Gondogoro La Trek

Overview

Gondogoro La Trek (also known as K2 Gondogoro La Trek) offers the only opportunity to witness four (4) out of the world’s fourteen (14) eight-thousand meter peaks from one location. The first 12 days of our Gondogoro La Trek and our K2 Base Camp Trek itinerary are the same. The extension of K2 Base Camp Trek towards Hushey (also spelled as Hushe) valley from Concordia over Gondogoro Pass/La makes up Gondogoro La Trek a circular trail (see on map).

This demanding trek is about walking majority of the lengths of Baltoro, Vigne and Gondogoro glaciers, not to mention ascending and descending the Gondogoro La/Pass (5,585 m) which is where the mighty 8,000 m peaks can be seen. Gondogoro La offers views of Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum 1 (8,080 m - also known as Hidden Peak) and K2 (8,611 m).

If staring at mighty mountains and walking heights is one your pleasures then Gondogoro La Trek might be the right holiday for you, provided that you have basic climbing skills and a little experience of mountaineering in winters. Gondogoro La Trek offers everything (mountains, glaciers, rivers etc) that K2 Base Camp Trek offers but comes with many additional rewards. Read below and find out more.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Meet our guide(s) waiting at Benazir International Airport, Islamabad.

Our full-board package for Gondogoro La Trek begins only after arrival in Pakistan. After airport transfer, there would be plenty of time before lunch to relax at the hotel. Most of the international flights will arrive during the morning. All participants will meet for lunch that would end with a briefing about our trek and a question-answer session. This shall be followed by a short visit to Tourism Ministry of Pakistan for an official and mandatory briefing about traveling to the northern mountains. Meanwhile our team will complete the necessary paperwork. If time allows the twin cities can be visited, both of which are distinct. Islamabad is a modern capital city, great for sightseeing while Rawalpindi is a historic city built in British era with intricate bazaars and bustling streets.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 2: Early morning air travel to Skardu town (2,500 m). Sightseeing during the day.

The one hour “subject to weather” flight from Islamabad offers a lot. The stunning route the flight takes goes through major Himalayan mountain range and one can enjoy breathtaking views of world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat peak (8126m). Before landing the majestic K2 and other known peaks in the area would visible if we are lucky. Some might even be able to spot a part of the K2 Gondogoro La Trek route. After check in at our hotel, the day will be spent visiting Bazar, historical forts, scenic lakes or visiting ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th century Manthal Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who had influence in the area before Islam.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 3: Jeep Safari to Askole (3,000 m) via Shigar Valley

We will start our 7 hours jeep ride to Askole village, crossing the cold desert to Shigar valley first. The last two hours drive through Braldu Gorge was once a 2 days trek before the jeep road. In few places the road is intersected by some streams thus only off-road vehicles are considered for this journey. The roads are fragile to landslides due to melting glaciers and thus might require starting the trek a day earlier but this rarely happens. If we reach Askole as per schedule the first night will be spent in the village under the beautiful sky along the rumbling Braldu River. Askole is small village with few houses in a solitary street. It is home to several of the porters most of whom have carried load on Gondogoro La Trek more than 20 times.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 4: First day of walk towards Korofong (3,075 m) via Biafo Glacier

Our first walk for Gondogoro La Trek begins from Askole which is the last inhibited village on the route to Concordia. We will pass across the local Balti people as they go by their work in their fields which is quite fascinating. We will trek to the foot of Biafo Glacier, world’s 3rd longest glacier outside polar region and which also is a door leading to the Hispar pass (and snow lake) connecting Baltistan region to Hunza valley. The snow river at the glacier’s foot is stretched 63 km which has a bridge, without which we would have to cross the glacier which is boulder and rubble at the bottom. Our campsite Korofong (3,075 m) lays across the glacier’s other foot. The trees here are habitat to a variety of beautiful birds.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 12.2 km
Time: 5 hours
Average Pace: 24 min/km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 301m/290m
Min/Max Elevation: 2,969 m/3,114m

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Day 5: Trek via Panma Valley to Jhola Campsite (3,100 m)

From Korofong we gain altitude and follow Braldu course till we reach Panma River which is crossed taking a detour through a trail built on the face of the cliff. Before this trail, trekkers would climb giant cliffs and boulders in order to cross the high velocity river to continue the trekking journey. The trail is somewhat exposed in few places but mostly it is wide. We go through the locally operated toll “suspension” bridge under the government license. Until few years back, a wire pulley was used. These pulley bridges known as Jhola were common in the Karakorum Mountains. Beyond this bridge is our camp site called Jhola. You can spot Jhola on the Gondogoro La Trek Map.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 8.5 km
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Average Pace: 24 min/km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 229m/119m
Min/Max Elevation: 3,045m/3,159m

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Day 6: Trek to Paiju (3,420 m) through Braldu Valley

We continue on the path returning to Braldu River. We will pass from few camp sites that are not used now because of the worn out ground. The trek goes on to a narrow path along the river’s edge and then climbs to higher area from where we will view the remarkable Paiju Peak. There would be few streams to settle, thus we would wear the sporty boots. From high points today we will view Baltoro Glacier, peaks of Cathedral group and Trango towers. On a sunny day K2 can be seen half hidden behind Lobsang Spire. Continuing the trek to the central Braldu we walk on to the trek’s acclimatization site at Paiju. Acclimatization at this point on the Gondogoro La Trek is essential because ascending too high too hasty can lead to altitude sickness.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 20.5 km
Time: 7-8 hours
Average Pace: 22 min/km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 575m/334m
Min/Max Elevation: 3,115m/3,405m

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Day 7: Acclimatization and rest at Camp Paiju (3,420 m)

Before heading for Concordia, Paiju camp has been designated as the acclimatization point located at the foot of Baltoro glacier where Braldu valley widens. This is an important staging point during Gondogoro La Trek with availability to spring water. This camp has facilities such as long drop toilets, wash basins and a bathroom. This whole day is designated for acclimatization and the porters also bake breads for the climb up over the glacier. Those with spare energy, a great hike above the camp can be a very good exercise and opportunity to view the group of Cathedral Peaks, the stunning Trango towers and also K2 on a lucky day with clear sky. Finding isolated pools that are good for swimming nearby is something that depends on course of the river in any month.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 8: Start of Baltoro Glacier Trek. Walk to Camp Khoburtse (3,795 m).

A walk from Paiju leads upstream to Baltoro Glacier from where the melting water outpours into the river. We ascend and walk on top of the glacier that is rubbles and rocks. The team follows the traditional trails here but it will be a tough walk on the mighty glacier. We will create our path through Baltoro glacier and towards the south side pursue the moraine trails. We head east to continue along the glacier till we get to the glacier’s smaller side. Here we move towards South till we make crossing to enter the valley. We reach by night to camp Khoburtse. Magnificent views of Cathedral towers group, Trango towers, and Uli Biaho tower can be enjoyed after a great trekking day. Baltoro Glacier Trek can be demanding for many participants on the first day.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 8-9 hours
Average Pace: 38 min/km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 641m/221m
Min/Max Elevation: 3,379m/3,909m

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Day 9: Baltoro Glacier Trek. Views of Trango Towers. Camp at Urdukas (3,900 m).

Considering the increase in sleep altitude and being wary for all participants, we have a short trek day. We will continue alongside the glacier, sometimes on it or above the moraine. We pass by the Trango tower and the lonely peak “unnamed tower” to our camp. This day’s campsite was found and cleared by the K2 expedition by Duke of Abruzzi in 1909. We will climb around hundred meters higher than the glacier to the terraces where the campsite is located. It offers a mesmerizing view of the Lobsang, Trango Towers, cathedral group etc. We will reach here to have delayed lunch and spend the day resting. Gondogoro La Trek begins to pay off, providing grand views from Urdukas camp.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 6.2 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Average Pace: 40 min/km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 249m/39m
Min/Max Elevation: 3,819m/4,039m

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Day 10: Baltoro Glacier Trek. Trek to Goro Camp (4,295 m). Sights of Masherbrum Peak.

Having enough rest at Urdukas we move eastward along the moraine till the point where we climb on the mighty glacier. We will go the glacier’s centre through a smooth flow and we will be able to view Masherbrum (7821m). Going over and around the rubble on the mighty glacier, continuously descending and ascending, we will eventually reach to witness peaks surrounding Concordia and the great Gasherbrum IV (7925 m) staring down at us and behind us still visible are the Trango tower and the Cathedral peaks while we move towards camp ‘Goro’ (4,295 m). Sleeping at high altitude on the mighty Baltoro, it is essential to stay warm especially at nights.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 12.2 km
Time: 7-8 hours
Average Pace: 36 min/km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 329m/89m
Min/Max Elevation: 4,009m/4,279m

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Day 11: Baltoro Glacier Trek. Walk to Concordia (4,500 m).

Baltoro glacier trek to Concordia offers the greatest spectacles of the Gondogoro La Trek. We continue our walk on the mighty Baltoro while participants pass by Mustagh Tower (7,284 m) and Gasherbrum IV, partially obscuring behind it the Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), thus called “Hidden Peak”. We can spot it on the right side of Gasherbrum IV with fin like ridges. Making our route up on Baltoro, views of Broad Peak (8051 m) appear while Marble and Crystal Peaks appear on the left. K2 remains concealed till the minute we reach Concordia; a breathtaking sight that becomes a beautiful memory forever. Concordia is wide area of glacier which is one of the greatest places on earth. We will be surrounded by 4 eight-thousanders, 10 out of 30 highest peaks of the world. Camp will be set at 4,500 m in Concordia on the moraine.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 11.8 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Average Pace: 24 min/km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 289m/3m
Min/Max Elevation: 4,279m/4,570m

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Day 12: K2 Base Camp (5,100 m) and Broad Peak Base Camp (4,800 m)

On this day of Gondogoro La Trek, we can start early through crevasses and small rivers created by melting ice. We follow on the glacier that is named after Godwin Austin who first declared K2’s height. After three hours we will be at Broad Peak base camp where we will have a great sight of the astonishing Karakoram 2nd (K2), Mitre Peak behind us and the Bride Peak. We walk on the moraine which is mostly boulders. However we do walk on ice occasionally. After another 3 hours trek, we shall complete one way journey of the K2 Base Camp reaching a moraine safe zone, a traditional base camp area for K2 climbers.

One can also visit Gilkey Memorial if time allows. The memorial has names of brave souls inscribed on plates and plagues. These tough ones died attempting K2. The decisions about trekking to K2 Base Camp, Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial, choosing one or another or all options or choosing to rest at Concordia on this day depends on the participants. Return to Concordia on this day is compulsory.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Time (Return) K2 BC: 9-11 hours
Time (Return) Broad BC: 5-6 hours
Min/Max Elevation: 4,500m/5,100m

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Day 13: Trek towards Ali Camp (4,800 m) chasing Baltoro’s upper part

We set out journey on a less explored route today. The nature and difficulty of trekking depends on snow which is not common between the months of June to late August. Normally we would walk on non-slippery ice which is in fact easy to hike on. In case of large crevasses, we would take short detours only to make progress. However in case of snow conditions at Baltoro, participants and porters would walk together (all hooked to a rope) and use their crampons for safety.

After walking for more than 5 hours, we should reach the junction point of Baltoro with West Vigne Glacier that is linked to Gondogoro La’s base. We set camp for tonight on the high moraine near the junction. Our campsite is known as “Ali Camp” as Ali (a porter belonging to nearby village) had first been recorded to cross Gondogoro La while returning as a porter from a climbing expedition to Gasherbrum. Reaching camp, we would have enough time to learn and practice some basic skills for moving on the Gondogoro La Trek’s fixed lines the following day.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 12.1 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 376m/13m
Min/Max Elevation: 4,500m/4,800m

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Day 14: Gondogoro La Trek - Crossing the Gondogoro La/Pass (5,585 m) towards Khuispang.

On this day of Gondogoro La Trek, participants are woken up sooner than first light. After a good breakfast, harnesses and crampons are put on and we hit the incredible West Vigne Glacier, all roped as one unit until we make to Gondogoro La’s base. Depending on weather and snow conditions on the lower slope of the high pass, we may possibly continue as one unit attached to the rope or we might be in a position to ascend the slope un-roped. Normally there would be at least one steep part to cross on the higher slopes. During these parts of the climb, our support crew will fix ropes. It normally takes around three hours to reach the top of Gondogoro La Pass. One can have a splendid view of four of the 8,000 meter peaks, specifically Gasherbrum 1 and 2, Broad Peak and the mighty K2.

The giant pass is one broad shoulder from where we get a perfect view of the astonishing Gondogoro valley on the opposite side. While descending down the other sturdy side, one can enjoy views of Trinity peaks, not to mention the stunning Laila Peak (6,096 m). The fall is comparatively sudden and therefore requires use of fixed ropes for most of the descend. Crampons would be required for the most part of moving down the pass and also on the upper segment of Hushey valley which will normally be covered in snow.

Participants will need to watch their every step while descending to avoid jolting stones into their team members. Once the gradient eases, we get to a trail running along the beautiful Gondogoro valley above Trinity Glacier that we meet soon. Gondogoro La Trek eventually becomes easy as we reach and move on the moraine and arrive at a valley with small pools and grass near the junction point of Gondogoro and Trinity glaciers. This pleasant campsite is called Khuispang (4,600 m).

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 8.1 km
Time: 9-12 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 798m/901m
Max Elevation(Pass): 5,585m

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Day 15: Walk to Dalsampa (4,150 m) via Gondogoro glacier

Today we pursue the Gondogoro glacier downwards and it will comparatively be an easy day on the Gondogoro La Trek. Normally we would pack our climbing equipments while descending towards Hushey valley and witness fresh landscapes. Participants trek on Gondogoro glacier’s moraine, walk below and cross Laila Peak. The official first summit on this stunning peak was made by Italian climbers in mid 1990s only to find evidence of a previous mark on the summit by British mountaineers (Mark Miller, Simon Yates and Sean Smith) in 1987. The Italians apparently did not know of a previous attempt by the British mountaineers before they found a used gas cartridge with inscriptions of four names. We continue and reach an edge of Gondogoro Glacier and find a trail into a beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass. We set camp at a gorgeous location known as Dalsampa (4,150 m).

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 6.1 km
Time: 4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 102m/548m
Camp Elevation: 4,149m

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Day 16: Trek to Saicho (3,350 m) through Gondogoro Valley

We start off trekking through this amazing valley where participants camped last night. They valley soon comes to a sudden end where we are left with two options of trail. The first option is to trek down between cliffs and the glacier. The second option is to move forward on the cliffs. Our guide will make a decision based on discussion with local porters who trek more frequently and are aware of recent conditions on at least one of these routes.

Gondogoro La Trek becomes easy once both these trails meet. We continue trekking and pass through the pastures of Gondogoro. One can see temporary shelters made of stones by herders. Soon a little stream requires to be crossed before reaching the lateral moraine. One can observe big trees while walking on this moraine that goes down until the bottom of Gondogoro valley where camp is setup. Our campsite Saicho (3,350 m) is a sandy part with thin grasses along the glacial river at junction point of the Charakusa and Gondogoro valleys. After almost one week below 4,000 m altitude, “oxygen rich” supply of air will be available to breathe and participants can sleep better to the running water’s sound.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Loss: 798m
Camp Elevation: 3,350m

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Day 17: Contingency day in case of possible delays.

There can always be a chance for delays at some point during Gondogoro La Trek. It’s always a good idea to keep time for this. Otherwise normally this day would be used for rest at Saicho which is a good camping site to get some sun bath, fill in your diary or do some laundry. Those who still want to explore can trek to Charakusa valley. If anyone opts for this option, we shall make an early morning start and pursue a trail upstream on moraine (lateral) of Charakusa Glacier, a habitat for snow leopard. On a lucky day someone from the team may spot an animal or at least see signs of the big cat which our guides can guide you to.

After crossing some ice and rubble, moraine and glacier, we make it to major Charakusa glacier. How far to go depends on when we start, glacier conditions and participant's energy level. Although if every factor is favorable, we can walk far enough to get views of K7 and K6. It will approximately take 6-8 hrs to make this round trip which is another great extra on the Gondogoro La Trek.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 18: Walk to Hushey's main village. Last trekking day.

Since we are below 3,500 m, it is wise to start trekking early to stay away from heat that can go above 35 degree Celsius. This day will comparatively be an easy trekking day of between 3 to 4 hrs. We will follow the river that brings the glacier melt of Charakusa, Gondogoro, Ailling and Masherbrum glaciers. The valley eventually turns south and gradually participants start to see signs of shelters, homes, fields etc and we finally ascend to a plateau where the central village is located. The central village is made of alleys, traditional stone-made buildings built with river stones etc. The buildings are two-storey structures. Ground floors are used to shelter animals whereas the upper floors shelter humans.

More recently villagers have also built modern houses. The village has a school, hotel, shop and a camping site for trekkers where our team will make camp. The remaining day can be used to rest or to explore the Hushey village and interact with the community who are tourist friendly and most hospitable. It will be the last day of camping on Gondogoro La Trek.

On this Day
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
GPS Data
Distance: 7.2 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Loss: 302m
Camping Elevation: 3,050m

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Day 19: Drive to Skardu following the rivers of Hushey, Shyok and the grand Indus.

The return road journey offers amazing sightseeing starting with passage through other villages of Hushey valley displaying small agricultural lands and mountain farming activities as we move downstream. We eventually come to the confluence where Shyok river (flowing from Ladakh) meets Hushey river. We will cross a bridge (suspension) above Shyok river to get to the other end. In the past traditional rafts (made of air-filled goat skins and large sticks) were used to pass the river. The goat skin was later replaced by tubes of tractor tyre in 1980s and this suspension bridge that is used now was built in1990s. After crossing of this bridge, we will find a surfaced road in Khaplu, a large village that has turned into a town.

Khaplu once was a princely state ruled by a Raja (Prince). Few signs of the princely state still exist. Our drive to Skardu from Khaplu becomes smoother and we gain pace on the paved road driving along the Shyok which leads us to the confluence with Indus River that we follow until we reach Skardu. We arrive at one of our partner hotels and get our first warm shower after more than two weeks, followed by a good meal. Some participants might have dreams about Gondogoro La Trek.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 20: Fly to Islamabad. Sightseeing during the afternoon.

The drive from hotel to airport is 40 minutes and it’s a metal road. We board the plane for a thrilling flight towards Islamabad. We once again fly by the Nanga Parbat. Reaching Islamabad airport after a great adventure is very different experience and takes getting used to. Our vehicle will be at Islamabad airport to take us straight to the hotel. We will settle in and have lunch if there isn’t any unusual delay. After a good meal participants can take the day for rest or sightseeing around the city or shopping for popular options like artifacts or rugs. In the evening we will be together to enjoy special meal at local restaurant or at our hotel and share experiences of Gondogoro La Trek.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 21: Contingency day for delays in fly schedule.

Skardu is weather dependent area to fly as planes only operate when there is visibility for the pilot to land. The weather in summer is mostly good for the pilots to fly but mountain weather conditions may change to bring rain. Alternative way is to go by road through the Karakorum Highway which is a great experience for many foreigners. If we fly to Islamabad, the day can be used to rest and for sightseeing. The leaders of the trekking party will guide participants on this day with available options.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 22: Departure from Islamabad. Airport transfer from hotel.

Our land package for Gondogoro La Trek ends only with breakfast and transfer to airport.

On this Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Is this Holiday for you?

The trek up to Concordia is comparatively simple even though the trail is fairly rugged. The extended Gondogoro La Trek towards Gondogoro Pass however means walking on glacier, rubble, stones and snow at different stages for the coming three days. The walk on glacier and snow climb requires crampons and axe. We will trek between 6 miles to 8 miles every day that can take between 5 hrs to 6 hours during the extended stage. During times when the glacier is concealed with snow, the participants will walk roped together as a team.

For crossing the Gondogoro Pass, we will need mountaineering gear including crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet at different stages. We will also use fixed ropes/lines at steep slopes on the pass for the safety of our participants and crew. Our guide/assistant will teach all participants a few basic techniques before making the ascent on the mountain pass. Experience of walking on high altitude is a precondition for the Gondogoro La Trek and a little familiarity with using crampons on snow slopes is highly advantageous.

Holiday Information & FAQs

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What does package include?

► Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for Gondogoro La Trek)
► Airport transfers on first and last day from/to Benazir International Airport, Islamabad
► All domestic flights and transfers (according to itinerary)
► All road transport in Pakistan (according to itinerary above)
► All accommodation in Pakistan (hotels and camps) according to itinerary
► All meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at hotels and camps
► All trekking requirements on ground (including cook, support staff, porters, gears (excluding personal) etc
► Government trekking permit fees/paperwork for Gondogoro La Trek

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What does package not include?

► Travel insurance
► Visa to Pakistan (Letter of Invitation and other supporting documents will be offered by us for visa application)
► International flights (return tickets)
► Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
► Miscellaneous (drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc at hotels)
► Souvenirs

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Food and Meal Plan

During Gondogoro La Trek, participants will be served all three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). The food will include combination of Pakistani and foreign meals made of ingredients bought in Pakistan. Breakfasts will include coffee, tea, cereals, eggs, porridge/muesli, chappatti/bread. During trekking, lunches will be eaten during lunch breaks with options from tinned/canned meals (fish, meat), crackers, pickles, cheese, chapatti, pate etc. Depending on the weather, the lunches start with or sometimes end with soup, coffee or tea, juices etc. Dinner is always eaten in mess tent which is freshly prepared by our cooks travelling with us. During the initial days of trekking, fresh vegetables are also cooked until they remain fresh. Vegetarians must inform our office in advance if they want their entire meals to be vegetarian.

Iodine treated drinking water will be made available in the mornings, during breaks and while camping. Everyone will be drinking spring water when available but at other times, we do not have options other than consuming glacial melt water that might consist of silt. Our kitchen uses a large container for water supply that helps in settling down the silt at the bottom. If you do not like the odor of iodine, you might want to bring your own supply of bi-carbonate of soda. Conventional methods work well for everyone but we keep on experimenting new methods.

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Arrival in Islamabad (Pakistan) and Airport Transfer

All our guests must arrive on day 1 at Benazir International Airport, Islamabad (Pakistan’s capital). Our guide/staff will be waiting for you outside the international arrivals gate in the airport premises who will take you to the hotel. All guests must notify us if they do not need transfers from airport. Guests must also submit their inbound and outbound flight details to our office two days before their arrival in Pakistan. Once you confirm your registration and make payment, more details including names and contacts numbers will be sent to you. Airport transfers will also be provided on the last day.

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Accommodation

This holiday consists of 22 days and 21 nights. A total of 03 nights will be spent at a hotel in the capital city of Islamabad, 2 nights at one of the hotels in Skardu town, and 16 nights camping in tents in the beautiful mountains. We arrange stays at standard hotels in Islamabad and our hotel picks in Skardu are always one of the best in town. Rooms at our selected hotels will be provided on twin-sharing basis and will have en-suite amenities. During camping days, you will also be sharing a two-person tent. If you are traveling alone, you will be teamed with one of the other participants (of the same sex) for room and tent sharing. However you can get separate hotel rooms and separate tents for additional cost but both require booking in advance. Extended hotel reservations in Islamabad are possible.

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A Typical day

On all trekking days, your guide will wake you up for warm tea or coffee followed by a good breakfast inside the mess tent(s). You will have time before breakfast to pack your bags again. Camp will be closed after breakfast and porters will get to work carrying supplies and luggage ahead of guests to arrive at the lunch site and prepare meals. Porters will repeat the same “trek-earlier” approach for dinner preparations. We will generally hike for 3-4 hours before lunch. Lunch normally takes at least one hour so it is a good time to gain your strength back, read, write etc.

Trekking after lunch break in the afternoon will generally be shorter than first half of the day. Once you reach the next camp, camps will either be setup or in the process and kitchen crew would serve a hot beverage first and dinner will be served when its ready. One can rest, socialize, read, write, and photograph etc upon reaching a camp. Temperature normally decreases at night and participants can get cozy in their personal sleeping bags before getting enough sleep for the next day.

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Domestic flights

In order to reach Skardu (northern areas), we will be taking a flight which is subject to weather as the valley is surround by mountains and requires high visibility for any flight to operate. Due to the weather factor, no flights are guaranteed to operate. Flights to Skardu do operate often but there are always chances for cancellations and in that case we keep road transport as backup and on standby. We cannot take the risk of waiting for another day in Islamabad for another flight for good reasons including complex airline booking system, tourist traffic flow in flights etc. Please beware of other trekking companies offering Gondogoro La Trek that might keep you waiting in Islamabad in hopes of flights and end up not completing your long-awaited trek on time.

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Karakoram Highway (In case of Flight Cancellation)

We advise all our guests to read foreign travel advices on their respective country’s foreign office websites. Travel advice for EU residents from their home country to your destination country (Pakistan) can be found on the European Commission website here. Participants from other countries can look up on relevant websites or search “foreign office travel advice”. Most websites advice against travelling by road in Pakistan and some websites don’t seem updated. Please take note that incase one or both internal flights cancel, we will drive on Karakoram Highway and then via Gilgit-Skardu road to Skardu. This route is available on Google maps here.

Journey on Karakoram Highway is one of the best experiences in Pakistan for any foreign or domestic tourist, providing views of amazing natural environment and indigenous people throughout the road trip and never has any of our guest openly regretted traveling by KKH. We strongly advise that you contact and gain more information from your travel insurance company regarding road traveling coverage. If your company does not offer full coverage for your trekking holiday, you might look for other companies. For example in UK, British Mountaineering Council offers good solutions.

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Guide (leader) and Group Assistance Staff

All participants will be managed by our professional guide for the whole trekking holiday. They will be licensed and recognized from Pakistan’s Ministry of Tourism. Our guide will be the focal person for communication, assistance, help and complaints during Gondogoro La Trek. Our guides have vast experience with foreign clients and can communicate in English. They have been trained to interact with participants in a professional manner and we will appreciate if you keep the relationship friendly and yet professional. If you are a big private group from one country speaking a different language (for example Spanish), we can try rescheduling our guides speaking your language (if available). You will also be accompanied by kitchen crew, assistant(s) depending on the group size and last but not the least, porters.

These tough local porters belong to different villages of the surrounding areas and are mostly small subsistence farmers. They wait for foreign tourists to arrive so that they can earn and compliment to their existing income while their kids look after their small farms. Naturally they are tourist-friendly people who also have fun during trekking by having laughs and dancing to local songs when they get a chance. These porters and their elders have been doing it for decades and watching the porters at work with such energy is another vital offering of this holiday.

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Miscellaneous Expenses and Budgeting

For expenses other than your holiday cost, you can carry approximately 240 EUR/250 USD/200 GBP/1700 CNY (or equivalent in your own currency). This can be used for other expenses including tips for porters and supporting staff. You can purchase Pakistani Rupees (PKR) upon arrival at the airport at good rates. US Dollars, Euros and Pound Sterling can quickly be converted into the local currency at the airport.

The porters are paid in Pakistani Rupees, not to mention everything else you may want to purchase in Pakistan. US Dollars will have an advantage of being easily exchanged at even smaller towns but we recommend one-time exchange. Credit cards can come handy for shopping in Islamabad for souvenirs/gift items including rugs. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will be available in Islamabad and Skardu but using your debit/credit cards, you will only be able to withdraw Pakistani Rupees from ATMs.

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Managing Tips

It is common that our participants at least tip the porters for their hard work carrying participant luggage and supplies. If you feel satisfied with the services of the guide, assistant(s), kitchen crew, you can contribute to the total tip. 95-120 Euros (or equivalent in your currency) would cover this element of the total expenses. The tour leader/guide helps all participants in deciding a tip for all crew members of Gondogoro La Trek. These tips are then handed over as a group in a “thank you” ceremony organized at the conclusion of the trek.

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Baggage Allowance

Porters discussed above will be carrying your baggage/luggage apart from supplies, equipments etc. The maximum weight limit for your packed trekking bag is 12.5 kilograms (20 pounds). The load of your sleeping mattress and sleeping bag is included in the maximum limit. Please only bring required items on the trek. It will be possible for you to leave parts of your luggage at the hotel in Skardu. The maximum limit (12.5 kgs) strictly followed is assigned by the local porters organization. Your baggage allowance will not include equipments for mountaineering that you will bring along for Gondogoro La Trek. We will collect from you the mountaineering equipments in Skardu that shall be carried separately by our porters.

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Altitude

All our potential guests are advised to read carefully and know the different elevations mentioned above for each trekking day. This is a strenuous trek at very high altitudes. Although this should not worry you as humans are reasonably gifted to become accustomed to high elevations, we must acclimatize according to our well-planned itinerary.
Gondogoro La Height/Elevation: 5,585 meters

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Equipment List

We are providing you with three lists for Gondogoro La Trek. List 1 and 2 contain items and equipments that you must bring. The third list contains optional items you might need on your trekking holiday. Based on your own judgment you can select things that you might need from the third list.

List 1 - Must Bring Items:
► First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
► Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
► Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
► Mittens or gloves
► Gloves (Thermal)
► Headtorch with spare batteries
► Hiking boots
► Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
► Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
► Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
► Sunglasses
► Sunhat
► Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
► Warm hat
► Warm jacket (down)
► Water bottles 1litre (x2)
► Waterproof jacket
► Waterproof over-trousers
► Antibacterial hand wash
► Shirts/T-shirts
► Small towel
► Socks
► Spare laces
► Underwear (normal and thermal)
► Trekking poles (highly recommended)
► Wash-bag and toiletries
► Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
► Baselayer - leggings (Thermal)
► Trekking Trousers
► Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)
► Mountaineering equipments (See "List 2" below)

List 2 - Mountaineering Equipments:
► Crampons
► Mountaineering boots that must be compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2.
► Ice axe
► Climbing harness
► Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2)
► Climbing helmet
► Prusik loops X two (2) - (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2)
► Sling (120 cm)

List 3 - Optional:
► Buff or scarf
► Small padlock (for locking your bag)
► Camera
► Insect repellant
► Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
► Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
► Liner (for sleeping bag)
► Travel clothes
► Bottle for Pee

Equipment Purchase Options:
► Gear Express
► Bergzeit
► Mountain Gear
► Trekk INN

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Minimum Group Participants and Holiday Status

The required number of participant bookings i.e. six (6) registrations are required to conduct the “Fixed departures”. Although we receive several guests for each fixed departure, we feel that it is important to mention it. You can make sure of the trip status on this page. Status “available” means we are registering guests and “guaranteed” means we have crossed the required number of participants and the trip will commence on the given dates. We will constantly be in touch with all our guests who register. We will timely guide you step by step regarding visa applications and flight reservations to Pakistan etc.

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Travel Documents & Visa

In order to apply for visas to Pakistan, you generally need a passport expiring later than (6) months. For more reliable and updated information, we suggest you to contact the nearest Pakistani consulate or embassy in your country. We expect that you will take full responsibility for ensuring you have the right travel documents. Normally if you are visiting non-EU countries, you must check for 2 vacant pages in your travel document (passport) for every country you plan to travel.

A tourist visa (visit visa) is required to come to Pakistan for trekking. People on work visas (already in Pakistan/abroad) require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) which normally takes up to 6 weeks. The requirements and fee for tourist visas to Pakistan is normally around 200 USD but for accurate information you should consult Pakistani consulates nearby. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need a Letter of Invitation from our company and sometimes a duplicate (copy) of the “government trekking permit” for the group, processed by us. We will help you with all necessary documents to obtain the visa once you register with us.

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Vaccinations

We advise you to get in touch with a relevant doctor before leaving for Pakistan. Inform your doctor of your plans, check for any necessary vaccinations and list down prevention measures. Participants must be protected with the recommended vaccines and boosters in your country and also consider discretionary vaccine shots for example Malaria prophylaxis. Malaria does exist in parts of Islamabad.

You will be staying in clean areas and have minimal chances of getting malaria. However hospitals in Islamabad report cases of Malaria and even Dengue especially during the rainy days. In Skardu and other cities and towns of northern areas, there is also a risk of malaria, even if a little. Long sleeves, long pants and mosquito repellents almost wipe out any chances or getting the relevant vaccine would be the best you can do to avoid the disease during your holiday. We also recommend a visit to your dentist before you start your holiday into the remote mountains.

All those guests who want to extend their stay in Pakistan after Gondogoro La Trek up to four (4) weeks or further must be aware that on exit, a proof of vaccination of polio will be important. Proof of yellow fewer vaccinations will be necessary if you are coming from countries (more than 12 hours transit country also included) with threats of transmission of yellow fever. You might want to check out more information on health here.

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Batteries and Accessories

You may require portable chargers, extra batteries and storage cards etc during your holiday in the mountains. We suggest you start making a relevant list of sockets, adapters and other electrical items you might need to keep your devices last as long as possible. Click here to find out the best portable battery chargers.

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Preparations for Trekking

Before your departure, it would be reasonable to spend time preparing. You can consult a professional trainer for professional advice or you can simply follow basic rules (long walks, hikes or other cardio exercises building stamina) knowing that you should be healthy enough to walk and ascend for hours mentioned above on rugged terrain from dirt to boulders, from glacier ice to sometimes snow.

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Know Before You Go – Travel Safety

We support all travel and health safety campaigns by countries around the world and therefore advise our guests to take out time and read official travel advisory on their home country’s Foreign Office websites. We consider safety of our guests our top priority. We will only commence with trips when we are reasonably satisfied with security. Should we feel dissatisfied regarding security, we will be in touch with all our guests booked for Pakistan and have a two-way communication.

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Weather

During your holiday, you can experience maximum temperatures of up to 45 °C in Islamabad, 30 °C in Skardu and 26 °C in Askoli. The days will be warm (unless clouds take over) until we arrive at camp in Concordia where temperatures during the day will decrease to less than 10 °C. Slopes leading towards Gondogoro La Pass will be covered in snow until early July.

We might walk on snow on Baltoro glacier’s higher part in June and this snow normally melts by mid July. In August and September, you might experience snowfall depending on how the weather turns out. Temperatures in the Karakoram Range are unpredictable. Temperature might decrease down to -10 °C during any time of all trekking periods while camping anywhere between Paiju and Concordia. Fixed departures in September can go even lower than -10 °C. Monsoon does not fully affect the Karakoram Range making summers the best time for Gondogoro La Trek, providing bright skies. However due to past experience with unpredictable weather, we must be prepared for unfavorable weather conditions.

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Books

In case you want to read more about the two treks we are offering on this website, you might like the following books:
► Trekking in Pakistan by Isobel Shaw
► Top Treks of the World by Steve Razzetti
► Throne Room of Mountain Gods by Galen Rowell

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Gondogoro La Map (Gondogoro La Trek Map)

Gondogoro La Map is available on our website. We have used Google satellite maps to highlight the route for Gondogoro La Trek. You can explore, find and zoom in the location of all camps and navigate around mountains. The direction towards Concordia from Askoli and then towards Hushe valley from Concordia is highlighted in yellow. The changing terrain of the route in Karakoram Mountains will be clearly visible to you on this map. You will also be able to find pictures for each camp (by clicking on the place marks). Calculating distances on the map from one camp to another will also be easy. A hard copy of Gondogoro La Trek Map will be provided to you at the start of your trek.