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Trekking Expeditions

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K2 Base Camp & Ghondokoro La

Altitude 5,585m/18,322ft » Duration 23 Days » Grade T3

The most spectacular trek in the Karakoram Himalaya, with a crossing of the Ghondokoro La

Introduction

This challenging trek gives great views of four 8,000m peaks and is thought by many to be one of the best high mountain treks in the world.

Some of the wildest and most dramatic landscapes on earth are found in the vast, rugged Karakoram Range situated in Northern Pakistan. Remote and spectacular, the icy peaks and vast Glaciers of the Karakoram offer unparalleled opportunities for adventurous trekking. The 62km long Baltoro Glacier is Pakistan's number one trekking destination. Seven of the world's twenty-five highest peaks rise above this glacier, while the lower reaches are surrounded by some of the world's highest granite walls and spires.

The Baltoro Glacier meets the Vigne and Godwin-Austen glaciers at the huge natural amphitheatre of Concordia. This is one of the most spectacular mountain campsites in the world. The huge pyramid of K2 only 10km distant dominates the view and creates a very special atmosphere. Our programme allows three days in the upper reaches of the Baltoro Glacier to savour the majesty of this unique place.

The highest point reached on this trek is the 5,585m summit of the Ghondokoro La. This is a challenging and technical route, which links the high glacial basin of the upper Baltoro with the green Hushe Valley to the south. The view from the summit is one of the most overwhelming mountain panoramas in the world, with four of the Karakoram 8,000m peaks close at hand.

Trekking in the Karakoram calls for a spirit of adventure, strength, determination and a sense of humour. In return you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, and the warm, generous welcome of the local people.

Our new itinerary combines all that is best in the Karakoram: a visit to K2 Base camp, a challenging ascent of a high pass, and the chance to experience two very different valleys. This trek offers variety and excitement. It is an unforgettable mountain experience.

Expedition Outline

Our flight arrives in Islamabad in the early morning. After some breakfast and a few hours rest we take the spectacular flight to Skardu passing close to Nanga Parbat. This flight is often cancelled because of bad weather. In this case we will drive to Skardu by road along the Karakoram Highway (KKH). This is a two day journey requiring 24-28 hours driving and we will spend a night in either Besham or Chilas.

Skardu is the administrative capital of Baltistan and the base for expeditions visiting this region of the Karakoram. We have some time to explore the town and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the many travellers purchasing supplies and hiring porters. The journey to the mountains starts with an exciting jeep ride through the fields of Shigar before entering the rocky gorge of the Braldu Valley. The trekking route follows the Baltoro glacier to the heart of the Karakoram Range, passing the dramatic rock spires of the Trango and Cathedral groups. As we gain altitude the soaring peaks of snow and ice become visible and the trail passes close to the North face of Masherbrum (7,821m).

Three huge glaciers converge at Concordia where we spend a few days visiting the Base Camps of K2 and Broad Peak. From here we turn South to climb the 5,585m Ghondokoro La. Using ice axe, crampons and fixed ropes we reach the summit in the early morning light for glorious views of K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,047m), Gasherbrum I (8,068m) and Gasherbrum II (8,035m) and several other major peaks.

Descending through the green valleys to Hushe Village provides a welcome change from the rocky landscape of the Baltoro. A good trail leads through vegetated ablation valleys where we will meet local herders tending their animals. From Hushe we drive via Khaplu to Skardu. We then travel to Islamabad by air if possible, or by road if the flight is cancelled. Once in Islamabad there will be time for relaxing and sightseeing and a chance to celebrate the success of our expedition in fine style. The team departs from Islamabad the next day.

Climate and Terrain

The months of July and August are generally thought to be the best times for trekking in the Karakoram. The weather is usually quite settled. Sunshine and clear blue skies can be expected on 60-70% of days. The temperature during the day should be pleasant for walking at altitudes between 3,500 and 5,000m. Below 3,500m it can be quite hot during the day, while night temperatures above 4,500m can dip below 0°C. A few days of precipitation can be expected. At lower altitudes this will take the form of mist or rain. Higher up this will fall as snow. During the trek there is a variety of conditions underfoot. For several days we will be walking on good paths. Some days will involve crossing sections of glacial moraine and scree although there is usually an adequate path for much of the way. Most of the glacier walking will be on 'dry' sections of fairly level ground. This will usually be covered with stones although short sections of bare ice will be encountered. The large numbers of people using this route ensures that there is almost always a distinct path.

The Ghondokoro La 5,585m

This is the most frequently used high altitude pass in the Karakoram. Since its discovery in the late 1980's it has provided a popular alternative route to/from K2 Base Camp. Prior to this all groups trekking to K2 Base Camp had to retrace their approach route along the Baltoro Glacier. The existence of the Ghondokoro La creates the possibility of a more interesting and challenging trek, travelling to K2 via the Baltoro Glacier and exiting the area via the Ghondokoro La.

The route up the north side of the pass is entirely on snow. It is necessary to leave Ali camp (5,000m) in the early hours of the morning. The approach to the pass involves crossing a fairly flat glacier. This will be done in the hours of darkness, and it may be necessary to use to ropes to safeguard against hidden crevasses. The ascent from the foot of the pass to the top is about 450m. There is usually a good trail in the snow made by previous groups and most of the climbing involves putting your feet in steps frozen into the snow. The average angle is around 30°, but there are one or two short steps where this steepens to 45°. There will be fixed ropes on these sections that can be used as a handrail.

We aim to reach the top as the first light of dawn illuminates the high peaks of the Karakoram. Four 8,000m peaks are clearly visible to the north, and previously unseen mountain ranges to the south are revealed. This is one of the most spectacular mountain vistas in the whole Himalayan mountain chain. The distant green patch visible 5km to the south and 1,000m lower is the inviting campsite at Huespah that we descend towards. The steep south facing descent is normally devoid of snow in the late summer season. The trail is entirely on rock and scree, although some patches of ice can be encountered. Fixed ropes will be used on the steepest sections at the start of the descent. Depending on snow conditions and the number of other parties on the route there can be a danger of stonefall during this descent. For this reason we recommend that all members of the group use climbing helmets.

In ideal conditions trekkers have crossed this pass without using any technical climbing equipment. However in order to ensure a safe crossing Jagged Globe recommend that all team members are equipped with strong footwear, suitable crampons and an ice axe.

Jagged Globe has many years' experience organising expeditions in the Karakoram Himalaya. We have organised successful climbing expeditions to Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II and Broad Peak in the Baltoro area. We have used the expertise gained on these trips to create the detailed itinerary for the Jagged Globe K2 Base Camp and Ghondokoro La Trek. This was offered in its current format for the first time in 2006. Both our July and August groups made successful crossings of the Ghondokoro La Pass in a year when many other teams were unsuccessful. As principally a mountaineering company, Jagged Globe is well placed to offer this challenging trek with the Ghondokoro La crossing. Our treks will be led by experienced mountaineering leaders.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1:Fly to Islamabad
Direct non stop flight from London / Manchester / Birmingham / Glasgow (7-8hrs)
Day 2:Arrive in Islamabad, fly to Skardu
If weather conditions permit we will fly to Skardu, however bad weather in the mountains often causes this flight to be cancelled. In this case we will make the long road journey up the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Overnight in K2 Hotel.
Day 3:Rest day in Skardu
Skardu, the administrative centre of Baltistan, is a prosperous frontier town on the banks of the Indus River encircled by snow covered peaks. This day may be needed to complete the KKH road journey. Alternatively, leaving Skardu today will enable us to enjoy an extra day of trekking. Overnight in K2 Hotel.
Day 4:Drive to Askole (3,050m)
An exciting jeep journey takes us through the fields of the Shigar Valley before the road narrows to a mountain track leading to the roadhead at Askole where we camp outside the village (6-7hrs).
Day 5:Trek to Korophon Camp (3,100m)
Porters are assembled to carry our luggage for the next section of the journey. Leaving Askole we cross the Braldu River on a small wooden bridge before passing the snout of the Biafo Glacier to reach our campsite at Korophon (4-6hrs).
Day 6:Trek to Skambosok (3,300m)
From here we follow the Braldu River eastwards into the mountains. The famous wire pulley bridge at Jola has been replaced by a modern footbridge one kilometre upstream. This makes the walk a little longer, but eliminates the traffic jams that used to build up. We camp at Bardumal on the far bank (4-6hrs).
Day 7:Trek to Paiju (3,400m)
A short day of trekking over fairly easy ground to reach Paiju, the last grove of trees before the trail moves onto the glacier (4-5hrs).
Day 8:Rest day at Paiju
The group have time to relax and acclimatise, wash bodies and clothes and take photographs. The porters are issued with their rations and prepare food for the days ahead. We get our first views of the Trango Towers from near this campsite.
Day 9:Trek to Khoburtse (4,050m)
A short walk takes us to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier where we climb through a mass of loose scree and rocks to reach the lunch stop at Liligo. The path on the surface of the glacier gets easier as the trail follows the edge of the glacier to Khoburtse (4-6hrs).
Day 10:Trek to Urdokas (4,200m)
This camp has superb views across the Baltoro Glacier to the Trango peaks, and is our last 'green grass' campsite (3-4hrs).
Day 11:Trek to Goro (4,300m)
Travelling on the glacier all the time now, it is an all day walk over the boulder-strewn glacier to the campsite at Goro. Masherbrum is visible on the right side of the glacier, and Mustagh Tower on the left. Gasherbrum IV and Broad Peak can be seen directly ahead, as they catch the evening sunlight (5-7hrs).
Day 12:Trek to Concordia (4,650m)
Trekking to the campsite at Concordia, we pass through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The trail is surrounded on all sides by several of the world's highest mountains: K2, Broad Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Chogolisa and Gasherbrum IV (4-5hrs).
Day 13:Rest day at Concordia
There is plenty of time to admire the scenery and find the best vantage points from which to take photographs of the surrounding peaks.
Day 14:Excursion to K2 Base Camp (5,150m)
The team may wish to make the return journey to K2 Base Camp in a single day (10 hrs round trip). If time permits it may be possible to make the 5 hr walk to K2 Base Camp and camp there overnight.
Day 15:Return from K2 Base Camp to Concordia
Day 16:Trek to Ali Camp (5,000m)
We leave Concordia and trek south down the Vigne Glacier. Looking back gives an unusual view of the great Karakoram peaks: K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. The trail continues to 'Ali Camp' situated on a rocky site overlooking the long ridge running from Masherbrum to Chogolisa (3-4hrs).
Day 17:Cross Ghondokoro La (5,585m)
An early start is required to utilise the good snow conditions needed for a safe crossing of the Ghondokoro Pass. From the summit there is a spectacular view southwards over the peaks of Trinity and Laila in the Hushe Valley. To the north K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums rise above a sea of lesser peaks (8-10hrs). Camp at Huespah (4,650m).
Day 18:Trek to Saitcho (3,380m)
After crossing the Ghondokoro Glacier, we trek to Saitcho through pleasant green valleys, passing the summer settlements of cattle herders (5-7hrs).
Day 19:Trek to Hushe (3,100m)
On our last day of trekking, the valley ahead opens out to give views of the lowlands to the south as we walk through the lush fields of Hushe Village (3-4hrs).
Day 20:Drive to Skardu (2,300m)
A jeep journey along narrow mountain roads passing small farming settlements leads first to Khapalu then Skardu (6-7hrs). A chance to relax in the garden of the K2 Hotel during the afternoon, or shop for souvenirs in the bazaar. Overnight in K2 Hotel.
Day 21:Fly from Skardu to Islamabad
Overnight in hotel.
Day 22:Spare day in Islamabad/Rawalpindi
A day for sightseeing and shopping in the twin cities of Islamabad (Pakistan's modern Capital) and Rawalpindi (The older city). This day may be required for road travel if the previous day's flight has been cancelled as a result of bad weather. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 23:Fly from Islamabad to UK.

PLEASE NOTE:The above itinerary is intended as a guideline only. While we will make every effort to adhere to it, changes may be forced for reasons beyond our control. When traveling to remote locations such as this, a flexible approach from all members is much appreciated.

Acclimatisation

Approximate altitude profile of K2 Base Camp & Ghondokoro La: K2 Base Camp & Ghondokoro La altitude profile, 15 kb
Please note: This profile does not represent the gradient of the mountain!

Travel and Accommodation summary

Internal Travel - 2-4 days
Islamabad to Skardu (and vice versa)
PIA flights if available. The alternative is a 2-day road journey in private vehicle.

Mountain Travel - 2 days
Skardu - roadhead
Jeep travel along unmade mountain roads.

Rest and Contingency Days - 2 days
These are included in the programme to allow for transport delays etc. If conditions permit these extra days will be added to the trekking programme.

Trekking Programme - 16-17 days
Hotel Accommodation - 4-5 nights
Camping - 16-17 nights

Leadership

Experienced and qualified mountain leaders lead all of our K2 Base Camp treks. In selecting suitable leaders, we not only look to ensure that they have the relevant qualifications but we also ensure that they have a good track record of mountaineering and trekking at high altitudes. Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our leaders have the right temperament to lead a group comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. To that end, we aim to provide a leader who will make the trek both successful and enjoyable throughout.

Our leaders are personally known to us, having normally led several trips for us previously. They are familiar with what we expect from them and how we like them to run expeditions and treks on our behalf. Their main aim during the trek will be to ensure that you derive optimum benefit from taking part. However, as experienced and qualified mountaineers, they will always operate with safety as the prime consideration. In the past, the careful selection of our expedition and trek leaders has proved to be a major asset in the continuing success of our trips and the overall enjoyment of the team members taking part.

Our leaders also hold current mountain first aid certificates and have experience of dealing with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness and other altitude related illness.

Team Composition

The Jagged Globe trek leader will be supported by a team of experienced local staff including guide, porter sirdar, cooks and kitchen assistants. All equipment (team members' personal bags plus communal camp equipment) will be carried by porters throughout the trek.

Experience Required

K2 Base Camp & Ghondokoro La is graded T3.

A few decades ago the route along the Baltoro Glacier to K2 Base camp was thought to be one of the most difficult treks in the world. It is still described as this in some recent trekking books. However, the reality is somewhat different. The infrastructure of Northern Pakistan has improved greatly in recent years: existing roads have been widened and improved, the road network has expanded further into previously remote valleys and new bridges have replaced old ones.

Similarly, the path up the Baltoro Glacier has been improved in several places, removing some of the previously hazardous sections and reducing journey times. Despite this, trekking in the Karakoram remains a more challenging experience than trekking in the popular regions of Nepal. Trekking in the Karakoram takes place in the high mountain beyond the last human settlements. Vegetation is sparse, the terrain rugged and the trails are often rocky and difficult underfoot. This is more than compensated for by the spectacular scenery, but the walking can rarely be described as 'easy'.

This trek is suitable for people with a good standard of fitness who enjoy regular hillwalking or other aerobic excercise. Experience of trekking at altitudes over 4,000m is strongly reccommended. The daily programme usually requires 5-7 hours walking and is designed to allow gradual acclimatisation to the increasing altitude. While few individual days can be described as 'difficult', the cumulative effects of trekking at high altitudes through a harsh mountain environment for many days should not be underestimated. Many people who have never traveled outside Europe join this type of trek and have a great time. However, people with more experience of high altitude environments, multi-day treks, hot climates, third world travel, multi-day camping trips, will be better prepared for the challenges of this trek.

Our Introductory Long Weekend in Scotland would provide good preparation for the crossing of the Ghondokoro La.

Porter Protection

Any trek or expedition to Pakistan relies on the hard work of local porters. It is their carrying of our supplies and baggage that makes a journey into the mountains possible. Jagged Globe is therefore careful to ensure that they are well treated, not exploited and have good protection from the elements. We work closely with our local agent to provide shelter, clothing and footwear that match the severity of the environment. In addition, we equip our porters with crampons and climbing belts for the crossing of the Ghondokoro La, something which most trekking companies do not. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as team members by our leaders, and we have used helicopters, at our expense, to rescue porters from hazardous situations.

Jagged Globe supports the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), and provides help and advice to those organisations to improve the working conditions of the porters on whom we depend. All trekkers are asked to provide feedback on porters' working conditions in post-trip questionnaires.

Pre-Trip Meeting

Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip Weekend in North Wales. This meeting will be hosted by a Jagged Globe leader who has recent experience of the K2 Base Camp and Ghondokoro La Trek. The primary purpose of the weekend is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming trip and to introduce them to other team members. The weekend covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatisation and usually involves a hike or some skills training. To find out more about our Pre-Trip Weekends [click here].

Equipment

Find out about our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

A complete list of suggested clothing and equipment is included with the Trek Dossier, which is sent to you on receipt of your booking. All tents, camping equipment and 'group' safety equipment will be supplied by Jagged Globe. Members need to bring their own personal clothing items and a sleeping bag / sleeping mat. Some people may prefer to use lightweight trekking footwear for trekking on the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, other people may prefer to use stronger (3-4 season) boots. The crossing of the Ghondokoro La is best done with heavier footwear, and walking boots that can take a crampon are recommended (available to hire from Jagged Globe). Additional items needed to cross this pass include ice axe, crampons, harness and lightweight helmet.

To join the Ghondokoro La and K2 Base Camp trek you will need the following specialist equipment:

A complete climbing equipment and clothing list is included in the Trek Dossier, which is sent to you on booking along with details of our Equipment Hire Service.

What the price includes

What the price does not include

International Flights

Most members of our trips prefer to fly from London Heathrow Airport. However if suitable flights are available we are able to offer departures from some UK regional airports direct to Pakistan, at no extra cost. Once the flight schedules for the forthcoming year are published, we will know if there are suitable flights from Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. Please contact the Jagged Globe office if you would prefer to fly from one of these airports.

Insurance

Special travel insurance is available from us which provides a wide range of cover. The premium for this trek is detailed in the Prices & Booking section. A full explanation of the Jagged Globe Insurance Scheme is available on the website and in our brochure.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the trek or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone:

Alternatively, you can contact us by email via the Contact Page on the website.

Booking

If you would like to book a place on this trek, you can do so on our secure on-line booking facility, on our website. The £300 deposit for this trek will secure you a place on your chosen departure. You will receive an automatic email confirmation, followed by a written confirmation of booking, experience questionnaire and Trek Dossier. Alternatively, you can book over the telephone or by sending in a booking form by post. Book Now!