Concordia/K2 Trek
Despite it's wealth of magnificent scenery, Pakistan's Karakoram mountains attract relatively few trekkers. That's because the area is so inaccessible and trekking in Pakistan is more demanding than in countries such as Nepal. Any trek involves having all the supplies and equipment to be completely self-sufficient if need be. The fact that Pakistan and India, bitter enemies by tradition, are lobbing artillery shells nearby, doesn't help either.
Starting point for the Concordia/K2 trek is Skardu, the administrative centre and largest town of Baltistan. To get to Skardu, you can either board an airplane in Islamabad, or make an exhilarating 24-hour journey on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Opened in 1982, the KKH is the world's highest public highway, twisting its way through three great mountain ranges - the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush.
"No mountain scene has impressed me more deeply", Eric Shipton
From Skardu a jeep ride through the wheat fields and apricot orchards of the Shigar Valley leads to the road-head at Askole, a traditional Balti mountain village surrounded by green irrigated fields. Our trekking group left Askole with more than 60 porters, gradually dismissing them one by one as supplies were consumed. The trek from Askole to Concordia takes around eight days, not including rest days.
Instead of doubling all the way back to Askole, it has become popular to trek out of Concordia over the Gondogoro La pass (5550m) into the beautiful Hushe Valley. An early start is required to utilise the good snow conditions needed for a crossing of the pass. We left Camp Ali at 1am to cross a glacier, climb a steep glacier slope using crampons and ice axes and fixed ropes, and occasionally walk across ladders straddling crevasses.
Pakistan
Straddling the border between Pakistan and China, to the north-west of the Greater Himalaya, is the Karakoram, one of the most exciting trekking areas in the world. In 2000 I visited the area for the long and demanding trek along the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, a natural amphitheater at the foot of the Gasherbrum peaks and K2, the world's second highest mountain.
Gallery: Concordia/K2 Trek
Satellite Map
Make yourself familiar with the geography of the trekking area and check out an illustrated . The illustration shows the location of important mountains and the overnight camp sites on the trek from Askole to Concordia and into the Hushe Valley.
Mountain Facts
Five of the world's fourteen can be found in northern Pakistan. Check out a list of important above 6000m.
Tour operator
Since the trek to Concordia is in a so-called restricted zone it requires a permit and a registered guide. This trek was organized by Hauser Exkursionen, Germany, and led by German tour guide Bernd Schreckenbach.
Links
Pakistan Travel Web - Information on destinations and places of interest, upcoming events, weather conditions, health precautions, visa policies etc.
High Altitude Medicine Guide - Medical information on the prevention, recognition, and treatment of altitude illness, as well as other health issues affecting travellers to high mountainous regions of the world.