In the heart of the Karakorams of northern Pakistan lies an amphitheater of high mountains which truly has no parallel. The American climber and photographer Galen Rowell described it as the ‘Throne Room of the Mountain Gods’, and when you stand at the glacial junction known as Concordia and survey the phenomenal array of summits which include four of the world’s 8000-metre peaks, it is difficult to disagree with him.
Our route follows a stunning trail along the mighty Braldu river to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The spectacular rock walls of Trango Towers, Lobsang Spires, and Uli Biaho stand like monolithic stone sentinels, guarding our route. As we progress up the moraines of the vast Baltoro Glacier, the Muztagh Tower (7273m) and Masherbrum (7821m) slowly reveal themselves and in the distance, Gasherbrum IV stands tall, providing a taste of what is to come.
At last, we reach Concordia (4650m) where we are surrounded by a plethora of peaks including four of the world’s 8000m peaks- K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II and Hidden Peak. And others no less spectacular including the mighty Chogolisa, Golden Throne, and Gasherbrum IV. From our camp at Concordia, we can trek up the Godwin Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp and visit some of the expedition teams attempting to climb this formidable peak. This trek is undoubtedly one of the Great Walks of the World- the Karakoram’s. Although this trek takes us into relatively remote and rough terrain, the walking days are not excessively demanding, and it is well within the capabilities of the regular hill walker wanting to experience wilderness trekking at its finest.
Day 01:Arrival at Islamabad
Day 02:Islamabad – Chilas
Day 03:Chalis – Skardu
Day 04:Skardu – Askole
Day 05:Askole – Korophone
Day 06:Korophone – Jhula
Day 07:Jhula – Paiju
Day 08:Paiju - Urdukas
Day 09:Urdukas – Goro
Day 10:Goro – Concordia
Day 11:Concordia Rest Day
Day 12:Concordia– Goro
Day 13:Goro - Udukas
Day 14:Urdukas - Paiyu
Day 15:Urdukas - Pulla
Day 16:Julla - Korofong
Day 17:Korofong - Askole
Day 18:Askole - Skardu
Day 19:Skardu – Chilas
Day 20:Chilas – Islamabad
Day 21:Final departure
Upon your arrival at the Islamabad airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Thai Nepal Travels. After picking up your luggage and look for our representative with a Thai Nepal Travels display board at the arrival gate. After that, you will be transferred to Hotel. After check-in, you can take a rest, hang around in the city - it all depends upon your interests and condition. Overnight at Islamabad.
Departure for Chilas via Karakoram Highway or Naran valley, shortstops en-route for lunch and photography, arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Departure for Skardu, shortstops en-route for lunch and photography, arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Departure for Akole on a winding jeep trail. The last inhabitance on our way to the great glacier. Highest in the region, the stone and timber abodes contain dark and narrow stairwells riven by gloomy until alleys cluster within the embrace of the fertile terraces. Overnight in hotel.
Today we leave the last inhabited village. After scrambling over a ridge we come across what legend says an old polo field. Passing through a rock gap we cross the Biafo glacier and camp besides its snout at Korophone. The Biafo Glacier is a huge river of ice 63 Km. long which descends from the central peaks of the Karakoram & flows east into the Braldu Valley at a point about 10 Kms east of Askole. Overnight in Camp
Trek to the Dumurdo river cross at Jhula, now a wooden bridge is made cross it & camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas. Overnight in Camp.
Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green Oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak 6611 M. Paiju - is a Balti word which means "SALT". Since there are some rock salt deposits at the base of this peak, the locals believe that the snow on the summit of Paiju Peak is not snow but a huge deposit of salt which drips down to the base. From this camp, we have the first view of the impressive Baltoro Glacier. Overnight in Camp.
Begin trek after an early breakfast. Traverse the junction of Paiju - Baltoro Glaciers through crevasses & lunch below Liligo, the traditional camp under the muddy cliffs with fine views of rock spires. Cross the Khuburse torrent early morning and ramble over two glacier moraines to reach the grassy slopes of Urdukas offering splendid views of the Trango, Uli Biaho & Bial Groups. Overnight in Camp.
A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier. Traverse the Yermanandu Glacier which flows down from Masherbrum & joins the Baltoro. Magnificent views of Muztagh, Mitre & Gasherbrum IV. Overnight in Camp.
After an early breakfast, resume a long walk on the Baltoro Glacier to a point called Concordia – a huge junction of Baltoro, Abruzzi and Godwin Austin Glaciers at 4000 meters. Within a short radius of 15 Kilometers, stand 41 peaks over 6500 meters including 04 peaks above 8000 meters. The 360 view offers a panorama of peaks nowhere to be found on this earth. Overnight in Camp.
Explore K2 base (A day trip 4 hrs up 3 hrs down) after an early breakfast, resume your walk to K2 Base Camp. Overnight in Camp.
Return to Goro campsite. Overnight in Camp.
Return to Urdukas campsite. Overnight in Camp.
Today we will return directly to Paiyu campsite we will not stop at Khobre on the way down. Overnight in Camp.
Today we will skip Bardumal campsite on the way down and go to Pulla for overnight. Overnight in Camp.
Trek back to Korofong after crossing the Domurda River. We reach the Korofong campsite. Overnight in Camp.
Today is the last day of our trek. Overnight in Camp.
Departure to Skardu by jeep, arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Departure for Besham, arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Departure for Islamabad, shortstop en-route for photography and lunch, arrive and transfer to hotel.
Our tours come to an end today. A representative from Thai Nepal Travels will take you to the airport approximately 2 hours before the scheduled flight. A representative from Thai Nepal Travels will take you to the airport approximately 2 hours before the scheduled flight. We hope you have enjoyed the tour with us, and we are sure you will be back making another trip somewhere with Thai Nepal Travels again.
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