20 Days K2 Bc & Concordia Trek Pakistan
About this tour
20 DAYS, 13 DAYS STRENUOUS HIKING AT HIGH ELEVATION (MAXIMUM 5600M) - 13 NIGHTS CAMPING & 6 NIGHTS HOTELS
"The world’s greatest museum of shape and form" is how Italian mountaineer/author Fosco Maraini described Concordia in his book, Karakoram. In Concordia, six peaks over 7925m rise to touch the heavens, including K2 (8611m) the second highest mountain on earth.
After visiting Islamabad, we fly to Skardu and then drive to the trail head and meet our colourful expedition porters, sturdy mountain men. As we trek up to this other-worldly place we enter a remarkable wilderness of ice, rock and sky. By the time we reach Paiju Camp at the foot of the Baltoro Glacier, we begin to feel the pulse of creation: the melting ice, rolling rocks, the creaking and groaning of the glacier as it rearranges its icy rivers.
When we reach Concordia we will be rewarded with the most incredible mountain views in the world as we are virtually surrounded by K2, Broad Peak (8,051m), and Gasherbrum IV (7925m), and razor- edged Mitre Peak.
This is an exciting, challenging trek, geared for hikers with previous high altitude mountain trekking experience.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad Expressway, Islamabad, Pakistan
Arrive Islamabad We will spend the day in Islamabad finalizing trekking permits with the Ministry of Tourism and visiting the deputy chief of operations for a briefing on the trek. Evening free.
Day 2: Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan to Skardu Airport, Skardu
Travel To Skardu /Chilas In the morning you will be taken to Islamabad airport for the PIA Boeing flight to Skardu (2287m). This flight is subject to clear conditions in Skardu and if the flight is cancelled we make the two-day drive to Skardu along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which is sometimes known as the eighth wonder of the world. If we drive we will stay overnight at Chilas on the banks of the Indus - the Lion River. ( One-hour flight or a 12-hour drive on KKH).
Day 3: Skardu Valley, Skardu to Kharpocho Fort, Skardu
Explore Skardu A free day in Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, which is sometimes called little Tibet due to its geographic closeness and historic links with Tibet and Laddakh. Stroll through the narrow bazaar, climb up the cliff to visit the historic Kharpocho Fort, visit the turquoise blue Satpara Lake that is just a few kilometres outside the town. Meals and overnight at motel/resort.
Day 4: Kharpocho Fort, Skardu to Askole
Towards Trek Head We head east from Skardu, soon crossing a small pass leading to Shigar, the valley of orchards. We leave our jeeps at Thongol for a short walk to our camping site. Meals and overnight at camp, 6-7 hour jeep ride.
Day 5: Askole
Our trek beings After the staff distribute 25kg loads to each of our porters we start our trek in the soft morning light. After walking along the Braldu River we will arrive at Askole , the last permanent settlement along the trek route. Askole is often mentioned by early explorers as the last settlement on the Indian subcontinent. Another three hours’ walk across barren wasteland brings us to the Biafo Glacier, a tortured sea of ice and rocks two kilometres wide at our crossing point. It takes around two hours to cross the glacier on a established trail, walking most of the time on moraine and occasionally on ice. Once across the glacier it is 20 minutes to Korofan (3110m) Six to seven hours’ trekking.
Day 6: Jula Abad, Pakistan to Paija, Pakistan
Paiju The day starts with a tough walk along a cliff face to arrive at the new wooden bridge which has replaced the cable bridge over the Dumordo River. Near Paiju we will get our first glimpse of Gashabrum 4 and later we will reach the point where waters from the Paiju Peak divide themselves into four rushing streams, which we cross by jumping from boulder to boulder and then wading through the meltwater. In the east, and dominating the horizon, are the towering summits of Gashabrum 4, Cathedral Towers and Broad Peak. After negotiating scree and sand beside the river we arrive at Paiju (3600m), a picturesque campsite situated in a grove of willows and poplar trees through which runs a stream. Four to five hours’ trekking
Day 7: Paija, Pakistan to k2, Lahore, Pakistan
On Baltoro We spend the first hour making the gradual climb towards the snout of the Baltoro Glacier, a vast, turbulent sea of rocks and ice more than two miles wide and nearly forty miles long. The first stretch of the walk on the glacier can be difficult as we must dodge small crevasses but there are magnificent views all around us - the Cathedral Range and the Trango Towers, which rise to 6000m. Now we begin to feel the pulse of creation – melting ice, rolling rocks, the groaning of the glacier as it rearranges its icy rivers. We spend about three hours walking across boulder-strewn ice, gaining height gradually until we reach a flat, sandy area of lateral moraine - our campsite Khobursay at 4000m. Five to six hours’ trekking.
Day 8: Biango Hotel and Tour Guides, Skardu
Biango The first two hours of the trek are spent walking across the glacier’s lateral moraine until we arrive at the green pasture of Urdukas, from where we cross side crevasses to traverse the medial moraine. This middle part of the glacier holds surprises for us - small streams of water rushing over clear blue ice, and huge ice towers jutting up from the glacier. As we proceed Gashabrum 2 (8035m, the 14th highest peak of the world) peeps from the right shoulder of G4 in the east. Biango at 4350m is our campsite and is dominated by the thrilling view of Mashabrum (7821m) to the south. We are camping on a thin layer of moraine over glacial ice so be prepared, the night could be cold. Seven to eight hours’ trek.
Day 9: Concordia 1, Islamabad, Pakistan to Concordia 2, Islamabad, Pakistan
To Concordia ? Yes Concordia ! We walk along the medial moraine to the incredible sanctuary of Concordia. As we make our approach Gashabrum 4 stands guard in the east and there are magnificent views of Muztagh Tower (7250m) on the border between Pakistan and China. Excitement mounts and our pace quickens as we arrive at Concordia, lured by the classic views of K2 (8611m), the second highest mountain of the world. Concordia - the meeting place of five glaciers – is named after the Place de la Concorde in Pairs. Within a radius of 15km are 41 peaks above 6500m, almost half of them still unclimbed and unnamed. Also visible from Concordia, clockwise from K-2 are: Broad Peak (8051m), Gashabrum 4 (7925m), Baltoro Kangri (7315m), Kondus (6760m), Mitre (6060m), Paiju (6660m), Crystal (6260m), Marble (6175m) and Angle Peak (6860m). Four to five hours trek.
Day 10: Concordia 1, Islamabad, Pakistan to k2 base camp treks, Skardu
K2 Base Camp Full-day excursion to the K2 base camp involving a strenuous 10- hour round-trip trek over snow, rock and ice. As we start our trek, we cross the crevasses of the Baltoro Glacier, then walk on the lateral moraine of the Godwin Austin glacier to the base camp of Broad Peak. Chogolisa (7660m) now appears on the scene, standing guard in the south and hinting at the new crossing from Concordia to the Hushe Valley. We move on to the medial moraine of the glacier, walking here is much more easier than first two hours’ stretch spent on rocks. When we arrive at K2 base camp at 5030m, which is normally occupied by five mountaineering expeditions during the climbing season each year, we will be overwhelmed by the sheer size of K2. Return to Concordia for overnight.
Day 11: Concordia 2, Islamabad, Pakistan to Concordia 1, Islamabad, Pakistan
Concordia – Gore Today we will say goodbye to the mountains and turn back by the same route to Skardu. The trek is downhill now and as we will be well acclimatized we will cover the ground quickly and in five to six hours we will reach Gore. Here there are many tall icebergs on the Baltoro Glacier and there are also outstanding views of Meshabrum Peak (7821m)
Day 12: Urdukas, Pakistan
Gore Urdukas From Gore it is five to six hours’ trek to Urdukas, which is opposite the great Trango towers. This is a beautiful camping site among large boulders and pasture. There are also graves of porters here, men who died during mountaineering expeditions.
Day 13: Urdukas, Pakistan
Urdukas - Khoburzay
Day 14: Urdukas, Pakistan
Khoburzay - Paiju
Day 15: Paija, Pakistan to Urdukas, Pakistan
Paiju – Jola The Jola camping site is on the banks of the Baltoro and Dumurdo rivers. Last year the government constructed a wooden bridge here so unlike in the past we do not have to cross the Dumurdo River over the swinging pulley.
Day 16: Urdukas, Pakistan to Askole
Jola – Askole Early moning start to reach the trek head. First we will corss Dumurdo River then climb Pari rock and arrive Korophone. At Korophone we meet the Biafo Glacier which flows from Snow Lake, and cross a plateau to reach Askole. From here we will try to take a jeep to Skardu but if road conditions are not suitable we will walk another hour to Thongal to find transport.
Day 17: Askole to Skardu
Back To Civilization – Skardu Enjoy your last breakfast in camp on this trek and say Khuda Hafiz to your camping staff who pitched tents and prepared meals for you during the trek. Board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for a bumpy ride through Karakoram. This part of Baltistan is greener and more prosperous. We arrive at Skardu - shall we call it civilization ? You must be the judge. Meals, the enjoyment of a shower and overnight at resort/motel. 5-6 hour jeep ride.
Day 18: Skardu to Naran, Pakistan
Towards Pindi A flight is booked to Islamabad, which if weather conditions mean are suitable we will be in Islamabad in just one hour - a miracle of modern technology. But, if the flight is cancelled we will drive back, with an overnight stop at Chilas on the Karakoram Highway.
Day 19: Naran, Pakistan to Islamabad, Pakistan
Back, Finally! Once at Rawalpindi, Islamabad’s twin city, we shall proceed to the office of Ministry of Tourism for a trek debriefing. The rest of the day is free to explore the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Day 20: Islamabad Expressway, Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan
Fly Home Transfer to airport for international departure flight.
What's included
SERVICES INCLUDED: Hotel Accommodation: Single /Double Room at standard category hotels in towns. Camping Equipment, We Provides high quality equipment to clients making their adventure the most Comfortable and enjoyable even on the harsh and hard part of the world Dome 3 tents during trekking and at the base camp, Mattresses Toilet Tent. Kitchen Equipment: Mess Tent with full Kitchen Equipment, Table & chairs, Kitchen utensil Meals: Half Board at hotels in Towns Full board Darning camping and base camp, We provide the Excellent quality food during your adventure when you start your Trek from Skardu to BC and back to Skardu, (full Board). In Pakistan RVT is the only expedition outfitter which provides fresh meat and vegetable at the base camps time to time. Break Fast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea or coffee Our Staff: We would not say our staff is the best one in Pakistan, you would say this after you Experience their punctuality, Experience, good and humorous attitude with you. Any helicopter rescue is not included in the price for staff. Cook helper, porters & Sardar, Their daily allowance, Food, kit & equipment, insurance, accommodation, RVT Travelling Exp like Islamabad to Skardu and Back to ISB, TRANSPORTATION: Airport to hotel on arrival & hotel to airport on departure. Jeeps etc. with all trek Luggage’s. Skardu Askole & back to Skardu. Protégé: Porter from Askole to Base Camp and back to Askole including food. Kitchen. And 715 Kg of member luggage’s. Are you a Frequent Visitor Pakistan? If you are coming to Pakistan for Expeditions, Trekking and you wish keep your equipment in Pakistan, You are more Than welcome to keep your equipment In our store either in Islamabad or you can keep them in Skardu. Like many other Climbers, expedition and trekking organizers you can keep them. This is a free service that only RVT offers to facilitate its clients. OFFICIAL FORMALITIES: Submission of application for climbing permit and coordination with ministry of Tourism in order to update climbers with the progress. Arrangements of the first meeting with Guide and Ministry Briefing/de-briefing in the Ministry of tourism. Processing application for satellite permit (if required) Documentation for import and export of mountaineering cargo. We provide an Invitation letter the apply for a visa if required.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Below mentioned services are not included in our price, but some of them can be arranged on your request Any Meals at hotel or on the way is not including in the cost. Cost of any soft drinks, Any domestic/international air fare. Personal trekking equipment like sleeping bag, sacks Shoes and all personal expenses such as mineral water, telephone, liquor etc Porter from Concordia to K2 BC and back to Concordia, any additional expanse. Porter for personal Extra luggage on the trek. Trekking permit fee US$ 50 per person. Horse for trek. If required. Medicines and any expense of personal nature, Rescue Helicopter charges 10,000 U$ in case of use for rescue. Transfers to the airports for participants, Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of a purely personal nature Any expense due to forced majeurs, cancellation of flights, landslides, evacuation or accident 0r delay beyond the control of land operator Luggage and Cargo: Before your arrival and departure RVT takes care of your luggage. Clearance of Cargo before arrival, Clearance of your Cargo after your departure to your home. Storage of your un-wanted belongings in Islamabad or Skardu, which you do not need during your adventure, Miscellaneous Mail delivery at the base camp. Reconfirmation of international flight tickets. Arrangement of high altitude porters (if required). Rock Valley Tours has the best high altitude porters in Pakistan. Arrangement of high altitude tents (VE 25 North Face Tents) on payment. A fare-well dinner will be hosted from RVT in one of the best restaurants or hotels in Rawalpindi/Islamabad with your staff who will be coming back with you from the base camp or your adventure. Taxes Fees & Tipping The following fees and taxes are included in our quotation, for members, RVT crew and Camping fees, Bridge crossing Fees (Porter, porter Sardar and RVT staff Tip is not include in the cost) Note: If any member splits from the expedition for his/her own reason, that member will bear all transportation costs on the way back to Rawalpindi. In case of damage to the base camp tent or any Equipment, the trek member will be charged original value of Equipment.
What to know
GEAR AND CLOTHING LIST For Trekking GEAR & Clothing While on an organised trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 Kg.) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as carry-on to keep items that you will use during while on the trek, bus or jeep. Luggage Large duffel bag with lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended. Day Pack. Large enough for camera gear, cap, sun glasses, water bottle, jacket and other items you may like to use while on the trek. Extra carry-on. For storing city clothes in Skardu. Money Belt. A small fanny pack, money belt or around the neck passport bag is suggested for keeping safe your passport, travel documents and money. Packing list for your Duffel. Sleeping Bag. As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degree F or -18 degree C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A water proof breathable shell or a bivy-bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth. Trekking Boots. The single most important item on this list. Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support . A vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or through snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes. Camp Shoes. Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls. Crampons You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. ( Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for : Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar and Wartum Peak Thermal socks. The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions cotton socks are best. For hose who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended. Liner Socks. A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above. Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover. Stays warm even when wet. Polyester Fleece Pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above. Rain gear. A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants. Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea. Ski Hat. Covers your ears properly, use one with cotton liner. Woolen cap is also good. Mittens or Gloves. Woolen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions, when temperature drops quickly. Brimmed Sun Hat. Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as sun is low and hits your eyes. Bathing Suit. Men can take bath by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys. Toiletries. Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chap stick /lip balm, skin lotion and laundry soap. CLOTHING With your knowledge of Pakistani culture you are well aware of precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable and easy to wash and dry. In good weather you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon the sun goes down. Men could wear shorts once we are through the populated areas, that means from the third day of trek. Women are advise to use cotton shalwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals. Check List Head gear Parka Wool shirt & trousers Sweater Cotton shirt & pants Gloves & Mittens Rain/wind suit Cotton & Wool undergarments Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic) Boots (Trek & Camp) Belt ! Down Jacket Shalwar Kameez (Cotton) Spare laces for boots Miscellaneous Items Sunglasses Towel Washcloth Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep. Water bottle, with durable screw top. Sunscreen Headlamp with flash light + extra batteries and bulb Insect repellent Swiss Army knife, or a similar one Nylon cord for a clothes line Personal Medical kit Pocket size sewing kit Lighter or matches for general use Wrist Watch Optional Items Thermarest. We provide close-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort. Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing of your used clothes. Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues. An interesting book. Note book and pen for journal. Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars. Binoculars. Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies and extra lenses. Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee) Water purification tablets
Route & locations
Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad Expressway, Islamabad, Pakistan