Gasherbrum I Expedition

Gasherbrum I Expedition

Gasherbrum I Expedition To the heart of Karakoram

Spectacular views of Nanga Parbat & K2 from the flight

Experience the culture and hospitality of the friendly Balti people

One of the world’s top Climbing and Mountaineering Adventure.

Explore the Ancient Himalayan Kingdom, Baltistan

Experience the Concordia and the Baltoro Glacier

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD:

Pass By: Islamabad International Airport, Airport Ave, Islamabad Gandhara International Airport, Islamabad, Attock, Punjab, Pakistan
Most of the international flights arrives at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport, then transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the days is free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Gasherbrum I Expedition. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: HOTEL

Day 2: SPECTACULAR DRIVE TO SKARDU

Pass By: Islamabad Zoo, Pir Sohawa Road, Islamabad Pakistan
Today we travel to Skardu on Karakoram Highway. Skardu is the Capital of Baltistan. It’s a 18 hours drive. If you want to stop over then we have the arrangements to stay in Chilas for the night then next day drive to Skardu. Chillas is the viewpoint or getaway to Nanga Parbat. Check in to the Hotel, rest of the day will be spent visiting the local Bazars, historical forts, scenic lakes or visiting ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who had influence in the area before Islama.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: HOTEL

Day 3: SIGHTSEEING DAY IN SKARDU & PREPARATION DAY,SKARDU:

Pass By: Skardu Villas, Airport Road, Shigri Kalan, Skardu, 16100
In the morning we will walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (builded early 1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If you are into photography then this is a perfect location to take photos of Skaradu Town at sunrise or sunset. (we can arrange this for you). We will then walk to a small village, called Organic village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore. perhaps you would like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the bazaar.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: HOTEL


Day 4: DRIVE TO ASKOLI

Stop At: Shigar Valley, Shigar Pakistan
Following day we will drive along the Mighty Indus, Shigar and Braldu River to the lush green Shigar Valley towards Askoli. Askoli is the last village before entering into the heart of Karakoram. We will spend our first night under the Stars in Askoli, which is high above the thundering Braldu River. Askole is a single street of wooden houses, backed by irrigated fields of corn, potatoes and groves of apricot trees.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 5: TREK TO KORFONG

Stop At: Concordia Expeditions Pakistan, Karim Abad Road, Hunza, Karimabad, Gilgit-Baltistan
Today will be our first walking day of Gasherbrum I Expedition Pakistan. After organising all the equipment and supplies, our porters loads up for the journey ahead towards Korofong. From our campsite we wend our way through the lanes and fields of Askole which will be the last settlement that we will encounter on our trek to Concordia. Watching the local people go about their daily business is a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the hardy Balti people. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glaciers, we have our first taste of moraine walking, we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to the green spot beside the river at Korofong. We will be in camp by lunchtime, we can spend the afternoon relaxing by the river, and also do a short acclimatisation walk if we wish. If the weather is clear then it can be a hot day so keep your sun creams and lots of water with you.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 6: TREK TO BARDUMAL

Stop At: Jhola Camp, On the trek of K2 Base Camp, Korphe Bridge
From Korofong we continue our Day by following the path up a side valley to do a detour to cross the fast flowing river by a foot bridge. We then walk for another half an hour or so to reach the Jhola Camp. The views are impressive with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s needles in the distance. From Jhola we continue onto Bardumal campsite.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 7: TREK TO PAJU

Stop At: Paiju, Gerze, Ngari, Tibet, China
Today we will have an early start from Bardumal. The path runs for a while at the very edge of the river, before climbing to higher ground and allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak. We have to negotiate a couple of streams today and depending on the melting of the glaciers above, we may have to ford these (sports sandals or old trainers useful). Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this camp we have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier, granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups, and if the weather is clear then might see a glimpse of k2.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAPMING

Day 8: TREK TO KHOBURTSE

Stop At: Paiju, Gerze, Ngari, Tibet, China
Another early start today. From our camp at Paiju, a walk of approximately one hour brings us to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. After viewing the outpouring of melt water from the ice we climb up onto the back of this great beast. At this point the ice of the glacier is completely covered by rubble and rocks and although we are following a trail used by many expeditions, the going here can be quite tough. The trail undulated as we climb over the swells of the flowing glacier and it is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum or K2. Gradually we work our way across the glacier to its south side where we can use a path along lateral moraine. Heading roughly east we continue, sometimes on the moraine and sometimes down beside the glacier until we reach a side valley. At this point it may be possible to continue more or less directly by climbing up onto the glacier. Or, if the glacier is not easily accessible, we will turn off into the valley for approximately half an hour to reach a point where we can cross the meltwater stream (sandals or old trainers required). Finally reaching the camping place at Khorburtse (3,760m) we have sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, the Trango Group and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho. A great day of trekking over difficult and mixed terrain.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 9: TREK TO URDUKAS

Stop At: Trango Adventure, Radio Pakistan Chowk, Skardu, Baltistan Pakistan, Skardu 16100 Pakistan
Today is a short day but quite hard work as we walk up the undulating moraine and gaining height all the way. We continue east beside the Baltoro Glacier either along the lateral moraine or sometimes on the glacier itself, passing the ship-like prow of Great Trango and the isolated pillar of the ‘Nameless Tower’ to our next camp at Urdukas. It has truly sensational views of the Trango Towers to the west and directly opposite and almost a mile away across the valley, the vast rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang rise like ramparts above the glacier. This is a truly awesome place. We should reach here in time for a late lunch and the rest of the afternoon is free to camp, relax and soak up our fabulous situation.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 10: ACCLIMATISING DAY AT URDUKAS

Pass By: Urdukas, Pakistan
From many years of experience we have learnt that taking a rest day at Urdukas has worked well, the advantages of spending an extra night here are very Helpful. It helps the acclimatization process and has proved to be more effective than a rest day at Paiju.

This is the last campsite on grassy slopes off the main glacier, it also has facilities for washing and cleaning. There is a pleasant walk behind the campsite through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers. Climbing high & sleeping low is the best way to help the acclimatisation process.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 11: TREK TO GORO II

Stop At: Muztaga Glacier Park, Tashkurgan, Kashgar, Xinjiang, China
Leaving Urdukas behind, we follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu glacier, which flows from Masherbrum, and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m) and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. We are quite high now and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions, so we will make sure to wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier where ledges have been levelled out for the tents.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: HOTEL

Day 12: TREK TO CONCORDIA

Stop At: Concordia Expeditions Pakistan, Karim Abad Road, Hunza, Karimabad, Gilgit-Baltistan
Today we will Trek to the mighty Concordia, it will take us through what must arguably the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world! Our approach to Concordia continues along the heaving swells of the Baltoro Glacier as we pass Mustagh Tower (7284m). Ahead of us Gasherbrum IV (7925m) acts like a beacon drawing us on, whilst at some points on today’s walk we can also see Gasherbrum ll (8035m) which peeks out to the right of Gasherbrum lV. As we make our way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad Peak (8051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left. K2 keeps itself hidden until the very moment we reach Concordia when suddenly its full height is revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4000 metres from the valley floor to the summit – a site that will never be forgotten. Concordia is a wide area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on the planet and here you can stand within 24 kilometres of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks! We make our camp at approximately 4500 metres on a moraine ridge surrounded on all side by jagged peaks including Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak and K2.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAPMING

Day 13: TREK TO GASHERBRUM BASE CAMP

Stop At: K2 Mountain, Skardu Karakoram Mountain Range, 16100 Pakistan
Today we will trek to the base camp of Gasherbrum Base Camp.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 14: CLIMBING & ACCLIMATISING :DAY 14 - 54

Pass By: K2 Mountain, Skardu Karakoram Mountain Range, 16100 Pakistan
Non guided climbing of Gasherbrum I Expedition will start from today onwards. During the climbing period our staff will be at base camp to help and assist you. Will be there to give you full back up support. Our professional Chef will make delicious and nutritious food Through out the Trip. We Strongly Believe that, Nutritious food plays a vital role in Trekking And Expeditions.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 15: TREK TO KHOBURTSE

Stop At: K2 Mountain, Skardu Karakoram Mountain Range, 16100 Pakistan
After the Climbing period of Gasherbrum I Expedition, we will start descending on the Baltoro Glacier. It is amazing how different everything looks in descent with our constant field of vision now filled with an entirely different view. The drop in altitude starts to become more noticeable as the granite walls and spires lining the glacier, which yesterday looked almost lower than us, now tower to lofty heights above. It is also a little warmer and there is more oxygen in the air. Passing through the campsite of the Duke of Abruzzi at Urdukas we can marvel at the tenacity of those early pioneers who endured untold hardship simply to get to their base camps. After taking lunch on the Duke’s terrace, with sensational views across the glacier to Biale Peak which remains hidden except from this vantage point, we continue trekking down this huge valley, sometimes on the glacier and sometimes along the moraine or the valley sides until we reach Horbose, our first off-glacier camp for some days. Ahead now we can make out the end of the glacier and the start of the valley of the Braldu. We can even see the patches of green on the lower slopes of Paiju Peak which mark the location of the spring water camp.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 16: TREK TO PAJU

Stop At: Paiju, Gerze, Ngari, Tibet, China
We will continue our trek on the Baltoro Glacier with spectacular views of the Trango Towers towards Paiju. As on our approach we have to detour to the south in order to cross the Liligo Glacier. This glacier defies world trends in that it is steadily growing. Twenty years ago its snout was half a mile up the valley and now it has collided with the main Baltoro Glacier, with the result that the churning forces have made it impossible to cross without the detour.

Having made the detour and returned to the main Baltoro Glacier, we now cross to its north side, climbing over the huge swells of the glacier towards the ramparts of Uli Biaho. On the other side we then work our way down to the valley where we pick up the main trail and pass by the snout where the underground river which flows through the length of the glacier erupts out in a cascade to become the Braldu. The last hour of the day is an easy walk on a good path although there is a final uphill pull to reach the campsite. On our first arrival here we relished the prospect of a cooler climate ahead. Now we will welcome its warmth! We will spend our night at the green oasis of Paiju.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 17: TREK TO JHOLA

Stop At: Jhola Camp, On the trek of K2 Base Camp, Korphe Bridge
Now we are off the glacier and at a lower elevation it is considerably warmer and we may make an early start to use the cool of the morning. Leaving Paiju, we walk on a good trail down the valley. Once again it is surprising how different the experience is compared to our ascent. The trail rises and falls as we cross several alluvial fans. We have to cross some side streams today, mostly using makeshift bridges or stepping-stones but it may be necessary also to wade across, especially later in the day. The source of all these streams is meltwater and so they grow bigger as the day gets warmer. At one point the trail passes close to the river beside walls of conglomerate and it is possible to feel its tremendous power. We follow the main Braldu River downstream to its confluence with the Panma River where we turn north-east to reach a camping place beside the toll bridge at the place known as Jhola.Now we are off the glacier and at a lower elevation it is considerably warmer and we may make an early start to use the cool of the morning. Leaving Paiju, we walk on a good trail down the valley. Once again it is surprising how different the experience is compared to our ascent. The trail rises and falls as we cross several alluvial fans. We have to cross some side streams today, mostly using makeshift bridges or stepping-stones but it may be necessary also to wade across, especially later in the day. The source of all these streams is meltwater and so they grow bigger as the day gets warmer. At one point the trail passes close to the river beside walls of conglomerate and it is possible to feel its tremendous power. We follow the main Braldu River downstream to its confluence with the Panma River where we turn north-east to reach a camping place beside the toll bridge at the place known as Jhola.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 18: TREK TO ASKOLI

Stop At: Biafo Asian Tours Pakistan, Hopar - Nagar Rd, Nagar, Nagar Khas, Gilgit-Baltistan
Today will be our last Trekking day of Gasherbrum I Expedition Pakistan. We are returning to civilisation after many weeks in the wilderness. Soon we will follow a pleasant trail which leads down to the little ablation area beside the Biafo Glacier known as Korofon, surrounded by sparse grasses and tamarisk bushes. Beyond Korofon we first follow the glacial moraine of the Biafo and then walk beside the river that issues from its snout until we reach a bridge which allows us to cross to its north side. The trail passes through a wide flat area known locally as the ‘King’s Polo Ground’ before climbing to pass through a convenient cleft in a ridge of rock which threatens to bar further progress down the valley. Descending steeply down the other side of this ‘window’, we have a pleasant stroll through a boulder-strewn landscape before climbing once again up onto a shallow plateau. We cross several small side valleys and begin to see various signs of habitation before reaching an irrigation channel bring meltwater to the field of Askole. We follow the channel for a while and can appreciate the tremendous skill of the local people who have harnessed the distant snows to grow their crops in a high altitude desert. Eventually we reach green fields and stone walls which lead us into the village. Most of our porters are from Askole and will be pleased to be home. To reach our campsite at the road head, we must first walk through the outlying fields and then descend from the little plateau on which the village is located.

Today we can celebrate our success of Gasherbrum I Expedition with the porters and hand out their tips as a token of our appreciation for their hard work throughout the trek. Also, we often give them any spare kit that we no longer needed which is also a way of saying thank You. Most of our porters are from this village so later on at the campsite we will say goodbye to our crew who are now our friends and we will perhaps have a final party here.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: CAMPING

Day 19: DRIVE TO SKARDU Via SHIGAR VALLEY

Stop At: Shigar Valley, Shigar Pakistan
Our vehicles will already be waiting for us in Askole so we make an early start for the return drive to Skardu. Crossing the Braldu on a suspension bridge we follow the remarkable road built through the Braldu Gorge. It is not uncommon for this road to be blocked by landslide and we may have to change vehicles if the road is blocked. If this is the case we will retain some of our porters to transfer the bags while we walk across any landslide areas. Once we have climbed up out of the gorge at the other end the road improves as we travel down the fertile Shigar Valley to its confluence with the Indus. Now we have a faster, smoother journey on a paved road following the great Indus River into Skardu. Arriving in the town we will check in to our hotel and there will be time for a Hot shower and clean up before sitting down to dinner. Tonight we will enjoy the comfort of a real bed.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: HOTEL

Day 20: DRIVE TO ISLAMABAD

Pass By: Upper Kachura Lake, Skardu Pakistan
Today we will drive down the Karakoram Highway. We will arrive in Chillas late afternoon. We have the option to stay in Chilas for the mightn’t or Carry to reach Islamabad. We give our client the choice.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: HOTEL

Day 21: CONTINGENCY DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS-Islamabad

Pass By: Karakoram Highway, Hassanabdal Pakistan From Hassan Abdal to China border, Gilgit Pakistan
If driving down the Karakoram Highway we will arrive to Islamabad late afternoon. If we managed to fly the day before then we will spend today sightseeing in Islamabad. In the evening we will have a final group meal.

Skardu is a ‘weather dependent’ airport which means the planes will only fly here if the visibility allows line of sight to the runway by the pilot on the approach. Fortunately the weather is mostly clear in the Karakoram but local weather conditions can bring cloud and rain from time to time. If we cannot fly we will travel down to Islamabad by road along the spectacular Karakoram Highway. If we flew up to Skardu this will be an added bonus as it is a fantastic travel experience in its own right. The drive down the Indus River to Islamabad takes two days so this is an important contingency day to allow for this. If we have flown to Islamabad this will be a further day for sightseeing in the capital and your leader will advise the group on the options available for today.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: HOTEL

Day 22: DEPARTURE DAY

Pass By: Megazone Islamabad, Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad Pakistan
After Breakfast, we will Transfer you to the Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home.

End of trip.


No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.