K2 or Mountain Austin Godwin




Location : Korakoram Range, Pakistan - China Border
Altitude : 8,611m (28,251 ft)
Imporance : 2nd Highest Mountain In The World.
Best Trek Season : April To October


K2 peak, locally known by the name of “Chogo Ri”, which means "The Great Mountain", 8,611m, is the 2nd highest mountain in the world. K2 is placed on the Pakistan - China border in the mighty Karakoram range.

With no simple routes, K2 is known as the finest and most dangerous mountain in the world. This is because of the massiveness in the size of this mountain and the numerous unsuccessful attempts made on it by various expeditions, which include mostly American expeditions.

About K2
K2 is a rocky mountain up to 6,000m, beyond which it becomes an ocean of snow. The traditional route to K2's base camp goes from Skardu, which is linked with Islamabad by a good road. From Skardu the route goes via Shigar-Dassu-Askole up to Concordia over the Baltoro glacier.

K2 was firstly discovered and measured by the Survey of India in 1856, and first named for English topographer Henry Godwin - Austen, who explored and surveyed the region.

K2 is taken from the first letter of Karakorum, and the number indicates that it was the second peak in the range to be measured. K2 was firstly climbed on July,31 1954 by Italian climbers team lead by Ardito Desio and accompanying him were Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni. A March 1987 measurement of K2 indicated that it might be higher than Everest, but later that year, Everest was re-measured by a similar method and found to indeed be 778 ft (237m) taller.

The Korakoram Range
Karakorum or Karakoram, mountain range, extending 480-kms, between the Indus and Yarkant rivers, North Kashmir, South central Asia; South Easy extension of the Hindu Kush mountain range. It covers disputed territory, held by China on the north, India on the east, and Pakistan on the west. Karakorum's main range has some of the world's highest peaks, including K2 called Mt. Godwin-Austen, the second highest peak in the world.

Karakorum also has several of the world's largest glaciers. Its southern slopes are the watershed for many tributaries of the Indus River. The mountains, which are the greatest barrier between India and Central Asia, are crossed above the perpetual snow line by two natural routes. Karakorum Pass (18,290 ft/5,575 m), is the chief pass on the main Kashmir - China route. Another important pass, Khunjerab (Kunjirap) Pass (15,420 ft/4,700m), is on the Pakistan - China route.

Henry Godwin-Austin
Godwin-Austen, was a English topographer and geologist. An officer in the British army (1851-77), he was assigned to several government surveys in North India, especially among the Himalayas. He explored and surveyed the region of the Karakorum around K2, which is also known as Mt. Godwin-Austen after him.


K-2 8611 M, GASHABRUMS 8068 M, BROAD PEAK 8047 M, GHOGOLISA 7654 M.



This is the most spectacular trek in the world. It also passes through the greatest concentration of highest peaks on the earth. The zenith of this trek is the union of the Godwin Austen and Baltoro Glacier at fantastic setting called 'Concodia' (4400 m) was first explored by Martin Conway of France in 1892 A.D. This immense sea of ice covered in stones was thus named after the Place-De-La Concorde in Paris. Ten of the thirty highest mountains of the world are located here. All along the trek are rows of needle spires, granite towers, shinning glaciated mountains and snowy domes lines providing the greatest mountain scenery in the world.
GRADE STRENUOUS
LAND COST US $1395 PP
DURATION 20 Days
SEASON MAY - SEPT
GROUP SIZE 6 &ABOVE

ITINERARY:

Day 01 : ISLAMABAD
Arrive Islamabad reception ,meeting and assisting upon arrival . Assist in custom clearance and transfer to centrally air conditioned hotel Blue Sky. Afternoon visit Ministry of Tourism for briefing. Evening visit to Shah Faisal mosque, Shakar Parian, Damane Koh and a shopping trip to Supper Market to explore the market for carpets and rugs gathered here from Iran, Afghanistan, China, Uzbekistan etc . Bar b Q dinner in Afghan Restaurant in real Afghan style . Overnight in hotel.

Day 02 : BESHAM
Islamabad to Besham After breakfast at hotel depart for Besham, We will stop at Margalla Pass for fifteen minutes to see the caravan route foot steps made by cutting the rocks in 516 BC and through which whole Alexander army marched in 327 BC. Next we stop for one hour at Texila Museum to see the richest collection of Gandhara Civilization in the world from 5 BC to 7 AD. Move to Abbottabad for lunch in Hotel Royal . Driving on the Karakoram Highway " THE SILK ROAD" along the River Indus we will stop at PTDC Motel on the bank of The Lion River for over night stay.


Day 03 : SKURDU:
Besham to Skardu After early breakfast at hotel drive to Skardu, passing by the world deepest narrow gorge of the River Indus . We will stop for early lunch at Chilas Inn and visit rock inscriptions sites dated from pre historic to 15 centuary AD.There are over 30,000 petroglyphs and 5000 inscriptions in more than ten writing systems at 30 sites stretched upto 100 kms. We will pass through a point where all the three highest mountains ranges of the world meet and for a photo stop where the the view of Nanga Parbat the ninth highest mountain of the world in Hamalayian Range. The Skurdu Road which cling to the hanging rock declared to be the world most difficult road during its construction. Skardu is the capital town of Baltistan. Satpara, Katchura lakes , Khorpocho Fort and antiques shops are the main attractions of the area. At Skardu our accommodation will be at the very interesting Concodia Motel, famous among trekkers and mountaineers for its calm and quite location and excellent Chinese food.
Day 04 : THONGOL:

After breakfast at our hotel we will drive up to the end of the jeep road crossing the fertile and green valley of Shigar, famous for its fruit orchards, centuries old wooden mosques and temples. At Thongol our stay will be in tents at 2900m above sea level.

Day 05 : KOROPHON:
Thongol to Korophon (6/8 hrs). After breakfast at the campsite we shall start our trek and will reach Askole, the last civilization on the way to K-2. We buy goat ,sheeps yaks and chickens from here to be consumed on way and will continue our walk up to Qaiser ground, locally known as Shaghran. Crossing the lower portion of Biafo Glacier we arrive at Korophon or Pari 1. This campsite is surrounded by bushes of wild roses and streams of clear water. Dinner & overnight in tents at 3100m above sea level.:

Day 06 : BARDUMAL:
Korophon to Bardumal (4/6 hrs). After breakfast start trekking and arrive at Jhola, a famous river crossing by flying fox. If the lower crossing is out of order then there is a tough walk on steep slopes. The river emerges from Punmah Glacier. Continue walking up to Bardumal campsite. Dinner and overnight in tents at 3200m above sea level.

Day 07 : PAIYU:
Bardumal to Paiyu (6/8 hrs). Trekking along the right bank of Braldu river we reach Paiyu campsite. This is a traditional rest spot before climbing on to Baltoro Glaciers. Trekking teams provide their porters with meat of goat/cow or yak depending on the number of porters. At Paiyu you find the last trees of the area. A Bar B Q dinner cooked on char coal is arranged for the trekkers before entering the glacier area. Overnight in tents at 3600m above sea level.

Day 08 PAIYU:

Paiyu - day free. Today it is a traditional halt where porters enjoy a feast before entering the glacier area. Camp is under Paiyu Peak.

Day 09 : KHABURSE:

Paiyu to Khaburse (5/7 hrs). Leaving Paiyu campsite behind we cross a steep slope. Ahead is the visible snout of Baltoro Glacier. We cross the glacier diagonally and cross Liligo campsite on the left bank of the glacier and arrive at Khaburse for overnight. Dinner and overnight in tents at 4000m above sea level.
Day 10 : GORO I/BIANGO:

Khaburse to Goro I/Biango (6/7 hrs). From Khaburse we walk to Urdukas where the last flowers of the area can exist. Behind, one can view the pyramid of Paiyu Peak and Uli Biaho Tower. From Urdukas onwards we walk in the center of the glacier. Ahead from here Gasherbrum IV is visible and we pass by Masherbrum Peak and view Cathedrals and Trango Tower. Dinner & overnight in tents at 4400m above sea level.

Day 11 : CONCORDIA:

Goro I/Biango to Concordia (6/7 hrs). Walking is slightly easier but due to the gain in height one may feel tired. Superb views of Mustagh Tower can be photographed en route. Reaching Concordia we camp under Mitre Peak. Dinner and overnight in tents at 4700m above sea level.
Day 12 : CONCORDIA:

Day free at Concordia Optional hike upto K-2 base camp to enjoy a free day at this legendary place. En route we cross the base camp of Broad Peak. From Concordia, Gasherbrum IV, K-2, Broad peak, Mitre, Crystal peak, Marble Peak and Baltoro Kangri are visible.
Day 13 : ALI CAMP:

Concordia to Ali camp (5/6 hrs). Leaving the Concordia campsite first explored by Martin Conway of France in 1892AD - a meeting place of five glaciers and thus named after the Place - de - la Concorde in Paris, we start trekking and reach Vigne Glacier. Dinner and overnight in tents at 4900m above sea level.
Day 14 : KHEUSPANG:

Ali camp to Kheuspang (10/12 hrs). Today we shall start very early in the morning and hike up to the Ghondoghoro Pass. On some slopes and crevasse prone areas we are required to be roped up. We cross the pass at 5650m above sea level and descend to the campsite of Kheuspang. Dinner and overnight in tents at 5000m above sea level.
Day 15 : DAISANGPA:

Kheuspang to Dalsangpa (4/6 hrs). Continue your descent to Dalsangpa campsite. Dalsangpa means field of flowers. Views of Masherbrum peaks and glacier are visible from this campsite. Dinner and overnight in tents at 4150m above sea level.
Day 16 : HUSHE:
Dalsangpa to Hushe (5/7 hrs). We will cross the last portion of the glacier and reach Ghondoghoro Baikh. From here the trek is easy. We descends to Saistcho, a campsite along river bank under the shadows of trees. Later proceed to Hushe village at the head of the jeep road. The campsite has a clear waterspring surrounded by green fields. Dinner and overnight in tents at 3050m above sea level.

Day 17 : HUSHE:

Hushe to Skardu Jeeps will be waiting for us and from Hushe we will drive to Khaplu and later proceed to Skardu driving on a metalled road along river Shyok. On arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 18 : ISLAMABAD:

Skardu to Islamabad by air. After early breakfast at our hotel we shall depart for air port . This is the most interesting part of journey as our Boing 737 get converted into air safari and we fly over the world biggest concentration of highest mountains of the planet earth. We will take you one by one in pilot's cockpit to have fascinating view and to take photo graphs ( This is possible with pilot permission and on clear weather day ). Mt Nangaparbat view is supurb. We get transfer to hotel . Afternoon debriefing in Ministry of Tourism.
Day 19 : ISLAMABAD :

Islamabad, This day is at leisure to explore the markets of carpets, rugs, handicrafts etc and in case flight cancellation to travel back from Skurdu to Islamabad by road.
Day 20 : DEPARTURE;
Departure. After breakfast at hotel transfer to airport for your onward journey. Assistance at departure and Bon Voyage. End of services.
Recommended equipment list
Footwear: Well broken-in walking boots these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes. Clothing: Down or fibre filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit , umbrella specially for ladies as first few days are reasonably hot during trekking.
Other equipment:
Sleeping bag (4 seasons), trekking holdall or stash sack with lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters. Other items: Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll,laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, tie cord, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, films, cards and personal medical kit.
OUR SERVICES
We provide all three meals through out the trekking and bed and breakfast in Islamabad, Besham and Skurdu, Trekking Permitt, Government licence guide, cooks and porters, their food, mountain equiptment and salaries, Insurance of porters, cook and guide as per Government Rules, All transfers including to Ministry of Tourism for briefing and debriefing, From and to air ports, Sitting tent, cooking tent, stool camps, camp tables, patromax lightning sets, all crockery and cooking wares, hand washing dish, napkins, washing soap, free portarage of 15 kgs of personal baggage during trekking, 300 meters of nylone rope for group of six for crossing Gondogoro La, Domestic air passage from Skurdu to Islamabad.
Pakistan the land of marvelous contrast, is an unmatched balanced master piece of God, as it is a blend of impressive landscapes, towering mountain peaks, deep gorges, cascading water falls, creeping glaciers, quiet lakes & meandering rivers
Alpine trekkers and Tours bring you complete information on various tourist destinations in Pakistan. Alpine Trekkers and Tours promises to offer you all the help to make your tour to Pakistan an exciting and memorable affair. A tour to adventure and the historical sites of Pakistan is a wonderful experience .For tour packages or hotel bookings in Pakistan; all you have to do is to email us at:
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umbreenzaidi@yahoo.com
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TOUR PRICES INCLUDES
HOTEL_ACCOMMODATION
ALL.THREE.MEALS,.TREKKING.PERMINT
GUIDE,.CAMPING.AND.KITCHEN.EQUPMENT
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