. In Islamabad, we use a standard hotel,
which has air-conditioned rooms with en suite bathrooms. In Skardu, we stay
in a simple hotel. The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis,
meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook,
and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your daypack. Most
of the camping on this trek is wild camping amidst the mountains. We stay in
two-person tents which have enough room inside for your kitbags. Sleeping
mats and bags are not provided – please see the packing section. We also
have a dining tent complete with table and stools. For the most part, no
running water is available whilst camping however, at Jhula and Paiju there
is usually running water.
There will be a UK leader plus a local guide provided as well as camp
helpers, a cook and porters on the treks. This is a full-service trek. As
Concordia is remote, with little human habitation, it is necessary to carry
all our supplies with us, so there is usually a very large staff made up of
local Balti porters. On trek your kit bag is carried for you; in the interest
of porter welfare, there is a weight limit per person of 12kg - each porter
will carry no more than 25kg. Camp chores, such as putting the tents up and
the cooking, are all done by the staff but not always with the same slickness
found in Nepal. A mess tent is provided with stools and tables. All the
baggage is carried from campsite to campsite by the porters, leaving only a
daypack to be carried by you.
All breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners included.
All food is provided throughout apart from lunches and dinners in Islamabad,
we suggest you allow around £50 for these meals. Food on trek is simple but
wholesome. Breakfasts will consist of porridge and cereal, eggs and chapatti
or toast. Lunches are a picnic usually with soup, tinned meat and fish,
sweets and nuts, cheese and crackers or chapattis. Dinner is 3 courses; soup,
main course which is rice, dhal, vegetables, meat or pasta based. Dessert is
usually jelly, cold custard, fruit, rice pudding or trifle. Snacks are
provided upon arrival at camp; samosas, pakhora, tea and coffee. If you have
any special dietary requirements we recommend you take along some of your own
snacks or food. Pakistan is a meat-eating country (mainly goat and chicken)
and does not cater as well as India for vegetarians, vegans or gluten free
diets.
*Drinking Water*
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but
particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at
least 3-4 litres per person per day. Drinking water will be provided on the
trek but you need to treat it with purification tablets or another form of
treatment.
Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are very effective, can treat 1
litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready immediately –
look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that you will need
to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the product's
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank"*Water-to-Go* for more information*. Exodus customers can
claim 15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value
will be donated to the *
https://www.exodus.co.uk/foundation"
target="_blank"*Exodus Travels Foundation**.* Please note that if the water
freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before use by
sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
In Islamabad we will use a private bus; from Skardu to the trek start point
and back we use 4WD jeeps. Please note: The flight to and from Skardu is
weather dependent - please refer to the 'Is this trip for you?' section for
further details about this eventuality.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 22 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
* Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Turkish Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. Internal
flights during the trip are normally with Pakistan International Airlines.
*Travelling land only: 21 days starting and ending in Islamabad*
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Islamabad in the morning of Day 1
of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the
Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be
able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
The weather in northern Pakistan is very hot during the summer. Maximum
daytime temperatures will depend on the altitude, but will mainly lie in the
range 25 to 40°C. Most days will be hot and sunny, although the occasional
severe storm and bad weather cannot be ruled out. If the days are sunny on
trek with no cloud cover it can be extremely hot and make the walking quite
hard as there is often no shade at all, especially on the glacier. The nights
will be cooler and the night time temperatures can drop to well below
freezing when higher than 3500m. Islamabad and the lower Indus valley will be
very hot and humid, while Skardu, although hot, will be less oppressive.
Please take a couple of hard copies of your travel insurance certificate with
you - keep one copy on your person during the trek and store a second copy
elsewhere.
4-season sleeping mat or Thermarest
4-season sleeping bag
3/4-season jacket (preferably down construction or similar)
Good quality leather or synthetic boots with ankle support
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Trekking pole(s) with tips suitable for rocky terrain
Mini-crampons or micro-spikes for icy terrain from Concordia to Gilkey
Memorial
Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
2/3-litre water bottle or hydration system Daypack (approx. 30/40 litre)
Fleece
Mid-layers
Base layers/shirts/t-shirts
Lightweight trousers for the trek
Thermals/tracksuit for evenings
Warm gloves
Socks
Buff/scarf
Water purification treatment: tablets, SteriPEN, or other
Toilet paper
Wash kit (biodegradable soap/detergent/shampoo)
Biodegradable detergent (for washing clothes if needed)
Wet wipes (these can also be bought from a shop close to the hotel in
Islamabad)
Talcum powder
Personal first aid
Sandals/trainers for camp (please avoid flip-flops)
Waterproof non-open toe shoes for river crossings
Padlock for kitbag
Dry bags (to pack things inside the kitbag)
Head torch
Hand gel
Umbrella (both for sun and rain)
Sarong (useful for washing in the open and as a scarf)
Please note that Pakistan is a very conservative country. For Islamabad,
Skardu and Askole all clients should dress in light loose baggy clothing with
legs and arms covered. Women should also wear a headscarf.
On trek, ALL clients need to have legs covered. For men full or three quarter
length trousers are suitable and for women full or three quarter length
trousers or a longish skirt. T-shirts which cover the shoulders are
acceptable but sleeveless/strappy vests are not. Tight-fitting clothes (such
as leggings) should not be worn on the trek or in the towns.
On trek your kit bag is carried for you, there is a weight limit per person
of 12kg. You only need to carry a daypack with whatever you require for that
day's trek.
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impacts wherever possible,
this goes for when you need to spend a penny in the great outdoors! If no
facilities are available there may come a time when you need to go to the loo
behind a tree/bush/rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind we recommend
taking biodegradable dog poo/sandwich bags with you. Once you have done your
business you can pop the used toilet roll in here and take it off the
mountain or trail at the end of the day and dispose of it when there are
appropriate facilities available.
Gaiters
Earplugs
You can obtain local currency at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus; exchange
bureaus offer the best rates. We advise that you change money at the airport,
which is quick and easy. You should budget about £300-350 (US$380-450) total
spend for the tour to cover meals, miscellaneous drinks, shopping and tipping
. If you plan to do some of the optional extras, or do a lot of shopping then
you may want to change more than this.
On trek there is hardly anything to spend money on. In Skardu there are a few
souvenir shops and you can buy soft drinks and mineral water.
An optional full-day sightseeing tour of Islamabad can be arranged for the
group (paid for locally), which costs US$50 per person. If done at the end
of the tour, this can be followed by a farewell dinner (US$80 per person for
both the tour and farewell dinner).
The optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake on Day 3 costs $65 per person (a
group of 10+ is required).
*Departure Tax*
In June 2018 a new departure tax of Pakistani Rupees 683 (approx.
£4.50/US$5.5) was implemented. If this is not included in your airfare, you
will need to pay it in cash at Islamabad airport on departure, so you will
need to keep some change for this.
The following suggested tipping amounts are included in the total spend
amount given above, not on top.
Tipping is a tradition in Pakistan and you should allow about £120-140
(US$155-$180) for this. Your leader will advise you on how this is divided up
amongst your staff including local guides, cook, assistants and porters on
trek plus drivers and hotel porters.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the above and is at your own
discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, a tip of around £2-£3
(or US$3-$4) per person per day would be appreciated (x21 days: £42-63 /
US$54-80). By definition, gratuities are not something that can be included
in the tour price.
* Travel insurance
* Visas and vaccinations
* Single supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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