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Karakoram Traverse Pakistan

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Karakoram Traverse Pakistan

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Traverse Karakoram Pakistan

36 Days, 27 days strenuous trekking at high elevation (Maximum 5,600 m)

We will start our trek from Hushe valley and land at Concordia after crossing Gondogoro La. From Concordia, we will descend down on the Baltoro glacier and start truly one of the most remote treks in the mountains on the Biafo glacier. You do not expect to see many people in this remote wilderness. Here you have a true rendezvous with Nature in its purest form. For the first forty years of this century explores believed that Snow Lake was an ice-cap, from which glaciers flow in all directions. Its size was estimated as 777 sq. kilometers. The current estimated size of Snow Lake is 77 sq. km. The name Snow Lake was given by Martin Conway in 1892, who has given a dramatic account of this place in his book ‘Climbing expeditions in the Karakoram – Himalayas’. Eric Shipton in 1937 had estimated the present size of Snow Lake.

As we trek up to this other-worldly place we enter a remarkable wilderness of ice, rock, and sky – occasionally intercepted by small ablation valleys filled with numerous wildflowers. We undertake a 122 km walk on Biafo & Hispar glaciers and explore the incredible wilderness of Snow Lake situated between the two glaciers. As we finish our trek we descend down to Hunza Valley and travel overland on Karakoram Highway to Islamabad.

35 Days
Trekking

From Our Gallery

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Day 01
Day 00  Departure for Pakistan Day 01    Islamabad  Arrive Islamabad, at the airport you will be welcomed by your Mountain Guide. Afternoon visit the twin cities of Pindi & Islamabad. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 02
Day 02 Fly to Skardu Morning flight to Skardu. This flight is subject to weather. In case of cancellation of flight, drive to Skardu with an overnight stay at Chilas/ Naran (730 km, 06to07 hours drive) Overnight at Motel.
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Day 03
Day 03 Visit Skardu Day at Skardu, Stroll down the narrow bazaar, visit the turquoise blue Satpara Lake. Overnight at Motel.
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Day 04
Day 04 Jeep to Hushe Board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for an exciting ride to the trek head, 160 km drive of 5 to 6 hours. Camp at Hushe village (3,200 meters)
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Day 05
Day 05 Walk to Saistcho We start our great traverse from Hushe village. The trek today is a gradual ascent, well used by the villagers on their way to summer pastures. Camp overnight at Saistcho at 3,750 m, amid fascinating views of Namika Peak (6325m), and Defokhar (6543m). (4/5 hours walk)
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Day 06
Day 06 Side Trek to Spenser Today we pass through small ablation valleys and then descend down to glaciers. We ascend a dry mud ridge rising from the lateral moraine of the glacier, to arrive at the pleasantly green campsite of Spanser. 5/6 hours trek, camp overnight at 3,950 meters. 5/6 hours trek.
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Day 07
Day 07 Visit K6 K7 base camps & return to Saistcho We walk through the narrow ablation valley for an hour, then descend down to the glacier for another easy hour on white glacier. After taking photos of K6 (7281m) & K7 (6934m), we walk back to Saitscho. Total 7/8 hours walk.
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Day 08
Day 08 Trek to Dalsampa We climb the hill east of the glacier’s snout and then walk parallel to the glacier. Later we descend down to the lateral moraine of the glacier. Undertake a steep climb to arrive on the grassy summer pasture. Walk between numerous flowers and small streams to arrive at Dalsampa at 4,265 meters, camp by a small Lake. 5/6 hours trek.
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Day 09
Day 09 Trek to Meadow of Khuispan Enjoy views of Yermanendu Kangri (7163m), Mashabrum S (7821m). Stroll through wild flowers, descend down to glacier to traverse it. Camp at Khuispan (4700m), a level green spot that has numerous wildflowers. 5/6 hours trek.
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Day 10
Day 10 Rest Day at Khuispan before the ascent of Gondogoro pass. Enjoy the view of Laila Peak (6100m), Drangra (6325m), Tasa Peak (6614m)
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Day 11
Day 11 Trek Across Gondogoro Pass We leave camp at 2:00 a.m. to climb the Gondogoro La (5600m). Walking on the stony ground, first, ascend gradually to approach the pass. Then ascent is steeper, requiring good balance on the rocks. The view from the top of the pass is unparalleled, with K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum 1 to 4, Mashabrum, and many mountains appearing at our level. The descend involves a steep walk on the snow and, the use of fixed ropes as well as crampons. Camp overnight at Ali Camp (5060m), 9 to 10 hours hiking.
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Day 12
Day 12 To Concordia Start your trek walking on the Vigne glacier, descend gradually over the white glacier to arrive at the meeting of the Vigne glacier with Baltoro. Here traverse the Baltoro glacier’s lateral moraine and its numerous crevasses. We arrive at Concordia, lured by the classic views of K-2 (8611m), Camp at 4,500 meters. 4/5 hours trek.
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Day 13
Day 13 Concordia. Rest day Concordia - the meeting place of five glaciers, named after “Place de la Concordia” in Pairs. It offers views of some of the highest peaks in the world. Within a radius of 15 kilometers are 41 peaks above 6,500 meters, almost half of them still virgin and unnamed. The views of K-2 in the morning, afternoon, and evening, all the time playing hide and seek with clouds, are just above narration. You have to be there to not only see it but feel it for yourself, as it appears so close to you. Also visible from Concordia, clockwise from K-2 are Broad Peak (8047m), Gasherbrum 4 (7925m), Baltoro Kangri (7312m), Kondus (6756m), Mitre (6025m), Paiyu (6610m), Crystal (6252m), Marble (6173m) and Angle Peak (6858m).
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Day 14
Day 14 Trek to Biango We descend down along the Baltoro glacier, walking on its medial moraine. We have a challenging view of Muztagh tower to our north. Bingo at 4,329 m is our campsite, dominated by the thrilling view of Mashabrum (7821m) in the south. 5/6 hours trek.
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Day 15
Day 15 Trek to Urdukas Walk on the medial moraine of Baltoro glacier. The middle part of the glacier has its own surprises for us, small streams of water rushing over clear blue ice, and mushroom-like huge ice towers jetting from the glacier. We step off the glacier on the green slopes of Urdukus. From the camp enjoy views of Paiju Peak, Choricho (6756m), Uli Biaho, Trango Towers, Cathedrals, and Biale (6278m). 5/6 hours trek.
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Day 16
Day 16 Trek to Paiju We descend down to the glacier, and walk towards west on its lateral moraine, with fine views of towering summits. After 4 hours walk traverse the Baltoro glacier, encountering small crevasses of the terminal moraine. Paiju (3582m), a refreshing campsite situated in a grove of willow and popular trees with a fresh water stream running through it. 6/7 hours trek.
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Day 17
Day 17 Trek to Jhola The great Baltoro glacier ends here, we descend on the easy trek. Jhola is the meeting point of the Dumordo river coming from the Panmah glacier and Braldu river. Overnight in Jhola. 5/6 hours trek.
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Day 18
Day 18 Trek to Askole We start our trek early, first we cross the Dumordo river on a footbridge recently completed. After crossing Pari we will arrive at Korophon. It is a nice green place and the Biafo glacier starts from here. Arrive Askole the first village on the trek with big wheat fields. 5/6 hours trek.
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Day 19
Day 19 Askole BIG REST DAY We celebrate the mid-part of our trek.
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Day 20
Day 20 Trek Askole - Namla Walking along the Braldu river, after 2 hours we arrive at Biafo Glacier, 2 km wide at this point. We take a steep climb before the snout and then set foot on the glacier. After having lunch among moraine boulders, we continue scrambling across the boulders of lateral moraine for 3 hours, arrive at Namla campsite at 3,400m. (6/7 hours trek).
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Day 21
Day 21 Trek Namla - Baintha Back on the glacier, we cross crevasses area, once across it the ascent is gentle. Enjoy views of Latok 1 (7145m), Latok 2 (7108m). After lunch, we get the first view of Hisper Pass, with mountain walls on either side rising to 6,000 meters. Diantha campsite at 4,025m in ablation valley with grassy area and clear stream flowing through dense willow shrubs surrounded by Himalayan flowers. (6/7 hours trek).
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Day 22
Day 22 Baintha. Excursion Latok Peaks Base Camp Rest day at Baintha, with an optional excursion (3/4 hours) to base camp of Latok peaks.
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Day 23
Day 23 Trek to Karfogoro The first hour of the trek is lovely to walk along the ablation valley, crossing many small lakes surrounded by willow bushes and wildflowers. Then descend on the glacier and approach the medial moraine. Once on the glacier, the walk is a gradual climb over smooth ice. In case of fresh snow on the glacier, we must rope up and walk with a flying belay. Just two hours from our destination camp, we walk carefully through an area of open crevasses. Karfogoro campsite at 4,605m. (7/8 hours trek).
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Day 24
Day 24 Trek to Snow Lake we rope up and walk in a single file to stay away from the hidden crevasses. Here the progress is slow but steady and the ascend gently. After two hours of steady plod, we arrive at the intersection of Sim gang glacier with Snow Lake. Here the view is magnificent as we enter a wide-open wilderness of white snow. We camp at around 4,900 m in a flat bowl of ice several kilometers wide and surrounded by jagged black and white mountains. (3/4 hours trek) .
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Day 25
Day 25 At Snow Lak The size of Snow lake is 77 sq. km. We use two days at snow lake for exploration of this unique and stunningly beautiful mountain place. We may explore one of the many passes leading from snow lake, and we may attempt a 5,800 meters high trekking summit.
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Day 26
Day 26 Trek Across Hispar Pass walking in a single file with rope between us, we ascent pass in 2 hours. The view from the top of pass 5151m., is superb with views of Baintha Brakk (7285m). On the other side of the pass, the Hispar glacier stretches as far as the eye can see. The Hispar pass is very wide and we walk for an hour on its wide-open crest. We descend down to Hispar glacier walking through deep soft snow. Khanibasa campsite at 4,580 m has Edelweiss, gentians, and asters grow around the camp. (7/8 hours trek).
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Day 27
Day 27 Trek Khanibasa - Yutmar e cross Khanibasa glacier that takes around 1 ½ hour. From the middle of the glacier enjoy spectacular views of Kanjut Sar 1 (7700m the 29th highest peak in the world). . Now trek follows on a lateral moraine with exciting views across to the hanging glaciers and frequent avalanches on the southern ice walls. Yet the highlight on this side of the pass is the abundance of wildflowers of numerous sizes and types, growing in a small ablation valley (6/7 hours trek). Yutmar at 4,329 m. is a flat sheltered field in ablation valley, surrounded by flowers.
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Day 28
Day 28 Trek Yutmar - Bitanmal An hour's easy walk through ablation valley brings us to the Yutmaru glacier, which takes around 2 hours to traverse - with high ice walls and deep crevasses to negotiate. Once across, we climb up steeply over the cliff with panoramic views back to Hispar Pass. Walking on a path 100 meters above Hispar glacier, we pass many small campsites. Our campsite Bitanmal at 3,902 m. in ablation valley, is a wide-open summer pasture surrounded by willows and flowers. (6/7 hours trek).
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Day 29
Day 29 Rest Day At Bitanmal Opportunity to explore side valleys.
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Day 30
Day 30 Trek through Hispar village A lovely walk through green pastures in the ablation valley past willow and cedar shrubs Hispar village, a combo of mud houses, apricot, willow & poplar trees, & fields of wheat, peas, beans and always present wild poppies. Camp at 3,201m (7/8 hours trek).
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Day 31
Day 31 Trek to Huru, Jeep to Hunza Walking for 2 hours through dry cliffs besides Hispar river, we arrive at Huru at 2800m to board jeeps for Hunza valley. Enjoy spectacular views of Rakaposhi (7788m), Ultra 1 (7400m) & Golden Peak (7027m). Overnight at a hotel in Karimabad. (2/3 hours trek).
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Day 32
Day 32 Hunza Day free visit the recently restored Baltit Palace at Karimabad and Altit fort at Altit village. Hunza cultural dance in the evening.
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Day 33
Day 33 Drive on Karakoram Highway to Besham/ Narran Via Babu Sar Pass View the summit of Nanga Parbat from the road. overnight at Besham/ Narran via Babusar motel. 07/08 hours drive.
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Day 34
Day 34 Drive to Islamabad Arrive later explore the bazaars of the twin cities. Overnight at the hotel. 4/5 hours
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Day 35
Day 35 Fly home Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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Accommodation
Meals
Overall
Transport
Value for Money

SERVICES INCLUDED & EXCLUDED Liaison with ministry of tourism in Islamabad for permit process and measurement of Liaison officer. Process of import/export permit from ministry of tourism. Clearance of cargo before arrival of the team and its storage. Assistance upon arrival/departure. Welcome reception (briefing)/farewell meeting (debriefing) at Alpine Club of Pakistan. Hotel accommodation at tourist class hotels at Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas and Skardu with all meals. All meals during trek and 45 days at B.C Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food etc. to the B.C and 50 kg per person on return from BC. Road transfers between airport/hotel and within city as per itinerary. Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees. Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel and related community gear. Wages and basic kit of guide, Srdar, cook and assistant(s). Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue). Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes and parking fee etc. Letter of guarantee on behalf of team/client for environmental bond for USD 1200. Mail handling/forwarding to BC/overseas except postage charges. Reconfirmation of air tickets. Above quotation is based on present porter rates and valid for 2019. All expenses of Gov. Liaison officer Invitation letter for apply Visa   Cost Excludes International airfare, airport tax, excess baggage charges. Surface transfers in case of flight cancellations to the kick off point. High altitude porters/any crew above BC. Tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp including high altitude food and oxygen. Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s) and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team). Medications ground evacuations and helicopter rescue charges of any kind. Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills and items of personal nature. Traveling Insurance liability of member(s) and other under force majeure conditions. Clearing agent charges. Any other service not mentioned in this condition sheet. Porters and staff tips   Re- Fund If the cancellation is made 30Days + prior to departure full payment will be refunded and a nominal communication service charge will be deducted. RVT reserves the right to deduct: 25% cancellation charge from paid package price if the cancellation is made in less than 22 day of arrival date. 40% in case of cancellation in less than 14 days. In case of cancellation prior to arrival, all charges in respect of confirmed bookings that entail no-show charges by hotels/transport/airline will have to be paid by the clients. Anyone deciding to abandon the trip after arrival or leave during the trip for whatever reason(s) whether the clients own or external (of the nature of force majeure) will not be eligible for a refund. This also applies in case the entire group completes/abandons the trip and decides to return earlier than the agreed time schedule. Nominal communication service charge will also be deducted from the refund.   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 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: Satellite Thuraya phone, Walkie talkie Radios, 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, Hunza, Chitral, 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, Shimshal 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 Peak Thermal 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 Buy Outdoor Gears Online: You can get all the gears from Shimshal Adventure Shop Shop 180-E Street # 11, Rifle Range Rd, New Iqbal Park, Lahore, Punjab 54750 0307 0043805 https://g.page/ShimshalAdventureShop?share

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