Gondogoro La Pass, Pakistan

Gondogoro Pass is the mountain pass on the Gondogoro Glacier near Vigne Glacier. From the Southern side, pass descends into the Hushe village which is the last human settlement of the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan. To climb the pass, mostly climbers and trekkers prefer to start from the Northern side which is easy and connected with the Vigne Glacier.

In 1986, a route was established that connects Concordia and the upper Baltoro Glacier to the Hushe Valley over the Gondogoro Pass(5940m). Since then, this challenging technical pass has attracted trekkers and climbers alike. This pass has one of the most overwhelming mountain panoramas anywhere in the world, with all of the Karakoram's 8000m peaks close at hand. The Gondogoro La, although popular with trekkers, involves Class 4 climbing. The North side is a 50-degree snow slope with Avalanche danger requiring fixed ropes. The south side is a continuous 50-degree slope with rock-fall and avalanche danger that requires fixing as much as 300m of rope.

Itinerary

DAY 01: ISLAMABAD

Arrival at the airport in Islamabad, our guide and drive will meet you here! After meeting and greeting transfer to the hotel in Islamabad. Hotel

DAY 02: ISLAMABAD – CHILAS/SKARDU

Drive to the airport and catch the flight to Skardu if the weather is clear! If the weather is bad, we will drive in two days on the famous Karakorum to Skardu. Hotel

DAY 03: SKARDU/CHALIS – SKARDU

Day to preparation for the trek or drive to Skardu from Chilas if by road. Hotel

DAY 04: SKARDU – ASKOLE

A full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Askole.  The last inhabitance on our way to the Great Glaciers. Highest in the region, the stone & timber abodes contain dark & narrow stairwells riven by gloomy, unlit alleys cluster within the embrace of the fertile terraces. Camp

DAY 05: ASKOLE – KOROPHONE

Today we leave the last inhabited village. After scrambling over a ridge we come across what legend says an old polo field. Passing through a rock gap we cross the Biafo glacier and camp beside its snout at korophone. The Biafo Glacier is a huge river of ice 63 Km long which descends from the central peaks of the Karakoram & flows east into the Braldu Valley at a point about 10 Kms east of Askole. Camp

DAY 06: KOROPHONE – JHULA

Trek to the Dumurdo river cross at Jhula, now a wooden bridge is made cross it & camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas. Camp

DAY 07: JHULA – PAIJU

Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green Oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak 6611 M. Paiju - is a Balti word which means "SALT". Since there are some rock salt deposits at the base of this peak, the locals believe that the snow on the summit of Paiju Peak is not snow but a huge deposit of salt which drips down to the base. From this camp we have the first view of the impressive Baltoro Glacier. Camp

DAY 08: PAIJU - Rest Day

Rest & acclimatization day at Paiju. Camp

DAY 09: PAIJU TO URDUKAS

Begin trek after an early breakfast. Traverse the junction of Paiju - Baltoro Glaciers through crevasses & lunch below Liligo, the traditional camp under the muddy cliffs with fine views of rock spires. Cross the Khuburse torrent early morning and ramble over two glacier moraines to reach the grassy slopes of Urdukas offering splendid views of the Trango, Uli Biaho & Bial Groups. Camp

DAY 10: URDUKAS – GORO

A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier. Traverse the Yermanandu Glacier which flows down from Masherbrum & joins the Baltoro. Magnificent views of Muztagh, Mitre & Gasherbrum IV. Camp

DAY 11: GORO – CONCORDIA

After an early breakfast, resume a long walk on the Baltoro Glacier to a point called Concordia - a huge junction of Baltoro, Abruzzi & Godwin Austin Glaciers at 4000 meters. Within a short radius of 15 Kilometers, stand 41 peaks over 6500 meters including 04 peaks above 8000 M. The 360 view offers a panorama of peaks nowhere to be found on this Earth. Camp

DAY 12: CONCORDIA REST DAY

Explore K2 base (A day trip 4 hrs up 3 hrs down) after an early breakfast, resume your walk to K2 Base Camp. Camp

DAY 13: CONCORDIA - ALI CAMP

After an early breakfast leave the Concordia and we will cross several side glaciers to reach our right path. After 2 hours we will reach Vigne glacier, it is also possible to walk on the Vigne glacier which is fairly easy then walking on the stony bath on the right side of the glacier but it depend on the snow condition. Camp

DAY 14: ALI CAMP TO GONDOGORO PASS THEN TO KHUSPANG

A very early start as early as 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning to cross the Gondogoro la to reach Khuspang. The basic theme behind the early walk to reach the top of the Gondogoro Pass 5700 metres is that in the morning snow will be soft and you will not get tired quickly as the sun is not strong, but as sun get strong snow get soft, snow going to be melt and bring water and stones, also the chance of ice falls or avalanches. Camp

DAY 15: KHUSPANG

Rest day at Khuspang. Camp

DAY 16: KHUSPANG – DALSANGPA

After a couple of minutes of easy walk we will comes onto the glacier. You pick your way across moving boulders and ice, finally crossing the glacier up to the camping site to reach Dalsangpa, meaning 'field of flowers', lives up to its name. It is a beautiful campsite at about 4,150 metres, set between two lakes, with Masherbrum Mountain and the white glacier cascading down from Masherbrum Pass reflected in the still water. Camp

DAY 17: DALSANGPA – SHAICHO

Resume trek along the path; Keep yourself on the left side of the lateral moraine, crossing several side streams. The next hour is an unpleasant scramble along the stony, sliding glacier edge, with huge boulders poised above, ready to fall.

Continue your trek along the path goes downhill to the summer settlement called Shaicho, a large shepherd’s settlement with its own mosque, now here you can find a hotel and mountaineering equipment shop. This is the traditional camp among the forest of juniper, cedar and willow trees with giant bushes of wild roses and a good water supply. After a short break continue your walk along the Hushey River on an easy path. Upon arrival camp near the fields in Hushey village. Camp

DAY 18: SHAICHO – HUSHEY

An easy day will bring you to Hushey village. Evening free. Camp

DAY 19: HUSHEY – SKARDU

Drive to Skardu on  the jeep trail to Skardu. Hotel

DAY 20: SKARDU – ISLAMABAD/CHILAS

Flight to Islamabad, if unable due to bad weather same day drive to Chilas. Hotel

DAY 21: ISLAMABAD/CHILAS – ISLAMABAD

De-briefing at Alpine Club of Pakistan Islamabad or early morning drive to Islamabad. Arrive and transfer to the hotel in Islamabad. Hotel

DAY 22: DEPARTURE!

De-briefing at Alpine Club of Pakistan Islamabad if drive by road and evening drive to the airpot and fly to destination!

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