K2 Concordia Trek Pakistan

Welcome to Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. The flight will arrive early in the morning at Islamabad Airport. Our representative will pick up all the clients from the Islamabad terminal and move them to the nearby hotel. After doing some rest and having lunch, all participants will gather to receive pre-trip guidelines from the agent. Your mountain Guide will complete all the legal formalities of the tour group.

We will have an option to do some guided sightseeing either in Islamabad or Rawalpindi. Both towns are spectacular but quite different.

• Islamabad

Islamabad, the new capital of Pakistan, is a modern city and having abundant greenery makes it a beautiful green land of Pakistan. It is included among the most beautiful capitals of the globe. It is located on the north side of the Pothohar plateau and is ranked for its high standard, safety, clean and calm environment. If you meet with the Islamabad citizens, you’ll get to know that they’re very friendly, educated, and well-mannered. 

Meanwhile, the Margalla Hills are handily approachable from here. Islamabad is well known for its glorious landmarks, including the Faisal Mosque (the biggest mosque in South Asia), Shakar Parian park, Pakistan Monument, and Lake View Park. These places are worth seeing.

• Rawalpindi

On the other hand, Rawalpindi is adjacent to Islamabad, and these two are collectively called The Twin Cities. Rawalpindi is a classical city, and it is also known as Pindi. It is at a distance of 14km from Islamabad. It is famous for its sprawling commercial market, Raja Bazaar, Sangni fort, National Ayub, Army Museum, Nila Sand, and Jinnah Park. Pindi is also home to the headquarters of the Pakistan Army. If you want to taste the local food, then Pindi food street is a must-visit place for you before going to your next destination. 

 Overnight: Hill View Hotel or similar (Meals: Dinner)

If the weather allows, we will take a 1-hour flight from Islamabad to Skardu in the early morning. During the flight, we see breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, the earth’s ninth-highest peak at an elevation of 8126m. It is also known as the killer mountain because of being difficult climb. We also catch a short glimpse of K2 along with other high mountains of Baltoro in the interval before arriving at Skardu. It’s time to check into the Skardu group hotel. 

Today is a free day for you to explore Skardu Town while we are preparing the logistics and documentation for the K2 Concordia trek. Skardu is the capital of the Baltistan region of Pakistan. Baltistan was once one of the biggest kingdoms of the Himalayas. The Baltistan region is inhabited primarily by Balti people, predominantly of Tibetan and Mongolian descent; architecture and food strongly reflect this. Explore the local Long Bazar, Kharpocho Fort, which is built on the top of a mountain and the 8th-century Buddha Rock, which is a reminder of Buddhism in this area before the arrival of Islam. Nestled between the Himalaya and Karakoram mountains on the banks of the Indus, Skardu is a fascinating place, culturally different from the rest of Pakistan.

Skardu is a scenic valley of blue water, the town of Gilgit–Baltistan, at a distance of 14 miles long in the Skardu valley. It is the top attraction for domestic tourists and foreigners all around the globe. We can spend quality time here by wandering into the Skardu bazaar, shopping from the stalls or local shops, visiting Skardu fort, or moving towards Satpara Lake on a jeep.

• Satpara Lake

It is the main lake of Skardu, 6 miles away from the city. This lake provides fresh water for drinking to the people of the town and the tourists. The turquoise colour of the lake makes it beautiful. We can do paddle boating here and get trout fish in the meal. The tour agent will help you get permission for the fishing from the higher authority of Satpara Lake. 

• Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park exists near the Skardu town (northern area) of Gilgit-Baltistan at a height of 4114m. These are the 2nd-highest alpine plains of the world. Deosai is also named Bysara in the Balti language, meaning summer place. Blue bears, wild horses, and leopards are also found in Deosai Park. If you get a chance to visit Deosai, then you must come here before leaving Skardu. 

• Skardu Fort

It is the palace of Queen Mindoq, 15m above the Skardu town. The rulers of Baltistan designed this seven-floor building, and it has an old chapel. You will be surprised to hear from their local people that the ghosts constructed this fort as they were the leaders’ servants. This palace gives a broad view of the entire town and valley.

A stone inscription of Lord Buddha in the distance of Satpara will notify you that this territory was part of the Buddhist era before the appearance of Islam. We head towards the next stop the next day.

Overnight: Summit Hotel or similar (Meals: B.L.D)

First, we leave Skardu and begin our journey towards Shigar Valley on a jeep and cross the cold Shigar Desert. Here roads are very smooth and lead us to the Shigar viewpoint, where we get a majestic view of the whole valley. Next, we move towards the blind Shigar Lake. This exotic lake fascinates visitors from around the globe. You can go swimming here. It is situated on the bank of the river. You will hear the musical sound of the Shigar River on your long way. 

We will enjoy the beauty of every spot of Shigar Valley until we reach Askole, and we will make this excursion adventurous. Soon, we cross the Shigar fort located on the route of the world’s 2nd-highest K2 peak. It was constructed 400 years ago on the rock for the King of Shigar. It has been altered into a 20-room guesthouse, a big hall, and the museum of Balti culture. This historic fort is the perfect place for photography.

After a drive of 5-6 hours, we come to the Braldu Gorge. It is a high zig-zag road that is prone to landslides and rock falling. Sometimes you’ve to walk for short intervals on the Braldu gorge trek due to rock falling. In short, the trek is very challenging for tourists and requires a 2-hour jeep ride. The long path to Askole is tiring, but the views of the surrounding cliffs are magnificent. After the longest ride of 7-8 hours, we finally arrived at Askole. 

Askole village is the final accommodation of humans in the Shigar valley. It is also the gateway to Broad Peak, K2, Gondogoro La, Trango Towers, Biafo Hispar and many more. It is a lane of wooden houses surrounded by apricot trees and meadows of potatoes and corn. We will spend our first night in our sleeping bags in the camp.

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today is our first walking day of the K2 Concordia Trek. From Askole, we cover 15.5km to the Biafo Glacier, the 3^rd largest glacier on this planet, excluding the Polar Regions. It is situated inside the Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan. Biafo Glacier is 67km long and unites with the Hispar glacier at the peak of 5128m.

 In history, the Biafo-Hispar path was used by the traders and warriors from Nagar west to attack the east side of Baltistan. Wild animals like snow leopards, Markhor, and bears were found here. Korofon (3,100m) is on the opposite side of the Biafo. We moved there for camping.

Night stay at Johla Camp.

• Arrangements: Full-service Camping
• Timing: 4-5hr trekking 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner   
• Ascent: 250m
• Descent: 150m

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today we walk along the Braldu River. Next, we will transition old campsites that are not currently utilised due to eroded land. As we see, this trek moves to the river’s edge and ends at a higher surface where we will see the majestic views of the Paiju Cliff. We may need sports shoes today for traversing a couple of streams. 

Here today, at higher ground, we will catch a glimpse of the spectacular views of Baltoro Glacier, along with the Trango Tower and Cathedral group. We can even watch the fleeting glance of K2 at the back of Lobsang Spire on a bright day. Continue walking along the Braldu Gorge to arrive at our campsite, Paiju. 

• Settlement: Full-service Camping
• Distance covered: 20km
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Before going towards Concordia, Paiju (placed at the bottom of Baltoro Glacier where Braldu vale expands) is the regular stopover for all the climbing and trekking groups due to the availability of basic facilities, including spring water, washrooms, washbasins, and woods for cooking purposes. 

Spending the entire day at Paiju is beneficial for our acclimatisation, and it is the best opportunity for our porters to make enough bread before we mount to the glacier. We can also utilise this time by hiking up the cliff a little beyond the camp to get the cathedral peaks and granite towers’ fine views. A K2 peak can also be seen from here. Enjoy the night in Paiju. 

• Night stay: Full-service Camping 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

As the day begins, we will walk for an hour to arrive at the Baltoro Glacier, where the melting glacier water seeps into the river. Now we hike up over the glacier and continue our walk through the Baltoro Glacier to the south, which is quite tough due to the appearance of moraine on the way. We head on to the east while crossing the south and moving beside the glacier until we enter the valley. 

After the entire day of continuous trekking, we finally reached the camping site called Khoburtse. Here we have the glorious natural scenery of Uli Biaho, Cathedral, and Trango peaks in front of us, which is entirely admirable. Night stay at Khoburtse camp.

• Arrangements: Full-service Camping 
• Repast: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Time: 7 hrs hiking 
• Distance: 15km
• Ascent: 640m

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today, we move earlier than usual onto the trek beside the Baltoro Glacier and sometimes on its top. It is the lengthiest iceberg. On the way, we traverse Trango Peak and walk towards our next camp zone called Urdukas. In 1909, Abruzzi had discovered and cleaned this area during his K2 base camp voyage. 

After mounting about 100m higher than the ice cap, we finally arrive at our campsite. This place gives us the grand views of Trango, Cathedral Cliff, along other mountains. Spend the rest of the day here till the next morning. 

• Arrangements: Full-service camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Duration: Three hours hiking
• Ascent: 250m

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After breakfast, we continue our K2 Conrodia trek towards Urdukas and walk on the side of the moraine by passing through east to the landmark where we hike up on the Baltoro glacier. Bypassing through the middle of the glacier, we follow the smoother flow path where we have a clear sight of Masherbrum. 

Going up and down the Rubble Mountains will lead us to the cliffs that enclose Concordia. Gasherbrum IV (7295m) is the most noticeable peak from here. Now we finally arrive at our Goro camp (4250m). Stay warm because the cold night is here. 

• Arrangement: Full-service camping 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 12km 
• Interval: six to seven hours of trekking 
• Ascent: 530m

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today you will trek to Concordia, your ultimate destination. We continue our journey via the Baltoro Glacier route towards Concordia. It gives us the magnificent vision of the K2 base camp. Soon, we cross Mustagh tower on the way. In 1956, Joe Brown and Davis were the first who ascend the Mustagh Tower for the first time in history. A long way ahead, Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) is waiting for us. Gasherbrum II (8035m) will also be visible from the right side of Gasherbrum IV. 

Heading above, we stand at the most awaited point of the Baltoro trek, where the Broad Peak welcomes us from one side, along with the Marble and Crystal ridges from the left. On the other hand, K2 remains hidden until we reach Concordia. Concordia is located at the junction of Baltoro and Godin-Austen Glaciers. Concordia is a vast region that is rich in glaciers. It is one of the demanding places of the earth where four eight-thousanders and ten highest cliffs encircle you. We set our camp 4500m above on the moraine in Concordia. 

• Night stay: camp
• Duration: 5-6 hours of hiking
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 12km
• Ascent: 290m

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Every other day of the K2 Concordia trek amazes us with the incredible views of peaks all around. It is essential to get acclimatised before coming to your destination. Otherwise, we may get altitude sickness. We leave our camps behind and move by crossing breaches and small rivers, originally derived from the melting glaciers. We proceed with the glacier named after Godwin Austin, who first verified the K2’s elevation. 

First, we arrive at the Broad Peak campsite after 3 hours of trekking. Here, we will be surrounded by impressive views of K2, the Mitre ridge at the back of us, and the Bride Peak. Further, three hours of trek on Godwin-Austen glacier will take us to the official site of the K2 base camp. We finally arrive at our dream destination. K2 is the place where every mountaineer wishes to come. It is the 2nd-tallest peak on the globe, which is at a height of 8611m. It is the deadliest mountain with spectacular views.  

The names of the departed souls of climbers are engraved on the plates in Gilkey Memorial. They lost their lives while climbing up K2. If we have enough time, we should explore the Gilkey Memorial. Trekking to K2 base camp or Broad Peak is optional. Going back to Concordia for the night stay is mandatory. Nighty stay at Concordia.

• Arrangement: Full-service Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 12km 
• Time required: 10 to 12 hours hiking
• Ascent/ Descent: 650m 

Overnight: Full service camping: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

It’s time to go back to Islamabad by retracing your footsteps. So, we make ourselves prepare at the command of the Mountain guide. We catch the last look of the K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum in our memories before moving down to the Baltoro Glacier trek. We retrace our steps towards the camp Shachspong, which is located at a height (4100m. It is truly a sensational sightseeing point. 

K2 has now been covered once again, but Gasherbrum IV seems visible. Gasherbrum I also appears slightly, but the peaks of Trango and Cathedral are distant. The feeling of going back home gives a grin to all of us. Some crew members sing and play in the Balti language because Balti is the mother language of Baltistan. Listening to different kinds of Balti music is a unique experience. 

• Arrangement: Full-service camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Descent: 600m 

As we walk down the Baltoro Glacier, we get to see the magnificent views, which are entirely different from the views that we have seen before while ascending upward on the same route. Altitude decreases, and mountains seem elevated than before as we trek down onto the path. Soon, we will transit Urdukas, and the oxygen level will rise as we descend onto the trek.

We take a lunch break at the point where Biale Cliff becomes visible. Moving on, the moraine, sometimes on the glacier itself and alongside the glacier, will take us to the Khoburtse. We make our camps here, far away from the glacier. Today we cover the 14km distance to our campsite. The green lands of Piaju and Paiju Peak can be seen from the campsite. 

• Arrangement: Full-service camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Trekking duration: 6-7 hours 
• Descent: 1080m

 Overnight: Camp (Meals: B.L.D)

Today, we retrace our steps from Khoburtse to Paiju camp. On the way, we spot Liligo Glacier. It was gradually rising, and twenty years back, it was a little above the valley, but now it strikes with the Baltoro Glacier. So, we make a detour to the south side to pass over this glacier. Here, we get a remarkable view of the Trango towers. 

These towers are a group of boulders on the north side of Gilgit Baltistan near the Paiju peak. Joe Brown and Mo Antoine were the first who climb up the towers of Trango. The Monk and the Great Towers stand on the opposite side of the granite towers of Trango. Galen Rowell and John Roskelly were the first who make the summit on this tower in 1977. Glenn Singleman and Nic Feteris made the record of the first highest base jump.

We make a roundabout to the north to mount the glacier swell to reach the wall of the Uli Biaho. Now we trek down a trail to the point where the glacier evolves into the Braldu valley. The recent hiking hour is manageable for us, and we ascend on the hilltop to reach the green Paiju camp.

• Arrangement: Full-service Camping 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Trekking time: 5 hours
• Distance: 15km
• Descent: 800m

 Overnight: Camp

Today, we leave the glacier along with the campsite and descend towards the Jhola. The weather is favourable here. We continue trekking and passing over alluvial cones and some streams, which are formed by the melting ice and become bigger with the sun’s increasing heat. We move to the sides of the Braldu River to reach the Panma Lake. Here we head over to the north-east by crossing the bridge towards the Jhola camp. 

• Arrangement: Full-service Camping
• Repast: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Descent: 750m
• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Distance: 21km

 Overnight: Camp

The last day of trekking is finally here. Soon we will be back to civilisation after spending two weeks in the wilds of the Karakoram Mountains. Today, we follow a trail beside the Biafo Glacier until we arrive at Korofong. Moving on, the glacier’s moraine and walking from the snout to the Biafo glacier side will take us to the bridge for passing over to the northern side. 

Heading above, we see that the group of rocky peaks is causing barriers in our route, so we take another turn to reach the plateau. Signs of civilisations become apparent as we pass through the tiny vales, ravines, and irrigation tunnels that bring water to Askole village. Chasing these tunnels takes us back to the green fields, and we finally reach the Askole. 

Some of our crew’s carriers belong here, and the happiness of home now reflects on their faces. The trekking group members are now our new friends. Here we throw a small party. Last evening, in your sleeping bags in the tent.

• Arrangements: Full-service Camping
• Meal: 3 times a day 
• Descent: 475m
• Hiking duration: 3 to 4 hrs
• Distance: 19km

 Overnight: Camp

Our jeeps will be ready for us in the early morning. Way say goodbye to our porters and start our ride back towards Skardu. Sooner we cross over the Braldu Bridge, which takes us to the Braldu Gorge. This road usually gets blocked by the landslides. If something happens like that, we may need to walk on foot to cross the occluded road while carriers transport our luggage. Some of them will remain with us until the end of the journey. 

When the roads get clear, we start our ride again onto the jeep, and soon we reach the point where the Shigar Valley meets the Braldu River. Moving much faster on the steady highway by following the Indus River takes us back to Skardu. Check into your hotel, have a hot shower and meet in the dining room for dinner. Tonight you will sleep in a real bed.

• Arrangements: Standard Hotel stay
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 
• Transport: Jeep 

Overnight: Summit Hotel or Similar: Meals, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner.

Skardu airport is a distance of 40 minutes drive from the hotel. We board the aeroplane happily because we are excited enough for the thrilling aviation towards Islamabad with spectacular mountain views. We get a chance again to enjoy the amazing views of Nanga Parbat on the flight. After landing at the Islamabad terminal, we move towards the bus that will be waiting to take us to the hotel. After sitting in the hotel room, we made a quick change to reach the dining table for the sumptuous lunch. 

Everything will be alright if there is no usual delay in the flight. We can rest the whole day or go shopping in popular places like Giga Mall or Centaurus Mall. Handmade rugs from Islamabad are very popular here. We can purchase them in our free time. Self-guided tour around Islamabad is also an option, but it may take a while to get used to the city’s hustle and bustle after coming back from the wilderness of the Karakoram Mountains.

In the evening, we can go back to the hotel to enjoy the last meal in Pakistan or plan for a lavish dinner in the Monal restaurant, which provides a grand view. It is a kind of worth visiting place for nature lovers.

Overnight: Hill View Hotel or Similar: Meals, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner.

The flight from Skardu to Islamabad depends on the weather conditions, and the flight will not get delayed if the weather is clear, and the pilot can fly easily and make a safe landing at the destination. Summer is the perfect time for the K2 Concordia trek and the smooth flights of Gilgit Baltistan. But the mountain climate fluctuates from time to time.

If the flight gets delayed due to cloudy weather, we will start travelling by road to Islamabad through the Karakoram Highway. Travelling by the road with the spectacular view of the Karakoram Highway will ultimately lead you to a productive experience.  Drive through the Indus River to Islamabad, utilising two days. That’s why a contingency day should be allowed.

• Accommodation: Standard Hotel
• Repast: 3 times a day
• Transport: Bus

 Overnight: Hill View Hotel or Similar, Islamabad (Meals: B.L.D)

We will transfer you to Islamabad airport for your flight back to your home country. Your K2 Concordia trek will end in Islamabad.

• Meal: Only breakfast
• Transport: Bus/Car