K2 Base Camp & Concordia Trek
$2300 per person
“The world’s greatest museum of shape and form” is how Italian mountaineer/author Fosco Maraini described Concordia in his book, Karakoram.
In Concordia, six peaks over 7925m rise to touch the heavens, including K2 (8611m) the second-highest mountain on earth.
After assembling in Islamabad, we fly to Skardu and then drive to the trailhead and meet the expedition porters who are rugged mountain men. As we trek up to this amazing place we enter a remarkable wilderness of rock, ice, and sky.
As soon as we would reach Paiju Camp at the foot of the Baltoro Glacier, we will begin to feel the pulse of creation: the melting ice, rolling rocks, the creaking and groaning of the glacier as it rearranges its icy rivers.
On reaching Concordia we will be rewarded with the most incredible mountain views in the world as we are virtually surrounded by K2, Broad Peak (8,051m), Gasherbrum IV (7925m), and razor-edged Mitre Peak. There is no other place like this anywhere in the world. It is the proverbial roof of the world. It’s like shaking hands with the heavens.
K2 Base-Camp & Concordia Trek is an exciting and challenging trek that is meant for trekkers with previous high altitude mountain trekking experience. Not meant for the faint-hearted and the novices.
For more information on the K2 Base-Camp & Concordia Trek and the treks that we run there, contact us via:
WhatsApp: +92 347 4598096 | +92 345 4354348
Email: info@rockvalleytours.com
20 Days
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Destination
From Our Gallery
1
Day 1
Arrive Islamabad
We will spend the day in Islamabad finalizing trekking permits with the Ministry of Tourism and visiting the deputy chief of operations for a briefing on the trek. Evening free.
2
Day 2
Travel To Skardu/ Chilas/ Narran
In the morning you will be taken to Islamabad airport for the PIA Boeing flight to Skardu (2287m). This flight is subject to clear conditions in Skardu and if the flight is canceled we make the two-day drive to Skardu along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which is sometimes known as the eighth wonder of the world. If we drive we will stay overnight at Chilas on the banks of the Indus - the Lion River. ( One-hour flight or a 12-hour drive on KKH).
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Day 3
Explore Skardu
A free day in Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, which is sometimes called little Tibet due to its geographic closeness and historic links with Tibet and Laddakh. Stroll through the narrow bazaar, climb up the cliff to visit the historic Kharpocho Fort, visit the turquoise blue Satpara Lake that is just a few kilometers outside the town. Meals and overnight at motel/resort.
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Day 4
Towards Trek Head
We head east from Skardu, soon crossing a small pass leading to Shigar, the valley of orchards. We leave our jeeps at Thongol for a short walk to our camping site. Meals and overnight at camp, 6-7 hour jeep ride.
5
Day 5
Our trek begins
After the staff distributes 25kg loads to each of our porters we start our trek in the soft morning light. After walking along the Braldu River we will arrive at Askole, the last permanent settlement along the trek route. Askole is often mentioned by early explorers as the last settlement on the Indian subcontinent. Another three hours’ walk across barren wasteland brings us to the Biafo Glacier, a tortured sea of ice and rocks two kilometers wide at our crossing point. It takes around two hours to cross the glacier on an established trail, walking most of the time on moraine and occasionally on ice. Once across the glacier, it is 20 minutes to Korofan (3110m) Six to seven hours’ trekking.
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Day 6
Paiju
The day starts with a tough walk along a cliff face to arrive at the new wooden bridge which has replaced the cable bridge over the Dumordo River. Near Paiju we will get our first glimpse of Gashabrum 4 and later we will reach the point where waters from the Paiju Peak divide themselves into four rushing streams, which we cross by jumping from boulder to boulder and then wading through the meltwater. In the east, and dominating the horizon, are the towering summits of Gashabrum 4, Cathedral Towers and Broad Peak. After negotiating scree and sand beside the river we arrive at Paiju (3600m), a picturesque campsite situated in a grove of willows and poplar trees through which runs a stream. Four to five hours’ trekking.
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Day 7
On Baltoro
We spend the first hour making the gradual climb towards the snout of the Baltoro Glacier, a vast, turbulent sea of rocks and ice more than two miles wide and nearly forty miles long. The first stretch of the walk on the glacier can be difficult as we must dodge small crevasses but there are magnificent views all around us - the Cathedral Range and the Trango Towers, which rise to 6000m. Now we begin to feel the pulse of creation – melting ice, rolling rocks, the groaning of the glacier as it rearranges its icy rivers. We spend about three hours walking across boulder-strewn ice, gaining height gradually until we reach a flat, sandy area of lateral moraine - our campsite Khobursay at 4000m. Five to six hours’ trekking.
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Day 8
Biango
The first two hours of the trek are spent walking across the glacier’s lateral moraine until we arrive at the green pasture of Urdukas, from where we cross side crevasses to traverse the medial moraine. This middle part of the glacier holds surprises for us - small streams of water rushing over clear blue ice, and huge ice towers jutting up from the glacier. As we proceed Gashabrum 2 (8035m, the 14th highest peak of the world) peeps from the right shoulder of G4 in the east. Biango at 4350m is our campsite and is dominated by the thrilling view of Mashabrum (7821m) to the south. We are camping on a thin layer of moraine over glacial ice so be prepared, the night could be cold. Seven to eight hours’ trek.
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Day 9
To Concordia
Yes, Concordia! We walk along the medial moraine to the incredible sanctuary of Concordia. As we make our approach Gashabrum 4 stands guard in the east and there are magnificent views of Muztagh Tower (7250m) on the border between Pakistan and China. Excitement mounts and our pace quickens as we arrive at Concordia, lured by the classic views of K2 (8611m), the second-highest mountain of the world. Concordia - the meeting place of five glaciers – is named after the Place de la Concorde in Pairs. Within a radius of 15km are 41 peaks above 6500m, almost half of them still unclimbed and unnamed. Also visible from Concordia, clockwise from K-2 are Broad Peak (8051m), Gasherbrum 4 (7925m), Baltoro Kangri (7315m), Kondus (6760m), Mitre (6060m), Paiju (6660m), Crystal (6260m), Marble (6175m) and Angle Peak (6860m). Four to five hours trek.
10
Day 10
K2 Base Camp
Full-day excursion to the K2 base camp involving a strenuous 10- hour round-trip trek over snow, rock, and ice. As we start our trek, we cross the crevasses of the Baltoro Glacier, then walk on the lateral moraine of the Godwin Austin glacier to the base camp of Broad Peak. Chogolisa (7660m) now appears on the scene, standing guard in the south and hinting at the new crossing from Concordia to the Hushe Valley. We move on to the medial moraine of the glacier, walking here is much easier than the first two hours’ stretch spent on rocks. When we arrive at K2 base camp at 5030m, which is normally occupied by five mountaineering expeditions during the climbing season each year, we will be overwhelmed by the sheer size of K2. Return to Concordia for overnight.
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Day 11
Concordia – Gore
Today we will say goodbye to the mountains and turn back by the same route to Skardu. The trek is downhill now and as we will be well acclimatized we will cover the ground quickly and in five to six hours we will reach Gore. Here there are many tall icebergs on the Baltoro Glacier and there are also outstanding views of Meshabrum Peak (7821m)
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Day 12
Gore - Urdukas
From Goro, it is five to six hours’ trek to Urdukas, which is opposite the great Trango Towers. This is a beautiful camping site among large boulders and pasture. There are also graves of porters here, men who died during mountaineering expeditions.
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Day 13
Urdukas - Khoburzay
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Day 14
Khoburzay - Paiju
15
Day 15
Paiju – Jola
The Jola camping site is on the banks of the Baltoro and Dumurdo rivers. Last year the government constructed a wooden bridge here so unlike in the past we do not have to cross the Dumurdo River over the swinging pulley.
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Day 16
Jola – Askole
Early morning start to reach the trek head. First, we will cross the Dumurdo River then climb the Part rock and arrive at Korophone. At Korophone we meet the Biafo Glacier which flows from Snow Lake and crosses a plateau to reach Askole. From here we will try to take a jeep to Skardu but if road conditions are not suitable we will walk another hour to Thongal to find transport.
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Day 17
Back To Civilization – Skardu
Enjoy your last breakfast in camp on this trek and say Khuda Hafiz to your camping staff who pitched tents and prepared meals for you during the trek. Board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for a bumpy ride through the Karakoram. This part of Baltistan is greener and more prosperous. We arrive at Skardu - shall we call it civilization? You must be the judge. Meals, the enjoyment of a shower and overnight at resort/motel. 5-6 hour jeep ride.
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Day 18
Towards Pindi
A flight is booked to Islamabad, which if weather conditions mean are suitable we will be in Islamabad in just one hour - a miracle of modern technology. But, if the flight is canceled we will drive back, with an overnight stop at Chilas on the Karakoram Highway.
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Day 19
Back Finally
Once at Rawalpindi, Islamabad’s twin city, we shall proceed to the office of Ministry of Tourism for a trek debriefing. The rest of the day is free to explore the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
20
Day 20
Fly Home
Transfer to the airport for international departure flight.
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SERVICES INCLUDED:
Accommodation: on a twin-sharing basis in the hotels in towns. Camping Equipment: We Provide high-quality equipment to clients making their adventure the most Comfortable and enjoyable even on the harsh and hard part of the world Dome 3 tents during trekking and at the base camp, Toilet Tent Kitchen Equipment: Mess Tent with full Kitchen Equipment, Table & chairs, Kitchen utensil Meals: Full board Darning camping and base camp, We provide the Excellent quality food during your adventure when you start your Trek from Skardu to BC and back to Skardu, (fallboard). In Pakistan, RVT is the only expedition outfitter which provides fresh meat and vegetable at the base camps from time to time. Break Fast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea or coffee Our Staff: We would not say our staff is the best one in Pakistan, you would say this after you Experience their punctuality, Experience, good and humorous attitude with you. Their daily allowance, Food, kit & equipment, insurance, accommodation, RVT Traveling Exp, like Islamabad to Skardu and Back to ISB, TRANSPORTATION: 4x4 Jeeps etc. with all expedition Luggage. Road head to Trek Head & back. Porterage: Porter from Road to Base Camp and back to trek head, including food. Kitchen. And 12.50 Kg of member luggage. Are you a Frequent Visitor in Pakistan? If you are coming to Pakistan for Expeditions, Trekking and you wish to keep your equipment in Pakistan, You are more Then welcome to keep your equipment In our store either in Islamabad or you can keep them in Skardu. Like many other climbers, expedition, and trekking organizers you can keep them. This is a free service that only RVT offers to facilitate its clients. OFFICIAL FORMALITIES: Submission of application for climbing permit and coordination with the ministry of Tourism in order to update climbers with the progress. Arrangements of the first meeting with Guide and Ministry Briefing/de-briefing in the Ministry of tourism. Processing application for satellite permit (if required) Documentation for import and export of mountaineering cargo***COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Following Mentioned services are not included in our price, but some of them can be arranged at your request Any Meals at the hotel or on the way are not included in the cost. Cost of any soft drinks, Any domestic/international airfare, transportation in an airport for pick and drop. Airfare from ISL-KDU-ISB US$ Depend on Government policies change Personal trekking equipment like the sleeping bag sacks Shoes and all personal expenses such as mineral water, telephone, liquor, etc Porter from Concordia to BC and back to Concordia, any additional expanse Porter for personal Extra luggage on the trek, Trekking permit fee US$ 50 per person. Horse for the trek. Medicines and any expense of personal nature, Rescue Helicopter charges 12,000 U$ in case of use for rescue, Any helicopter rescue is not included in the price for staff. Cook helper, porters & Sardar. Transfers to the airports for participants, Optional excursions, or deviations from the scheduled tour Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of a purely personal nature Any expense due to forced majors, cancellation of flights, landslides, evacuation or accident, or delay beyond the control of the land operator Luggage and Cargo: Before your arrival and departure, RVT takes care of your luggage. Clearance of Cargo before arrival, Clearance of your Cargo after your departure to your home. Storage of your unwanted belongings in Islamabad or Skardu, which you do not need during your adventure, Miscellaneous: Mail delivery at the base camp Reconfirmation of international flight tickets The arrangement of high-altitude porters (if required). Rock Valley Tours has the best high-altitude porters in Pakistan. The arrangement of high-altitude tents (VE 25 North Face Tents) on payment. A farewell dinner will be hosted from RVT in one of the best restaurants or hotels in Rawalpindi/Islamabad with your staff who will be coming back with you from the base camp or your adventure. Taxes Fees & Tipping: The following fees and taxes are included in our quotation, for members, RVT crew and Camping fees, Bridge crossing Fees (Porter, porter Sardar, and RVT staff Tip is not included in the cost) Note: If any member splits from the expedition for his/her own reason, that member will bear all transportation costs on the way back to Rawalpindi. In case of damage to the base camp tent or any Equipment, the trek member will be charged the original value of the Equipment. Payment Procedure: * 50 % Advance on date block & confirmation of services, minimum 02 months before the commencement of trek nonrefundable. * 50 % balance payable before one month of trek Start (IMPORTANT) Foreigner clients must share their passport copy, 02 passport size Photograph full detail for trek permission requirement. If any member leaves the trek at any stage, the organization will not be liable to refund the payment. Using drugs or intoxication of any kind is strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught using any kind of substance on buses or during the trip will be expelled from the trip on the spot. That person will not be eligible for any kind of refund. We reserve the right to cancel the trip without prior notice for any reasons deemed appropriate by them. In such a case the registered participants will receive a full refund. On an adventure trip of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond the control of organizers can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the Leader of the group and Guide will decide what the best alternative is, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group Smoking in transport is strictly prohibited. Participants must hold a valid Computerized CNIC/Passport Card. Time management/punctuality is strictly recommended. Participants are advised to use Non-Slippery Shoes/Boot/Joggers/DMS. Participants must NOT wear Heel/Dress Shoes. On steep ascends in mountainous areas, air-conditioned buses will be operational on an on-off basis to keep the vehicles from overheating. The RVT will not be responsible for any injury/damage/loss.GEAR AND CLOTHING LIST For Trekking
Personal gear & Clothing.
While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry-on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 Kg.) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as a carry-on to keep items that you will use while on the trek, bus, or jeep.Luggage
Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites, and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended.Day Pack:
Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket, and other items you may like to use while on the trek.Extra carry-on:
For storing city clothes in Skardu.Money Belt:
A small fanny pack, money belt, or around-the-neck passport bag is suggested for keeping safe your passport, travel documents, and money.Packing list for your Duffel:
Sleeping Bag:
As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degrees F or -18 degrees C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth.Trekking Boots:
The single most important item on this list. Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A Vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or through the snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes.Camp Shoes:
Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls.Crampons:
You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having a better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. ( Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar, and Wartum PeakThermal socks:
The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions, cotton socks are best. For those who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended.Liner Socks:
A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above. Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover. Stays warm even when wet. Polyester Fleece Pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above.Rain Gear:
A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as a windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants. Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea.Ski Hat:
Covers your ears properly, use one with a cotton liner. The woolen cap is also good.Mittens or Gloves:
Woolen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions when the temperature drops quickly.Brimmed Sun Hat:
Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as the sun is low and hits your eyes.Bathing Suit:
Men can take baths by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys.Toiletries:
Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chapstick /lip balm, skin lotion, and laundry soap.CLOTHING
With your knowledge of Pakistani culture, you are well aware of precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable, and easy to wash and dry. In good weather, you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for the evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon as the sun goes down. Men could wear shorts once they are through populated areas, which means from the third day of the trek. Women are advised to use cotton shalwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals.- Check List
- Headgear
- Parka
- Wool shirt & trousers
- Sweater
- Cotton shirt & pants
- Gloves & Mittens
- Rain/wind suit
- Cotton & Wool undergarments
- Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic)
- Boots (Trek & Camp)
- Belt!
- Down Jacket
- Shalwar Kameez (Cotton)
- Spare laces for boots
- Miscellaneous Items
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Washcloth
- Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep.
- Water bottle, with a durable screw top.
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp with flashlight + extra batteries and bulb
- Insect repellent
- Swiss Army knife, or a similar one
- Nylon cord for a clothesline
- Personal Medical Kit
- Pocket size sewing kit
- Lighter or matches for general use
- Wrist Watch
- Optional Items
- We provide closed-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort.
- Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing your used clothes.
- Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues.
- An interesting
- Notebook and pen for a journal.
- Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars.
- Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies, and extra lenses.
- Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee)
- Water purification tablets