K2 CONCORDIA TREK
1) The trekking season in Pakistan begins in end May / beginning of June and lasts until end of September. However June / July is best time for trekking on this route.
2) Please find attached our proposed standard itinerary for K2 Base Camp trek.
3) In the following lines you will find price with detail of services included in the package.
4) We are not offering fixed departures this coming season on this route, however we can organize a trek exclusively for the two of you. We are receiving enquiries from other trekkers and if a group is confirmed we would look into the possibility for you to join them.
K2 CONCORDIA TREK Day 01 Arrive Islamabad, transfer to hotel. Trek briefing at Ministry of Tourism. Day 02 Fly to Skardu. Today we take the hour long flight to Skardu, which at 7,500 ft above sea level, is the capital of Baltistan province. This is a very spectacular flight and passes close to the world’s ninth highest mountain Nanga Parbat (26,661 ft/8126 mtr). We may also see Broad Peak and K2. Arrive and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon have a look around Skardu bazaar and the Kharpocho (the Fort) which is worthwhile visiting. In case of flight cancellation Drive to Chilas. Overnight at hotel. Day 03 Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu. Overnight at hotel. Day 04 Skardu - trek preparations / acclimatization. Overnight at hotel. Day 05 Drive to Thongal/Askole. overnight camping. Day 06 & 07 Soon after leaving Askole we scramble over the Biafo glacier whose snout reaches right down to the Braldu river. After crossing the Panmah River, either by wading or on a cable bridge, we continue along the bank of Braldu river to Bardumal and Paiju. There are a couple of awkward spots to negotiate along the way, but we are rewarded by our first views of Baltoro glacier and its surrounding peaks. overnight camping. Day 08 We have a rest day at Paiju for relaxation and acclimatization. Day 09 & 10 We climb onto the snout of the Baltoro glacier, and cross over to the southern side of the glacier from Paiju, Biafo and Trango round to Grand Cathedral. Following the edge of the Baltoro for a while, we cross two small side glaciers, and eventually we can see the Trango Towers soaring up on the north side of the valley. We then strike out onto the middle of the glacier and following medial moraine, getting our first views of Masherbrum (25,600 ft) to the south, we camp at Goro, the junction of Young Husband glacier to Muztagh Tower. overnight camping. Day 11 Our final approach day, and our goal is in sight- Concordia. As we continue up the moraine to arrive there, more and more of the big peaks come into view, culminating in appearance of K2 just before we reach our campsite. Day 12 & 13 Two free days to enjoy the scenery. The views all around are tremendous: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Chogolisa and Sia Kangri are all prominent, as well as dozens of smaller peaks. Anyone energetic can trek up the Godwin Austin glacier to K2 base camp, or make the shorter trip to Broad Peak base camp It is also well worth continuing up the Baltoro for views of Chogolisa and the panorama back down the glacier towards Concordia and K2. This scenery truly cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. Day 14 to 18 Trek back to Askole, overnight camping. Day 19 Drive to Skardu. overnight at hotel. Day 20 Fly to Islamabad, transfer to hotel. In case of flight cancellation drive to Chilas. Overnight at hotel. Day 21 Islamabad or drive from Chilas to Islamabad. Day 22 Islamabad - debriefing at Ministry of Tourism. Day 23 Fly to onward destination. |
K2 CONCORDIA TREK
Day 01 Arrive Islamabad, transfer to hotel. Trek briefing at Ministry of Tourism.
Day 02 Fly to Skardu. Today we take the hour long flight to Skardu, which at 7,500 ft above sea level, is the capital of Baltistan province. This is a very spectacular flight and passes close to the world’s ninth highest mountain Nanga Parbat (26,661 ft/8126 mtr). We may also see Broad Peak and K2. Arrive and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon have a look around Skardu bazaar and the Kharpocho (the Fort) which is worthwhile visiting. In case of flight cancellation Drive to Chilas. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Skardu - trek preparations / acclimatization. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Drive to Thongal/Askole. overnight camping.
Day 06 & 07 Soon after leaving Askole we scramble over the Biafo glacier whose snout reaches right down to the Braldu river. After crossing the Panmah River, either by wading or on a cable bridge, we continue along the bank of Braldu river to Bardumal and Paiju. There are a couple of awkward spots to negotiate along the way, but we are rewarded by our first views of Baltoro glacier and its surrounding peaks. overnight camping.
Day 08 We have a rest day at Paiju for relaxation and acclimatization.
Day 09 & 10 We climb onto the snout of the Baltoro glacier, and cross over to the southern side of the glacier from Paiju, Biafo and Trango round to Grand Cathedral. Following the edge of the Baltoro for a while, we cross two small side glaciers, and eventually we can see the Trango Towers soaring up on the north side of the valley. We then strike out onto the middle of the glacier and following medial moraine, getting our first views of Masherbrum (25,600 ft) to the south, we camp at Goro, the junction of Young Husband glacier to Muztagh Tower. overnight camping.
Day 11 Our final approach day, and our goal is in sight- Concordia. As we continue up the moraine to arrive there, more and more of the big peaks come into view, culminating in appearance of K2 just before we reach our campsite.
Day 12 & 13 Two free days to enjoy the scenery. The views all around are tremendous: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Chogolisa and Sia Kangri are all prominent, as well as dozens of smaller peaks. Anyone energetic can trek up the Godwin Austin glacier to K2 base camp, or make the shorter trip to Broad Peak base camp It is also well worth continuing up the Baltoro for views of Chogolisa and the panorama back down the glacier towards Concordia and K2. This scenery truly cannot be matched anywhere else in the world.
Day 14 to 18 Trek back to Askole, overnight camping.
Day 19 Drive to Skardu. overnight at hotel.
Day 20 Fly to Islamabad, transfer to hotel. In case of flight cancellation drive to Chilas. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21 Islamabad or drive from Chilas to Islamabad.
Day 22 Islamabad - debriefing at Ministry of Tourism.
Day 23 Fly to onward destination.
Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet. AMS rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to the lack of oxygen present at higher altitudes. At 5490 meters (18,000ft), there is just half the oxygen available as there is at sea level, while there is only a third available at the summit of Mount Everest. The itineraries of the treks of Itreknepal are designed to reduce the risk of altitude sickness as much as possible, although individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined. What happens to the body during altitude illness? The body tries to adapt to having less available oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain, the lungs or both, creating mild to severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dizziness. These symptoms are usually resolved by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsen, descent to lower altitudes is warranted. If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms worsen, then it is also necessary to descend. More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headaches, vomiting, loss of coordination, shortness of breath and coughing fits. These extremely dangerous symptoms are called high altitude cerebral edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours. Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of high altitude pulmonary edema or HAPE. This condition can rapidly prove to be fatal if ignored. Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various substances, and may be a problem at altitude. The following substances can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness:
1. Alcohol
2. Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
3. Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three liters of liquid a day and avoid getting cold. Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day. Some experts suggest a two-day trial of acetazolamide before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:
1. A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers
2. Nausea and repeated vomiting
3. Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction
4. Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance
5. Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate,
crackles in breathing and shortness of breath
6. Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes
7. Swollen ankles and hands
8. Confusion
9. Convulsions
In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height. We have guides trained at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk. For more information, please contact your doctor or hospital.
Clothing
Down- or fibre-filled jacket for cold seasons (winter treks)
Pile jacket or jumper (sweater)
Hiking shorts (for men) or skirt
Waterproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
Hiking pants
T-shirts or blouses
Underwear
Sun hat
Swimwear (optional)
Footwear
Trekking or running shoes
Camp shoes or thongs
Socks (polypropylene)
Other equipment
Backpack or daypack
Sleeping bag (optional)
Maps, compass & guidebook (optional)
Water bottle
Torch (flashlight) and batteries
Miscellaneous items
Toiletries
Towel
Laundry soap
Toilet paper & cigarette lighter
Pre-moistened towelettes
Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
Small knife
Sewing kit
Iodine, water purification tablets or filter
Medical & first-aid kit *
Duffel bag (if you have a porter)
For treks with longer stay above 4000m
Clothing
Insulated pants
Nylon windbreaker
Nylon wind pants
Long underwear
Woolen hat (or balaclava)
Gloves
Gaiters
Footwear
Mountain trekking boots
Socks (wool) to wear with boots
Socks (light cotton) to wear under wool socks
Down booties (optional)
Miscellaneous items
Goggles or sunglasses
Sunscreen for lips
Optional equipment
Photographic Gear
Camera & lenses
Lens cleaning equipment
Film (about 20 rolls)
Navigation Aids
GPS unit
Altimeter
Thermometer
Miscellaneous Items
Binoculars
Books/magazines
Small duffel bag or suitcase (to leave behind in Kathmandu)
Padlock
Stuff sacks & plastic bags
Per person cost: US$ 2500
Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 14 in one departure
Per person cost: US$ 2700
Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 14 in one departure