K2 Base Camp & Pastore Peak Climb
The K2 Base Camp & Pastore Peak Climb is an exciting adventure that takes participants on a difficult route to the legendary K2 Base Camp and the scenic Pastore Peak. This trek offers a unique blend of stunning scenery, hard climbs, and a sense of accomplishment in Pakistan's awe-inspiring Karakoram ranges. It is an opportunity to push one's physical and mental capabilities while taking in the breathtaking grandeur of the Karakoram region.
Trip Highlights
Highlights
Climbing
- Climb an easy trekking peak (6,000m plus) in Karakorams
- Different views of K2 & Broad Peak
- This a good opportunity to feel the air at 6,000m for aspiring mountaineers with minimal previous crampon and ice axe experience.
- The flexibility of resting at base camp in case the participant doesn't feel like climbing
Trekking
- Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m). View four 8,000m peaks (K2, Gasherbrum I & II, Broad Peak) and other peaks (Gasherbrum 4, Laila, Gondogoro Peak etc) from one point.
- Base Camps of K2 and Broad Peak
- Night Stay at K2 base camp
- Circular/Circuit trek to scenic Hushe Valley
- Concordia – Throne Room of the Mountain Gods
- Trek along Vigne and Gondogoro glaciers from Concordia after trek to Godwin Austin glacier via Baltoro Glacier (5th longest and world’s largest outside polar region).
- Gilkey memorial
- View 8,000 m peaks including Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), and K2 (8,611 m) from Goro II, Concordia & base camps.
- View of other peaks between 5,000m to 8,000m including Gasherbrum 3 and 4, Chogolisa, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marbel Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, Urdukas Peak, etc.
- View of Glaciers (e.g. Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, Mandu, and more), glacial lakes, waterfalls, and streams
- Indus, Panmah, Braldu, Hushe, and Shyok rivers
- Valleys of Shigar, Hushe, and Ghanche
- Balti porter life, jeep safari, etc
- Meet mountaineers at base camps
- Sightseeing in Skardu and Islamabad
Itinerary
The Itinerary for K2 Base Camp & Pastore Peak Climb is noticeable below
Today's GPS Data Altitude: 2,498 m Participants will take a beautiful trip from Islamabad Airport to Skardu Airport this morning. If the clouds cooperate, you will be able to view Nanga Parbat. The day is free after arriving at Skardu. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 2,498 m After breakfast, the participants will go to Skardu's Kharpocho Fort, which is positioned on a mountain. The Kharpocho Fort offers a spectacular view of the Indus River and Skardu town. Participants will also have the option of taking a tour of Sadpara Lake, followed by free time in Skardu Bazaar. During the sightseeing, our personnel will take care of any further government paperwork that is required in Skardu. This can take up to two days. We have contingency days planned at the conclusion of the walk in case of delays. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,015 m The participants will begin their jeep safari in the direction of Daso, passing via the Shigar Valley. The journey will take place along the banks of the Braldu River, which runs all the way to Askole. Askole will be the final settlement on our itinerary; after exiting the jeeps, participants will begin walking. However, depending on the road conditions, participants may begin their walk before arriving in Askole. The distance up to Skardu will take you between six and eight hours to complete. The road has recently been extended up to Jhola and Paiju. Work on construction and maintenance is ongoing. Because of this road aspect, the route may change slightly. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,418 m Distance: 19.8 km Duration: 6-7 hours On this day of our K2 base camp trip, we will follow the Braldu Gorge and the Braldu River's bank. The participants will be able to see the spectacular Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak rocks. Participants should avoid getting sunburned on this day because the walking conditions can be exceedingly dry and hot. Several glacier streams flow down into the valley, and depending on the water levels, participants will need to utilize river crossing shoes. On a clear day, the trekkers will be able to see the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. On this day, the participants will climb away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where they will see trees for quite some time. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,418 m The participants will spend the day at Paiju Camp getting acclimated and resting. The porters, on the other hand, will take their time baking bread for the following week on the glacier. On this day, an acclimatization walk to Paiju Peak base camp is also possible. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,788 m Distance: 14.7 km Duration: 5-7 hours The walking will be difficult on this day, but the landscape will become more spectacular with each step onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail involves continual up-and-down climbs on the glacier moraine, and while the trail is relatively safe, it is strongly advised to be cautious at all times. As they go, the participants will be treated to breathtaking vistas of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. The participants will next walk a steep road along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be set up. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,905 m Duration: 4-6 hours After passing through two small glaciers, the Trango Towers can be viewed. The players would spend the night in Urdukas, near the army camp, the next night. The camp is located 100 meters above the glacier. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,285 m Distance: 11.9 km Duration: 6-8 hours The participants on our K2 base camp tour will be strolling in the center of the glacier on this day. The medial moraine will be followed, with views of Masherbrum (7821m) to the south. The athletes will be hiking up and down the rocky moraine and walking by large ice seracs as they progress. This will be the first night's stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, which is located at the junction of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband Glacier. The temperature could plummet drastically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be revealed for the occasion. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,512 m Distance: 11.7 km Duration: 5-7 hours On this day of the K2 base camp trip, hikers will arrive at Concordia after trudging up the moraine continually, with more and more high snowcapped peaks appearing along the route, culminating in the view of K2. Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri, and many other summits may be viewed. Today's GPS Data Altitude: K2 BC (5,155m) + Gilkey (5,230m) + Broad Peak (4,844m) Duration: 6-7 hours Today, you can hike up the Godwin-Austen glacier to the Art Gilkey Memorial (an American geologist and mountaineer), which is right before K2 Base Camp. This is a fantastic day. We will leave early in the morning, crossing the glaciers onto the thin track leading to K2 (the trail is all rocky). The mountain appears to grow larger and larger as we follow the glacier toward K2. Broad Peak appears to our right, and we pass the base camp after around 3 hours. We normally stop here for lunch and then continue on with K2 looming over us as we approach closer and closer. The Art Gilkey Memorial is located just before base camp, among the rock and ice-strewn landscape. A brief scramble gets us to the memorial for those whose lives K2 claimed. Plaques and etched tin plates are affixed to a small rocky outcrop at the base of this massive mountain. There are excellent views of K2 just above us, and we may see some climbing excursions. We spend the night in K2's base camp. Today's GPS Data Altitude: Pastore Peak (4,800m) Base Camp: Duration: 3-4 hours On this day, we retrace our steps back to the K2 base camp and proceed towards Pastore Peak, which is located southeast of K2 and east of Broad Peak. The Godwin Austen Glacier is crossed on the way to Pastore base camp. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 6,209m Duration: 10 hours Pastore Peak is intended for ambitious mountaineers who want to attempt their first Karakoram trekking peak with little previous crampon and ice axe expertise. Its location is unrivaled; Pastore Peak is located at the point of a triangle formed by K2 and Broad Peak. The ascent to the summit from base camp takes about 10 hours. Our climbing guide will determine the number of days we will have for the climb. His option to rest, acclimatize, or press for the summit will be influenced by the weather, the health of the participants, and the overall team spirit. Those who do not intend to climb the summit at this time can relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the base camp. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,800 m Although we have plenty of days for climbing, we will have this extra day in case of terrible weather windows. Duration: 4-5 hours On this day, we return to Concordia from Pastore Base Camp and recover in preparation for the next day's walk. On this day, the participants will take a little different and less traveled path. To avoid crevasses, short mini-tours will be undertaken, and participants should walk on tough ice rather than slick ice. In the event of snow, the participants and porters will walk together while wearing crampons and roped together. The base will be established in Ali camp, which participants will arrive at after hiking for 5-6 hours. The name "Ali Camp" comes from a local porter who was the first to traverse the Gondogoro La Pass. When the participants arrive at the base, they will be taught some basic techniques for the next day's crossing of the Gondogoro La Pass. Participants will be up as early as 2 a.m. After getting ready and eating breakfast, the group will depart as one team for the Gondogoro La base. Depending on the situation, our support personnel will be on hand to repair ropes or assist members with equipment. The trip to the top of Gondogoro La Pass takes about 3 hours. You will be able to see and experience all four 8000ers in the Baltoro region. K2, G1, Broad Peak, and G2. Fixed ropes will be used extensively while descending to the other side, and the usage of crampons is critical for the members' safety. Members will get views of the stunning and sword-shaped Laila Peak (6,096m), as well as vistas of other Trinity summits. To avoid jolting stones on their teammates, the members will have to be extremely cautious when descending and look out for every step they take. The routes grow easier as the participants descend the slope and go along the moraine. The camp will be located at Khuispang (4,600m), the meeting point of the Gondogoro and Trinity Glaciers. On this day, the participants will continue hiking down. Because the descent will be a relatively easy hike, the climbing equipment, such as ropes and crampons, will be packed while descending. The rough and mountainous terrain will be carried over the lovely green landscapes of Hushe Valley. After lunch, the hikers will proceed to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, where they will find a track that will lead them to a magnificent valley of rhubarb and grass. There are two routes to the destination at the valley's end. Our guide, with the help of local porters, will choose the most popular treks. When the two pathways intersect, the journey becomes much easier. The members will visit stone cottages built by herdsmen and local inhabitants. The participants will see the signs of the villages in the vicinity on this day and will be able to breathe easily due to the large trees and lower altitude. The camp will be put up at Saicho (3,350m), a sand and grassy area along the flowing glacier water streams. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 2,498 m Distance: 20 kilometres trek + 127 kilometres drive Duration: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive On this day, participants must hike down the river stream of glacier-melted water from the Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum, and Gondogoro Glaciers for only 3-4 hours. The participants will begin to notice signs of dwellings, shelters, fields, and people living. The participants will see the Hushe village's two-story shelters, where the ground floor is for cattle and the first floor is for the family to live. Participants can explore the picturesque hushe valley and connect with the locals after setting up your camp. This would be the Gondogoro La Trek's final camping day. When the participants arrive at Hushe, they will depart towards Skardu town, and the route will take them through many magnificent scenes of the Hushe Valley's various little villages. To reach to the other side, the participants will traverse a suspension bridge spanning the Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India). Traditional rafts constructed of goat skin and filled with air were used to traverse the river in the past. The suspension bridge that is now used to traverse was erected in the 1990s. The participants will arrive in Khaplu after crossing the bridge. The road from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smoother, and the option to take is the paved road along the Shayok River, which leads to the Indus River's confluence. Participants will arrive in Skardu in 4 hours after traveling along the Indus River. The participants can use the amenities that they did not have for the previous two weeks. The first item on the list would be a hot shower, followed by a satisfying supper. This day is set aside for any potential trekking delays. We do not want any of our visitors to miss a domestic flight owing to delays. These delays can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including (but not limited to) road construction. This time can be spent sightseeing in Skardu. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 590 m The participants will fly from Skardu Airport to Islamabad Airport on this day. You will have a pleasant time relaxing at the Islamabad Hotel. Domestic flights are occasionally canceled due to weather conditions. If your flight is canceled, you will drive to Chilas for the night. A vehicle takes eight to 10 hours. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 538 m This day is set aside for any potential delays if the domestic flight does not operate the day before. Our guests will travel from Chilas to Islamabad in the early morning, which could take up to 10 hours. However, if the players make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight, it would be a free day. This time could be spent sightseeing in Islamabad. Meals for this day included: Breakfast Our personnel will transport all of our customers to the airport at their scheduled departure times. All of our partner hotels have a 12 pm check-out time. Extra nights/time in Islamabad (hotel check-in/check-out time is 12 pm) - USD 59 per night Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram
Day 03: Enjoy a Free day in Skardu
Day 04: Travel to Jhola, or Paiju
Day 05: Trek from Jhola to Paiju following the Braldu river
Day 06: Rest and acclimatise in Paiju
Day 07: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
Day 08: Cross small glaciers and walk to Urdukus
Day 09: Trek to Goro II, the meeting point of the Baltoro and Young Husband glaciers
Day 10: Trek to Concordia through a rocky moraine
Day 11: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial, and K2 Base Camp
Day 12: Trek to Pastore Base Camp
Day 13-15: Climb Pastore Peak
Day 16: Contingency (in case of severe weather)
Day 17: Return trek to Concordia and rest
Day 18: Trek to Ali Camp
Day 19: Trek to Khuispang over Gondogoro La
Day 20: Trek to Saicho
Day 21: Trek to Hushe and then drive to Skardu
Day 22: Skardu contingency day/rest
Day 23: Flight to Islamabad
Day 24: Make-up day for flight cancellations
Day 25: Fly back to your home country
Holiday Overview
The K2 Base Camp & Pastore Peak Climb is an extraordinary excursion that blends the enchantment of reaching the iconic K2 Base Camp with the adrenaline of summiting the spectacular Pastore Peak. This adventure offers an unparalleled mountaineering experience in Pakistan's harsh and awe-inspiring Karakoram ranges.
Participants will arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital city, where they will be received and transferred to a hotel for preliminary preparations. A local flight from Islamabad takes them to Skardu, a bustling town that serves as the gateway to the Karakoram valleys and the expedition's starting point.
Participants will have time in Skardu to make group preparations, acclimatize, and finalize any necessary arrangements. They can also visit the colorful bazaars, mingle with other climbers, and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
The trip begins with an exhilarating jeep ride from Skardu to Askole, the final inhabited settlement before the trek to K2 Base Camp. Participants set off from Askole on a challenging and scenic trip through picturesque valleys, across violent rivers, and through rocky terrain. With each step, they get closer to the famed K2 Base Camp.
Reaching the K2 Base Camp is a massive accomplishment, surrounded by towering peaks and massive glaciers. Participants will experience the camp's colorful atmosphere, meet mountaineers from all over the world, and share in the unique camaraderie of those daring to conquer K2.
After acclimatizing at the base camp, the goal is to summit the magnificent Pastore Peak. The ascent necessitates technical knowledge, physical endurance, and mental fortitude. Participants will go through intensive training, hone their climbing skills, and handle steep slopes and difficult terrain with caution.
Participants will rise steadily towards the summit of Pastore Peak, accompanied by professional guides and Sherpas. The climb requires precision and coordination, as well as the use of specialized equipment and ropes to ensure safety. Participants will be rewarded with stunning views of the Karakoram range and the surrounding majestic peaks as they rise.
Standing atop Pastore Peak's peak is an amazing success, providing a tremendous sense of accomplishment and incomparable panoramic vistas. The breathtaking backdrop of neighboring peaks, glaciers, and valleys leaves participants in awe of the natural grandeur that surrounds them.
Participants retrace their route back to Askole and then Skardu after descending from Pastore Peak and returning to the K2 Base Camp. They will travel back to Islamabad from Skardu, where they will reflect on their wonderful adventure and celebrate their accomplishments.
The K2 Base Camp & Pastore Peak Climb is a once-in-a-lifetime mountaineering adventure that blends the appeal of reaching the legendary K2 Base Camp with the adrenaline of summiting the spectacular Pastore Peak. It allows participants to push their physical and mental limitations, appreciate the magnificence of the Karakoram ranges, and make lifelong memories in one of the world's most breathtaking mountainous places.
