Duration: 35 Days
Trekking Days: 27 Days (Strenuous trekking at high altitude)
Maximum Elevation: 5,600 m
Difficulty: Challenging
The 35-day Karakoram Traverse Trek is one of the most remote and demanding trekking expeditions in Pakistan, designed for experienced trekkers seeking a true high-altitude wilderness adventure.
The trek starts from the Hushe Valley, crossing the famous Gondogoro La Pass before reaching Concordia, often referred to as the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.”
From Concordia, the route descends onto the Baltoro Glacier and continues toward the extremely remote Biafo Glacier. This section of the trek offers complete isolation, where encounters with other trekkers are rare, and the environment remains untouched.
For many years, explorers believed Snow Lake to be a massive ice cap feeding glaciers in all directions. In the early 20th century, its size was estimated at 777 sq. km, while current estimates place it at approximately 77 sq. km. The name Snow Lake was given by Martin Conway in 1892, who described it in his book Climbing Expeditions in the Karakoram–Himalayas. In 1937, explorer Eric Shipton further documented this remarkable region.
As the trek approaches this other-worldly landscape, the scenery transforms into a vast wilderness of ice, rock, and sky, occasionally interrupted by small valleys filled with wild alpine flowers.
The expedition covers approximately 122 km across the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, including the exploration of Snow Lake. The journey concludes with a descent into the Hunza Valley, followed by an overland drive along the Karakoram Highway to Islamabad.
Arrive in Islamabad, where you will be welcomed by your Mountain Guide. In the afternoon, visit the twin cities of Islamabad & Rawalpindi. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning flight to Skardu (subject to weather). In case of cancellation, drive via Chilas/Naran (730 km, 6–7 hours). Overnight at the motel.
Explore the Skardu bazaar and visit the turquoise Satpara Lake. Overnight at the motel.
Board 4×4 jeeps for a 160 km drive (5–6 hours) to the trek head. Camp at Hushe village (3,200 m).
Start trekking from Hushe village. Gradual ascent through village trails to Saistcho (3,750 m), with views of Namika Peak (6,325 m) and Defokhar (6,543 m). Trek: 4–5 hours.
Ascend a dry ridge from the lateral moraine to reach the green campsite of Spenser (3,950 m). Trek: 5–6 hours.
Walk through ablation valleys and glaciers. Visit K6 (7,281 m) & K7 (6,934 m) base camps, then return to Saistcho. Trek: 7–8 hours.
Climb east of the glacier, traverse lateral moraines, and reach the grassy pastures of Dalsampa (4,265 m). Trek: 5–6 hours.
Enjoy views of Yermanendu Kangri (7,163 m) and Mashabrum South (7,821 m). Camp at Khuispan (4,700 m) amidst wildflowers. Trek: 5–6 hours.
Rest before ascending Gondogoro Pass. Enjoy views of Laila Peak, Drangra, and Tasa Peak.
Start at 2:00 a.m. Climb Gondogoro La (5,600 m). Stunning views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum 1–4, and Mashabrum. Descend to Ali Camp (5,060 m). Trek: 9–10 hours.
Walk on Vigne Glacier, traverse Baltoro Glacier’s lateral moraine to reach Concordia (4,500 m). Trek: 4–5 hours.
Concordia, the meeting point of five glaciers, offers unparalleled views of 41 peaks above 6,500 m, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum. Experience the ever-changing beauty up close.
Descend along Baltoro Glacier, passing Muztagh Tower. Camp at Biango (4,329 m) with Mashabrum views. Trek: 5–6 hours.
Traverse the glacier and green slopes of Urdukas, enjoying views of Paiju Peak, Trango Towers, and Uli Biaho. Trek: 5–6 hours.
Follow lateral moraine and glacier paths. Camp at Paiju (3,582 m) with a freshwater stream and willow grove. Trek: 6–7 hours.
Descend from Baltoro Glacier to Jhola, where the Dumordo and Braldu rivers meet. Overnight at camp. Trek: 5–6 hours.
Cross the Dumordo River, reach Korophon, then proceed to Askole, the first village on the trek. Trek: 5–6 hours.
Celebrate the midpoint of the trek.
Follow the Braldu River, step onto Biafo Glacier, and scramble across the lateral moraine to Namla campsite (3,400 m). Trek: 6–7 hours.
Cross glacier crevasses, enjoy views of Latok 1 & 2, and approach Hispar Pass. Camp at Baintha (4,025 m). Trek: 6–7 hours.
Optional 3–4-hour trek to the Latok Peaks base camp.
Cross lakes, glaciers, and lateral moraine. Camp at Karfogoro (4,605 m). Trek: 7–8 hours.
Traverse glaciers carefully via rope. Reach Snow Lake campsite (4,900 m) with wide-open ice fields. Trek: 3–4 hours.
Spend the day exploring Snow Lake (77 sq km) and attempt nearby trekking summits up to 5,800 m.
Cross Hispar Pass (5,151 m) with rope support. Descend to Hispar Glacier and camp at Khanibasa (4,580 m). Trek: 7–8 hours.
Cross Khanibasa Glacier, lateral moraine, and wildflower valleys. Camp at Yutmar (4,329 m). Trek: 6–7 hours.
Cross Yutmaru Glacier, climb cliffs, and reach Bitanmal (3,902 m) surrounded by flowers. Trek: 6–7 hours.
Optional exploration of nearby side valleys.
Walk through green pastures, mud houses, apricot trees, and wild poppies. Camp at 3,201 m. Trek: 7–8 hours.
Walk 2 hours to Huru (2,800 m), then jeep to Hunza Valley. Views of Rakaposhi, Ultra 1, and Golden Peak. Overnight in Karimabad hotel. Trek: 2–3 hours.
Visit Baltit & Altit Forts, and enjoy Hunza cultural dance in the evening.
Drive along the Karakoram Highway, viewing the Nanga Parbat summit. Overnight at the motel. Drive: 7–8 hours.
Arrive in Islamabad, explore local bazaars. Overnight at the hotel. Drive: 4–5 hours.
Transfer to Islamabad airport for your flight home.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
Accommodation:
Twin-sharing standard hotel rooms in towns.
2-person dome tents during the trek.
Meals:
Half board at hotels (breakfast + dinner).
Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee).
Transportation:
Air-conditioned transport along the Karakoram Highway.
Soft-top 4×4 jeeps to/from the trek head and trek end.
Camping Facilities:
2-person dome tents with mattresses.
Dining tent with folding table & chairs.
Kitchen tent with full kitchenette and staff.
Toilet tent.
Portage:
13 kg per person during the trek.
Other Services:
Tips and portage at airports & hotels.
Entrance fees to sites and museums.
English-speaking mountain guide.
Domestic or international airfare and airport taxes.
Any expenses due to forced measures, flight cancellations, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, or other events beyond the control of Rock Valley Tours, their staff, and suppliers.
Personal expenses not mentioned under “Included,” such as souvenirs, snacks, phone/internet charges, or laundry.
Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
Optional activities or services not listed in the itinerary.
Travel or health insurance, including evacuation or rescue costs.
Luggage
Large Duffel Bag: Maximum 12.5 kg, with lock. Easier for porters to carry; avoid using a backpack.
Day Pack: For items you need during trekking, jeep rides, or bus travel (camera, jacket, water bottle, etc.).
Extra Carry-On: To store city clothes in the respective city.
Money Belt/Fanny Pack: For passport, travel documents, and cash.
Sleeping & Camping
Sleeping Bag: Rated 0 °F / -18 °C. Down bags are lightweight; synthetic bags perform better when wet. Waterproof shell or bivy recommended.
Camp Shoes: Jogging shoes or Tiva sandals, ideal for streams and campsite strolls.
Mattress/Close-Cell Matrices: We provide, but personal comfort items are optional.
Footwear
Trekking Boots: Medium-weight, fabric or fabric/leather combination. Well broken-in. Compatible with crampons.
Crampons: Required for certain high-altitude treks (e.g., Gondogoro La, Biafo-Hispar, Wartum Peak).
Thermal Socks: Cotton/wool blend for glaciers; synthetic/cotton for warmer sections.
Liner Socks: Thin, wickable material like polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, or Drylete.
Clothing
Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket & Pants: Warm, even when wet.
Rain Gear: A waterproof and windproof suit that fits over fleece layers.
Wicking Long Underwear: Tops and bottoms, two sets recommended.
Down Jacket/Parka: Essential for high-altitude or evening cold.
Shalwar Kameez (Women): Comfortable, loose-fitting for warm conditions and culturally appropriate.
Cotton/Wool Shirts & Trousers: Layering for trekking and evenings.
Gloves/Mittens & Ski Hat: Protect against cold and wind.
Brimmed Sun Hat: Protects from low morning sun.
Personal Gear
Sunglasses: High-quality UV protection.
Water Bottle: Durable screw-top recommended.
Headlamp & Extra Batteries/Bulbs
Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Skin Lotion
Toiletries & Laundry Soap
Swiss Army Knife / Multi-Tool
Nylon Cord / Clothesline
Personal Medical Kit
Pocket Sewing Kit
Lighter or Matches
Wristwatch
Optional Items
Extra sleeping mat for comfort.
Stuff sacks for used clothing.
Travel tissues or toilet paper.
Notebook and pen for journaling.
Snacks (energy bars, dried fruits, candy).
Camera, extra batteries, lenses, and cleaning supplies.
Lightweight sports gear (Frisbee, playing cards).
Water purification tablets.
Bathing suit (for rivers/lakes).
Tips
Pack one large duffel and one small day pack for convenience.
Wear durable, comfortable, and easily washable clothes.
Layer clothing to adjust to varying temperatures: warm days, cold nights.
Men can wear shorts after leaving populated areas; women should stick to loose, long clothing.
If you’re traveling to Pakistan, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your nationality, you can get it on arrival or apply online before your trip. You can also go to your local Pakistani embassy for a tourist visa. The length of stay varies: e-visas can be up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months), while visas on arrival are valid for 30 days. Make sure to check visa requirements with the authorities, as they might change.
In Pakistan, what you wear depends on when and where you’re going. In hot areas, wear light, loose clothes like a shirt and trousers. For cold places, bring warm clothes like a jacket and layers. When visiting mosques, cover your head, arms, legs, and shoulders. Dress modestly and avoid shorts. If you’re unsure, it’s best to dress conservatively.
June–September: Monsoon season with unpredictable rains, reaching over 45°C (113°F) in June. Floods can occur.
October/November: Post-monsoon season with decreasing temperatures and rainfall. Days are warm, nights cool.
December–February: Winter months with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and colder nights, especially in the northern mountains where it snows.
March–May: Hot and dry season with temperatures in the mid-30s°C (95°F) in low-lying areas, getting hotter towards the north.
Although Pakistan has faced challenges in recent years, it’s now generally safe to visit as long as you stay in busy areas. Some people might worry about coming here, but trust us, there’s a lot to discover beyond what you see in the news. You can be confident that Rock Valley Tours wouldn’t take you anywhere unsafe.
