K2, Concordia and the Gondogoro

K2, Concordia and the Gondogoro Overview

Trekking holiday across the Gondogoro La in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan

KE started out as the Karakoram Experience and ran our first ever holiday in Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains in 1984. Just a few years later (in 1992) we took the first ever group of trekkers across the Gondogoro La. Since then we have successfully crossed this spectacular pass over thirty times. This is an exceptional and ambitious trekking adventure, which starts out with a spectacular flight from Islamabad to the town of Skardu in Baltistan. From here, we drive through a rugged landscape to Askole, the highest village in the area, and begin our trek at Korofon where the Biafo Glacier meets the Braldu River. With a KE Western leader and local guide and team, we trek on and beside the Baltoro Glacier, passing famous peaks such as the Trango and Cathedral groups, the Lobsang Spire and mighty Masherbrum, en route to Concordia. This is one of the most spectacular locations on the planet and we spend 2 nights here with the option to trek up the Godwin-Austen Glacier to Broad Peak Basecamp, close up beneath K2. We then continue on the Upper Baltoro Glacier towards Chogolisa and the 'golden throne' peak of Baltoro Kangri. After a sensational overnight at Ali Camp, in a truly wild location, we make the crossing of the  Gondogoro La (5585m) which requires ice axe and crampons. From the top we have sensational views, including no fewer than 4 eight-thousanders - K2 (8611m), Broad Peak (8051m), Gasherbrum 1 (8080m) and Gasherbrum 2 (8035m). This is one of the few places accessible to trekkers from which Hidden Peak (Gasherbrum 1) can be viewed clearly. Then, dropping down from the pass, we can enjoy a sensational walk-out through pleasant alpine valleys to the friendly Balti village of Hushe. If you are keen to visit K2 and have some experience of winter mountaineering, then this is the way to go. Truly, one of the finest high mountain experiences on Earth!