The Great Karakoram
The Great Karakoram Treks are one of the longest and highest walking trails in the world. Winding beneath the world’s highest peaks and visiting some of the most remote communities on earth, it passes through lush green valleys, arid high plateaus and incredible landscapes. The trail covers almost the full distance of the Karakorum Range in Pakistan from the Skardu to Khaplu valley and ultimately continues through Baltoro, Biafo and Hispar Glaciers to Hunza and Gilgit. Most exciting and adventurous trekking in karakoram is a combination of days trek through Hushe valley leads you to Gondogoro La and after crossing it to the great Baltoro glacier with the most remarkable mountain vistas in the world. After a visit to the base camp of K2 (the second highest in the world at 8611 meter) we return to Concordia and proceed to Biafo Glacier and Hisper La. This pass leads you into the beautiful Hopper valley Nagar and further to Hunza valley.
Detailed Trip Itinerary
| Day | Trip Itinerary | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Welcome reception. Domestic flight Islamabad to Skardu (PK-451 – subject to weather). In case of flight cancellation, drive to Chilas (480 km / 13–14 hrs) via Karakoram Highway. By air, Islamabad to Skardu takes 45 minutes with views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). Option to stay overnight in Islamabad and fly next day. | Hotel |
| Day 02 | Chilas (1,200 m) to Skardu (2,228 m). If traveling by road, complete the journey (275 km / 10–11 hrs). En route views of Nanga Parbat at the junction of three mountain ranges. Official briefing at Ministry of Tourism, Skardu. Free time for shopping, market visit, and Kharphocho Fort. | Hotel |
| Day 03 | Skardu to Hushe (2,850 m) by jeep (6–7 hrs, 130 km). Hushe is the last village of Ghanche District and gateway to Masherbrum Peak. Observe local lifestyle, agriculture, and livestock. | Hotel |
| Day 04 | Trek from Hushe to Saicho (3,200 m). Easy hiking day. Distance: 11 km. | Camp |
| Day 05 | Saicho to Dalzampa (3,500 m). Trek distance: 6 km. Camp near Laila Peak. | Camp |
| Day 06 | Dalzampa to Khiuspang (4,600 m). One of the most beautiful camps in Karakoram with lush greenery and waterfalls. Distance: 8 km. | Camp |
| Day 07 | Khiuspang Camp – Rest day for acclimatization. | Camp |
| Day 08 | Khiuspang to Ali Camp (5,100 m) via Gondogoro La (5,585 m). Midnight trek to the pass. Stunning views of K2, Broad Peak, and G-Group peaks. Distance: 12 km. | Camp |
| Day 09 | Ali Camp to Concordia (4,600 m). Views of K2, Broad Peak, G-IV, Mitre Peak. Distance: 13 km. | Camp |
| Day 10–11 | Trek to K2 (5,125 m) and Broad Peak (4,810 m) Base Camps and Gilkey Memorial. Second day rest at Concordia. Distance to K2 BC: 9 km. | Camp |
| Day 12 | Concordia to Goro I (4,240 m). 8–9 hrs trek with views of Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak. Distance: 15 km. | Camp |
| Day 13 | Goro I to Khuberse (3,850 m). Trek over Baltoro Glacier with views of Masherbrum, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak. Distance: 13 km. | Camp |
| Day 14 | Khuberse to Mongrong (3,240 m). Short trekking day with views of Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Paiju Peak. Distance: 26 km. | Camp |
| Day 15 | Mongrong to Korofong. Last day on Baltoro Glacier. Views of Paiyu Peak, Uli Biaho, Great Trango Tower. Distance: 21 km. | Camp |
| Day 16 | Korofong – Rest day and preparation for Biafo–Hispar & Snow Lake trek. | Camp |
| Day 17 | Korofong to Namla (3,470 m). First trekking day toward Snow Lake and Hispar La. Distance: 12 km. | Camp |
| Day 18 | Namla to Mango (3,690 m). Views of Latok I, II, III and Mango Brakk. Distance: 10 km. | Camp |
| Day 19 | Mango to Baintha (4,030 m). Cross Biafo Glacier and enter lush ablation valley. Distance: 11 km. | Camp |
| Day 20 | Acclimatization and rest day at Baintha Camp. Local exploration, cultural music, optional hike with views of Latok group and Ogre Peak. | Camp |
| Day 21 | Baintha to Morfogoro (4,400 m). Glacier trek with views of The Ogre and first views of Hispar La. Distance: 9 km. | Camp |
| Day 22 | Morfogoro to Karpogoro (4,670 m). 5–6 hrs trek on crevassed glacier terrain. Distance: 10 km. | Camp |
| Day 23 | Karpogoro to Snow Lake Base Camp (4,790 m). Snow-covered glacier route with ropes. Distance: 10 km. | Camp |
| Day 24 | Snow Lake BC to Hispar La (5,150 m). Panoramic views of Snow Lake, Biafo Glacier, and Hispar Glacier. Distance: 8 km. | Camp |
| Day 25 | Hispar La to Khani Bassa (4,490 m). Descent across crevassed zones and Kani Basa Glacier. Distance: 11 km. | Camp |
| Day 26 | Khani Bassa to Jutmal (4,200 m). Easy glacier crossing with views of Kanjut Sar. Distance: 9 km. | Camp |
| Day 27 | Jutmal to Bitanmal (3,650 m). Descend to grassy meadows used by local herders. | Camp |
| Day 28 | Bitanmal to Hispar Village (3,100 m). Trek through green pastures, glacier crossing, and river bridge. Distance: 12 km. | Camp |
| Day 29 | Drive from Hispar Village to Karimabad (150 km). Join Karakoram Highway and enjoy free afternoon. | Hotel |
| Day 30 | Karimabad to Naran via Babusar Top (4,170 m). Distance: 370 km. Optional flight from Gilgit to Islamabad. | Hotel |
| Day 31 | Naran to Islamabad (260 km / 6–7 hrs). Free day in Islamabad if flight used earlier. | Hotel |
| Day 32 | Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for return flight. | On Board |
Services Included
- All Airport pick and drop
- One way fare between––Skardu - Islamabad.
- Transportation briefing, debriefing and sightseeing.
- Transportation between Islamabad – chilas – Skardu -Askoli–Hushe- Fairy meadow.
- Three nights’ Accommodation, twin bed room in Islamabad (bed & breakfast)
- One night in Chilas Hotel with full board.
- Two nights in Fairy meadow with full board.
- Two night in fairy meadow hut with full board.
- Two nights in Tarishing with full board.
- Three nights in Skardu with full board.
- Local staff Wages, insurance, food and equipment.
- Low porters to carry trekking foods, member personal to all mentioned places.
- Way up 25kg each trekking members.
- Way down 25kg each trekking members.
- All trekking and base camp foods.
- Comfortable members tent, Mess tent, Kitchen tent, toilet tent, table, chairs & kitchen utensils.
- Assistance for Reconfirmation of international flight tickets.
- All Camping fees, road taxes & bridge crossing fee.
- Low Porters Equipment’s.
- Documentation fee
- Trekking permit fee
Services Not Included
- Member international flight tickets
- Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable after deduction of U$D 300/- if not use, it is now US$15000/-)
- Members any climbing gears
- Member personal insurance
- Sleeping bag and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks
- Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of a purely personal nature
- Custom clearing charges (import and export of equipment’s)
- Any unforeseen expenses (just like road block extra hotel stay or if members stay more days at Base Camp) then members will be pay according to the numbers of days basses.
- Trekking members will come together. If any/some member split during the period then there extra expenses will be charged according to normal price.
- 1 Backpack with a carrying capacity of 60 to 70 L/15-17 Gallons (a similar sized duffle bag or travel bag can be used as a substitute)
- 1 Small backpack for day trips
- Sleeping bag (down or synthetic, down to 0 degrees, lightweight compression bag)
- 1 Warm jacket or parka
- 3 Pairs of outdoor pants (jeans are not recommended as they are difficult to dry out when wet)
- Warm sweaters
- 2 - 4 Pairs of woolen socks
- T-shirts, shirts, hats or caps
- 1 Set of warm underwear such as long underpants and long undershirts
- 1 Pair of good hiking boots (make sure they are "broken-in")
- 1 Pair of light shoes (runners or sneakers)
- 1 Set of light rain gear such as a pant and jacket combination (1 Water bottle with a 1 liter capacity)
- 1 Pocket-knife or hunting knife
- 1 Flashlight
- 1 Pair of sunglasses (VERY IMPORTANT!)
- A supply of sun blocker or sunscreen lotion and Lip sun cream (VERY IMPORTANT!)
- Personal medications
- Underwear, personal items, and toiletries
- 1 Pair of fleece pants
- 1 Wool or fleece hat
- Headlamp and Batteries (bring at least 2 spare sets)
- 1 Pair of Gore-Tex gaiters (heavy-duty, sized large enough to fit over plastic boots)
- 1 Pair of Gore-Tex shell gloves
- OPTIONAL
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Thermarest sleeping pad
- Camera and film
- Journal and pens
Social Icons
We’re Here to Help!
Submit your enquiry, and we’ll connect with you shortly
