Trekking in the Karakoram

Explore some of the world’s most spectacular high-altitude trekking terrain in Pakistan's Karakoram — home to legendary mountains such as K2 and Nanga Parbat. From glacial basins like Snow Lake and the mighty Biafo–Hispar glaciers to the high Gondogoro La pass, the Karakoram combines dramatic scenery with demanding trekking routes.

Trekking in the Karakoram, written by expert Bart Jordans, is your essential companion for planning and undertaking these remarkable journeys. Covering five of the region’s best trekking experiences, including the Fairy Meadows and Rakhiot Base Camp Trek, and a trek to the Diamir Face, this guidebook combines reliable route descriptions with practical expertise for routes suitable for experienced trekkers.

• Detailed coverage of three major high-altitude Karakoram treks: Biafo to Hispar via Snow Lake, the K2 Base Camp Trek, and the Gondogoro La crossing via Concordia, with clear guidance and route description
• Two shorter treks around Nanga Parbat — Fairy Meadows and Rakhiot Base Camp (3 days), and a trek to the Diamir Face (5 days), offering a variety for trekkers in Pakistan
• Practical planning advice, including trek operators and preparation guidance, is provided to support well-informed logistics and safer trekking choices during your trip to South Asia
• Background information on mountaineering history and exploration of the Karakoram, enriching your understanding of the region’s cultural and alpine heritage
• 1:100,000 scale mapping and elevation profiles are supported by GPX files, so you have all navigational tools at your disposal, including for the K2 Base Camp Trek

With opportunities to witness views of five of the world’s 8,000 m peaks as part of the experience, trekking in the Karakoram offers an unparalleled journey for the adventurous hiker. From the brooding icefields of Snow Lake to the jaw-dropping mountain amphitheatre of Concordia and the dramatic prominence of Nanga Parbat, use this guidebook to confidently plan your Karakoram treks and experience Asia’s most iconic high-altitude routes.

All the author's royalties from this guidebook (~£5 per book) will be matched by Cicerone and donated to the Juniper Trust.

Seasons

Late spring, summer and early autumn is the best time for walking in the mountains, but do expect it to be hot. During the rest of the year snow could cause problems.

Centres

Gilgit and Skardu are the main access points for the Karakoram. The three Karakoram treks start from Askole.

Difficulty

With the exception of the Fairy Meadows trek, all the routes are strenuous. In general, expect long hours of hiking on trails covered with unstable rocks and scree, minimal shade and high temperatures during the day. Crampons are needed for some of the glacier travel.

Must See

K2, the second highest mountain in the world, along with other 8000m giants (Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I and II and Broad Peak) and many 7000m+ peaks, embedded in long glaciers, located in a region with a rich cultural, religious, political and historical past

CONTENTS

Map Key

Overview map

Route summary tables

Preface

INTRODUCTION

The thrill of the Gilgit-Baltistan areas

Preparations and practicalities

Climate and trekking seasons

Visas

Access and permits

Trek operators

Cost of trekking in Pakistan

Getting to Pakistan

Getting around in Pakistan

The trek access points: Gilgit and Skardu

Accommodation

Food and drink

Equipment

Maps

Money

Language and dialect in the Gilgit-Baltistan areas

Customs

Safety

Medical considerations and emergencies

Insurance

High-altitude problems

Using this guide

All about the Karakoram

People and population

Gilgit

Skardu and Baltistan

Religion in the Gilgit-Baltistan areas

Culture and architecture

Timeline of exploring and climbing history in the Gilgit-Baltistan areas

Pakistani high-altitude climbers and porters

Other adventure activities

The landscape of the Karakoram

Geology

Glaciers

Rivers

Mining

National Parks in the Gilgit-Baltistan areas

Plantlife

Wildlife

Birdlife

THE TREKS

Getting to Askole – the starting point for the treks

Askole – gateway to the Karakoram

Trek 1 Snow Lake and the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers

Day 1 Askole to Namla via Kesar’s Polo Ground

Day 2 Namla to Mango

Day 3 Mango to Baintha

Day 4 Baintha to Napina

.Day 5 Napina to Sim Gang

Day 6 Sim Gang to Hispar La via Snow Lake

Day 7 Hispar La to Khani Basa (Baktur Baig)

Day 8 Khani Basa (Baktur Baig) to Jutmal

Day 9 Jutmal to Shikam Baris or to camp before Pumari Chhish Glacier

Day 10 Pumari Chhish Glacier camp to Bitenmal

Day 11 Bitenmal to Falalinghish

Day 12 To Hispar village and beyond

Trek 2 K2 Base Camp Trek

Day 1 Askole to Joila

Day 2 Joila to Paiju

Day 3 Paiju to Hoborse

Day 4 Hoborse to Urdukas

Day 5 Urdukas to Gore 2

Day 6 Gore 2 to Concordia

Day 7 Excursion from Concordia

Day 8 Concordia to Gore 1

Day 9 Gore 1 to Hoborse

Day 10 Hoborse to Paiju

Day 11 Paiju to Joila

Day 12 Joila to Askole

Trek 3 Gondogoro La via Concordia

Day 8 Concordia to Ali Camp

Day 9 Ali Camp crossing the Gondogoro La to Huisprung

Day 10 Huisprung to Dalsan

Day 11 Dalsan to Saitcho

Day 12 Saitcho to Hushe

Nanga Parbat treks

Trek 4 Fairy Meadows and Rakhiot Base Camp trek

Day 1 Tato to Fairy Meadows

Day 2 Fairy Meadows to Beyal via Base Camp

Day 3 Beyal to Tato and transport to Rakhiot Bridge

Trek 5 Trek to Diamir Face or West Face of Nanga Parbat

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Agents in Pakistan and abroad

Appendix C English to Urdu glossary

Appendix D Further reading

Acknowledgements