Itinerary

1. Day 1: Meet our guide at the Islamabad Airport

   • After the airport transfer, there will be plenty of time before lunch to relax at the hotel. Most international flights will arrive during the morning. 
   • All teams will meet for lunch, which will end with a briefing about our trek/expedition and a question-and-answer session. 
   • This shall be followed by a short visit to the Tourism Ministry of Pakistan for an official and mandatory briefing about travelling to the northern mountains. Meanwhile, our team will complete the necessary paperwork.

2. Day 2: Early morning air / road travel to Skardu town (2500m)

   • The one-hour flight from Islamabad offers much. The flight's stunning route passes through a significant Himalayan mountain range, and one can enjoy breathtaking views of the world’s ninth-highest peak, Nanga Parbat Peak (8126m). 
   • If we were lucky, the majestic K2 and other known peaks in the area would be visible before landing. Some might even be able to spot part of the K2 Gondogoro La Trek route. 
   • After check-in at our hotel, the day will be spent visiting Bazar, historical forts, scenic lakes, or ancient rock inscriptions. The 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who influenced the area before Islam.

3. Day 3: Jeep Safari to Askole (3000m) Via Shigar Valley

   • A 7-hour jeep ride to Askole village, crossing the cold desert to Shigar Valley first. Askole is a small village with few houses in a solitary street. The last two-hour drive through Braldu Gorge was once a 2-day trek before the jeep road. In a few places, the road is intersected by some streams; thus, only off-road vehicles are considered for this journey. The roads are fragile to landslides due to melting glaciers and thus might require starting the trek a day earlier but this rarely happens.
   • If we reach Askole as scheduled, we will spend the first night in the village under the beautiful sky along the rumbling Braldu River.

4. Day 4: First Day of Trek towards Korofon (3075m)

   • Our first trek for Gondogoro La Trek begins from Askole, the last inhabited village on the route to Concordia. 
   • We will pass across the local Balti people as they go by their work in their fields, which is quite fascinating. 
   • We will trek to the foot of Biafo Glacier, the world’s 3rd longest glacier outside the polar region, which also is a door leading to the Hispar pass (and snow lake) connecting Baltistan region to Hunza valley. The snow river at the glacier’s foot stretches 63 km and has a bridge, without which we would have to cross the glacier, boulders, and rubble at the bottom. The campsite Korofong (3,075 m) lies across the glacier’s other foot. The trees here are a habitat for a variety of beautiful birds.

5. Day 5: Trek Via Panma Valley to Jhola Campsite (3100m)

   • From Korofong, we will start gaining altitude and follow the Braldu course until we reach the Panma River, which we cross by taking a detour through a trail built on the face of the cliff. 
   • Before this trail, trekkers would climb giant cliffs and boulders to cross the high-velocity river to continue the trekking journey. We go through the locally operated toll “suspension” bridge under the government license. Beyond this bridge is our campsite called Jhola.

6. Day 6: Trek to Paiju (3420m) Through Braldu valley

   • Continuing the path, returning to Braldu River. The trek continues on a narrow path along the river’s edge and then climbs to a higher area from where we will view the remarkable Paiju Peak. There will be few streams to settle in, so we will wear sporty boots. 
   • From high points today, we will view Baltoro Glacier, the peaks of Cathedral group and Trango Towers. 
   • Continuing the trek to the central Braldu we walk on to the trek’s acclimatization site at Paiju. 
   • Acclimatization at this point on the Gondogoro La Trek is essential because ascending too high too hasty can lead to altitude sickness.

7. Day 7: Acclimatization and rest at Camp Paiju ( 3420m)

   • Before heading for Concordia, Paiju camp was designated as the acclimatization point at the foot of Baltoro glacier, where Braldu valley widens. This is a significant staging point during Gondogoro La Trek with the availability of spring water. This camp has facilities such as long drop toilets, washbasins, and a bathroom. This whole day is designated for acclimatization and the porters also bake breads to climb over the glacier. 
   • For those with spare energy, a great hike above the camp can be very good exercise and an opportunity to view the group of Cathedral Peaks, the stunning Trango towers, and K2 on a lucky day with a clear sky.

8. Day 8: Start of Baltoro Glacier Trek and Walk to camp Khoburtse (3795m)

   • A trek from Paiju leads upstream to Baltoro Glacier, where the melting water outpours into the river. 
   • We ascend and walk on top of the rubble and rock glacier. The team follows the traditional trails here, but it will be a tough walk on the mighty glacier. The team will create our path through Baltoro glacier and, towards the south side, pursue the moraine trails and head east to continue along the glacier until we reach the glacier’s smaller side. 
   • Here, we will move towards the South until we cross the valley to enter it and reach Camp Khoburtse by night. 
   • After a great trekking day, we can enjoy magnificent views of Cathedral Towers Group, Trango Towers, and Uli Biaho Tower. Baltoro Glacier Trek can be demanding for many participants on the first day.

9. Day 9: Baltoro Glacier Trek Views of Trango Towers. Camp at Urdukas (3900m)

   • Considering the increased sleep altitude and being wary of all participants, we have a short trek day. We will continue alongside the glacier, sometimes on or above the moraine. 
   • We pass by the Trango tower and the lonely peak “unnamed tower,” to our camp. This day’s campsite was found and cleared by the K2 expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1909. The team will climb a hundred meters higher than the glacier to the terraces where the campsite is located. 
   • It offers a mesmerizing view of the Lobsang, Trango Towers, Cathedral Group, etc. We will reach here for a delayed lunch and rest the day. Gondogoro La Trek begins to pay off, providing grand views from the Urdukas camp.

10. Day 10: Baltoro Glacier Trek to Goro Camp (4295m) sights of Mashbrum Peaks

    • Having enough rest at Urdukas, we move eastward along the moraine until we climb on the mighty glacier. We will go to the glacier’s center through a smooth flow, and we will be able to view Masherbrum (7821m). 
    • Going over and around the rubble on the mighty glacier, continuously descending and ascending, we will eventually reach to witness peaks surrounding Concordia and the great Gasherbrum IV (7925 m) staring down at us
    • See the Trango Tower and the Cathedral peaks. In comparison, we move towards camp ‘Goro’ (4,295 m). Sleeping at a high altitude on the mighty Baltoro, it is essential to stay warm, especially at night.

11. Day 11: Baltoro Glacier Trek to Concordia(4500m)

    • Baltoro glacier trek to Concordia offers the greatest spectacles of the Gondogoro La Trek. 
    • We continue our walk on the mighty Baltoro. At the same time, participants pass by Mustagh Tower (7,284 m) and Gasherbrum IV, which partially obscures behind them the Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), thus called “Hidden Peak”. We can spot it on the right side of Gasherbrum IV with fin-like ridges. 
    • As we make our route up Baltoro, views of Broad Peak (8051 m) appear, while Marble and Crystal Peaks appear on the left. We will be surrounded by four eight-thousanders, 10 of the world's 30 highest peaks. The camp will be set at 4,500 m in Concordia on the moraine.

12. Day 12: K2 Base camp (5100m) and Broad Peak Base camp (4800m)

    • We can start early through crevasses and small rivers created by melting ice. 
    • We will follow on the glacier named after Godwin Austin, who first declared K2’s height.
    • After three hours, we will be at Broad Peak base camp, where we will have a great sight of the astonishing Karakoram 2nd (K2), Mitre Peak behind us, and Bride Peak. We will walk on the moraine which is mostly boulders. However, we do walk on ice occasionally. 
    • After another three hours of trekking, we will complete a one-way journey to the K2 Base Camp, reaching a moraine safe zone, a traditional base camp area for K2 climbers.

13. Day 13: Trek Towards Ali Camp (4800m) Chasing Baltoro’s uppar Part

    • Today, we set out on a less explored route. The nature and difficulty of trekking depend on snow, which is not common between June and late August. Normally, we would walk on non-slippery ice, which is easy to hike. In large crevasses, we would only take short detours to make progress. However, in case of snow conditions at Baltoro, participants and porters would walk together (all hooked to a rope) and use their crampons for safety. 
    • After walking for more than 5 hours, we should reach the junction point of Baltoro with West Vigne Glacier, which is linked to Gondogoro La’s base. 
    • We will set camp for tonight on the high moraine near the junction. Our campsite is known as “Ali Camp” as Ali (a porter belonging to the nearby village) had first been recorded to cross Gondogoro La while returning as a porter from a climbing expedition to Gasherbrum.

14. Day 14: Gondogoro La Trek-Crossing the Gondogro La/Pass (5585m) towards Khuspang

    • On this day of Gondogoro La Trek, team members are woken up sooner than first light. 
    • After a good breakfast, harnesses and crampons are put on, and we hit the incredible West Vigne Glacier, all roped as one unit until we make it to Gondogoro La’s base. Depending on weather and snow conditions on the lower slope of the high pass, we may continue as one unit attached to the rope, or we might be able to ascend the slope un-roped. Usually, there would be at least one steep part to cross on the higher slopes. During these parts of the climb, our support crew will fix ropes. It usually takes around three hours to reach the top of Gondogoro La Pass. 
    • One can view four of the 8,000-meter peaks, specifically Gasherbrum 1 and 2, Broad Peak, and the mighty K2. Participants must watch their every step while descending to avoid jolting stones into their team members. Once the gradient eases, we get to a trail running along the beautiful Gondogoro Valley above Trinity Glacier, where we will meet soon. Gondogoro La Trek eventually becomes easy as we reach and move on the moraine and arrive at a valley with small pools and grass near the junction point of Gondogoro and Trinity glaciers. This pleasant campsite is called Khuispang (4,600 m).

15. Day 15: Walk to Dalsmpa (4150m) Via Gondogoro Glacier

    • Today, we will pursue the Gondogoro glacier downwards, and it will be an easy day on the Gondogoro La Trek. Normally, we would pack our climbing equipment while descending towards Hushey Valley and witnessing fresh landscapes. Participants trek on the Gondogoro glacier’s moraine, walk below, and cross Laila Peak. 
    • We will continue and reach the edge of Gondogoro Glacier and find a trail into a beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass. We will set our camps at a gorgeous location known as Dalsampa (4,150 m).

16. Day 16: Trek to Saicho (3350m) through Gondogoro Valley

    • The team starts trekking through this amazing valley where participants camped last night. The valley soon comes to a sudden end, and we are left with two trail options. The first option is to trek down between cliffs and the glacier. The second option is to move forward on the cliffs. Our guide will decide based on a discussion with local porters who trek more frequently and are aware of recent conditions on at least one of these routes. Gondogoro La Trek becomes easy once both these trails meet. 
    • We continue trekking and pass through the pastures of Gondogoro. One can see temporary shelters made of stones by herders. Soon, a little stream must be crossed before reaching the lateral moraine. One can observe big trees while walking on this moraine that goes down until the bottom of Gondogoro Valley, where the camp is set up. Our campsite Saicho (3,350 m) is a sandy part with thin grasses along the glacial river at the junction point of the Charakusa and Gondogoro valleys. 
    • After almost one week below 4,000 m altitude, “oxygen-rich” air supply will be available to breathe, and team members can sleep better to the running water’s sound.

17. Day 17: Contingency day in case of Possible delays

    • There is always a chance for delays during the Gondogoro La Trek, so it’s always a good idea to keep time for this. Otherwise, this day is usually used for rest at Saicho, a good camping site to get a sun bath, fill in your diary, or do some laundry. Those who still want to explore can trek to Charakusa Valley. 
    • If anyone opts for this option, we shall make an early morning start and pursue a trail upstream on the moraine (lateral) of Charakusa Glacier, a habitat for snow leopards. On a lucky day, team members may spot an animal or at least see signs of the big cat, which our guides can guide you to. 
    • After crossing some ice, rubble, moraine, and glaciers, we reach the major Charakusa glacier. How far to go depends on when we start, glacier conditions, and the participant’s energy level. 
    • However, if every factor is favourable, we can walk far enough to get views of K7 and K6. This round trip will take approximately 6-8 hours, which is another great extra on the Gondogoro La Trek.

18. Day 18: Walk to Hushey’s main village, Last Trekking day

    • Since we are below 3,500 m, it is wise to start trekking early to avoid heat above 35 degrees Celsius. This day will be an easy trekking day of 3 to 4 hours. 
    • We will follow the river that brings the glacier melt of Charakusa, Gondogoro, Ailling, and Masherbrum glaciers. The valley eventually turns south, and gradually, participants start to see signs of shelters, homes, fields, etc, and we finally ascend to a plateau where the central village is located. It will be the last day of camping on Gondogoro La Trek.

19. Day 19: Drive to Skardu Following the rivers of Hushey Shyok and the Grand Indus

    • The return road journey offers amazing sightseeing. It starts with a passage through other villages of Hushey Valley, displaying small agricultural lands and mountain farming activities as we move downstream. 
    • We will eventually come to the confluence where the Shyok River (flowing from Ladakh) meets the Hushey River. 
    • We will cross a bridge (suspension) above Shyok River to get to the other end. Our drive to Skardu from Khaplu becomes smoother, and we gain pace on the paved road driving along the Shyok, which leads us to the confluence with the Indus River that we follow until we reach Skardu. 
    • We arrive at one of our partner hotels and get our first warm shower after more than two weeks, followed by a good meal. Some team members might have dreams about Gondogoro La Trek.

20. Day 20: Fly to Islamabad, Sightseeing during the after noon

    • The drive from the hotel to the airport is 40 minutes, and it’s a metal road. 
    • We will board the plane for a thrilling flight towards Islamabad. We will once again fly by the Nanga Parbat. Reaching Islamabad airport after a great adventure is a very different experience and takes getting used to. Our vehicle will be at Islamabad airport, which will take us to the hotel. We will settle in and have lunch if there isn’t any unusual delay. 
    • After a good meal, participants can take the day for rest, sightseeing around the city or shopping for popular options like artifacts or rugs. 
    • In the evening, we will enjoy an exceptional meal at a local restaurant or our hotel and share our experiences of Gondogoro La Trek.

21. Day 21: Contingency day for Delays in fly schedule

    • Skardu is a weather-dependent area, as planes only operate when there is visibility for the pilot to land. The weather in summer is mostly good for pilots to fly, but mountain weather conditions may change to bring rain. 
    • An alternative way is to go by road through the Karakorum Highway, which is an excellent experience for many foreigners. If we fly to Islamabad, the day can be used for rest and sightseeing. The leaders of the trekking party will guide participants on this day with available options.

22. Day 22: Departure from Islamabad Airport

    • Arrive at the airport and fly to your desired destination.