k2 & gondogoro la trek

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K2 & Gondogoro La Trek

K2 is the second-highest peak in the world after Mount Everest, which stands at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level. It is located partly in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan province and partly in the Karakoram Range. A British crew surveyed the mountain for the first time in 1856. As the second highest peak in the Karakoram Range, the mountain was given the designation “K2” by team member Thomas Montgomerie.

Gondogoro Pass, situated at an impressive altitude of 5,585 meters, is a mountain pass nestled in the Baltistan region of Pakistan. This route is essential in connecting the Gondogoro Glacier to the southwest and the Vigne Glacier to the northeast. It is located about 25 km south of K2, the second-highest summit in the world. The path drops into Hushe village, which has the highest settlements in the Ghangche District, on the southwest side of Gondogoro Pass. Most hikers and climbers choose to approach from the northeast side. A major route was created in 1986 that crossed the Gondogoro Pass to connect Concordia in the upper Baltoro Glacier to the Hushe Valley. Since then, this pass has grown in popularity and become a favorite travel destination for hikers as well. The captivating vistas of the towering 8,000-meter peaks of the Karakoram Range are what make it so alluring.

Highlights:

Full-board trekking holiday
► Baltoro Glacier – world’s 5th longest non-polar
► Grand views of Gasherbrum, Broad Peak and K2 from Concordia
► Stunning peaks of Cathedral, Trango and Lobsang
► Several peaks between 5,000 – 8,000m
► Gilkey memorial and Broad Peak Base Camp
► Glaciers, glacial lakes, rivers and streams
► Balti porters, jeep safari etc

DaysProgram
Day 1Islamabad Arrival
Day 2Fly to Skardu
Day 3Market Day in Skardu
Day 4Drive from Skardu to Askole (3,040 m)
Day 5Askole to Jhula (3,149 m)
Day 6Jhula to Paiju (3,400 m)
Day 7 Paiju – Khoburtse (3,833 m)
Day 8Khoburtse – Urdukas (4,053 m)
Day 9Rest Day in Urdukas (4,250 m)
Day 10rdukas – Goro 2 (4,250 m)
Day 11Goro 2 – Concordia (4,600 m)
Day 12Concordia – K2 Base Camp (5000 m)
Day 13K2 Base Camp – Concordia (4,600 m)
Day 14Rest day at Concordia and Skills Training (4,600 m)
Day 15Concordia – Ali Camp (4950 m)
Day 16Ali Camp – Gondogoro La Pass (5,650 m) – Kuisbang (4,700 m)
Day 17Kuisbang – Saicho (3430 m)
Day 18Saicho – Hushe – Drive to Skardu
Day 19Fly to Islamabad
Day 20Contingency Day in Islamabad
Day 21Client Departure Day
Is K2 and Gondogoro la trek Safe?

The K2 and Gondogoro La trek is very safe. This Trek is located in the Baltistan region of Pakistan. The Baltistan region has been hosting foreign tourists for many decades. Crime level has been recorded at ZERO for decades, and people of this area are well-educated and peaceful.

During the trekking session, you will be walking on the dry land from Askoli and a few days on the surface of the glaciers, which do not contain any climbing. You do not need climbing skills and climbing equipment to complete this trek. Trekking across glaciers and through streams deep within the mountains, the K2 and Gondogoro la Trek have a strenuous rating.

At Trango Adventure, the well-being of our guests is our top priority, and that’s why our experienced ground crew always takes essential safety measures. Injury prevention is our top priority, and safety is always our main concern. Our 40 years of experience providing trekking holidays in Pakistan sets us apart from other travel companies. Over the years, we’ve learned how important it is to be ready for any unexpected situation. We recognize the value of preparedness and work hard to acquire the resources necessary to handle any emergency.

We understand the importance of clear communication in an emergency and have invested in satellite phones. Even though they are expensive to acquire and maintain, we refuse to put profit above safety. Because of this, your mountain guide will bring a means of communicating through satellite. With these tools, we can contact rescue workers from wherever in Pakistan.

We also appreciate individual interaction and have arranged for a satellite phone for guest usage at a fee of $5 per minute (paid in local currency).

The distance is 95 km from Askoli village. Askoli is the last village of the Shigar valley. We drive from Skardu to Askoli village and start hiking towards K2 and cross the Gondogoro pass into Hushe valley. It takes 5-6 days to reach the summit of the Gondogoro la Pass, the highest point being 5,550 meters at the top of the Gondogoro Pass and 4-5 days back to Skardu.

The weather is mostly sunny with a clear sky during the trekking season in the summer. Unlike, the Everest base camp trek, we do not have monsoon season in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. It does not rain very often, however, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable so be prepared for brief downpours and storms. In addition, the conditions you encounter will vary from location to region.

Islamabad: The capital city of Pakistan is the starting point of the journey, experiencing hot and humid weather between May and September. Rain from the monsoon season could fall at this time as well. Daytime highs average around 42°C (97°F), while overnight lows average around 25°C (75°F).

Skardu: Skardu is the capital of the Baltistan region and is at an elevation of 2,250 meters, so expect higher daytime temperatures and lower humidity as you travel there. Skardu has cooler, more comfortable nights. Dust along the main bazaar route because of the neighbouring Sarfaraga and Katpana cold deserts, and you may experience strong winds and dust storms. Skardu experiences its highest average monthly temperature of 32°C (80.4°F) in July, with lows of 12°C (50°F) at night. The rays from the sun are sharper due to the high altitude, and it could feel hotter than the actual temperature.

We advise you to pack for a wide range of climates, from the hot, humid, and potentially wet climate of Islamabad to the varying temps, dust, and strong winds of Skardu. Take clothes that will keep you warm, dry, and safe on the hike. We will send you a packing list for the K2 and Gondogoro La trek closer to departure.

You must be in good physical condition and able to walk for lengthy periods (up to 7 hours) through varied terrain. We will walk between 5-7 hours daily during this trekking session of this holiday. You will carry only your day bag with a bottle of water, a camera, hat, sun cream etc. We will have several local porters and mules to transport the gear.

The best time to do the K2 and Gondogoro la trek is from June until the end of August. Gondogoro Pass is only open from mid-June until the end of August. The rest of the year it remains close. During the mentioned months, a rescue team from Hushe village fixes the ropes and assists all tourists to cross the pass. They provide this service for a set fee which is included in our holiday package.

A trekking visa is required for the K2 base camp trek, the K2 and Gondogoro La trek, or other trekking activities in the Baltoro region. Baltoro is in a restricted zone (Central Karakoram National Park). You are not allowed to enter this zone with a standard tourist visa. The restricted area has an entry fee of around $200, which is included in our K2 base camp trek package.

The Trekking and Mountaineering Visa application must be submitted through the government’s official visa application website. We will send you all the required documents to apply for the trekking visa, including the Letter of Invitation (LOI).
Being reputable and one of the oldest tour operators in Pakistan, our clients ‘ visa success rate is 100%.  All our clients get trekking visas on time before their departure dates. Read this in-depth post for information on how to submit an online application for a Pakistan trekking visa.

The K2 and Gondogoro La Trek do not require previous trekking or mountaineering experience. No technical climbing knowledge or experience is necessary. This hike is perfect for explorers who wish to experience high-altitude ice glacier trekking and gain basic knowledge of climbing. Anyone in generally good health who has hiked long distances before is welcome to sign up.

Most of the time will be spent on solid ground, with only a few days traversing the glacier. Our staff will pitch tents for you to sleep in the evening and take them down in the morning. We will also show you how to use the harness, crampons and jumar to cross the pass.

The K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro la Trek an excellent options for high altitudes and training for future ascents of summits between 6,000 and 7,000 meters.

Your fitness level determines if you need to prepare for this trekking holiday. Before joining this trek, it will help if you work on your aerobic fitness and strength endurance. Despite the gradual ascent, you may expect to spend five to eight hours on the trail. Whether or not you need to train for this trek can be determined by taking a couple of lengthy day treks on mountainous terrain near you.

The food in Pakistan is well-known for being excellent. During the trek your,

  • Breakfasts feature omelettes/boiled Eggs, pancakes, cereals, jam, butter, honey, freshly made local bread, tea and coffee.
  • Packed Lunch will have sandwiches/bread, boiled eggs, potatoes, cheese, a chocolate bar, dry fruits, tin fish and munchies.
  • Dinners are beautifully made and feature a range of curries, soups, salads, noodles, pasta, lentils, rice dishes, meats, and desserts. End your meal on a sweet note with a selection from the dessert menu. Fresh mangoes and melons are available during the first week of the hike and are a welcome treat.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets are routinely accommodated. Contact our travel advisors for further information.

You will need a good quality, high altitude sleeping bag (minus 15), sleeping mat, walking stick, harness, jumar, karabiner, helmet and crampons. Most of our clients bring these items, but you can hire them in Skardu.  All these items may be rented in Skardu for approximately one hundred dollars.

      Include:

  • Islamabad Airport transfers for international flights
  • Internal flights and associated airport transfers
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as described
  • All meals (3 times a day), unlimited water fill-ups
  • Private vehicle and driver
  • All permit fees, Royalty fees, Gondogoro la crossing fee
  • Once on the trek, a full service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
  • English-speaking, experienced, and Government licensed Mountain Guide
  • All Wages and basic kits of a guide, sirdar, Porter, cook and assistant(s)
  • Insurance of porters, Guide and other crew (except helicopter rescue)
  • Sleeping tents, Mess tents, toilet tents
  • Satellite phone for emergencies
  • Generator/Solar panels for light and charging electronic devices
  • First aid medicine kit (basic)
  • Domestic flights, Visa documents.
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      Exclude:

  • Travel Insurance, international flights
  • Pakistan Visa Fee
  • Tips for local guides and support staff
  • Guided Islamabad and Skardu sightseeing
  • Miscellaneous expenses
  • souvenirs etc.

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