gondogoro peak expedition

Gondogoro Peak Expedition

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$2,800

Gondogoro Peak Expedition A thrilling mountaineering journey in the Karakoram, conquering the majestic Gondogoro Peak for breathtaking panoramic views

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    0/5
  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
    Camping, Climbing, Expedition Style, Guided, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Trekking
  • Activity Level Tough
    6/8
  • Group Size Large Group
    40 Days
All about the Gondogoro Peak Expedition.

The Gondogoro Peak Expedition is an amazing expedition that leads participants to the spectacular Gondogoro Peak, which is both difficult and gratifying to accomplish. This excursion provides a unique opportunity for mountaineering in Pakistan’s beautiful Karakoram mountain range.

The excursion usually lasts a few days, beginning with the participants’ arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. They go on to Skardu, a thriving town that serves as the entrance to the Karakoram region, from there.

The participants set off for the base camp of Gondogoro Peak after making the necessary preparations and planning logistics in Skardu. 

Participants will pass through a variety of sceneries, including lush valleys, challenging terrain, and magnificent glaciers, on the trip to the base camp, which is an incredible adventure in and of itself. They will experience breathtaking scenery, unusual flora and fauna, and the local culture as they travel.

As soon as they arrive at base camp, participants take some time to adjust to the high altitude and get ready for the strenuous ascent. Gondogoro Peak’s ascent requires a combination of physical stamina, mountaineering prowess, and mental fortitude. The path may have challenging sections, incline steeply, and experience potentially hazardous weather, necessitating careful navigation and teamwork.

Experienced guides and Sherpas accompany the climbers the entire time, ensuring their safety, offering assistance, and imparting their local knowledge. To ensure the climbers’ safety, the expedition team will use specialized mountaineering gear and ropes. The spectacular splendor of the valleys, glaciers, and mountains in the area acts as a continual reminder of the rewards that are waiting for climbers at the peak.

Being able to stand atop Gondogoro Peak is an incredible accomplishment. Participants are rewarded with unrivaled panoramic views of the Karakoram range by ascending this beautiful summit. Huge glaciers, towering mountains, and unspoiled environments inspire awe and wonder that will live on in their memory forever.

Following their victory celebration at the top, participants start their ascent back to base camp by retracing their steps through the breathtaking scenery. They will have time to rest, think, and enjoy the memory of their remarkable accomplishment once they are back at base camp.

The Gondogoro Peak Expedition is a wonderful chance to push oneself, take in the splendor of the Karakoram Mountains, and take in the breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings of Pakistan. A great sense of success and a profound respect for the beauty of the alpine world will be left in participants after this trek, which calls for perseverance, physical health, and a zest for adventure.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Inclusions for both International & local participants 

  • Adoption of Covid SOPs/Guidelines and Free Safety Pack (Sanitizer, One Mask, and One Pair of Gloves Per Day)
  • All domestic flights (20 kg for checked bags, 7 kg for hand luggage)
  • All road transfers, including those to and from airports
  • Every hotel accommodation in Pakistan  (twin-sharing room)
  • Every trekking facility in Pakistan is a twin-sharing dome tent.
  • Each and every campsite and bridge fee
  • All gear needed for hiking (tents, non-personal tools, etc.)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) and drinks or water consumed while eating
  • dried fruits, tea, and coffee as snacks along the walk
  • On the walk, free refills of boiled water are provided.
  • Licensed professional guide required by the government
  • Mountain guide for equipment alignment, rope fixing, and summit guidance (during climbing days)
  • Group equipment for high altitudes (rope, ice crew, snow bar, EPI gas, twin-sharing tent, cooking pots, etc.)
  • Every governmental charge and documentation
  • Tours of Skardu and Islamabad cities that include all entry fees
  • Auxiliary personnel (cook, assistant(s), etc.)
  • Personal belongings (14 kg) and mountaineering gear (13 kg) are carried by porters.
  • Storage facility for luggage in Skardu (to leave a suitcase there before beginning the journey)
  • Basic first aid kit with medications
  • Emergency satellite phone
  • Trekking route map and trip completion certificate
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

Exclusions for both International & local participants 

  • Personal travel insurance (Global Rescue is a recommendation/rescue partner).
    (Five supporting documents will be provided) Pakistani visa
  • International airfare
  • Personal items, such as walking sticks, down jackets, and trekking shoes
  • Personal climbing gear, such as a helmet, harness, ice axe, mountaineering boot, and two carabiners
  • Additional nights in Islamabad (hotel check-in/check-out is at 12 pm) are USD 67 more each night.
  • Additional baggage/weight for the trek: US$13 per kg
  • Baggage storage in Islamabad is available for USD 28 per bag or piece.
  • Gratuities/tips for tour operators, porters, workers, etc.
  • Extras include bottled water, a minibar, phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs
  • Costs of an early wind-up or return (for example, an early return from a hike for any reason)
  • Costs resulting from external factors like earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc.
  1. Day 01 Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad 

    Today’s GPS Data Elevation: 540 meters

    You will be met by our guide(s) at the airport. You will soon be taken to hotels. Our participants can unwind and recharge on this day after their exhausting journey.

    Pick-up Details

    With orange placards bearing your name and our company’s emblem, our guide is very simple to identify. You must arrive at Islamabad’s Islamabad International Airport. International flights typically land in the afternoon or at midnight. At least five days before your arrival in Pakistan, you must provide us with the specifics of both your inbound and outgoing flights. 

    Unless you are on a connecting flight from another city in Pakistan, a member of our staff or a tour guide will meet you at the gates of the international arrivals area. You will be transferred to our partner hotel by the guide or staff. If you do not need an airport transfer, kindly let us know in advance.

    Our guide or agent will pick up all of our guests at around 6 pm for a briefing and final payments at our office, followed by dinner, after lunch, and some rest at the hotel (preferably if you are arriving in the morning between 9 am and 12 pm). We will handle any outstanding fees and the briefing in Skardu if you are running late.

  2. Day 02 Fly to Skardu, Karakoram (2,498m)

    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.

  3. Day 03  Spend a Free day in Skardu (2,598m)

    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.

  4. Day 04 Drive to Hushe Valley (3,050m)

    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.

  5. Day 05  Trek to Saicho (3,348m) 

    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.

  6. Day 06 Trek to Dalsampa (4,150m)

    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.

  7. Day 07 Trek to Khuispang (4,590m)

    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.

  8. Day 08 Acclimatization at Khuispang (4,590m)

    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.

  9. Day 09-11 Climb Gondogoro Peak (5,748m)

    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.

  10. Day 12 Trek to Saicho

    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.

  11. Day 13 Trek to Hushe and drive to Skardu town

    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.

  12. Day 14 Rest day/contingency plan in Skardu

    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.

  13. Day 15 Fly to Islamabad  (590m)

    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.

  14. Day 16 In case of flight cancellations, a contingency day

    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.

  15. Day 17 Return back to Home Country 

    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

Please complete the registration form (click the green “register now and pay later” button) on this page to begin the registration process. Once you submit your form, we will contact you.

If your travel dates do not coincide with our departure dates or if you want to walk alone (with a guide, as required by law), we can arrange solo excursions.

Trekking alone is more expensive than hiking with others. However, it’s crucial to realize that climbing Mount K2 is impossible without a guide and, more crucially, porters (even if a visitor doesn’t want them). Reason: By law, guides are not required to carry any equipment. They need porters to transport everyone’s personal belongings, including the porters themselves, as well as tents, food supplies, equipment, and gas. There are no tea houses or other accommodations, unlike in Nepal. There must be taken enough provisions to last 12–14 days.

People travel in groups on our scheduled excursions, but on the route, nearly everyone walks alone, with the guide following the last member of the group. One of the porters or assistants advances in front of the group. The time gap between the first and last can be up to one or two hours. All hikes on Baltoro are fairly long, so nobody is rushed and everyone moves at their own leisure.

Additionally, we plan treks for exclusive groups. Please get in touch with us and let us know the dates that would work best for your group if you were interested in going on a different journey with your own friends or family.

As a group grows in size, the cost of treks for private groups reduces.

 

Spending some time getting ready before you leave would be quite fair. You can ask a professional trainer for advice or, on the other hand, you should abide by the fundamental guidelines (hike, long walks, and other cardio exercises that will help you build stamina), knowing that your body should be in good enough shape to walk for extended periods of time and climb for extended periods of time on difficult terrain made up of boulders, dirt, snow, and glacial ice.

 

You’ll feel a range of temperatures while on your trekking vacation. Up to 45 °C, 30 °C, and 26 °C were recorded in Islamabad, Skardu, and Askoli, respectively. Until we reach the camp at Concordia, when the temperature can be as low as 10 °C or more, a typical day will be warm unless the sky is clouded. The slopes leading up to the Gondogoro La Pass will be covered in snow until early July.

We might be able to walk on snow in June along the highest portions of Baltoro Glacier. By mid-July, snow usually starts to melt. In August and September, snowfall may be possible depending on the weather.

Temperature changes are erratic in the Karakoram Range. Temperatures between Paiju and Concordia may drop to -10 °C at any point throughout the trekking season.

Fixed Departures can reach temperatures as low as -10 °C in September. The Karakoram Range is unaffected by monsoon rains, therefore the summer months are ideal for trekking since they offer clear skies. The participants must be ready to deal with any unfavorable weather circumstances, nevertheless, based on our prior experiences and the fact that the weather is unpredictable.

It is customary for participants to at least give the devoted porters a tip for their labor, which includes lugging heavy loads of supplies and luggage. If the participants are pleased with the guide kitchen crew’s assistance, a payment of between 95 and 120 euros (or its equivalent in your currency) can be made to cover the entire cost of this component. Our trek’s tour guide or leader will be essential in determining how much to tip each crew member and staff member. A “thank you” ceremony will be planned at the end for participants to pass off their tips. Porters who depart early will receive tips earlier

The participants will receive all three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—during this excursion. Our menu will contain a mix of foods from abroad and within Pakistan. Pakistan will be the source of the food’s ingredients. Coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, toast, and chapatti will all be included in the breakfast meal. On the trek, lunches will be eaten during the lunch breaks. Options include canned or tinned meals (meat, fish), pickles, crackers, chapatti, pate, and cheese, among others. Our lunch menu for the day is heavily influenced by the weather; participants will start or conclude their meals with tea, coffee, juice, soup, etc.

Every night, the meal will be served in the mess tent, where everyone will congregate to eat the freshly cooked food made by the cooks traveling with our crew. As long as they are nutritious and fresh, fresh veggies will be offered during the first few days of the journey. All vegetarian participants must get in touch with our office and let us know in advance if they require a vegetarian meal plan while on the trek.

Iodized water will be given to trekkers in the mornings, while they are taking breaks and camping. Everybody will drink spring water whenever it is available, but if we run out of options, the participants may have to drink glacier water, which may contain silt.

It is common practice to store water in very big kitchen containers, which also aid in settling the silt particles at the bottom. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies of bi-carbonated soda if they are sensitive to the smell of iodine. Although everyone benefits greatly from traditional approaches, trying out new ones has no negative effects.

The participants must check in at Islamabad International Airport on the first day. At the gates for international arrivals on the airport grounds, our staff or guide will meet and greet our guests. The host will be escorted to their hotel by the guide or crew. If any of our guests do not need to be picked up from the airport, they must let us know in advance.

Two days ahead of their arrival in Pakistan, they must also provide us with the specifics of both their incoming and departing flights. Our office will email you the names and phone numbers of our office staff after receiving confirmation of your registration and payments.

 

The majority of the nights will be spent tent camping among the majestic mountains, with a few nights being spent in Skardu and the capital city of Islamabad. While the accommodations in Islamabad are in conventional hotels, the lodgings we chose in Skardu town are some of the best. The accommodations we give at the hotels will be twin-sharing rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
The participants will share a tent large enough for two people while camping. Any person who is traveling on this walk alone will be accommodated by sharing a tent and a room with another participant. First preference will be given to stays with people of the same gender for strangers and lone hikers.

However, a participant can choose a separate tent or hotel room if they so choose; however, there will be an additional charge for arranging a separate arrangement. Participants requiring special assistance must notify our office in advance.

The participants will be awakened by our guide for coffee or a warm cup of tea throughout the trekking days, which will be followed by a satisfying meal in the mess tent. Before breakfast, there will be plenty of time to pack the luggage. After breakfast, the camps will be shut down, and the porters will resume carrying supplies and luggage so that the participants can arrive at the lunch location and begin meal preparation before them. Porters will repeat the procedure in order to get dinner ready for the participants by using the “trek earlier” strategy. Before lunch, a typical hike lasts three to four hours.

Typically, lunch takes an hour, so this is a great opportunity to relax, regain strength, write, read, and do other activities.

The length of the walk will be shorter after lunch than before. The camps will already be put up or already be going when you get to the next camping location. Participants will be given a hot beverage when they arrive at the camp, and supper will be served when it is ready. Once at a camp, participants can relax, read, write, interact with others, and take pictures and videos. The temperature typically drops at night, allowing participants to feel cozy in their sleeping bags and enjoy a full night’s sleep before the next day.

It may be necessary to bring portable chargers, storage cards, and extra batteries on the hiking trip. To ensure that your devices continue to work as long as possible, we urge you to compile a list of all the adapters, plugs, and other electrical equipment you could need.

To find out the best portable battery chargers please visit this link.

We strongly advise our guests to take some time to study the official travel advisories on their country’s Foreign Office website because we endorse and advocate all travel and health safety efforts by various nations across the world. Our first goal is to make sure that our guests are safe. Once we are confident in the safety and security, we won’t begin the journeys. We shall be in constant contact and engage in bilateral communication with the guest who has been reserved for Pakistan.

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