Gondogoro Peak Expedition

Today’s GPS Data Elevation: 2,498 meters

Participants will take a breathtaking trip this morning from the airport in Islamabad to the airport in Skardu. If the clouds cooperate, you will be able to view Nanga Parbat. The day is free after arriving at Skardu.

Today’s GPS Data Elevation: 2,498 meters

The participants will trek to Skardu’s Kharpocho Fort, which is perched on a mountain, after breakfast. The Indus River and the town of Skardu can be seen beautifully from the Kharpocho Fort. The participants can also choose to go on a tour of Sadpara Lake, which will be followed by free time for shopping in Skardu Bazaar.

Our staff will take care of any additional government paperwork needed in Skardu while you are out exploring. Sometimes, this will require two days. Near the end of the walk, we have backup days in case of delays.

Today’s GPS Data Altitude: 3,050 meters

Distance: 127 kilometers

Time Required: 6 hours

We leave Skardu fairly early and cross the Shyok River to start our exciting 6-hour drive up to Hushe, passing through a number of little, gorgeous settlements in the lower Hushe Valley. We must cross several ”nullahs,” or minor tributary valleys, along the way. These nullahs can become impassable by the afternoon as the hot sun gets to work because they are nourished by meltwaters from glaciers located high above the valley. Since we left Khaplu early, we shouldn’t encounter any issues in this area. With a height of 3050 meters, Hushe is the highest village in the vicinity. We pitched up camp in a field next to Hushe, with Masherbrum (7821 meters) towering above the valley to the north.

Today’s GPS Data Elevation: 3,348 meters

Distance: 10 km

Time Required: 2.5 hours

We start our climb up to Gondogoro Peak today, ascending above the hamlet on a rocky trail through some quite stunning scenery. A farming region with some bare grazing, corn and turnip fields, flowering shrubs like oleander, and a few meager trees is located just above the village. The valley is bordered on both sides by tall, rocky peaks. As we head to the northeast along the river that originates in the Gondogoro Glacier, the valley widens and splits. To get to the picture-perfect campsite in Saitcho, we have to cross the tributary Charakusa River on a wooden cantilever bridge. This camp is situated next to a swift-moving river in a sandy, tree-shaded location at the intersection of the Charakusa and Gondokoro valleys. Excellent views of Namika (6325m), K7’s rock spire, and the spectacular Charakusa Spire may be seen from the trail leading to the camp. This day of hiking is quick and simple, which is helpful for acclimatization.

Today’s GPS Data Altitude: 3,350 meters

Distance: 11.9 kilometers

Time Required: 5-7 hours  

The Gondogoro Glacier is skirted on the short stage today to Dalsampa. We ascend above our camp, where the views of the glacier and Masherbrum beyond are better and better. There is a trail above the moraine cliffs that may be used in its place, provided it is in excellent condition, but we are typically forced to descend almost onto the glacier itself at a spot where the glacier cuts directly into the steep valley side.

The campsite at Dalsampa (4150m), hidden in a grassy ablation valley with a handful of little lakes and breath-taking vistas of a range of craggy summits, culminates in the snow-plastered summit of Masherbrum after a final scramble up a steep gulley.

The entrance to the Masherbrum La, which (theoretically) connects Hushe with the Baltoro system to the north, is guarded by a spectacular icefall that is located below the mountain. In this part of the Karakoram that is seldom ever visited, snow leopards still live.

Today’s GPS Data Elevation:  4,590 meters

Distance: 6.1 kilometers

Time Required: 4-5 hours 

The valley slopes more eastward just above our camp, and from there, we have fantastic views of both the Gondogoro La and the actual Gondogoro Peak, though the latter is difficult to distinguish against the valley headwall. We had to descend onto the glacier once more, and this time we move towards the glacier’s center. The glacier’s inclination is not very steep at this point, and we are moving along a mixture of moraine, snow, and occasionally exposed patches of ice.

Walking between ice pinnacles, some of which are covered with rocks, and effortlessly avoiding crevassed sections makes for an excellent glacier experience. Technically speaking, this glacial traverse is not difficult, and no rope-up is typically required. We move through a breathtaking variety of alpine scenery as we pass beneath the remarkable spire of Laila Peak (6096m). At Khuispang, a grassy terrace next to a tiny meltwater lake, we gently crossed across to the glacier’s northern side.

Today’s GPS Data Elevation: 4,590 meters

The center of the Karakoram is home to the breathtaking location of Khuispang. Breathtaking views of Laila Peak can be had, and the camp is located directly over the glacier from Trinity Peak’s enormous mass. Sadly, not on this side of the glacier, seracs frequently separate high above the complicated northwest slope of this mountain, triggering avalanches that can descend to the glacier.

Today is for relaxation and acclimatization. The simple safety procedures needed for climbing fixed ropes and walking roped-up on the approach to Gondogoro La will also be practiced throughout this day.

Today’s GPS Data Altitude: 5,748 meters

Time Required: 10 hours

Gondogoro Peak is intended for ambitious mountaineers who have little to no prior expertise using crampons and ice axes and desire to attempt a first Karakoram trekking Peak. It is situated to the north of Khuispang camp. From base camp, the ascent to the summit can be completed in about 10 hours.

Gondogoro Peak (5,750m) is technically easy to climb. From the summit, you can see Mashabrum, Hidden Peak, Chogolisa, Trinity Peak, Laila Peak, and more.

We will have three days to complete the climb if we are successful in crossing the Gondogoro La on schedule (weather permitting, per our program). Once we arrive at Khuispang camp, our climbing guide will create a detailed strategy for the three climbing days. Whether he decides to rest, acclimatize, or press for the summit will depend on whether he crosses the Gondogoro La in a timely manner, the weather, the participants’ health, etc. While the remaining participants tackle the top, those who do not choose to do so at this time can unwind and take in the breathtaking landscape from Camp Khuispang. 

Our guide will decide whether a high camp will be established or whether a direct summit push (9–10 hours) will be chosen based on the overall sense of team among the participants, time limits, and other factors. Around 3 am, a direct summit push from base camp begins, and by 1 pm, ambitious climbers might join our guide at the summit.

After a successful summit, it is up to our mountain guide to decide whether to set up high camp or return to base camp. He will once again take into account all the aforementioned considerations.

The participants will begin their descent on this day. Since the trip down will be relatively straightforward, the climbing gear, such as ropes and crampons, will be packed. The lush green vistas of Hushe Valley will give way to the hilly and stony terrain.

The participants will walk to the Gondogoro Glacier’s edge after lunch, where they will find a track that will take them to a stunning valley of rhubarb and grass.

There are two distinct routes to the location near the valley’s end. The pathways that are often frequented by the local porters will be chosen by our guide.

When the two routes converge, the hike becomes simple. The participants will see the stone cottages built by settlers and herders in the area. The participants will see evidence of nearby villages on this day, and they will be able to breathe easier because of the large trees and lower altitude. Saicho (3,350m), a section of sand with little grass next to the flowing glacier water streams, will be the site of the camp.

Today’s GPS Data Elevation: 2,498 meters

Distance: 20 km trekking + 127 km driving

Time Required: 5-7 hours on foot + 6 hours in a car

On this day, the trip down the river stream of the Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum, and Gondogoro Glaciers’ melting water will take the participants only 3–4 hours. The participants will begin to notice indications of homes, shelter, fences, and evidence of habitation.

The participants will see the two-story shelters of the Hushe hamlet, where the first floor is where the family lives and the lower floor is used for cattle. The participants can explore the lovely quiet valley and connect with the locals after setting up camp. The Gondogoro La Trek’s final camping day would be on this day.

As soon as they arrive at Hushe, the participants will proceed towards Skardu town, and the trip provides many stunning views of the several little villages in the Hushe Valley. To reach the other side, the participants must traverse a suspension bridge across the Shyok River, which originates in Ladakh, India.

Traditional rafts constructed of goat skin filled with air were once used to cross rivers. The suspension bridge that is currently in use was constructed in the 1990s. The participants will arrive at Khaplu after crossing the bridge.

The route to be taken is the paved road along the Shayok River, which leads to the confluence with the Indus River, and the drive from Khaplu to Skardu becomes easy. In 4 hours, the participants will arrive in Skardu after traveling down the Indus River. The facilities that were unavailable for two weeks are now available to the participants. Taking a hot shower and enjoying a satisfying lunch would be #1 and second on that list, respectively.

Today’s GPS Data Elevation: 2,400 meters

This day is set aside in case there are any delays while trekking or mountaineering. We don’t want our visitors to miss their connecting flights or other plans as a result of delays that can be brought on by a variety of things, including but not limited to traffic jams.

Note: This day’s expenses in Skardu (such as lodging, food, and transportation after hotel drop-off) are not covered by the adventure package and must be covered by our climbers/guests personally. After arriving back in Skardu, your journey with  Karakoram Trails comes to a close.

Today’s GPS Data Elevation: 590 meters

The participants will fly from Skardu Airport to Islamabad Airport on this day. You’ll enjoy unwinding at the hotel in Islamabad.

Sometimes bad weather forces the cancellation of domestic flights. Should your flight be canceled, you will drive to Chilas and spend the night there. By car, it takes eight to 10 hours.

Today’s GPS Data Altitude: 538 meters

In the event that the domestic flight does not run the previous day, this day is set aside for any potential delays. Our guests will leave early in the morning to travel, which could take up to ten hours, from Chilas to Islamabad. If the participants make it to Islamabad on domestic aircraft, it will be a free day. You could use this time to explore Islamabad.

Meals served that day included: Breakfast

All of our visitors will be transferred to the airport at the appropriate departure times by our employees. All of our affiliated hotels require a 12 p.m. check-out time.

Additional days/nights in Islamabad (hotel check-in/out is at 12pm) are USD 59 more per night