K2 Base Camp Trek Concordia/Baltoro Glacier Pakistan

If this is your first visit to Pakistan then you are in for a treat. Despite of you what might have heard it is quite a peaceful country. You will be greeted by a fleet of Taxis after your arrival at the Islamabad airport. They will take you safe and sound to a good hotel where you will prepare for the start of your adventure.

Typically we fly to Skardu but depending on the weather condition it could easily become a road trip. While traveling via road we will reach Chilas via Karakorum highway and Indus gorges. The Karakoram highway hosts one of the world’s highest borders and some of the most spectacular roads. We will visit the historical town of Taxila on the way and visit the beautiful hill station of Abbottabad. After passing the towns of Mansehra, Shinkiari we finally meet Indus on Thakot bridge. Then we pass through Besham, Dassu, Komila and Shatilal and reach Chilas. We find many rock carving and inscriptions on the way left by the Chinese pilgrims and ancient travelers of 5th century. Our final stop is Skardu.

We If we have flown the previous day we ample time to explore Skardu. We will visit the historic fort of Skardu which is situated on the northern side of the Skardu city. The fort is guarded by Indus river on the eastern and northern sides thus making it a significant stronghold from the military point of view. We will explore the colorful Bazaars in the afternoon and visit the Turquoise blue sadpara lake which is about four miles south from the town. We will then drive towards Alam bride and cross Indus. The ride through Indus gorges is mesmerizing. After crossing the Raikot bridge we reach a place 1000 meters high from here we can witness the astonishing Nanga Parbat. This is where the three greatest mountain ranges, Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakoram meet.

We drive through jeep crossing Shigar and Braldu valleys to reach Askole. We will find some 500 years old villages in the valley of Shigar. They cultivate barley, wheat and vegetables surrounded by stone walls and stands of poplar, willow and apricot trees. After crossing Baltoro we travel through the sheer valley of Braldu. We travel from 6 to 12 hours and arrive at our first camp of the trek.

We gather our equipments and get ready to start trekking towards Jhola. The Biafo Glacier can be seen in the open valley spreading across 50 kilometers. We then reach the infamous Jhola by crossing Barldu and Dumordo River. After following the river banks we finally reach our camp at Jhola.

The trek to Paiju is approx 7 hours. We travel through eroding grounds mostly by the side of the river. The range contains numerous peaks spread across the southern side of Baltoro. Sunburns are quite natural in the sunny weather so you must take precautions. The vast Baltoro Glacier is the fourth longest in Pakistan is also visible from Paiju. We rest for 7 to 8 hours in the camp before traveling further.

It is a rest day for the crew and porters. Meat and bread is prepared for the journey ahead on the glacier. Read and Relax while enjoying being in the lap of the mountains.

Hard day walk through the glacier till we reach the river crossing. Enjoy the views of Paiju Peak, Uli Biaho Group, Trango Group and Cathedral Group.

Biango is a part of Yermanadu glacier. Today’s journey is consists of 6 hours of hike till we reach Biango and camp at Goro I.

On our seven hour trek to Concordia, we have these spectacular views of Gasherbrum IV and Gasherbrum. At Concordia awaits K2, Broad Peak, Golden Throne and Mitre Peak.

We hike through Concordia crossing the Baltoro Glacier to K2 base camp.

Replenish your energies on this free day and explore the mountain range.

This eight hour trek will take us back to Urdukus. We spend the night in tents.

Again an eight hour long trek and we are back to Paiju.

You must have remembered Jhola due to its unique name. We are going back there by trekking for next 6 hours. We spend the night at Jhola.

We are on the reverse gear. We reach Askole after seven hours of trek and spend the night in tents.

We take a jeep to Skardu from Askole. We spend the night in a Hotel.

Time to fly again. Reach Islamabad by air or by jeep depending on your mood and weather.

Either take a day of leisure or explore the beautiful city of Islamabad. Travel through the narrow streets and buy some artifacts and local jewelry from markets of Islamabad. The city is small but wonderful. Enjoy your breakfast in local cuisines and taste the delicacies of Pakistani Food at different restaurants.

It is time for goodbyes. May you have a happy journey home with a box of memories.