19 Days K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Pass Trek

• Welcome to Pakistan. Most of the international flights arrive at Islamabad
International Airport in the mornings. Our representative will meet and
greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in Islamabad.
The rest of the days are free to recover from your journey. Later in the day,
when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Pastore
Peak, K2 and Gondogoro La trek. Depending on the time available to us,
there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan

• Today, you will travel to Islamabad International Airport to take a
spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu, the
Capital of Baltistan. It’s a 45-minute flight which offers Spectacular Mountain
views of the Himalayas & Karakoram Mountain range. Enjoy the
breathtaking views of the world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8,126m),
and if the weather is clear, then we might be able to see K2 and Gondogoro
Pass as well. Check in to the Hotel, and the rest of the day will be spent
visiting the local Bazar, historical forts, and scenic lakes or visiting ancient
rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th-century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock
that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who influenced the area
before Islam.

the Second option is if the flight as been canceled then you will drive to Chilas/Narran. 

Skardu flight some time cancelled because of bad weather  or any rezone.

• Skardu is the Capital of the ancient Baltistan Kingdom so there is so much to
see and explore. It is the getaway of many famous treks and Climbing
expeditions, including Pastreo Peak, K2 and Gondogoro La Trek. In the
morning you can walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (built early
1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If
you are into photography, then this is a perfect location to take photos of
Skardu Town at sunrise or sunset. (We can arrange this for you). You can also walk to a small village called Organic Village, which grows all its crops
organically. The afternoon is free to explore, so perhaps you would like to
take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the local bazaar.
• Notre, if the road between Askoli and Johla is closed, then today you travel
to Askoli for a night stay.

• Following day you will drive along the Mighty Indus, Shigar, then Braldu
River to Shigar Valley towards Askoli. Askoli is the last village before entering
the heart of Karakoram. You will spend some time in Askole to meet your
porters. Askoli is high above the thundering Braldu River. Askoli is a single
street of wooden houses backed by irrigated fields of corn, potatoes and
groves of apricot trees.
• After a short break in Askole, you will send your way through the lanes and
fields of Askole, the last settlement you will encounter on our trek to
Pastore Peak and Concordia. Watching the local people go about their daily
business is a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the hardy Balti people.
The valley opens up to reveal the Biafo Glaciers, the first taste of moraine
walking in the Karakoram. Cross the snout of the ice glacier and descend to
the green spot beside the Braldu River at Korofong.
• From Korfong, you will continue your Pastore Peak, k2 and Gondogoro La
trek towards Johla campsite. Continue your day by following the road up a
side valley and a detour to cross the fast-flowing Braldu River by a bridge.
The views are impressive, with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s
needles in the distance.
• We will be in the Johla camp by late afternoon. Spend the afternoon relaxing
by the river, or do a short acclimatisation walk if we wish. On a sunny day,
the sun’s rays can be hot, so it is essential to keep sun creams and lots of
water with you.
• Night Stay at Johla Camp

• Today will be your first walking day of Pastore Peak, K2 and Gondogoro La
trek. After organizing all the equipment and supplies our porters load up for
the journey ahead towards Paju.
• The path runs for a while at the edge of the Braldu River before climbing to
higher ground and allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak.
You have to negotiate a couple of streams today, and depending on the
melting of the glaciers above, you may have to Ford these (sports sandals or
old trainers can be useful). Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju
Peak (6,611m). From this camp, you have the first views of the immense
Baltoro Glacier and granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups, and if
the weather is clear, you may see a glimpse of K2.
• Night stay at Paiju camp.

• Another early start today. From your camp at Paiju, a walk of approximately
one hour brings you to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. After viewing the
outpouring of meltwater from the ice, we now climb up onto the back of this
great beast. At this point, the glacier’s ice is covered by rubble and rocks,
and although we are following a trail used by many expeditions, going here
can be tough. The trail undulated as we climbed over the swells of the
flowing glacier, and it is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could
have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum or K2. Gradually,
we work our way across the glacier to its south side, where we can use a
path along the lateral moraine. Heading roughly east, we continue,
sometimes on the moraine and sometimes down beside the glacier until we reach a side valley. At this point, it may be possible to continue more or less
directly by climbing up onto the glacier. Or, if the glacier is not easily
accessible, we will turn off into the valley for approximately half an hour to
reach a point where we can cross the meltwater stream (sandals or old
trainers are required). Finally arriving at the camping place at Khorburtse
(3,760m), we have sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, the Trango
Group and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho. A great day of trekking over
difficult and mixed terrain.
• Night stay at Khoburtse camp.

• Today is a short day but quite hard work as we walk up the undulating
moraine and gaining height all the way. We continue east beside the Baltoro
Glacier either along the lateral moraine or sometimes on the glacier itself,
passing the ship-like prow of Great Trango and the isolated pillar of the
‘Nameless Tower’ to our next camp at Urdukas. It has sensational views of
the Trango Towers to the west and directly opposite, and almost a mile
away across the valley, the vast rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang
rise like ramparts above the glacier. This is a truly awesome place. We
should reach here in time for a late lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is
free to camp, relax and soak up our fabulous Mountain vistas.
• Night stay at Urdukas camp.

• From many years of Pastore Peak experience, we have learnt that taking a
rest day at Urdukas has worked well, the advantages of spending an extra
night here are very helpful. It helps the acclimatization process and has
proved more effective than a rest day at Paiju.
• This is the last organized campsite on grassy slopes off the main glacier. It
also has facilities for washing and cleaning. There is a pleasant walk to a
higher altitude behind the camp through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers.
Climbing high & sleeping low is the best way to get used to the high altitude
before we reach the Pastore Peak.
• Night stay at Urdukas Camp.

• Leaving Urdukas behind, you will follow the moraine edge eastwards until it
is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The trail on the
Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu glacier, which flows from Masherbrum,
and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m) and
Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. We are high now
and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions, so
wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier
where ledges have been levelled out for the tents.
• Night stay at Goro II camp

• Today you will Trek to Concordia through what must arguably be the most
spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world! Our approach to
Concordia continues along the heaving swells of the Baltoro Glacier as we
pass Mustagh Tower (7,284m). Ahead of us, Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) acts
like a beacon drawing us on, whilst at some points on today’s walk, we can
also see Gasherbrum ll (8,035m), which peeks out to the right of
Gasherbrum lV. As we make our way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad
Peak (8,051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and
Crystal Peak on our left.
• K2 keeps itself hidden until the very moment we reach Concordia when
suddenly its full height is revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4000
meters from the valley floor to the summit – a sight that will never be
forgotten. Concordia is a wider area where glaciers coming down from K2
meet those from the Gasherbrum’s and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of
the most spectacular places on the planet, and here you can stand within 24 kilometers of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s
thirty highest peaks! We set up our camp at approximately 4,500 meters on
a moraine ridge surrounded by jagged peaks, including Gasherbrum IV,
Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak
and K2.
• Night stay at Concordia

• Rise and shine early to witness a fantastic sunrise view over K2 and Broad
Peak. Today, an early start for a scenic walk up to the Mighty K2 Base Camp.
For many people, a visit to the actual base camp used by climbers on K2 will
be a highlight of their Trek. We can stop and admire the sensational view of
K2 in one direction, and the other looks back to Concordia framed by Mitre
Peak and the bulk of Chogolisa, also known as ‘Broad Peak ‘. On the return,
you stay at Concordia

• After successfully trekking to K2 base camp, you will leave the Concordia
behind, striking out on a far less travelled route which will take you along
the Upper Baltoro, one of the glaciers coming down from Chogolisa that
feed the huge glacial junction of Concordia. From Concordia, there are
several moraine ridges to scramble over to reach the Vigne Glacier, which is
flatter with fewer crevasses. After 5 – 7 hours of trekking along the Upper
Baltoro towards the enormous bulk of Chogolisa at the head of the valley,
you eventually reach the confluence of this glacier with the West Vigne
Glacier, which sweeps down from the base of the Gondogoro La. Here on
the moraine beside the junction, we make our home for the night at ‘Ali
Camp’ (4,800m).
• We would usually reach Ali camp around mid-day or the early afternoon,
settle in, and your trip leader will organize a skills session to practice the
simple techniques of using a jumar to safeguard moving on fixed lines.
• Night stay at Ali Camp.

• Today you will have an early start before the lights break in the morning.
Probably around 2 a.m., we will start climbing Gondogoro La. This is to
minimize the risk of rockfall on the descent down the Hushe side of the pass.
• After fueling up in the dining tent with breakfast, you will check your
crampons and harnesses and set off roped together onto the West Vigne
Glacier. In the black, star-studded crisp night air, you will make your way
slowly over the sparkling glacier illuminated in pools of light from your head
torches.
• This is a tough day, but the views from the top of Gondogoro Pass make it
worthwhile. All four 8,000 are visible in one direction, and the other way
looks down the Hushe Valley with the beautiful Laila Peak.
• Depending on the snow conditions, it may be necessary to rope up to cross
the glacier before getting to the base of the pass. There are several sections
with fixed ropes in place which can be used as a handrail. We suggest to clip
a carabiner and sling onto the rope for safety.
• If the snow conditions are better, and the trail has already been broken, the
pass can be ascended faster (in about 4-5 hours). After approximately 4
hours of climbing from the West Vigne Glacier, with views opening up
behind us, we reach the summit of the pass, an incredible and exhilarating
feeling. The view from the top of the Pass is breathtaking, with 4 eightthousand-meter peaks views and close at hand, the Karakoram giant K2,
Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-I and Gasherbrum-II. The top of the Gondogoro
Pass is a broad shoulder, and on the far side, the ground drops precipitously away, and we find ourselves looking down into the Gondogoro Valley.
Directly opposite are the faces of the Trinity peaks, but all eyes will be drawn
to the beautiful spire of Laila Peak (6,096), and then further down, following
the curve of the glacier, we can see the perfect cone of Masherbrum II.
• The Hushe side of the Gondogoro pass can be a tricky descent, although
fixed ropes are placed at the top. The slope starts at a sustained 50 degrees
on snow and finishes on loose scree towards the bottom. On reaching the
green oasis of Khuspang, you can put your feet up and relax, remembering
the exciting moments of the day in the Karakoram.
• A rescue team from Hush Village is based at Ali camp to assist and help you
cross the Gondogoro Pass safely. They have been running this operation
successfully for the last few years for a fee of $70-100 USD per international
tourist, which we (Rock Valley Tours Pvt Ltd) Pay. This is included in the
price.
• Important note: the crossing of the Gondogoro La depends on good weather
and conditions on the approach to the pass. If it is not possible to safely
ascend the Pass, the group will walk back down the Baltoro glacier to Askole.
•
• We believe our itinerary maximizes our chances of crossing the pass
because:
•
• Everyone should be well acclimatized due to the gradual ascent on the trek
and also from the careful monitoring of everyone’s acclimatization by using
the pulse odometer. We have nights at Concordia and one night at Broad
Peak Base Camp.
• We have a buffer day in case of delays or bad weather on Day 19 of the
itinerary. 

• It is like the Gondogoro La Trek journey in that there are possible delays, and
it is necessary to build in some time to allow for this. In case of bad weather
on Day 14, these days will give us another chance to cross the Gondogoro
pass. If we successfully cross the pass on Day 19, you may enjoy rest or
exploration days, or the other option is to continue down to Hushe to spend
a night.

• After a couple of minutes of easy walking, you get onto the glacier where
you pick your way across the moraine and ice, finally crossing the glacier up
to the camping site to reach Dalsangpa which means ‘field of flowers’. There
is a spectacular view of Masherbrum and the glacier cascading down from
Masherbrum Pass.
• It is a beautiful walk to Shaicho as we pass yak pastures and see the first
trees since Paiju. Shaicho is a small village. At this point, we have returned to
more benign altitudes where things grow, and the trees become bigger than
us as we continue the descent of the moraine to the valley bottom. We walk
to our campsite at Saitcho (3,350m), a sandy area of sparse grasses beside
the river at the junction of the Gondogoro and Charakusa valleys. This will be
the first night in almost a week where we can breathe the oxygen-rich air
below 4,000 metres and sleep to the sounds of running water!

• Today will be our last walking day of Pastore Peak, it will be an easy walk to
Hushe village. Hushe is quite large with a warren of alleys and buildings.
Most traditional houses are built from rounded river stones and are 2 stores
high, with space for the animals downstairs and people upstairs. Hushe also
has modern and newly built houses, a shop, a school, a hotel and a trekkers’
campsite.• Our vehicles will already be waiting for us, so we make an early start for the
return drive through the lush green Khaplu Valley. We have a faster,
smoother journey on a paved road following the great Indus River into
Skardu. Arriving in Skardu town, we will check in to our hotel, and there will
be time for a welcome shower and clean up before sitting down to dinner.
Tonight, we will enjoy the comfort of a real bed.

• If the weather is clear, then you will take the flight back to Islamabad.
Skardu Airport is a 40-minute from the hotel along a good road lined with
poplar trees. Boarding our plane, we have an exciting flight out of the valley,
once again passing by Nanga Parbat before turning south for Islamabad.
Arriving in the Pakistani capital after a period in the mountains is always a
strange experience, and it takes a little time to get used to the hustle and
bustle, especially the traffic. Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to
transfer us to the group hotel, and once we have settled in it will be time to
take lunch (unless we have experienced unusual flight delays). After lunch,
the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing or to relax at the
hotel. Your Guide will advise you on the possibilities for sightseeing.
Shopping for hand-made Iranian & Afghan rugs is a usually popular option.
This evening, we come together for a celebratory meal at the hotel or in a
local restaurant.
• In Case of Flight cancellation, we will drive down the Karakoram Highway.
We will arrive in Chillas late afternoon.

• If driving down the Karakoram Highway you will arrive in Islamabad late
afternoon. If you managed to fly the day before, then you will spend today
sightseeing in Islamabad. In the evening, we will have a final group meal.
• Skardu is a ‘weather dependent’ airport, which means the planes will only
fly here if the visibility allows line of sight to the runway by the pilot on the
approach. Fortunately, the weather is mostly clear in the Karakoram, but
local weather conditions can bring clouds and rain from time to time. If we
cannot fly, we will travel down to Islamabad by road along the spectacular
Karakoram Highway. If we fly up to Skardu, this will be a bonus as it is a
fantastic travel experience in its own right. The drive down the Indus River to
Islamabad takes two days, so this is an important contingency day to allow
for this. If we have flown to Islamabad, this will be a further day for
sightseeing in the capital, and your leader will advise the group on the
options available for today.

• After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport
for your flight back home. You will leave Pakistan with an amazing Climbing
and trekking experience from “Pastore Peak”.
• End of trip.