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.

Karakoram – Key Facts

Trail/Destination name: Karakoram
Location: Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan region)
Distance: Daily distance range from 5km to 25km 
Typical duration: 3–12+ days per trek
Start/Finish: Routes include Concordia (for K2/Gondogoro La), Fairy Meadows, Rakhiot Base Camp, and Diamir Face approaches
Trail type: High-altitude trekking routes; multi-day expeditions; shorter regional treks
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous; suitable for experienced trekkers
Terrain: Glacial basins, high mountain passes, icefields, moraines, valleys, and base camp approaches
Navigation: Step-by-step guide with 1:100,000 mapping; GPX files available for download
Best season: Summer months (June–September)
Accommodation: Base camp camping, local teahouses, and lodges on approach routes (depending on trek)

Author Highlight

“Sky and mountains are one in Northern Pakistan, where the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush challenge each horizon. Within a radius of 180km, there are more than 100 summits above 7000m: two of these are less than 100 metres shy of 8000m, and another 19 of them surpass 7600m. There are also four 8000m peaks within 24km of each other at the head of the Baltoro Glacier, and further to the west, another 8000m peak – Nanga Parbat – can be found. In short, you are walking in an area with the highest concentration of the highest peaks anywhere in the world.”

- Bart Jordans, author of Trekking in the Karakoram 

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

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

December 2025

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