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Trekking in the Karakoram
Pakistan: K2, Snow Lake, Gondogoro La and Nanga Parbat
Trekking in the Karakoram
Pakistan: K2, Snow Lake, Gondogoro La and Nanga Parbat
Three of the most popular high-altitude treks in Pakistan's Karakoram, among some of the world's highest mountains: Snow Lake and the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers; the K2 Base Camp Trek; and Gondogoro La via Concordia. Also includes two shorter treks in the shadow of Nanga Parbat: Fairy Meadows and Rakhiot Base Camp Trek; and a trek to Diamir Face.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.
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781786310569
Availability
Published
Published
11 Apr 2024
Edition
First
Pages
240
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.40cm
Weight
280g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device.
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
Landslide updates
Page 53 – the photo of the bridge. This bridge located at the exit of the Panmah Valley washed away in September 2025. It will take one to two years before it will be rebuilt.
Page 88 - expect some extra time travelling to Askole for 2026 due to major landslides and bridges taken out in the (late) summer of 2025.
It is in the interest of several villages and the army that the road and bridges will be reestablished as soon as possible.
Page 142/143 – map: the (new) big bridge indicated on the right page is washed away in September 2025. It might take one or two years before it will be replaced again (it was/is strategically an important bridge for the army).
The ‘Old footbridge’ indicated on the map has to be sued now, making the trip 60min longer (remember also on the way back!).
Page 144 – Joila Camp is nearly totally washed away and covered with a meter of mud. Expect limited campgrounds. From the three buildings which were there two are still there.
Page 178/179/180/181/182 – since the big bridge is washed out at the exit from Panmah Valley walk maybe 2 longer days at the end of the trek. From Hoborse to Bardumal. From Bardumal to Askole.
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