Pakistan – Trekking-Tour der Superlative im Karakorum (Himalaya): Concordiaplatz – K2 Base Camp – Gondogoro La Pass

 

Unsere Trekking-Tour führt mitten ins Herz des Karakorum, in den „Thronsaal der Berggötter“, wie der Concordiaplatz auch genannt wird. Die Wanderung zum Concordiaplatz, zum K2 Base Camp und über den Gondogoro La Pass ist eine der beliebtesten Trekking-Strecken in Pakistan. Die Ausblicke auf die schneebedeckten Gipfel sind einzigartig. Nirgendwo sonst auf der Erde sind so viele Sieben- und Achttausender so engem Raum zu bestaunen.

Ab Askole wandern wir zunächst entlang des Braldo-Flusses, bis wir kurz hinter Payu die Zunge des Baltoro-Gletschers erreichen. Nach dessen Querung geht es inmitten eines fantastischen Panoramas (Broad Peak, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral, ...) weiter bis Urdukas. Von hier wandern wird auf dem Baltoro-Gletscher, der in großen Teilen von Schutt bedeckt ist, so dass wir kaum direkt auf dem Eis gehen müssen. Bei unserer Ankunft am Concordiaplatz haben wir einen der weltweit wohl umwerfendsten Panoramablicke auf den K2 und die benachbarten Berggipfel. Nach einem Abstecher zum Basislager des K2 setzen wir unserer Wanderung in südlicher Richtung bis zum Ali Camp fort, dem letzten Lager vor der Überquerung des Gondogoro La Passes (ca. 5700 m). Auf der Passhöhe genießen wir einen herrlichen Panoramablick auf die vier Achttausender K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I und Gasherbrum II. Der Abstieg auf der anderen Seite Richtung Hushe ist an schwierigen Stellen mit Drahtseilen versichert.

Reisetermin

Samstag, 16. Juli 2011 - Freitag, 5. August 2011

Preis

2.450,- Euro pro Person (inkl. Flug von/nach Frankfurt) (4 - 12 Teilnehmer)

Anfrage / Buchung

Bei Interesse an dieser Reise freuen wir uns auf Ihre unverbindliche Anfrage. Sie erhalten eine schnellstmögliche Antwort von uns.

Kurzbeschreibung

• Tag 1: Flug Frankfurt - Islamabad
• Tag 2: Ankunft in Islamabad und Flug nach Skardu oder Fahrt nach Chilas
• Tag 3: Ruhetag in Skardu oder Fahrt von Chilas nach Skardu
• Tag 4: Fahrt nach Askole
• Tag 5: Trekking zum Jhola Camp (3200 m)
• Tag 6: Trekking nach Paiju (3500 m)
• Tag 7: Ruhetag in Paiju
• Tag 8: Trekking zum Kuburtse Camp (3930 m)
• Tag 9: Trekking zum Urdukas Camp (4050 m)
• Tag 10: Trekking zum Goro II Camp (4380 m)
• Tag 11: Trekking zum Concordiaplatz (4650 m)
• Tag 12: Trekking zum K2 Base Camp (5150 m)
• Tag 13: Trekking zum Concordiaplatz (4650 m)
• Tag 14: Trekking auf dem Vigne-Gletscher zum Ali Camp (5010 m)
• Tag 15: Erholungs-/Reservetag im Ali Camp (5010 m)
• Tag 16: Trekking über den Gondogoro La (5700 m) nach Xhuspang (4680 m)
• Tag 17: Trekking zum Shaieshcho Camp (3300 m)
• Tag 18: Trekking nach Hushe (3050 m) und Fahrt nach Skardu
• Tag 19: Flug nach Islamabad oder Fahrt nach Chilas
• Tag 20: Erholungstag in Islamabad oder Fahrt von Chilas nach Islamabad
• Tag 21: Flug Islamabad - Frankfurt

Detaillierte Reisebeschreibung (englisch)

• Guided by highly experienced and qualified local professionals having undergone on the job training over many seasons with us. They are highly experienced at catering to the needs of members, and do a tremendous amount to contribute to the overall success and satisfaction of our groups.
• 3 to 5 star accommodations and services
• We provide assistance during visa process and send you a visa invitation letter if required. We require your full name, nationality, residential address, occupation and passport number for this letter.
• The highest standards of hygiene are maintained on trek, and our cooks will surprise you with a varied menu that’s sure to please at the conclusion of each trekking day.

Upon arrival in Islamabad we fly to Skardu, capital of Baltistan region, or if the weather is inclement we travel by road through the Indus gorge. Skardu is the parting point from civilisation, where we will be accommodated in a Hotel. Jeeps take us to the road end at Askole, the last village in the valley. Askole is the beginning of the trek and each night we camp out as we travel up the valley with our Balti porters providing entertainment and colour to the otherwise stark and barren countryside. Our cooks provide wholesome and high quality food during the trek. The guide and porters will coordinate all the movements of equipment and people up and down the mountain, and are there to assist and facilitate you. At the end of the trip the group retraces its steps to Islamabad.

Day 1: Flight Frankfurt - Islamabad

Day 2: Flight Islamabad - Skardu or Drive to Chilas
Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the north east. On a clear day we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains. It is quite possible adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive on the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approximately two days. In case of cancellation of flight drive 10-12 hrs by air conditioned coach to Chilas (480km) on the Karakoram Highway. Overnight at Chilas Inn or Panorama hotel.

Day 3: Skardu or Drive from Chilas to Skardu
Preparations for our trek and depending on our time of arrival into Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus and Basha Rivers. If we are driving the road journey today will be 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km). On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m). Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Askole (appr. 8 hrs)
We will travel by jeep with our crew and supplies along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole. Villages in Shigar have changed little in over five hundred years; farms with fields of barley, wheat and vegetables surrounded by stone walls and stands of poplar, willow and apricot trees. The apricot is a very important crop in the north, having a multitude of uses to the Balti and Hunzakut people. Villagers greet us as we pass through on the rugged dirt and stone road that leads to Baltoro. As we approach, the landscapes become desert like and once within the sheer valley of the Braldu, it is necessary to cross the river several times by suspension bridges. At various points the road may have collapsed due to erosion and we will transfer the gear across on foot to a vehicle on the other side.
The journey may take anywhere from six to twelve hours, or possibly two days as a result!
With patience, we will arrive at our first camp of the trek and the expedition will begin in earnest. In Askole the villagers grow their own cereals, vegetables and fruit and own large herds of sheep, goats and dzos. Overnight in tents.

Day 5: Trek to Jhola (3200 m) (appr. 6 hrs)
After considerable organisation of equipment, supplies and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Jhola. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier flowing 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. We also experience the harsh, stark environment that forms the base of these great mountains.
Our route takes us to the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers where the infamous flying fox or 'jola' is located. It is still there, however a footbridge has now been built making the passage much easier by every perspective. (Consider individual passage of 50 to 70 people with loads, compared with walking straight across a steel bridge!). In past years it was necessary to make a high traverse across a rocky face and descend steeply to the riverside of the Dumordo to gain the flying fox. There is now a safe and pleasant pathway above the river. It is this valley, fed by the Panmah Glacier that was once a passage between Baltistan and Yarkhand across the West Mustagh Pass (5370m) into China. Once across, we descend beside the river to the Braldu and then follow along it's banks to our camp.

Day 6: Trek to Paiju (3450 m) (7-8 hrs)
The route is mainly at riverside throughout the day, switching up and down somewhat according to the level of erosion and water levels of the Braldu. The Masherbrum Group may be glimpsed to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The range is a vast array of peaks that extend almost the full length of the southern side of Baltoro. Walking conditions are hot and dry and care must be taken to prevent sunburn, especially when most members will have come from a southern winter! As we approach camp several small glacially fed rivulets flow down from the north and the first peaks of the Trango and Uli Biaho group appear on the distant ridgeline. 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.

Day 7: Rest Day in Paiju
An important preparatory stage for our crew and porters. Our goats are slaughtered and roti (breads) baked throughout the day for the journey ahead on the glacier. It is a welcome opportunity for us to relax, read and take photos. Perhaps do some washing and simply enjoy being in the mountains.

Day 8: Trek to Kurbutse (3930 m) (7-8 hrs)
Making the short approach to the glacier, the great expanse of ice stretching across the Braldu comes into perspective when we see the many porters forming an ant-like trail across it. Ice cliffs tower more than sixty metres above the turbulent waters at the origin of the Braldu River. As a result of its continually changing nature, the glacial moraine may be difficult to trek upon at this stage and our route varies somewhat each time. One should be prepared for a hard day of walking and carry plenty of fluid. Once at the other side, the trail will hug the side and occasionally necessitate a glacier or river crossing. There are now uninterrupted views of Paiju Peak (6610m), Uli Biaho group, Trango Group and Cathedral Group - a majestic, spired collection of mountains that the Karakoram are so well known for. Behind us the steep grassy slopes make high grazing pastures for ibex and the rocks are home to mouse hares (Pikas) and colourful hoopoe birds which forage for food scraps.

Day 9: Trek to Urdukus (4050m) (3-4 hrs)
An easier day's walk, following a good trail at the side of the Baltoro with two feeding glaciers to cross enroute. It is Great Trango (5844m), facing eastwards, that is considered the greatest cliff face in the world and the point from which two Australians made a world record base jump in 1992. On the trail, pony trains carrying supplies to army camps are often passed and occasional helicopters overhead provide a reminder of our proximity to the disputed territory of Kashmir nearby. The grassy camp of Urdukas is well located before the mountains and is our last before continuing glacial camps. If the weather is clear at the head of the valley we may see Broad Peak (8050m) and Gasherbrum IV (7930m), two of the most prominent peaks of the region.

Day 10: Trek to Goro II (4380 m) (6-7 hrs)
Descending rugged terrain onto the glacier, we cross to the centre where it is easier trekking.
We weave over rolling mounds of rock and scree, not unlike that of a quarry and head almost in a direct path to GIV. We are in fact steering slightly northwards to a moraine hollow where Goro II is situated. The vast glacial highway of the Yermanendu feeds in from the south, leading from the many mountains around Biarchedi. Crystal and Marble Peaks are now right before us. Looking back towards Paiyu, the impressive mountain groups that have dominated our views over the last few days are now dwarfed as we trek higher and further away.

Day 11: Trek to Concordia (4650 m) (4-5 hrs)
A special day today as we trek into Concordia and enjoy our first views of K2 (weather permitting!). This location must be considered one of the world's most spectacular camps as it is totally surrounded by stunning peaks. As we leave Goro II, the Biange Glacier to the north provides a superb view up to Mustagh Tower (7284m), one of the most difficult mountains in the Karakoram to climb. The trail continues along fairly easy rolling slopes of moraine marked by cairns and then passes among ice towers or seracs as we approach the colliding glaciers at Concordia. Mitre Peak (6030m) rises to our right, with Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri) (7312m) beside it, while the Gasherbrum Group is directly before us. The expanse of Broad Peak (8050m) is to the left and finally K2 (8611m) looms above the ridge towering over the Godwin Austen Glacier twelve kilometres away. Each mountain is different in character and it's climbing history. It is awe inspiring to know that many of these mountains were explored and climbed upon around the turn of the century but were not submitted until the fifties and sixties due to their difficult technical routes and severe climatic conditions. One presumes they have little changed since these first explorations. Concordia, the junction of the Baltoro, Godwin Austen, Gasherbrum and Vigne Glaciers, makes a perfect base from which to explore and enjoy some of the highest mountains in the world. Very few people are fortunate enough to witness this sight.

Day 12: Trek to K2 Basecamp (5150 m) (4-5 hrs)
Our schedule is somewhat flexible according to the prevailing weather conditions and group preference. One of our objectives is to visit K2 Base Camp (approx 5150m) and the Gilkey Memorial, a spectacular half day trip from camp. The most exciting day of this trek as you walk past Broad peak and get nearer to K2 and arrive at the strip which is the most popular camping area for nearly all the expeditions to K2. Here some of the top climbers of the world can be seen busy in preparations for the challenges ahead. Stay overnight there.

Day 13: Trek to Concordia (4650 m) (4-5 hrs)
Trek down from K2 Basecamp to Concordia and stay overnight at Concordia.

Day 14: Trek on Vigne Glacier to Ali Camp (5010 m) (5-6 hrs)
Today we trek for 5-6 hours on the Vigne Glacier with superb views of Chogolisa and Mitre Peak. Overnight will be spent at Ali camp just below the pass.  An alternate exit from Concordia is to ascend the Vigne Glacier and cross the glaciated Gondogoro Pass (5700m) to the Hushe Valley. Crampons are usually required for this pass crossing. It is a challenging pass crossing and will only be attempted in good conditions; your guide will liaise with you on this option as the trip progresses, and make the final decision at the appropriate time preceding the objective. After crossing the pass it is two day walk out to the village of Hushe, where our vehicles meet us. Any spare days will be well utilised as a rest day in one of our spectacular camps enroute. If circumstances don’t allow us to travel this way, we will return by the no-less-spectacular journey back down the Baltoro glacier to the roadhead at Askole. Heading in a different direction, the views are always different and the weather always changing in the mountains; one could not consider this route as repetitious by anyone’s standards.

Day 15: Ali Camp / Contingency Day
Adverse weather conditions may prevent us from our ascent of the La, and it may be necessary to delay our crossing. Your guide will assess the weather, ice and snow conditions.

Day 16: Trek over Gondogoro La (5700 m) to Xhuspang (4680 m) (8-10 hrs)
8-10 hours, 930m ascent, 1260m descent. We must start very early in the morning (1 am) for our crossing of the pass. After 4-5 hours of steep and strenuous ascent we gain the top to be rewarded with stunning views of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. The lovely snow and granite knife edged peak of Laila (6200m), first climbed unofficially in 1987 by a British expedition and unofficially in 1996 by an Italian expedition, rises over the Gondogoro Glacier as we turn to descend. We descend 3-4 hrs to Xhuspang camp (4680m). Xhuspang is named for the turquoise (xhu) flowers which blanket this grassy place in summer.

Day 17: Trek to Shaieshcho (3300 m) (6-7 hrs)
Continuing along the lateral moraine we descend to Shaieshcho, a picturesque campsite nestled amongst tamarisks, wild roses and junipers set beside the river. There are views up to the Charakusa Valley towards K7 (6934m). Tonight there is the chance for song and dance as the porters are relaxed and happy with a successful crossing of the Gondogoro La behind them.

Day 18: Trek to Hushe (3050 m) (3-4 hrs), drive to Skardu
Today is our final day of trekking in Pakistan. 3-4 hours of easy descent bring us to the village of Hushe. Nestled in the Hushe Valley it is the gateway for many expeditions travelling to Masherbrum, the Charakusa and Nangma valleys. Time permitting we may have the option of a short climb to the top of a hillside on the edge of the village to gain unparalleled views of the mountain tops of the entire Baltoro. We return to Skardu by jeep. It is necessary to change jeeps an hour or so out of Hushe at Kande due to the road being washed away by the river. The drive is a pleasant one through pretty scattered villages. The locals are busy with harvest and the apricot trees are heavy with ripening fruit. We travel via Khaplu the second largest kingdom of the old Baltistan guarding the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. Overnight hotel.

Day 19: Fly to Islamabad or Drive to Chilas
Weather permitting we will fly to Islamabad today, on arrival transfer to the Invite Inn Guest House for overnight. In case of flight cancellation it is necessary to drive to Chilas and overnight at the Chilas Inn or Panorama hotel on the banks of the Indus. We cannot guarantee air travel at any time between the north and south and we expect members to be as reasonable and flexible as possible on this matter. Should we travel by surface, we will have a private minibus that will take us via Chilas which is a day's drive from Islamabad. The road is good for most of the journey but occasionally subject to landslide breaks which can delay us. We follow right beside the Indus from Skardu and view the incredible force of the river by the deep gorges it has carved out. We then join the Karakoram Highway (KKH) which was built by the Chinese over twenty years and runs from Kashgar to 'Pindi. As we wind our way southwards down to the plains, we cross several passes thickly forested in pine and birch. The hills open out to the vast plains and deltas of Punjab province.
The traffic becomes more chaotic as we approach Rawalpindi and one feels the temperatures of the plains once again. Should we be able to fly, the additional time will be well spent in 'Pindi; shopping and sightseeing. The Bazaars have endless numbers of streets to explore and traders to bargain with.

Day 20: Islamabad or Drive from Chilas to Islamabad
Day 20 will be used as a 'cushion' day in case of delays in travel due to weather, route change, health, acclimatization issues during the trek, etc.

Day 21: Flight to Frankfurt

Please note:
1. The above schedule should be taken as a guide only. Inclement weather may cause delays in our journey, whether we are on foot or travelling by vehicle. Our schedule has been planned to allow for variations and where necessary, spare days will be used to compensate for these changes. Our guide reserves the right to make modifications or alterations to the trip schedule in the best interests of all involved. A flexible approach by all allows us to alter plans efficiently and effectively and achieve trip objectives.
2. While the trekking route is mostly straightforward, walking in gorge country, moraine and glaciers can be confusing and/or hazardous and care should be taken. At any stage where the trail is indistinct or potentially dangerous, we will group together and travel safely under the leadership of the guide.

Trip cost includes:

• All meals while trekking (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• English speaking guide
• Tourist class hotel accommodation in Islamabad, Skardu, Chilas on a twin sharing basis with breakfast
• All internal transport by air or private vehicle as described
• Airport transfers
• Expedition services including guides, cooks, porters, two person tents, insulated mats, cooking and eating utensils, mess tent with table and stools
• max. 15 kg porterage of personal gear on trek
• Trek staff insurance
• Climbing gear (crampons, ice axe and rope)

Trip cost does not includes

• Lunch and dinner during your time in hotels
• Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
• Extra days beyond the specified itinerary
• Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
• Tips for guide, drivers, porters etc.
• Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond our control
• Single supplement

Single Room and Tent Supplement

Please note that if you are a single person booking on one of our trips you do not have to pay the single room or tent supplement, this is only payable if you specifically request to have a tent or a room to yourself. You will not have to pay this for this option if you happen to end up with a single tent or room due to odd numbers on the trip. We will provide a single room for women travelling on their own at no extra charge should they request this. Otherwise if you wish to have a room to yourself a small extra charge will be payable.

Dieser Artikel bei: