Trek
Baltoro, Shigar
K2 Base Camp and Concordia
- Duration
- 15 days
- Highest point
- 5,150 m
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Season
- Jun–Sept
Price to be confirmed
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Trek · Baltoro, Hushe valley, Shigar
Baltoro and Gondogoro La Traverse
A traverse from Askole up the Baltoro to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, then over the glaciated Gondogoro La to Hushe, finishing in Ghanche.
- Duration
- 17 days
- Highest point
- 5,585 m
- Difficulty
- Very demanding
- Season
- July–August
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Jasmine Tours · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
This route adds a high crossing to the classic Baltoro trek. After Concordia and K2 Base Camp, the party turns south up the Vigne Glacier to Ali Camp, then climbs the Gondogoro La during the night while the snow is firm, using fixed ropes on the steepest sections.
From the pass, on a clear dawn, K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums line up behind you. The descent leads to Khuspang and down the Gondogoro valley to Saicho and Hushe, so the trek ends on the opposite side of the range from where it started.
- Dawn crossing of the Gondogoro La with views of four 8,000 m peaks
- Concordia and K2 Base Camp
- A traverse from Baltistan's Shigar side to the Hushe valley
- Descent through Khuspang and Saicho beneath the Masherbrum range
Itinerary
Day 1
Skardu to Askole by jeep
Drive via Shigar and the Braldu valley. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Camp at Askole
Days 2–4
Askole to Paiju via Jhola, with acclimatisation
Two stages along the Braldu to Paiju, then an acclimatisation day there.
Overnight: Camps at Jhola and Paiju
Days 5–7
Up the Baltoro to Concordia
Glacier stages via Urdukas and Goro II to Concordia.
Overnight: Camps at Urdukas, Goro II and Concordia Highest point: 4,691 m
Days 8–9
K2 Base Camp and return to Concordia
Up the Godwin-Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp and back.
Overnight: Camps near K2 Base Camp and at Concordia
Day 10
Concordia to Ali Camp
Head up the Vigne Glacier to the camp below the pass; early night before the crossing.
Overnight: Camp at Ali Camp Highest point: 4,950 m
Day 11
Cross the Gondogoro La to Khuspang
Night start on the snow slope with fixed ropes, dawn on the pass, then a steep descent to Khuspang.
Overnight: Camp at Khuspang Highest point: 5,585 m
Day 12
Khuspang to Saicho
Down the Gondogoro Glacier and valley to Saicho.
Overnight: Camp at Saicho
Day 13
Saicho to Hushe
Walk down valley to Hushe village.
Overnight: Camp or guesthouse at Hushe
Days 14–16
Contingency days
Held in reserve for weather on the pass or road delays; if unused, spent in Khaplu or Skardu.
Day 17
Hushe to Khaplu and Skardu
Jeep down the Hushe valley and on to Skardu. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Practical information
- Accommodation
- Camping
- Passes
- Gondogoro La (5,585 m)
- Suitable for
- Trekkers, Mountaineers, Explorers, Photographers
What’s included
Included
- Jeep transfers Skardu–Askole and Hushe–Skardu
- Guide qualified for the Gondogoro La crossing
- Registered porters and cook team
- Camping and kitchen equipment
- Fixed-rope and group safety equipment for the pass
- Meals on trek
- Coordination of required permits
Not included
- Personal technical equipment (crampons, harness, ice axe) unless arranged
- Travel insurance with helicopter rescue
- Flights and hotels
- Tips
- Visa costs
What to bring
Essential
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
- Crampons, climbing harness and ice axe (confirm with operator)
- Head torch with spare batteries for the night ascent
- Expedition-weight down jacket and mitts
- Four-season sleeping bag
- Category 4 glacier glasses
- Waterproof shell layers
- Trekking poles
- Water purification and insulated bottles
- Personal medical kit including altitude medication discussed with a doctor
Optional and useful
- Helmet if the operator advises
- Down booties
- Solar charger
- Lightweight telephoto lens
- Hand and toe warmers for the crossing
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- The pass requires crampons, harness and comfort on fixed ropes; previous winter or glacier experience is strongly recommended.
- Operators must hold the required permits and use a guide qualified for the crossing; confirm current regulations, which have changed over the years.
- The pass can close because of snow conditions or rockfall; an alternative return down the Baltoro must be possible.
- Very long days at altitude with a night start for the crossing.
Photos
Route and region
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- Duration
- 15 days
- Highest point
- 5,128 m
- Difficulty
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- Season
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Price to be confirmed
Trek
Hushe valley, Khaplu
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- Duration
- 6 days
- Highest point
- 4,200 m
- Difficulty
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- Season
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Price to be confirmed
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