K2 and Gondogoro La trek is one of the most challenging trekking holidays for trekkers. It is also referred to as “K2 Gondogoro La Circuit”. Including our circuit trek, we offer the following K2 holiday options given below.
Highlights – K2 Gondogoro La Trek
K2 Gondogoro La trek has a lot to offer. Given below are main highlights of K2 Gondogoro La trek:
• Highlights
• Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m). View four 8,000m peaks (K2, Gasherbrum I & II, Broad Peak) and other peaks (Gasherbrum 4, Laila, Gondogoro Peak etc) from one point.
• Base Camps of K2 and Broad Peak
• Night Stay at K2 base camp
• Circular/Circuit trek to scenic Hushe Valley
• Concordia – Throne Room of the Mountain Gods
• Trek along Vigne and Gondogoro glaciers from Concordia after trek to Godwin Austin glacier via Baltoro Glacier (5th longest and world’s largest outside polar region).
• Gilkey memorial
• View 8,000 m peaks including Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m) and K2 (8,611 m) from Goro II, Concordia & Base Camps.
• View of other peaks between 5,000m to 8,000m including Gasherbrum 3 and 4, Chogolisa, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marbel Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, Urdukas Peak etc.
• View of Glaciers (e.g. Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, Mandu and more) , glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
• Indus, Panmah, Braldu, Hushe and Shyok rivers
• Valleys of Shigar, Hushe and Ghanche
• Balti porter life, jeep safari etc
• Meet mountaineers at base camps
• Sightseeing in Skardu and Islamabad
Itinerary – K2 Gondogoro La Trek
The itinerary for K2 Gondogoro La Trek is given below.
Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
On this Day
Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon you will be transferred to hotels. On this day, our participants can relax and recover from their long journey.
Pickup Information
It is very easy to spot our guide, holding orange placards with our company’s logo and your name on it. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your flights, both inbound and outbound at least five days prior to your arrival in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you are taking a connecting flight from another city of Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require airport transfer, please inform us in advance.
After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally if you are arriving in the morning between 9am to 12pm), our guide/representative will pickup all our guests around 6pm for briefing and remaining payments at our office followed by a dinner. If you are coming late, we will manage remaining payments and briefing in Skardu.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram
On this Day
Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 03: Spend free day in Skardu
On this Day
After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. The participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.
During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the trek incase of any delays.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 04: Drive to Askole Village
On this Day
The participants will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the participants will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance.
Day 04: Trek from Askole to Jhola via the snout of Biafo Glacier
On this Day
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5-8 hours
After completion of necessary supplies list and equipment the porters will load up for the trek ahead to Jhola. The valley is gateway to Biafo glacier that flow over fifty kms from Hispar La to Braldu. The participants will experience the moraine walking as the snout of the glacier is crossed and they will descend to lunch spot beside the Korofon river.
The route will take us the confluence of rivers of Braldu and Domordo. The former trail is not taken for the trek and instead a newer trail will lead us to go upstream where the participants will cross the river by bridge. On the other side of the bridge the participants will descend to the edge of Braldu river and will follow the river bank to reach the camp at Jhola.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 05: Trek from Askole to Jhola via the snout of Biafo Glacier
On this Day
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 6-7 hours
On this day of our K2 base camp trek the participants will follow the Braldu gorge, along the bank of Braldu river. The participants will be able to view astonishing rocks of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. The participants should prevent themselves from possible sun burns and during this day as the walking conditions can be very dry and hot.
Several streams from glacier flow down into the valley and on the way the participants will have to use river crossing shoes depending on the water levels. The participants will be able to spot the snout of Baltoro Glacier on a clear day. On this day the participants will end their day by climbing away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where you will see trees until for a while.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 06: Acclimatize and Rest in Paiju
On this Day
The participants will spend the day at Paiju Camp for acclimatization and rest. However the porters will take their time to bake themselves bread for next week on the glacier. Acclimatization walk can also be taken towards Paiju Peak base camp on this day.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 07: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
On this Day
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day the walking will get tough however the scenery will become amazing with each step taken onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail has continuous up and down climbs on the glacial moraine, although the trail is quite safe but it is highly recommended to be careful at all times. The participants will experience the stunning views as they move ahead; the views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. The participants are required to go across the glacier to Liligo. From this point the participants will follow a rocky trail which is along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be made.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 08: Cross Small Glaciers and Walk to Urdukus
On this Day
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 4-6 hours
Trango Towers can be eventually seen after coming across two small glaciers. For the following night the participants will make their stop at Urdukas near the army camp. The camp is 100m above the glacier.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 09: Trek to Goro II, the junction of the Baltoro Glaciers and Young Husband
On this Day
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 6-8 hours
On this day of our K2 base camp trek, the participants will be walking in the middle of the glacier. The medial moraine will be followed, to the south we will get the views of Masherbrum (7821m). The participants will be climbing up and down on the rocky moraine and as the participants move ahead they will walk pass massive ice seracs.
This will be the first night stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, it is the confluence of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband. The temperature may drop dramatically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be uncovered for the sight.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 10: Trek to Concordia through a Rocky Moraine
On this Day
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day of the K2 base camp trek, the participants will reach Concordia after continuously walking up the moraine, on the way more and more high snowcapped peaks will appear, the culmination for the sighting of K2 will be experienced on this day. Other peaks that can be seen include Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri and many more.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 11: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial and K2 Base Camp
On this Day
Time: K2 BC + Gilkey + Broad Peak
6-7 hours
Today there is the opportunity to walk up the Godwin-Austen glacier to the Art Gilkey Memorial (an American geologist and mountaineer) just before K2 Base camp. This is a spectacular day. We will leave early morning, crossing the glaciers onto the faint trail heading towards K2 (there is a faint rocky trail all the way). As we follow the glacier towards K2 the mountain seems to grow bigger and bigger. Broad Peak rears up to our right and after about 3 hours we pass Broad Peak base camp. We usually have our lunch break here and then carry on with K2 towering above us as we get closer and closer.
Just before base camp, amongst the boulder and ice strewn landscape is the Art Gilkey Memorial. A short scramble brings us to the place where those whose life K2 claimed are remembered. Plaques and engraved tin plates are attached to a small rocky outcrop at the foot of this great mountain. There are great views directly above us of K2 and we may see some climbing expeditions. We spend the night at the base camp of K2.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 12: Trek Back to Concordia and Rest
On this day
Time: 4-5hours
On this day, we retrace our steps back to Concordia and rest for next day’s walk.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 13: Trek to Ali Camp
On this Day
On Day 13, the participants will set out on slightly different and less explored route. Short de tours will be made to avoid crevasses and the participants should walk on rugged ice rather than slippery ice. In case of snow, the participants and the porters will walk together wearing crampons for safety hooked with rope to each other.
The base will be set in Ali camp, where the participants will reach after hiking for 5-6 hours. “Ali Camp” is name after a local porter, who was the first person to cross Gondogoro La Pass. Upon reaching the base some basic skills will be taught to the participants for the next day, which would be the crossing of Gondogoro La Pass.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 14: Trek to Khuispang over Gondogoro La
On this Day
On this day the participants will wake up as early as 2 am. After gearing up and having breakfast the participants roped as one uni will depart for the Gondogoro La base. Depending upon the situation our support crew will be there to fix ropes or helping the members out with the gears. It takes about 3 hours to get to the top of Gondogoro La Pass. You get to see and experience a breathtaking of all four 8000ers in the baltoro region. (K2, G1, Broad Peak, G2).
While, descending to the other side, fixed ropes will be utilized to the full extent, and use of crampons is vital for the safety of the members. The members will get the views of the beautiful and sword head shaped Laila Peak (6,096m) and one can also has the views of other trinity peaks.
The members will have to be extra careful while descending and watch out for every step they take to avoid jolting stones on their teams members. Upon descending for the slope, the trails becomes easy and the participants will move on the moraine. The camp will be set up in the junction point of Gondogoro and Trinity Glacier called Khuispang (4,600m)
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 15: Trek to Saicho
On this Day
The participants will continue hiking down, Since the hike downwards would be a comparatively easy hike so the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, crampons will be packed while descending. The mountainous and rocky terrain will be taken over the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley.
After lunch, the participants will continue hiking to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, upon reaching the edge they will find a trail which will lead them to the beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass.
At the end of the valley there are 02 different routes to the destination. Our guide with the consent of local porters will decide the trails they are being frequently used.
The trek gets easy when the two trails meet. The members will see the huts made of stones by herders and local settlers. On this day the participants will experience the sign of the settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to big trees and lower altitude. Camp will be setup at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water steams.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 16: Trek to Hushe and drive to Skardu Town
On this Day
Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive
Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive
On this day the participants have to trek down for only 3-4 hours, the river stream of glacier melted water of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum and Gondogoro Glaciers. The participants will start see the signs of residences, shelter, fiels and signs of people living.
The participants will experience the 02 storey shelters of the Hushe village, where the ground floor is for cattles and the first floor is for the family to live. After setting up the camp the participants can explore the beautiful hushe valley and interact with the locals. This would be the last camping day of the Gondogoro La Trek.
Upon reaching Hushe, the participants will depart for Skardu town from Hushe and the journey offers a lot of beautiful scenes of the different small village of the Hushe Valley. The participants will cross a suspension bridge above Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India) to get to the other side.
In the past traditional rafts which were made of goat skin fill with air were use to cross the river. The suspension bridge which is use now to cross was built in 1990’s. Upon crossing the bridge, the participants will the reach Khaplu.
The drive from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smooth and the route to be followe is the paved road along the shayok river which leads to the confluence with Indus River. Upon driving along Indus River the Participants will reach Skardu in 4 hours. The participants can have the facilities which they did not have for 02 weeks. The first on that list would be taking a hot shower and secondly having a good meal.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel (see pictures), Mountain Lodge (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 17: Contingency Day/Rest in Skardu
On this Day
This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flight due to delays. These delays can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) road blocks. This time can be utilised for sightseeing in Skardu.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel (see pictures), Mountain Lodge (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 18: Fly to Islamabad
On this Day
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad aiport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. Incase of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by a vehicle.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale , Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 19: Contingency Day for Flight Cancellation
On this Day
This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale , Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 20: Fly to Home Country
On this Day
Meals Included : Breakfast
Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.