K2 and Gondogoro la trek
K2 and Gondogoro la trek
Blog Article
The K2 and Gondogoro La Trek is an extraordinary journey through the Karakoram mountain range in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, is often referred to as the “King of the Karakoram.” This trek is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Trango Towers, Masherbrum, Gasherbrums, Broad Peak, and the mighty K2, among many other iconic peaks. Along the way, trekkers traverse the renowned Baltoro Glacier and reach Concordia, a place often described as the “Throne Room of the Gods” due to its unparalleled 360° panorama of towering 7,000m peaks, including spectacular views of K2.
For years, Hunza Adventure Tours has been organizing the K2 and Gondogoro La Trek for mountaineering enthusiasts from around the world. This 20–25-day adventure takes trekkers into the heart of the Karakoram, ensuring a balance of safety, acclimatization, and enjoyment. The trek’s duration may vary depending on the experience, ability, and availability of the participants.
Trek Itinerary:
The adventure begins in Islamabad, the green and purpose-built capital of Pakistan. Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to a hotel for rest and recovery. Later in the day, a briefing session will be held regarding the trek.
The following morning, you will take a spectacular mountain flight to Skardu, offering breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat, K2, and other Himalayan and Karakoram peaks. After a 45-minute flight, you will arrive in Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, where you will check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the trek.
The next day, the journey continues with a scenic drive along the mighty Indus River, passing through Shigar Valley and following the Braldu River to Askoli, the last village, before entering the Karakoram wilderness and the Central Karakoram National Park. Your first night will be spent camping under the starlit sky.
The trek officially begins the following day, taking you through the rugged Braldu Gorge towards the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. From here, you will follow the glacier’s path, eventually reaching Concordia, the meeting point of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers. Concordia is the heart of the Karakoram, surrounded by ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks within a 24km radius, including Pastore Peak, K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum range.
At Concordia, you will have the option to trek further along the Godwin-Austen Glacier to visit Broad Peak, the Milky Memorial, and K2 Base Camp before returning to Concordia for an overnight stay. The next phase of the trek leads you across the upper Baltoro Glacier towards Chogolisa and Ali Camp, where you will spend the night.
From Ali Camp, you will begin the second part of the trek, crossing the Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m), which requires the use of crampons. At the start of each season, a rescue team from Hushe village installs and maintains fixed ropes on the pass for safety. These ropes are removed at the end of the season. The team also provides assistance to trekkers ascending the pass.
To safely cross Gondogoro La, an early morning start is essential. The initial ascent is gradual for two hours, followed by a steeper section equipped with fixed ropes. Using safety carabiners, you will ascend to the top of the pass, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of four of the world’s eight-thousanders — K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,051m), Gasherbrum I (8,080m), and Gasherbrum II (8,035m).
Descending from Gondogoro La, you will enter the beautiful Hushe Valley, a remote and picturesque Balti village in the Ghanche District. The local Balti people are known for their warm hospitality. From Hushe, you will embark on a scenic drive along the Shyok and Indus Rivers toward Skardu, passing through charming Balti villages filled with welcoming smiles. The drive from Hushe to Skardu takes approximately six hours. Upon arrival, you can finally enjoy a real bed and a hot shower.
The next morning, you will take a flight back to Islamabad. In case of flight cancellations, an alternate route via the Karakoram Highway will be arranged. After a night in Islamabad, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home.
We are confident that the K2 and Gondogoro La Trek will leave you with an unforgettable, lifelong memory of adventure and breathtaking beauty.
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