3 in 1 Trek

1. GONDOGORO PASS

2. BIAFO HISPER SNOW LAKE

3. FAIRY MEADOWS

 
THE GREATEST MUSEUM OF SHAPE & FORM ON EARTH...FOSCO MARAINI
 
GONDOGORO PASS K2 BASE CAMP TREK, Known as the most spectacular trek in the world, the traditional expedition route to K-2 (Chogori) 8611 M - the second highest mountain on Earth, cuts through the greatest concentration of some of the highest peaks in the world.
 
08 of the world's 30 highest peaks of the world stand around this unusual trek. The apex of this incredible trek is CONCORDIA one of the  biggest piedmont glaciers of the world. It is a  spectacular junction of Godwin Austin Glacier, Abruzzi Glacier and Baltoro Glacier. It banks, 06 peaks over 25,912 ft (7900 M) within a short radius of 07 miles (11 Km).
 
The walk to Concordia, however, is not a task to be undertaken lightly. It's a hard trek up and down the gorges, across rushing icy torrents, through broken rocks, over wire-rope bridges and through crevasse glaciers.
 
The incentive for this strenuous walk is undoubtedly equally rewarding. Chongo Brakk, Mango Gusar, Sobla, Chiring, Bakhordas, Bardumal, Liligo, Paiju, Trango Towers Group, Uli Biaho Towers, Mitre Peak, Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum 3, 4, 5 & 6, Broad Peak, Chogolisa, Golden Throne, Sia Kangri, Angles, Marble Peak & the Mighty K-2 are just a few of the innumerable mountain vistas to be witnessed on this trek in addition to tranquil lakes, blossoming fruit orchards, meandering rivers, tumbling water falls and undulating sand dunes with a unique blend of the modest Balti culture marked with distinct language, architecture and dresses.
 
BIAFO HISPAR TREK, A river of pure white driven snow, less vast only than snow lake below, bounded on either side by chains of lofty nameless "Snow Kings" - Workman 1905.
 
First explored by Sir Martin Conway in 1892. Later, the Workman Brothers in 1905 & further discoveries were made by Eric Shipton in 1939. The highlight of this trek is a great traverse across the Biafo-Hispar Glaciers - the longest ice corridor on earth, 116 Kms long. Our goal is Lukpo Lawo or the "Snow Lake" the biggest junction of glaciers on Earth, located North - East of these two gigantic glaciers. Encircled by unexplored & unnamed lofty  peaks, it has a breath taking spectacle. The Workmans called Snow lake "A huge basin of ice & snow that seemed in no way of this world."
 
Workman remarked the Biafo, "Its crevassed windings tend ever onward toward a greater environing beauty till they merge into the vast white ball of snow lake, where the bordering heights spread out and join hands in a peerless cirque of weird ice - covered towers befit to bivouac the god spirits of the Himalaya....".
 
Arriving snow lake, one feels like wandering in a dreamland. The Workmans called Snow Lake "a huge basin of ice & snow, unique we believe in the Himalayas, the diameter of which is over six miles, encircled by unexplored & unnamed ice peaks from 20,000 to 25,000 ft. As the sun flung its last flames of fire on the towering ice pinnacles, & the purple fangs of what might be called the Himalayan Aurora shot upward from the dull horizon to the blue zenith, one felt not only the overwhelming beauty but also the intangibility of a scene in no way of this world."
 
Sir Martin Conway, on first seeing Snow lake was moved to say, "The view ahead absorbed all our attention. It was beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has been my lot to behold. Before us a basin of snow, bounded to the North & East by white ridges, to the south by the splendid row of needle peaks & from the midst of the snowy lake roar a series of mountain islands, white like the snow that buried their glares, & there were endless bays & straits... the contrast between this blank plain & the splintered needles that jutted their 10,000 feet of precipice into the area gave so extraordinary a character to the scene..... I forgot headache, food, everything, in the overwhelming impression this majestic scene produced upon me." 
 
After feasting our eyes to the incredible mountain vistas, we continue our thrill seeking trek towards Hispar Pass 5151 M just the East of Snow Lake. It connects the Biafo Glacier with Hispar to form the longest ice corridor 116 Km on Earth.
 
The turbulent & broken surface of this majestic glacier winds its way down into the valley of Hispar in Nagar - a princely state in Hunza. The exuberance in confluence with dramatic display of the mighty Karakorams does not  just subsides here, rather , it "ascends" while we "descend" the Hispar Glacier. Breath taking views of Kanjut Sar 7760 m, Tah Rutam 6651 m, Hispar wall 5952 - 6123 m, Makrong Chush 6608 m, Yutmaru Sar 7330 m, Pumari Chush 7492 m, Kunung Chush 7852 m, Bularung Sar 7200 m, Trivor 7728 m, Rashpari 5058 m, Diran Peak 7257 m, & innumerable unnamed peaks will elate our excitement to the equal heights.
 
On arrival at Hispar village, we embark our jeeps to Karimabad - the capital of Hunza, described by Eric Shipton as " The ultimate manifestation of Mountain Grandeur".... ! Yes the Legendary Hunza - whose very name is overwhelming ! is known for its towering snow covered peaks, creeping glaciers, fragrant apricot orchards & the longevity of its people. Lord Curson noted that "The little State of Hunza contains more summits of over 20,000 ft than there are of over 10,000 ft in the entire Alps".
 
This magical land of contrasting geology abounds in glaciers too, including the 58 Kms (world's 5th longest ) Batura Glacier. The Nubra, Braldu, Hushe and Saltoro Rivers are born in the Karakoram glacial vastness: the Shayok River encircles the entire flanks of the range: but only the Hunza river literally cuts through the width of the Karakoram Range.
 
Hunza's extreme isolation thus imposed by the unbelievably steep gorges of the Karakoram, rise to a long standing, wholly indigenous & pure diet consisting almost entirely of apricots, wheat and "Hunza Water", a locally brewed wine, & hence the long living inhabitants. The hardy people of Hunza are thought to be the descendants of the Alexander's lost column of army.
 
Until 1974, Hunza remained a semi - autonomous princely state presided over by a benevolent "MIR" who personally held a daily court & the subjects paid taxes in shape of goods rather than money. Nestled under the shadows of Rakaposhi 7788 m, perches its capital Karimabad - guarded with centuries old sentinel of Altit & Baltit.
 
Our approach to Hunza is by jeep on the Karakoram Highway, a thin ribbon of pavement  carved into the walls of the stupendous Karakoram. This road completed in 1978 , now links by pavement the ancient trails of Gilgit to Kashgar's Silk Route.
 
Replenishing our lost energies, tasting the 22 species of apricots in the blossoming orchards & beholding the breath taking views of the Ultar Group, Diran, Rakaposhi & Shispar will be the order of the day. We shall then take a jeep ride to the Khunjerab Pass 4703 m, the Natural Habitat & National Park for the very rare & protected "Marco Polo Sheep". This pass is located right on the Pakistan-China border where we can reprint our footsteps into the Marco Polo's which he carved centuries ago on this historic silk trading route. 
 
We shall stay for a day at Karimabad, under the shadows of the towering Peaks before driving down the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit - which has been the transit lounge for the weary silk traders for many centuries. After sightseeing the Gilgit Bazaar & visiting the Gigantic Buddha sculpture engraved on a nearby mountain wall. From Gilgit we will take another short hike to the beautiful Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat base camp before driving down the Karakoram Highway feasting our eyes on the incredible vistas of the Mighty Indus. The memorable memories are now ours forever.
 
SUMMARY : From Islamabad we fly over Kaghan valley, Nanga Parbat and the Karakorams to Skardu - the district head quarters of Baltistan and a gateway to the great Monoliths of Pakistan. Perched at a height of 7500 feet, Skardu is located amidst an impressive landscape, towering mountains, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, creeping glaciers and quiet lakes. Skardu is in the heart of a towering frontier land. To its north lies the Sinkiang province of China, to the south Kashmir, to the West Gilgit and to the east the district of Ladakh in India. Skardu is the trekker and mountain climbers paradise. Nowhere can you find such a collection of lofty peaks and glaciers.
 
The Baltoro Glacier, the best known, is that spectacular conjunction of Godwin Austen and Baltoro glaciers called Concordia, lying in the heart of the most heavily glaciated region outside the polar areas. Within a radius of 12 miles rise six peaks over 20,000 feet. This is the center of the densest concentration of lofty peaks on earth. Some of these magnificent mountains in the Karakoram range are Masherbrum (25,600), Mustagh tower (23,690), K-2 (28,741), Broad Peak (26,400), Gasherbrum IV (26,810), Sia Kangri (24,350) Golden Throne (23,989), Mitre Peak (19,718), Chogolisa (25,110) and Hidden Peak (26,470).
 
After sightseeing the mountain desert, tranquil lakes, bustling Skardu bazaar and a 16th century Khorpocho Fort, for a day, We set off by jeep to Hushey - the last inhabited village and commence our exuberant trek with dozens of porters on the trails to the incredible wilderness of ice, rock and sky for over two weeks.
 
Although on the entire trek we are in absolute wilderness, we will take a colorful part of the Karakoram Culture with us. Our scores of lively Baltis who are tough enough to sing and dance after the hard day's work. We will be invited to join in. There will be many memorable evenings listening to their songs and watching their dances.

ITINERARY
 
Note :- Although we try to adhere to the schedule listed below, this itinerary is subject to change due to numerous reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, canceled or delayed flights, road washouts, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, sickness, govt restrictions, & all other unforseen exigencies.
 
DAY 01 ARRIVAL RAWALPINDI
Upon arrival met and transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. After a short rest drive to Islamabad for trek briefing at Ministry of Tourism and obtain trekking permit. Overnight hotel.
 
DAY 02 RAWALPINDI/SKARDU
Fly to Skardu, If unable to fly, same day we will drive to Skardu, spending a night in Chilas.
 
DAY 03 SKARDU
Emergency day in case, flight does not operate on day 02 this day will be use to transfer the members by road from Chilas to Skardu. Total drive time from Islamabad to Skardu is 22-24 hours. Overnight hotel.
 
DAY 04 SKARDU
Free day for rest, shopping or sightseeing. while staff will make final arrangement for the trek.
Overnight at your choosen hotel. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
 
DAY 05 SKARDU -TO- HUSHEY
AM : Embark jeeps for a full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Hushey - The last inhabitance on our way to the Great Glaciers. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
 
Note :-The road to Hushey also comes under rapid erosion and gets closed quite oftenly. If unable to jeep, the group will disembark & walk to Hushey on the same day or camp for overnight (subject to distance). Distance 140 Km, Drive 07-08 Hrs. Altitude  M.
 
DAY 06 HUSHEY -TO- SHAICHO
Today we leave the last inhabited village. For the remaining portion of our journey we rely on our porters who carry our food and equipments and sustain our expedition. Overnight in tents All meals served by camp staff.
Walk : 03 - 04 hrs, Grade : Easy, Altitude :  M,
 
DAY 07 SHAICHO -TO- DALSANGPA
The path follows the highest ridge of the lateral moraine through roses, gooseberries, cedar and tamarisk bushes, with views left leading down across the glacier and back to sheer rock walls and jagged crags. The trek is dusty and stony a steady, but not too steep. We will pass to the main summer settlement. Walk : 04-06  hrs, Grade : Easy, Altitude :  M
 
DAY 08 DALSANGPA-TO-KHUSPANG
Resume trek along the path continues towards north, outside of the lateral moraine, crossing several side streams. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
 
DAY 09 KHUSPANG - REST DAY
Rest day for the members to explore the valley and walk around. Staff will distribute the ration among the porters and will preparation themself for next hard days.  Overnight in tents. All meals included. Walk : 05-06 hrs, Grade : moderate, Altitude : 4600 M
 
DAY 10
KHUSPANG -CROSS GONDOGORO PASS- ALI CAMP
A very early start as early as 2 or 3 Oclock in the morning to cross the Gondogoro la to reach Ali camp. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
Walk : 10 - 11 hrs,  Grade : Strenous,  Altitude : 5700 M
 
Note: During the climb of Gondogoro pass, we will hire local porters who camp their during all the summer season to provide assistance to trekker, mountaineers and porters to cross the Gondogoro La without  any major difficulty.
 
DAY 11 ALI CAMP -TO- CONCORDIA
Walk on the left side of Vigne glacier, Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff. Walk : 06-07 hrs, Grade : Moderate,  Altitude : 4500 M.
 
DAY 12 CONCORDIA -TO- K2 BASE CAMP
After an early breakfast, resume a moderate walk on the Godwin Austin Glacier to K2 Base Camp. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
Walk : 05 - 06 hrs,  Grade : moderate,  Altitude : 4500 M.
 
DAY 13  -TO- DAY 15 K2 BASE CAMP
Two days for exploration around K2 Base Camp, those who feel energatic can walk up to Advance Base Camp. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
 
DAY 16  - DAY 20 K2 BASE CAMP -TO- KOROPHONG
Begin outbound trek to Askole via Concordia, Goro, Urdukas, Khuburse, Paiju, & Korophone. End of Trek # 1. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
 
DAY 21 KOROHONG -TO- NAMLA
Normal route to Baltoro glacier start?s from Askole village and it takes about 4-6 hours to reach Askole from here. We will turn west onto the Biafo Glacier.
Overnight & all meals in camp. Walk : 03 - 04 Hrs, Grade : Easy, Altitude : 3374 M,
 
DAY 22 NAMLA -TO- MANGO
A short & moderate trek on the glacier to Mango. Overnight & all meals in camp.
Walk : 03- 04 Hrs, Grade : Moderate, Altitude : 3235 - 3639 M.
 
DAY 23 MANGO -TO- BAINTHA
A comparatively longer walk on somewhat difficult trail. Overnight near the junction of Biafo-Baintha Glaciers.
 
Overnight & all meals in camp.
Walk : 05-06 hrs, Grade : Strenuous, Altitude : 4428 M.
 
DAY 24 BAINTHA -TO- SIMGANG
Trek on the crevassed Biafo to the Simgang-Biafo Junction. Overnight & all meals in camp. Walk : 06-07 Hrs, Grade : Strenuous, Altitude : 4472 M.
 
DAY 25 SIMGANG -TO- SNOW LAKE
A strenuous walking day yet the most rewarding & perhaps the most memorable day of your life. Overnight & all meals in camp.
Walk : 04-05 Hrs, Grade : Strenuous, Altitude : 4950 M.
 
DAY 26 -  DAY 27 SNOW LAKE
Depending on the physical ability & interests of the group we have allowed two days for exploration & minor climbs around the Snow lake. Meanwhile our porters will ferry the excess equipment & food across the Hispar Pass. Overnight & all meals in camp.
 
DAY 28 SNOW LAKE -TO- HISPAR PASS
Today we begin our outbound trek. A moderate descend to the Hispar Base Camp.
Overnight & all meals in camp. Walk : 4-5 Hrs, Grade : Strenuous, Altitude : 4875 M.
 
DAY 29 CROSS HISPAR PASS
An early rise to undertake an "Alpine Ramble" across the Hispar Pass 5151 M. Members must posses the basics & some experience of using ice axe, crampons & self arresting techniques. Good physique is mandatory. Descend to the base of the pass for overnight. All meals in camp. Climb : 07 - 08 hrs, Grade : Alpine, Altitude : 5151 to 4880 M.
 
DAY 30 HISPAR BASE -TO- KHANI BASHA
Trekking under the shadows of Tah Rutum & Balchish Groups 5952 M to 6651 M, we descend the crevassed Hispar to Khani Basha Glacier and camp for the night. All meals in camp. Walk : 03-04 Hrs, Grade : Moderate, Altitude : 4650 M.
 
DAY 31 KHANI BASHA -T0- HARGTUM 
Walk to the base of Hargtum Peak and camp near Shirin Chush opposite to the Pumari Chush Glacier. Overnight in tents. All meals included.
Walk : 03-04 Hrs, Grade : Moderate, Altitude : Approx 4575 M,
 
DAY 32 HARGTUM -TO- TURMAN
Traversing the Pumari Chush Glacier we camp at Turman. All meals in camp.
Walk : 03-04 Hrs, Grade : Moderate, Altitude : 3860 M.
 
DAY 33 TURMAN -TO- HISPAR VILLAGE
Trek to the newly made jeep trail of the Hispar village.
Walk : 05-06 Hrs, Grade : Moderate, Altitude : 2300 M.
 
DAY 34 HISPAR VILLAGE -TO- KARIMABAD
AM : Frequent halts at many small hamlets of Nagar on our way to Karimabad - the capital of Hunza famous around the world for its fruit orchards & longevity of its people.
  
PM : Rest & leisure
Breakfast in camp, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at your Hotel in Karimabad.
Distance : 48 Kms, Drive : 2 Hrs. Altitude : 2440 M.
 
DAY 35 KARIMABAD
AM : Sightseeing Excursion of Karimabad & Aliabad towns on Jeep visiting several hamlets, streets & bazaars. We will taste delicious apricots & discover the secrets of the longevity of the people. At noon return to your Hotel for Lunch.
 
PM : Proceed for a sightseeing excursion of the 400 years old forts of Altit & Baltit.  Evening return to Hotel. All meals at the Hotel.
 
DAY 36 KARIMABAD -TO- GILGIT
AM : Drive to Gilgit. Transfer to Hotel.
 
Gilgit is the Capital of Northern Pakistan is a thriving frontier town that has expanded rapidly to include over 40,000 inhabitants since the Karakoram Highway was opened in 1978. PM : Proceed for sightseeing excursion of Gilgit.