A guidebook to 3 high-altitude treks in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains, plus 2 shorter routes on the flanks of Nanga Parbat in the neighbouring Himalaya. With the exception of the Fairy Meadows trek, all the routes are strenuous and are recommended for experienced trekkers.

The guide includes 3 treks of 12 days each (excluding rest days): Biafo to Hispar via Snow Lake; a K2 Base Camp Trek; and a crossing of Gondogoro La. The Nanga Parbat routes visit Fairy Meadows (3 days) and Diamir or West Face (5 days).

• Route description illustrated with 1:100,000 mapping and elevation profiles
• Advice on planning and preparation, including trek operators
• Safety considerations
• History of mountaineering and exploration in the Karakoram
• Offers views of 5 of the world’s 8000m peaks

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

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