K2 and Concordia Trek

Into the 'Throne Room of the Mountain Gods' - Awe-inspiring views of K2 from Concordia - Dramatic Trango Towers - The classic Karakoram range - Trekking in Pakistan

Trekking in the heart Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range takes you to the glacial junction known as Concordia which is dominated by huge and encircling peaks. Just 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the precipitous south face of K2 (8611m / 28245ft) and nearer still to Broad Peak (8047m / 26395ft) and the stupendous Gasherbrum IV (7925m / 25995ft), this is unquestionably one of the most spectacular camping places on earth. Following generally good trails, our week-long walk into this remote area of Pakistan leads from the village of Askole through a veritable wilderness of rugged valleys and towering peaks. The scenery becomes daily more impressive as we trace a route across the moraines of the vast Baltoro Glacier, overshadowed by the sheer granite walls of the Trango Towers to our left and the shapely summit of Masherbrum (7821m / 25650ft) to the right. Including the option to walk from our camp at Concordia to K2 Basecamp, this universally acclaimed Karakoram trek is well within the capabilities of keen hillwalkers.

Our trip guide: This almost legendary walk up to Concordia is within the capabilities of any reasonably fit person. Our trekking pace in Pakistan is dictated to a great extent by the distances that the porters are prepared to walk and this means that we will usually walk for between four and six hours each day. This equates with around 6 to 8 miles per day, as walking speed is restricted by the altitude and by the sometimes difficult terrain. In the early stages of the trek we may encounter daytime temperatures in excess of 30°C / 85°F. In these circumstances we try to get as much of the days walk as is possible done before lunch. We have a rest day at Paiju and once on the Baltoro Glacier daytime temperatures are more comfortable whilst night-time temperatures become quite cold. The terrain on the glacier is mostly rubble and moraine debris, and usually we are following an undulating man made trail where rocks and boulders have been cleared to allow the passage of horses. Occasionally we may encounter short sections of ice but here the surface will generally be granulated and grit filled and can easily be walked on with ordinary boots. The trip is given a DEMANDING grade on account of the ruggedness of the terrain and the remote location.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Islamabad early morning and transfer to the group hotel. KE Land Only package services begin with breakfast at the hotel. A trip briefing will be held over a buffet lunch. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: In the morning we take the spectacular flight to Skardu. We check in at the K2 Motel overlooking the Indus river and spend the afternoon looking around the bazaar.

Day 3: We drive in 4x4 vehicles to Askole (3000m) in the Braldu Valley, passing through the infamous Braldu Gorge. Camp.

Day 4: Leaving Askole, the last settlement on the valley we cross a bridge close to the snout of the Biafo Glacier and make camp beside the moraine at Korofon (3075m).

Day 5: We follow the course of the Braldu as far as the Panma River tributary. We make a detour to a bridge following a spectacular trail across high cliffs. Camp beyond the bridge.

Day 6: Following the Braldu River once more we climb to higher ground giving a first glimpse of yet distant K2. We descend to river again and camp at Paiju (3420m).

Day 7: An acclimatisation day. Time to relax and appreciate the beautiful views of the Trango Towers or take a swim in the pools left by the changing course of the river. Camp

Day 8: Trek to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and cross to its south side. We continue to Horbose (3795m.) and camp beside the Liligo Glacier, a tributary of the Baltoro.

Day 9: A shorter day along the moraine and on the glacier itself to Urdukas (3900m). From camp there are spectacular view across the glacier to the Cathedral and Lobsang spires.

Day 10: A longer day moving up the centre of the Baltoro glacier. Superb views of K1 or Masherbrum as we trek to Goro (4200m.). Camp

Day 11: Shapely Gasherbrum IV is a beacon ahead on our final approach. Nearing our destination Broad Peak is revealed but K2 remains hidden until we reach Concordia (4500m). Camp

Day 12: A day for exploration. Options today include a visit to K2 and/or Broad Peak base camps, or simply relaxing in one of the most spectacular locations on Earth. Camp

Day 13: We begin the return trek descending first to Shachspong (4100m) where we have magnificent views of the surrounding granite spires and towers. Camp.

Day 14: We continue to Horbose.

Day 15: Crossing the Baltoro to its north side beneath the towers of Uli Biaho we finally climb down its snout to reach a good trail back to the spring oasis of Paiju. Camp.

Day 16: Following the Braldu River downstream, we make the detour into the Panma Valley to the bridge across its tributary to reach Korofon. Camp.

Day 17: The final day of trekking to the village of Askole. Here we say goodbye to our porters who will return to their villages. Camp

Day 18: Making an early start we drive to Skardu through the relatively verdant Shigar Valley. We check into the K2 Motel and the afternoon is free for sightseeing. Hotel

Day 19: Weather permitting we make the 45 minute flight to Islamabad. In bad weather we must begin a long but spectacular journey along the Karakoram Highway. Hotel

Day 20: A free day for sightseeing in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Hotel

Day 21: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

During this trip the group will spend 3 nights in Rawalpindi at a good standard hotel. The group will have 2 nights in the K2 Motel in Skardu. Whilst on trek there will be a total of 15 nights spent camping.