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Silk Route to K2

Duration 31 Days » Grade T3

A trek to the north face of K2 in the remote Chinese Karakoram

Introduction

This trek visits the north side of the mighty Karakoram Range in Chinese Central Asia, an area made famous by the travels of British explorers Sir Francis Younghusband and Eric Shipton. The journey to the mountains is a major adventure in its own right, visiting fabled cities of the ancient silk route and crossing high mountain passes. Camels carry the baggage on the dramatic trek to base camp and help team members to cross the many fast flowing rivers that are characteristic of the area. The huge North Face of K2 rising above the ice pinnacles of the North K2 Glacier is one of the most dramatic sights in the Himalaya. We spend more than a week exploring the glaciers and valleys above Base Camp and visiting Advance Base Camp (ABC). The trek involves some difficult terrain in a dramatic setting. Combined with the extreme remoteness and complicated logistics makes this trek a challenging undertaking.

The Chinese Karakoram

The North base camp of K2 lies in a remote corner of China's Xingjiang province. Only a handful of people have ever travelled to this isolated mountain wilderness on the north side of the Karakoram range. Recently opened to foreigners, this is one of the most unspoilt and least visited parts of the entire Himalayas. The mighty Yarkand and Shagskam rivers drain the waters flowing north from the great Karakoram peaks and carve deep channels through the mountainous landscape. The valleys here are at a much lower altitude than those on the Pakistan side of the range, giving a greater vertical height gain to the high summits. Many thousands of trekkers and climbers have seen the majestic Karakoram 8000m peaks from the Pakistan side, but few have ventured on the long trek through China to view K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums from the north.

Sir Francis Younghusband became the first western explorer to see the north side of K2 during his epic 1887 journey to cross the Old Muztagh Pass. This trek follows the same route, approaching the mountains along the valleys of the Yarkand and Shagskam rivers. The area was first explored in detail and mapped by members of Eric Shipton's 1937 'Blank on the Map' expedition. Even a hardened traveller like Shipton was overwhelmed by the scenery. He wrote "The cliffs and ridges of K2 rose out of the glacier in one stupendous sweep to the summit of the mountain 12,000 ft above. The sight was beyond my comprehension and I sat gazing at it with a kind of timid fascination..."

The highest point reached on the trek to base camp is the 4,870m Aghil Pass. From here, there is a magnificent view of the high peaks of the Karakoram range. The Shagskam River cannot be forded safely in the summer months, therefore travel in this area is restricted to the spring and autumn. This expedition takes place in late August/September, when the intense heat of the summer has passed and the water levels in the rivers are reduced.

Those who have experienced the grandeur of the Karakoram from the Pakistan side find that the Chinese side offers a different but no less rewarding experience. Seasoned travellers who have visited other parts of the Himalayas should not want to miss this opportunity to witness at first hand the most dramatic side of this impressive mountain range.

Trek Itinerary

Day 1:Fly to Bishkek
Direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan.
Day 2:Arrive Bishkek
At leisure in Bishkek. Overnight hotel.
Day 3:Drive to Tash Rabat
In the morning we will depart by private bus, which leaves immediately for the long drive East towards the Chinese border. After passing the city of Naryn the road starts climbing into the foothills of the At Bashy Range. Leaving the main road in the late afternoon we make a short detour to reach the historic caravanserai at Tash Rabat (c3,000m). Here we spend the night in a comfortable yurt encampment. (8-9hrs)
Day 4:Drive to Kashgar
The bus sets off early in the morning for the 100km climb to Chinese frontier. The road crosses two mountain passes giving views over the Fergana range before reaching the top of the 3,752m Torugart Pass. This journey has been called 'the most exiting route into Central Asia'. At the top of the pass we say goodbye to our Kyrgyz guide and transfer to a Chinese bus for the descent into the Chinese province of Xinjiang. The landscape changes from dry dusty hillsides to irrigated, tree lined farmland on the 160km drive to Kashgar. (8-9hrs)
Day 5:Rest day in Kashgar
After two days on the road we have a full day to rest and look around this fascinating oasis city located on the historic silk route. Modern Kashgar is actually two cities which coexist in a sometimes surreal juxtaposition of the ancient and modern. The population is split into two very different communities: Uyghur Muslims and Han Chinese. During a full day of sightseeing we visit the Id kah Mosque, the Akbar Hoja tomb, the old town and bazaar, the famous 'Sunday' market, and the sights of modern Chinese Kashgar including the huge statue of Mao towering above People's park.
Day 6:Drive to Kargilik (Yecheng)
On this section of the journey we travel in 4-wheel drive cars - most likely Toyota Landcruisers. Driving south from Kashgar the road crosses a large level plain, following the historic trade route, which led to the Karakoram pass and British India. On clear days the snow covered peaks of the Kongur / Muztag Ata massif can be seen to the west. We stop for lunch at an outdoor restaurant in Yarkand (Chinese name: Sache) before continuing to Kargilik (Chinese name: Yecheng). Here we stay in the comfortable, modern, but strangely named 'Electricity Hotel'. (4-5 hrs)
Day 7:Drive to Yilik
Once we leave the fertile fields of Kargilik the terrain becomes dry and dusty. The road climbs a dramatic series of hairpin bends to reach the summit of a 3,150m mountain pass, and then drops down the other side towards the Kudi river valley. After lunch the road follows the river valley rising relentlessly to the top of a 5,000m road pass. Another dramatic descent takes us to the army checkpoint at Mazar beside the Yarkand River. Here we leave the Xinjiang/Tibet highway and follow a dirt road into the mountains to reach our first campsite at Yilik located at the junction with the Surakwat river (10hrs)
Day 8:Trek Yilik to Sarak
The terrain underfoot becomes more difficult as we follow the valley of the Surakwat river past the junction with the Zug Shagskam. Much of the walking is on smooth 'river washed' stones. High cliffs of river deposited conglomerate rise on either side of the narrow valley. After 5-6 hours we reach a small campsite on a terrace overlooking a tributary of the main river (3,800m).
Day 9:Trek Sarak to Kotaz
The valley turns into a narrow gorge in places as we follow the river higher into the mountains along a faint path made by the nomadic herders who visit this area in the summer months. We turn up a side valley to reach some abandoned mud and stone huts where we camp at a height of 4,330m below the Aghil pass. (5-6hrs)
Day 10:Trek Kotaz to Quinghongtan - Crossing Aghil Pass
The ascent of the 4,870m Aghil pass is quite gentle and takes approx 3hrs. From the top there is a panoramic view of the great snow covered peaks of the Karakoram in the distance. The descent into the valley of the Shagskam river is straightforward. On reaching the silt laden river we ride the camels to reach the campsite on the other side. We camp in a grove of willow bushes at 3,950m, the only green in this dry landscape. (7-8hrs)
Day 11:Trek Quinghongtan to river junction camp
A slight drop in altitude today as we follow the Shagskam river downstream to the junction with the Sarpo Lago river. The river meanders across the 2km wide flood plan and we must cross it several times. If the level is low we can wade. High water levels (or a dislike of freezing water) can cause us to climb onto the camels. Camp is at 3,800m. (7-8 hrs).
Day 12:Trek river junction camp to Sughet Jangal
Shortly after leaving camp we get our first clear view of K2 as we climb a small shoulder above camp. It is then an easy walk south along the Sarpo Lago river valley to the green campsite at Sughet Jangal (3,900m). The crossing of the K2 river can add a little interest to the final part of this journey. (4 hrs)
Day 13:Rest day at Sughet Jangal
This camping spot was used by Younghusband in 1887 and was the base camp site of Shipton's 1937 'Blank on the Map' expedition. It is now known as 'Chinese base camp' although expeditions attempting K2 from this side use several advance camps on the North K2 glacier. The North Face of K2 was first climbed by a Japanese team in 1982. Only a handful of mountaineers have tried to repeat their route, and few have succeeded.We spend the day packing and preparing for the trek to ABC, sorting supplies of food fuel and equipment.
Day 14-20:Trek along the North K2 Glacier to ABC
'Advance base camp' at 5,200m is more than 20km along the North K2 glacier from 'Chinese base camp'. We walk an average of 6-8 hrs each day and set up two intermediate camps. The first part of the trek uses reasonable paths while the later stages cross a variety of more difficult glacial terrain. The huge pyramid of K2 dominates the view ahead as we trek southwards, passing rows of giant ice pinnacles. ABC sits in a natural amphitheatre dominated by the near vertical North Face of K2.
Day 21:Rest day at Sughet Jangal
A day to recover from the exertions of the trek to ABC.
Day 22-25:Trek Sughet Jangal to Yilik
All the group equipment is loaded onto the camels and we retrace the approach trek route along the Shagskam and Yarkand river valleys to reach Yilik.
Day 26-27:Drive to Kashgar
From Yilik we follow dirt roads out of the mountains, crossing two high passes to reach the town of Kargilik (Yecheng) on the plains. The following day involves a shorter journey on better roads and we reach Kashgar by early afternoon giving plenty of time for relaxing and sightseeing.
Day 28-29:Drive from Kashgar to Bishkek
We retrace the route westwards from kashgar, over the 3,752m Torugart pass into Kygyzstan where we descend to Bishkek.
Day 30:At leisure in Bishkek
Bishkek is a fascinating city combining Soviet era architecture and monuments with a historic and vibrant nomadic culture. The broad tree lined streets, museums, craft shops and restaurants are full of interesting sights. This is a great place to relax on the last full day of the trip..
Day 31:Fly from Bishkek to London Heathrow Airport

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 travelling to remote locations such as this, a flexible approach from all members is much appreciated.

Leadership

Our expeditions are led by very experienced mountain leaders. In selecting suitable leaders, our prime concern is that they have an excellent personal track-record of climbing at high altitudes...read more about leaders.

Team Composition

The expedition will be led by one of our most experienced leaders, assisted by a Chinese translator and local Kyrgyz/Uyghur camel drivers.

Experience Required

Silk Route to K2 is graded T3.

The Silk Route to K2 is a tough trek and one which requires a good level of fitness and stamina to cope with several long days.

Those wishing to join the trek should have:

On the outward and return journeys from the Mazar roadhead to 'Chinese base camp', all group and personal equipment is transported by camels. On the 4/5 day excursion to 'Advance base camp' team members are required to carry some of their personal equipment. This could amount to 10-15kg per person on some days. Some local Chinese staff are available to help the team on this part of the trek and should be able to carry most of the food, fuel and tents.

Our Introductory Long Weekend in Scotland would provide good preparation for this trip.

Pre-Trip Meeting

Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip Weekend in North Wales. 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 equipment and clothing list is included in the Trek Dossier, which is sent to you on booking .

What the price includes

What the price does not include

Tailor-made option

We can organise this trek on a 'tailor-made' private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. Depending on your previous trekking experience, you may want a Jagged Globe leader or go 'self-led' with the assistance of local guides. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly if you take the self-led option. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

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!