Skardu
The Skardu Valley located in Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan. The valley is about 10 km wide and 40 km long. It is at the confluence of the Shigar River and Indus River. It surrounded by the large Karakoram Range. With the nearby lakes and mountains, it is an important tourist location in Pakistan. Skardu is the main town of Baltistan along the wide bank of the river Indus. Skardu is the largest district of the Northern Areas. Baltistan is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, the Karakoram Range, Skardu is very popular with Mountaineering Expeditions. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers, who treks to Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp and Concordia. It is about 200km from Gilgit and approximately 6 hours away from Gilgit.
Treks
K2 and CONCORDIA TREK is considered one of the world’s best treks
with breath-taking scenery. Trekking into the heart of Karakuram you
pass the dramatic Trango Towers, Cathedral Groups, Lobsang with
spectacular views of Gasherbrum, Broad Peak and K2 from Concordia.
Best time to visit: June to September
Max altitude: 4800m (optional 5100)
Trip duration: 21 nights/22 days (15 days camping and 6 hotel nights)
Trek standard: Hard
Mountain range: Karakuram
Trip highlights: Islamabad, Skardu, Shigar, Askoli, Baltoro Glacier,
Trango Towers, Concordia, (Optional) Broad Peak Base Camp, K2
memorial or K2 Base Camp.
K2 & Concordia
Mountain Range: Karakoram
Duration: 22 days trip, 14 walking days
Max Height: 4550m (optional 4800m/5150m) if go to Broad peak or K2 Base camp
Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Season: June – September
TREK ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival to Islamabad .transfer to the Hotel or Guest House.
Day 2-Fly to Skardu incase flight cancel drive to Chilas. Hotel Shangrila
Day 3 – Rest day at Skardu or Drive Chilas to Skardu 9 to 10 hrs. Hotel K2 Motel
Day 4 -Drive to Thongal or Askoli 7 to 8 hrs.(2800 meters).
Day 5 -Thongal – Korofong. 5 to 6 hrs Trek (3100 meters).
Day 6 -Korofong – Bardumal (3200 meters).
Day 7 -Bardumal – Paju 5 to 6 hrs (3500 meters).
Day 8 -Rest day at Paju.
Day 9 -Paju – Khuburche 6 to 7 hrs (3800meters).
Day 10 -Khuburche – Urdukus 5 t0 6 hrs (4240 meters).
Day 11 -Urdukas – Goro 6 to 7 hrs(4500 meters).
Day 12-Goro – Concordia 7 to 8 (4700 meters).
Day 13– Free day at Concordia,walk up to K2 Base and back .10 to 12 hrs
Day 14 -Concordia – Goro I (Biango, 6 to 7 hrs.4329 M).
Day 15– Goro I (Biango) – Khuburche. 7 to 8
Day 16– Khuburdse – Paju. 6 to 7hrs
Day 17 -Paju – Jula or Korofong. 6 to 8 hrs
Day 18 -Korofong – Askoli or Thongal. 6 to 7 hrs
Day 19– Drives to Skardu. Hotel K2 Motel
Day 20 -Flight to ISB or drive to Chilas. Hotel Shangrila
Day 21 -Drive to Islamabad.Hotel or Guest House
Day 22– Departure for destination
Gondogoro La
TREK ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival to Islamabad .transfer to the Hotel or Guest House.
Day 2-Fly to Skardu incase flight cancel drive to Chilas. Hotel
Day 3 – Rest day at Skardu or Drive Chilas to Skardu 9 to 10 hrs. Hotel K2 Motel
Day 4 -Drive to Thongal or Askoli 7 to 8 hrs.(2800 meters).
Day 5 -Thongal – Korofong. 5 to 6 hrs Trek (3100 meters).
Day 6 -Korofong – Bardumal (3200 meters).
Day 7 -Bardumal – Paju 5 to 6 hrs (3500 meters).
Day 8 -Rest day at Paju.
Day 9 -Paju – Khuburche 6 to 7 hrs (3800meters).
Day 10 -Khuburche – Urdukus 5 t0 6 hrs (4240 meters).
Day 11 -Urdukas – Goro 6 to 7 hrs(4500 meters).
Day 12-Goro – Concordia 7 to 8 (4700 meters).
Day 13- Free day at Concordia,walk up to K2 Base and back .10 to 12 hrs
Day 14 – Trek to Ali Camp 5-6 hrs
Day 15- Trek to Khispang crossing Ghondghoro Pass 8 to 10 hrs
Day 16 –Trek to Siacho downwards to Hushe Vally 5 to 6 hrs
Day 17 –Trek to Hushe 4 to 5 hrs
Day 18- Drive to Skardu 5-6 hrs
Day 19 -Flight to ISB or drive to Chilas. Hotel Shangrila
Day 20 -Drive to Islamabad.Hotel or Guest House
Day 21- Departure for destination
Mountain Range Karakoram
Duration : 21 days trip, 14 walking days
Max Height : 5600m (optional 4800m/5150m) if go to Broad peak or K2 Base camp
Grade : Moderate to Challenging
Season : June – September
Zone Restricted
Range: Karakurom
Maximum height: 5150
Trek Standard: Strenuous
Zone: Open
Duration: 20 days(7 hotel and 13 camps)
Best time: July to September
Hisper La
This is trek is the second strenuous trek after Baltoro in Karakurom involve most of the days on Glacier over hidden crevasses need rope and experienced guide in order to done safely. The trek starts from Askoli the last village of Shigar Skardu and ends in Hispar Nagar (Hunza) Gilgit.
TREK ITENERARY
Day 1- Arrive Islamabad: sightseeing of Islamabad and Rawalpindi overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2-Drive to Chilas: It takes ten to twelve hours along the stunning valleys of Naran and Kaghan over Babusar Pass (4100) meters to Chilas the district head quarter of Diamer District, either you can travel on Karakorum Highway too passing through Manshera, Abottabad, Shinkiari, Thakote and Besham along the Kohistan arch with exciting views of Indus River all the way to Chilas. Most people love traveling on KKH. You can visit to the ancient rock carvings of the pilgrims, invaders and travelers who left their history and purpose of journey on the rocks at trade route as well as by the locals these carvings date back 5000 to 1000 BC showing singular animals, triangular men and hunting scene.
Day 3- Drive to Skardu: 8 to 10 hours Via KKH Skardu preparation of the trek and official work clearance of the documents. Visit to the Skardu Bazaar which is worth to visiting and experience the life and activities of local population and enjoy the day overnight stay at hot.
Day 4- Free day in Skardu :Skardu preparation of the trek and official work clearance of the documents. Visit to the Skardu Bazaar which is worth to visit and experience the life and activities of local population and enjoy the day.
Day-5 Drive to Askoli 5 to 6 hours: On this day you will drive on the rough bumpy road along the Braldu River which flows from the Baltoro Glacier all the way down to Skardu along different villages of Shigar Village, Dassu where your guide will collect papers to army, Apoaligon a traditional lunch stop , Pakora, Hoto, Thongal and many others, if you are enough lucky can get to Askoli directly otherwise you need tochange your jeeps because the road stays block because of landslides and high flow of the Baraldo River. You will see many mountains on the way your first view of the Mango Gusor 6288m a snowy peak seen to the southeast up a side valley, straight ahead the perfect pyramid of Bakor Dass Peak (5,809m) you will reach to the village with about 150 houses at 3000 m.
Day-6 Trek to Namla 6 to 8 hours: First two to three hours an easy path to reach to the Biafo Glacier from the ridge of the glacier there is a panoramic view of Biafo Glacier down north west as far as the eye can see. To the south Braldu River flows down from Baltoro Glacier and superb views of the Karakorum Mountains and the trek to Baltoro and K 2 trek is visible to some kilometers. The trek goes on the moraine and rock boulders on the Biafo Glacier takes you climbing steadily cut to the left side on lateral moraine at Namla the camp at 3400 meters.
Day-7 Trek to Shanganphong: 6-7 hours with the significant views of numerous snow-capped mountains to your right and left (Latok-1 7145m) and (Latok- II (7108m) ahead we will cross the crevasses area to the higher ridge of the glacier the first two hours on the moving rocks boulders and you will get on the white glacier sometimes on gravel but it is an easy walk. The last two hours again with small crevasses we will have short jumps. By end of the day will cross to the right side of the glacier on moraine and to lateral moraine of the glacier will take you to the flat grassy place with small willow bushes the campsite at 3800 meters Shagangphong.
Day 8–Trek to Baintha: 2 hours a two hours easy walk along the lateral moraine crossing small lakes on your way to the campsite of Baintha with willow bushes with clear running stream in the bushes. This is last green campsite on the Biafo Glacier at 4040m. It is day to be relax day after a short walk you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Karakorum Mountains. Baintha Baraks (Ogre group) are famous peaks on this trek many every year some climbers visit to submit these mountains and enjoy their climbing here. Day 9- Trek to Napina 4 to 6 hour: This day walk is always on the glacier with small crevasses as usual on the Biafo Glacier (easy white ice) stepping over small crevasses lead to the moraine with rock boulders to the right side of Biafo Glacier with little grassy and sandy campsite with superb views of the mountains around. The camp is at 4400 meters. Day 10- Trek to Hispar Pass BC: 4-6 hours Same as the previous day we will walk on the moraine and moving rock boulders to the white ice on stepping over the crevasses the road to the snow Lake and Hispar Pass leads to the north with magnificent views of the interesting mountains around. Karphogoro is camp site on the moraine with rocks better to camp on the white glacier not going up to the moraine. The porters wish to camp on the moraine because there are some rocks to sleep under them. It is better to go close to the moraine and camp on the glacier they can have their camp in the moraine. Camp at 4,600m.
Day 11- Trek to khanibasa 7 to 8 hours : It is walk on the snow covering glacier with crevasses from the beginning need to walk with fix rope and gaiters. The walk is very easy but sometimes people suffer by altitude that makes them bit slow. The view on this day is quite exciting around ahead you can see the Hispar Pass to your right the large ground of Snow Lake as for as the eye can see. You will enjoy the camp at snow which will be cold at night. Some people go directly to cross the pass and camp on the top of the Pass at 5000 meters depends on the people how they are fit.
Day 12 Trek to top of the Hispar Pass across the pass: 3-4 hours with fix rope in a single file it is an easy steady climb. The trek wends gently up the centre with large crevasses. Looking back across snow lake great glacier between numerous nameless snow-covered peaks. You can see Biantha Brak which is also called Ogre 7,285 meter up the Sim Gung Glacier. The Hispar Pass has great mountaineering history many adventures passed along this pass on their way to research and travel to the Karakorum Mountains. The camp is on the wide flat top of the pass which has crevasses and surrounding mountains give great view all around. Camp at 5100 meters.
Day-13 –Trek to Khanni Basa 6 to 7 hours: the first hour is on the flat glacier with rope in a single file on smooth snow and then sharply descending down with hidden crevasses to the Hispar Glacier which is white ice and smooth walk on it, but to proceed to the camp of Khani Basa needs to go on the moraine with moving rocks and scree steep. Notice that the trek on the Hispar side is challenging than the Biafo Glacier. The moraine leads to a green spot of Khani Basa which is the camp at 4580 meters. You look back the stunning view of Hispar Pass and sky touching mountains adds to the joy of your holidays and crossing the pass. The porters and staff celebrate the joy of success with singing and dancing.
Day 14- Trek to Yutmaro 7 to 8 hours: soon after the camp crossing the Khani Basa Glacier with large boulders of moving stones which takes about two hours to cross with fine view to north Kunjut Sar 7760 meters is the 29th highest peak in the world. After crossing the glacier we will get on the lateral moraine of the Hispar Glacier with magnificent views across the hanging glaciers and frequent avalanches on the ice falls. Yutmaro is the camp site with small willow bushes and clear spring water at 4330 metres.
Day 15– Trek to Red Star Camp 6-7 hours: The Yutmaro Glacier takes about two hours to cross like the other glaciers it also has large boulders of stones and many zigzags on the crevasses tiring. On the other side is a steep climbing but good panoramic views back and ahead. There are few screes along the way but get to more low altitude and more active on this day the second last of the trek. Red Star camp is at about 4,150 meters.
Day 16- Trek to Bitanmal 5-6 hours: This day we will cross the Phumarichish Glacier flows south of Khuyang Chish 7852 meters the 22nd highest peak in the world. This glacier takes about one and half hour walk to cross and then down on the ablation valley widen into shelter, grassy pastures and flat smooth walk bring us to a large green meadows with some summer houses and channel of glacier water a beautiful place with superb views around Bitanmal the campsite at about 3800 meters. The view of Distagil Sar 7885 meters to your right and many other mountains around is amazing you would enjoy here. If you will be lucky having good weather enjoy washing and taking bath in this after-noon.
Day 17-Trek to Hispar 5-6 hours: Like the other days is Kuyang Glacier to cross takes about an hour on easy donkey path and down the ablation valleys and cross the river to the Hispar Village( a bridge was under construction) otherwise on a pulley bridge one by one and climb up to the village through fields of wheat, buckwheat, peas, beans etc. There are about 200 houses in a small place. Camp at 2800 meters. It is better if you arrive on time and the road is clear continuing three hours drive to Hunza on jeep road. Last time when I was there the road was block we had to camp here and the next day to Hunza.
Day 18- Drive to Karimabad Hunza 3-4 hours driving to Hunza on 4X4 jeeps along the villages of Nagar Valley to the Karakorum Highway and to scenic and touristic spot in Pakistan. This is a place you can see two historical forts to see such as Altit and Baltit forts and visit to the touristic shops of Karimabad Hunza
Day-19 Drive to Chilas/ Naran 5-6 hour: You drive on the KKH along the Indus River and the junction of three mountain ranges (Karakorum, Himalaya and Hindukush), you will see the giant mountain Naanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, Diran and Haramosh Peaks on your way to Chilass or Naran.
Day-20 Drive to Islamabad 10-12 Hours: On the KKH or over Babusar Pass, Naran Kaghan valleys of the KPK on the way you went up.
Day-21 Flight to home destination we hope you would have enjoyed the trip and have great journey ahead!