Concordia & K2
Concordia & K2
Concordia & K2
21 Days Starting and ending in Islamabad
Visiting: Islamabad, Skardu, Askole, Biafo Gyang Glacier, Jhola Camp, Paiju, Urdukas, Goro II Campsite, Concordia Campsite, Broad Peak, ሀመር።
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Physical rating:
Tough
Age range:
18 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Concordia has possibly some of the most spectacular mountain vistas. Situated at the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers, it is an extraordinary place, dominated by K2, the world's second highest mountain. Gasherbrum 4, Broad Peak, Mitre Peak and Chogolisa form the rest of an astounding circle of mountain giants which has been called 'the throne room of the Gods'. This stunning trek starts in Askole and follows the Braldu gorge to the snout of the Baltoro glacier, which we then follow to Concordia. We have an optional day walk to Gilkey Memorial (just below K2 Base Camp) and Broad Peak Base Camp. This is one of the world’s most stunning mountain treks and is wild and remote with a scenery of unmatched grandeur.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Meals Included: breakfast
The group flight arrives in Islamabad very early in the morning and we transfer straight to our hotel where rooms will be waiting for you; the rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. Those not flying with the group from London will join us at the hotel in Islamabad during the day. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing. We may also have to visit the Ministry of Tourism for an official briefing.Standard Hotel
Day 2 : Spectacular Flight To Skardu
Location: Skardu
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
This morning we travel to the airport and take the spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu. The rest of the day is free.Standard Hotel
Day 3 : Free Day In Skardu
Location: Skardu
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning we will have a walk up to the remains of Skardu fort, which overlooks the town and has great views of the Indus Valley. We will then walk to a small village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore. You may like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake (US$65 per person) or explore the bazaar. We may have to visit the Ministry of Tourism for an official briefing later in the day and to have our official documents cleared to start the trek.Standard Hotel
Day 4 : Drive Through Spectacular Mountain Scenery To Askole
Location: Askole
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
We set off northwards by jeep up the Shigar valley to Dassu, which used to be the end of the road. The spectacular jeep road which mostly follows the raging Braldu River now extends to Askole, the last village on our route and where we leave the jeeps and start walking. It may sometimes be necessary to start walking before Askole depending on the conditions of the jeep road. The journey may take anywhere from six to twelve hours.Full-service Camping
Day 5 : Trek From Askole And Cross The Snout Of The Biafo Glacier To Jhola
Location: Askole, Biafo Gyang Glacier, Jhola Camp
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
After organising all the equipment and supplies our porters load up for the journey ahead to Jhola. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier which flows for more than fifty kilometres from the Hispar La pass to the Braldu. We have our first taste of moraine walking as we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to our lunch spot beside the river at Korofon. Our route takes us to the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers, where the trail used to involve scrambling over a cliff and then crossing the river in a flying fox or box bridge (called a 'jola'). Nowadays there is a newer trail and we go upstream to cross the river by bridge. Once across we descend to the edge of the River Braldu and follow its banks to our camp at Jhola. (Max. altitude: approx. 3150m).
Full-service Camping
Day 6 : Trek From Jhola And Follow The Braldu Gorge Along The River Bank To Paiju
Location: Jhola Camp, Paiju
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
Today our route mainly follows the Braldu gorge along the riverbank, moving up and down according to the level of erosion and water levels. We start to get views of the fantastic granite rock shapes of Trango Towers and Cathedral. Walking conditions can be very hot and dry, and care must be taken to prevent sunburn. As we approach camp several glacially-fed rivulets flow down into the main valley and we may have to use our river crossing shoes depending on water levels. On a clear day we may be able to spot K2 in the far distance and the vast snout of the Baltoro glacier, the fourth-longest in Pakistan, is also visible but it's hard to gather a sense of scale from here. The day ends with a climb away from the river to our camp at Paiju, set in a clump of trees – the last ones we will see for a while! (Max. altitude: approx. 3400m).
Full-service Camping
Day 7 : Trek From Paiju To Khobursay
Location: Paiju
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
The walking gets a bit harder today, but the scenery becomes even more spectacular and wild as we climb onto the snout of the Baltoro Glacier, and cross to the south side. The route climbs up and down the glacial moraine and although there is a trail, care needs to be taken at all times. Stunning views are gradually emerging of granite peaks on the north side of the glacier - from Paiju, Uli Biaho, and Trango Towers round to Grand Cathedral. It will take a few hours to cross the glacier to Liligo. From here we follow a rocky trail along the edge of the Baltoro, where shortly before arriving at Khobursay, we will make a decision whether we can safely negotiate the glacier or continue along the side valley before crossing the meltwater stream into camp. (Max. altitude: approx. 3800m).
Full-service Camping
Day 8 : Cross Two Small Side Glaciers To Urdukus
Location: Urdukas
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
We cross two small side glaciers and eventually, we can see the Trango Towers soaring up on the north side of the valley. We stop for the night near the army camp at Urdukus, which is perched 100m above the glacier on terraces which were hewn out of the hillside for the Duke of Abruzzi’s K2 expedition in1909. The afternoon aids our acclimatization and gives us time to enjoy the views and catch up on some rest. (Max. altitude: approx. 4050m).
Full-service Camping
Day 9 : Trek To Goro Ii
Location: Goro II Campsite
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
We strike out into the middle of the glacier and follow the medial moraine, getting our first views of Masherbrum (7821m) to the south. The trail becomes more even and as we get higher, we start to walk past the huge ice seracs which stick out of the glacier-like ice cream cones. Tonight, we spend our first night camping on the Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, where the nighttime temperature will drop quite dramatically. From camp, we have superb views of Masherbrum and up the Younghusband Glacier, named after Sir Francis Edward Younghusband, the well-known explorer and spiritual writer to the impressive Muztagh Tower. (Max. altitude: approx. 4300m).
Full-service Camping
Day 10 : Climb The Rocky Moraine To Concordia
Location: Concordia Campsite
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
Our final approach day, and our goal is in sight - Concordia! We continue up the rocky moraine as more and more of the big peaks come into view, culminating in the appearance of K2’s summit, rising more than 4,000m above the valley bottom. The views all around our campsite at Concordia are tremendous: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Chogolisa and Sia Kangri are all prominent, as well as dozens of smaller peaks such as Marble Peak, Crystal Peak and Mitre Peak. (Max. altitude: approx. 4600m).
Full-service Camping
Day 11 : Walk To Broad Peak Base Camp; Optional Trek To Gilkey Memorial (Near K2 Base Camp)
Location: Broad Peak
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
Today there is the opportunity to walk up the Godwin-Austen Glacier to the Art Gilkey Memorial (an American geologist and mountaineer) just before K2 Base Camp. This is a very long but a spectacular day. We will leave early morning, crossing the glaciers onto the faint trail heading towards K2 (there is a faint rocky trail all the way). As we follow the glacier towards K2 the mountain seems to grow bigger and bigger. Broad Peak rears up to our right and after about 3 hours we pass Broad Peak Base Camp (there is the option to turn back here). We usually have our lunch break here and then those who are continuing carry on with K2 towering above us as we get closer and closer. Just before Base Camp, amongst the boulder and ice strewn landscape is the Art Gilkey Memorial. A short scramble brings us to the place where those whose lives K2 claimed are remembered. Plaques and engraved tin plates are attached to a small rocky outcrop at the foot of this great mountain. There are great views directly above us of K2 and we may see some climbing expeditions. After lunch, we retrace our steps back to Broad Peak Base Camp. (Max. altitude: approx. 5100m. The distances may vary from those given, depending on how the moraine has moved and which trail we can follow)
Full-service Camping
Day 12 : Retrace Steps To Concordia
Location: Concordia Campsite
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
After a night’s rest at Broad Peak Base Camp, we continue our descent over the Godwin Austin Glacier towards Concordia. We will need to cross back onto the Baltoro Glacier (which might be slightly more challenging due to the rising level of melt water coming from Gasherbrum) before arriving at camp. After enjoying lunch at the “Throne Room of the Gods” you will have time to reflect on this magnificent environment whilst you recharge and prepare for your return journey.
Full-service Camping
Day 13 : Retrace Our Steps Down The Glacier To Biango/Goro I
Location: ሀመር።
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Unfortunately, we have to leave this magnificent place with some of the best mountain views on earth. However, we have an easy start today as we retrace our steps down the glacier. Today is a fairly easy walk back down to Goro I. (Max. altitude: approx. 4600m).
Full-service Camping
Day 14 : Trek Back To Khobursay With Views Across To Trango Towers
Location: ሀመር።
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
We follow the same trail down through the glacier to Goro 1 and on down to the spectacular campsite at Urdukas with great views across to Trango Towers before reaching Khobursay. Although we are retracing our steps down the glacier the views are completely different seen on the way back. (Max. altitude: approx. 4150m).
Full-service Camping
Day 15 : Trek Down The Side Of The Glacier Back To Paiju
Location: Paiju
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
We continue our walk down the side of the glacier through Liligo, from where we cross the glacier for one more time before stepping off the moraine onto more stable ground. We head back down to the trees and the relative comforts of Paiju campsite. (Max. altitude: approx. 3800m).
Full-service Camping
Day 16 : Trek Back To The Campsite At Jhola
Location: Jhola Camp
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
We retrace our steps along the Braldu Gorge. There may be a couple of river crossings today. We stop tonight at the campsite at Jhola. (Max. altitude: approx. 3400m).
Full-service Camping
Day 17 : Trek Back To The Main Valley And Follow The River To Askole
Location: Askole
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
We start the day with a walk up the side river to the bridge. After crossing the bridge we head back to the main valley and continue following the river all day through Korofon and back finally to the village of Askole. (Max. altitude: approx. 3150m).
Full-service Camping
Day 18 : Drive To Skardu In Our Jeeps For A Rewarding Hot Shower
Location: Skardu
Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner
We pick up our jeeps for the long but spectacular day’s drive back to Skardu and the luxury of a hot shower.Standard Hotel
Day 19 : Morning Flight To Islamabad; Afternoon To Relax
Location: Islamabad
Meals Included: breakfast
We take the early morning flight to Islamabad and the rest of the day is free to relax and unwind after the trek.Standard Hotel
Day 20 : Free Day In Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Meals Included: breakfast
A free day in Islamabad or an extra day to fly to Islamabad if the flight is cancelled for any reason on the previous day.Standard Hotel
Day 21 : End Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Meals Included: breakfast
Very early this morning we depart Islamabad for the flight to London arriving in the early evening. Those not flying with us to London will leave the hotel after breakfast.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners included
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Transfer for group flights
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All accommodation
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Meals
21 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 17 dinners.
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All breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners includedAll accommodationTransfer for group flights
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— All breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners included — All accommodation — Transfer for group flights
What's Not Included
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Visas and vaccinations
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Single supplement
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Travel insurance
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Travel insuranceVisas and vaccinationsSingle supplement
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— Travel insurance — Visas and vaccinations — Single supplement
Accommodation
6 nights hotels, 14 nights camping. In Islamabad, we use a standard hotel, which has air-conditioned rooms with en suite bathrooms. In Skardu, we stay in a simple hotel. The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your daypack. Most of the camping on this trek is wild camping amidst the mountains. We stay in two-person tents which have enough room inside for your kitbags. Sleeping mats and bags are not provided – please see the packing section. We also have a dining tent complete with table and stools. For the most part, no running water is available whilst camping however, at Jhula and Paiju there is usually running water.
Food
All breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners included. All food is provided throughout apart from lunches and dinners in Islamabad, we suggest you allow around £50 for these meals. Food on trek is simple but wholesome. Breakfasts will consist of porridge and cereal, eggs and chapatti or toast. Lunches are a picnic usually with soup, tinned meat and fish, sweets and nuts, cheese and crackers or chapattis. Dinner is 3 courses; soup, main course which is rice, dhal, vegetables, meat or pasta based. Dessert is usually jelly, cold custard, fruit, rice pudding or trifle. Snacks are provided upon arrival at camp; samosas, pakhora, tea and coffee. If you have any special dietary requirements we recommend you take along some of your own snacks or food. Pakistan is a meat-eating country (mainly goat and chicken) and does not cater as well as India for vegetarians, vegans or gluten free diets. Drinking Water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day. Drinking water will be provided on the trek but you need to treat it with purification tablets or another form of treatment. Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are very effective, can treat 1 litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready immediately – look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that you will need to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with these devices. There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the product's performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. Please note that if the water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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