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
