Article Gondogoro Trek
Trek into the heart of Karakoram
One of the most impressive mountain areas of the world lies on both sides of Baltoro glacier. Mountain range Karakoram is dominated here with the ridge Baltoro Muztag with the second highest mountain in the world – K2 (8,611 m asl). And right here leads Gondogoro trek (sometimes called Baltoro trek, K2 trek or Concordia trek). The starting point to the entire area is the provincial town of Skardu reachable not only by bus along Karakorum highway, but also by air from Islamabad. From there it is only a few hours away by jeep to the beginning or end of trek in Askole, or rather in Hushe. Unlike the „competitive“ area around Everest, which sometimes looks like a recreation place for retirees and where mass tourism abounds at every turn, it still has a nice expedition atmosphere here. The trip to Pakistan is worth even just because of the area around Baltoro glacier. From Askole it takes at least five days before arriving at fabulous place Concordia that is surrounded by lots of beautiful mountains and the best view of K2.
Day 1
Transfer to Askole
The first day awaits you long transfer through the valley of river Shigar, then through Braldu to Askole (3 045 m asl). Be sure to be acclimatized in the surroundings of Skardu beforehand. Askole itself is a small oasis below the mountains with a lively climbing life. Every local men wants to become a carrier, so there are sometimes also small scuffle with them.
Drive Skardu - Askole
Long way to start of the trek
One hundred and twenty kilometers along a dusty road from Skardu ( 2,235 m asl) to Askole (3045 m asl) takes by jeep around seven hours, so basically the whole day. Even so, it makes the beginning of the trek much easier. A few years ago you would have to start the trek much earlier. The road leads through a wide valley of the river Shigar full of oasis before it turns sharply off to the east and rises through the valley of the river Braldu fed from huge glaciers of Karakorums ridge. continue reading
Day 2
Hike from Askole to camp Johla
The second day awaits you finally the start of the trek. You will hike about twenty kilometers, but gain only a hundred meters of altitude, so if the sky is clear, expect that it will be quite hot in the sun. Along the way you will pass the moraine of the glacier Biafo and trekking expeditions heading towards the pass Hispar and Snow lake will leave you here.
Hike Askole - Johla
Warming-up stage of Gondogoro trek
Gondogoro trek 1: The first part of Gondogoro trek leads along a comfortable path through relatively arid landscape to the moraine of the glacier Biafo . Here the expeditions turn to crossing of the pass Hispar and the Snow lake or to more difficult path to Shimsal . Our way leads on to the main valley of the river Dumordo where is the camp Johla (3 150m asl.) located. continue reading
Day 3
Hike from Johla to Paiyu
The third day awaits you another twenty kilometer long stage though arid, but picturesque valley surrounded by nice mountains. From Paiyu is already visible the moraine of Baltoro glacier, along which you will hike the forthcoming few days.
Hike Johla - Paiyu
To the moraine of Baltoro glacier
Gondogoro trek 2: At the beginning of the second day of Gondogoro trek lasting about seven hours and 20km, the path from the camp of Johla turns back to the main valley. It then slightly rises the whole day along the river of Biahu Lungma to the camp Paiyu, which is already in sight of the massive frontal moraine of Baltoro glacier. Above the river rise rock walls smoothed by the glacier and on the horizon rise monumental pointed shields, under which you will walk the next days. This stage of the trek is ideal to get used to walking, but that does not mean it is not interesting. In addition, at good weather it can be very hot here, so it can be more tiring than it may seem at the first sight according to the terrain and elevation. continue reading
Day 4
Walk from Paiyu to Urdukas
The fourth day is very long and grueling. You can expect endless walk on the glacier Baltoro covered with debris. On the other hand, around you will rise incredible Trango towers and everywhere will be a lot of picturesque glacial lakes. The camp Urdukas located high above the glacier is also an amazing outlook place.
Hike Paiyu - Urdukas
Entrance to Baltoro glacier
Gondogoro trek 3: The third day of Gondogoro trek you enter to a huge front moraine of Baltoro glacier and continue along the endless debris on its surface to the outlook camp Urdukas (about 18km). Guides wish here rather cloudy weather than azure sky since the heat can be devastating during this 11-hour walk. But the views of the surrounding mountains are beautiful. continue reading
Day 5
Hike from Urdukas to Goro II
The fifth day awaits you a little less demanding portion of kilometers, about 12, but even though the walk to Goro II (4 325 m asl) takes almost seven hours. In addition, you will hike all day at height of more than four thousand meters above sea level. Just here you will appreciate the previous acclimatization. At the end of this stage you will enjoy the first beautiful view of the sunset over Gasherbrum.
Hike Urdukas - Goro II
Along Masherbrum
Gondogoro trek 4: People almost do not want to leave from the camp of Urdukas (4 050m asl.) renowned by amazing outlooks not only of the famous Trango Tower. That is also why a lot of trekking groups make a rest day here. But if you go on, you will not regret it at all, because the way to the next camp of Goro II is also very nice with the constant views of the pyramid of Masherbrum and nice glacial formations sticking out of the Baltoro glacier. continue reading
Day 6
Hike from Goro II to Concordia
This day awaits you another highlight of this trek – hike to Concordia surrounded by eight and seven thousand high mountains with a view of famous K2. A real paradise for hikers.
Hike Goro II. - Concordia
Walk among the giants
Gondogoro trek 5: Twelve kilometers between Goro II. camp and Concordia by air equal more than six hours long walk along the glacier covered with a layer of rubble. But the expended effort is in good weather rewarded by beautiful views of the local giants, glacial formations and vision of amazing sunset in Concordia. continue reading
Walk around Concordia
Trekkers paradise on earth
After five days of intensive walk from Askole you come to a fabulous place Concordia (4595 m asl), situated at the confluence of the Baltoro glacier with Godwin-Austen with an amazing view of the second highest mountain in the world K2 (8,611 m asl) and many other local giants. Sunsets are well-known here. The mountains turn golden brown and tourists can enjoy the fantastic views directly from their tents, which are lying on the cold glacier. continue reading
Possible trips from Concordia
The most popular trip from Concordia is the K2 BC trek leading to the base camp below K2. One-day or two-day trip. A lesser known trip is the trek to BC Gasherbrum I (Hidden peak), via the Sharing campsite. A two-day trip.
Hike to BC K2
Trek under the second highest mountain in the world
The hike to BC under one of the world's most difficult mountains K2 in Karakoram is the most famous side trip of the Gondogoro trek. You will approach the mountain, which is a magnet not only for climbing expeditions but also for trekkers who want to look under this legendary mountain. continue reading
Day 7
Hike to Ali camp
From Concordia you can get back to Askole, or rather to Skardu along the same path (so-called Concordia trek or Baltoro trek) or choose more interesting way and cross the pass Gondogoro and walk down through the valley to Hushe. In this case you have to hike along the Vigne glacier in the direction of Ali camp lying at nearly five thousand meters above sea level.
Hike Concordia - Ali camp
Path throw the Vigne valley
Gondogoro trek 6: The last stage before crossing Gondogoro la pass is approximately six hour lasting ascent from Concordia to Ali camp in a completely icy Vigne valley. As number of cracks on the snowy glacier gradually increase, caution is more than in place. Beautiful views back to K2, Broad Peak and others are worth the effort. Ali camp is a small rocky plateau surrounded with ice on all sides. continue reading
Day 8
Crossing the pass Gondogoro
The eighth day awaits you the greatest and most dangerous challenge of the entire trek – crossing of the pass Gondogoro la. You will be rewarded for the difficult ascend in the darkness along a steep glacier with the sunrise in the pass and views of one of the most beautiful peaks in the world Laila peak (6 096 m asl).
Hike across Gondogoro La pass
Climbing available for tourists
Gondogoro trek 7: The most difficult part of the Gondogoro trek leads through the same pass bearing the same name (5625 m asl). If there are no fixed ropes hung on both sides of the pass, it will be impassable for ordinary tourists. Thanks to this high mountain crossing it is not necessary to go back to Askole the same way – you may go down to Hushe through valley of Gondogoro glacier. It's an amazing „expeditionary“ experience in fine weather. Despite its height there are surprisingly not so nice views of the eight-thousand high mountains as from Concordia. However, the view to the other side of the pass to pointed Laila Peak (6096 m asl) is really worth it. continue reading
Hike Gondogoro la - Dalsangpa
Descent from the pass Gondogoro la
Gondogoro trek 8: The descent from the pass Gondogoro la along the glacier bearing the same name is quite unpleasant and for trekkers also quite dangerous. The walk along the glacier is more difficult than along Baltoro glacier on the other side of the ridge. There are more cracks and sometimes even guide has trouble with finding the right way. It is possible to have a rest on the way to the camp Dalsangpa (4 120 m asl), in case of an emergency even stay overnight in the camp Hispung (4 675 m asl) lying at the confluence of two glaciers. In good weather you will also see the majestic Masherbrum from the other side and a gigantic ice-fall falling from it. continue reading
Day 9
Descent to Hushe and return to Skardu
Last day of the trek awaits you continuation along the glacier Gondogoro to camp Shaitcho and on to Hushe. Here is the possibility to accommodate, but most of the tourists already want to get to Skardu the same day, so they usually set out for several hours lasting drive back with an interesting stop in Khaplu. In addition, it is possible to significantly extend the trek in these places for the ascents in the side valleys to:
- BC Masherbrum
- or BC K6 and K7
Hike Dalsangpa - Hushe
Final stage of Gondogoro trek
Gondogoro trek 9: Also during the final stage of Gondogoro trek is always something to look at. The way descends for a long time along the glacier Gondogoro surrounded by six thousand meters high mountains. Then follows a long walk through typical green oasis among the arid peaks, along which you will get to the last village in this valley – to Hushe. continue reading
Drive Hushe - Khaplu - Skardu
Through the valley of Shyok
Although the trek ends by coming to Hushe, a long way back to Skardu in an off road vehicle still awaits you. Along the way are nice views of the wild valley of river Hushe, awaits you the journey in the wide valley of Shyok and worth seeing is also the palace in Khaplu. continue reading
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