The High Karakoram Passes

Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

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Duration

32 Days /31 Nights

Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

The Karakoram Traverse is an extraordinary combination of two of the world’s most captivating treks: The Gondogoro La Trek and the Biafo-Hisper Trek. Each of these treks is renowned for its adventure and breathtaking landscapes, making them popular among seasoned trekkers. The High Karakoram Passes trek offers a comprehensive and exciting journey in the mighty Karakoram range, featuring the crossing of two major high-altitude passes—Gondogoro La (5,450 meters) and Hisper La (5,128 meters)—in a single expedition.

During this trek, you will traverse four of the Karakoram’s most remarkable glaciers: Gondogoro Glacier, Baltoro Glacier, Biafo Glacier, and Hisper Glacier. These glaciers are flanked by some of the world’s most iconic mountain peaks, creating a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Karakoram in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

This grand “ice highway” leads you through the tranquil mountain kingdoms, guiding you to the ancient kingdom of Nagar and ultimately concluding your nearly five-week journey in the breathtaking Hunza Valley. The Karakoram Traverse offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the Karakoram Range, with its towering peaks, vast glaciers, and challenging passes.

Gondogoro La and Hisper Pass are gateways to some of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. They offer unmatched adventure and challenge for experienced trekkers, providing a chance to experience the majesty of the Karakoram up close. However, due to the demanding nature of these passes and the technical skills required, this trek is recommended only for seasoned mountaineers and trekkers with experience in high-altitude and glacial terrain.

The High Karakoram Passes Trek in the Karakoram Traverse of the northern mountain kingdom in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is more than just a trek; it’s an unforgettable journey through one of the most rugged and beautiful regions on the planet, offering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for those who are up to the challenge. Lets achieve something that echoes through time.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the capital city of Islamabad and the scenic beauty of Skardu, a gateway to the Karakoram Range.
Enjoy a picturesque road journey to Skardu, surrounded by towering mountains, rivers, and lush valleys.
Discover the serene and breathtaking valleys of Skardu and Shigar, known for their natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Balti people and embark on an adventurous jeep safari to Askole, the last village before the trek begins.
Encounter seasoned mountaineers at the base camps of some of the world's highest peaks, sharing stories of their expeditions.
Trek along the Baltoro Glacier, the 5th longest glacier in the world and the largest outside the polar regions, surrounded by majestic peaks.
Visit the base camps of K2 (8,611 meters) and Broad Peak (8,051 meters), where climbers prepare for their summit attempts.
Camp in Concordia, the "throne room of the mountain gods," surrounded by some of the highest and most dramatic peaks in the world.
Hike up to the Godwin-Austen Glacier, passing the Gilkey Memorial, a tribute to climbers who lost their lives in the mountains.
Marvel at the views of towering 8,000-meter peaks, including Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and K2, from key vantage points like Goro II, Concordia, and the base camps.
Admire the stunning array of peaks between 5,000 and 8,000 meters, including Gasherbrum III and IV, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, and Urdukas Peak.
Witness the grandeur of numerous glaciers, such as Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, and Mandu, along with stunning glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine mountain streams.
Explore the powerful rivers that carve through the rugged landscape, including the Indus, Panmah, and Braldu rivers, adding to the region's dramatic scenery.

Itinerary

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where you will be welcomed by our team. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Islamabad including Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.

Early morning departure from Islamabad. Drive north along the legendary Karakoram Highway (or via Naran and Babusar Pass, weather permitting) to reach Chilas.
Overnight: Hotel in Chilas.

Continue the journey along the Indus River toward Skardu. En route, visit the ancient Thalpan Rock Carvings and the Junction Point where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush meet.
Arrive in Skardu by evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.

Morning visit GB Tourism office for a formal briefing (Mandatory process)
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the Skardu region to acclimatize. Highlights include:
• Kharpocho Fort
• Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes
• Katpana Cold Desert
• Manthal Buddha Rock
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.

Depart by 4WD jeep toward Hushe, the last village accessible by road in the Ghanche District. Enjoy dramatic off-road scenery.
Overnight: Campsite in Hushe.

Begin trekking through lush meadows and alpine pastures along the Hushe River. Stunning views of the Masherbrum (K1) range.
Overnight: Camp at Saitcho.

A gentle trek along grassy slopes and alpine terrain to Dalzampa (“Field of Flowers”), offering majestic views.
Overnight: Camp at Dalzampa.

Ascend further to Khuspang, a high-altitude camp offering stunning views of Laila Peak with its striking spire.
Overnight: Camp at Khuspang.

An early alpine start to ascend the Gondogoro La Pass. The most technical section of the trek, requiring crampons and rope support. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II. Descend to Ali Camp.
Overnight: Camp at Ali Camp.

Trek across Baltoro Glacier to reach Concordia, the “throne room of the mountain gods,” surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks.
Overnight: Camp at Concordia.

Make a full-day round trip to K2 Base Camp, passing Broad Peak Base Camp and the memorial of fallen climbers at Gilkey's Memorial.
Overnight: Return to Concordia Camp.

Begin the descent from Concordia. Trek down along the Baltoro Glacier to Goro II, surrounded by spectacular ice formations.
Overnight: Camp at Goro II.

Descend further along lateral moraines, passing Goro I, and camp at Khuburtze with views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak.
Overnight: Camp at Khuburtze.

Hike down to the green oasis of Paiju, where the tree line returns. This is a well-known rest spot with access to fresh water.
Overnight: Camp at Paiju.

Continue the descent toward Bardumal, trekking through riverbank paths and dry terrain.
Overnight: Camp at Bardumal.

A short trek to Korophong, near the trailhead of Askole—the first camp when approaching Baltoro Glacier from the traditional route.
Overnight: Camp at Korophong.

Cross the Biafo Glacier and begin the second leg of your adventure. Reach Namla, the first camp on the Snow Lake–Hispar La route.
Overnight: Camp at Namla.

Trek along the glacier with occasional green spots. Reach Mango, a scenic campsite nestled beside a stream.
Overnight: Camp at Mango.

Continue the glacier journey toward Biantha, a large campsite at the foot of high peaks.
Overnight: Camp at Biantha.

Trek along a crevasse-filled section of the Biafo Glacier. The terrain is more technical. Reach Marfogoro for overnight camping.
Overnight: Camp at Marfogoro.

Today you arrive at the legendary Snow Lake, one of the world's largest glacial basins surrounded by towering peaks and untouched snowfields.
Overnight: Camp at Snow Lake.

Cross the challenging Hispar La Pass, enjoying one of the most stunning views in the Karakoram. Descend to Khani Basa.
Overnight: Camp at Khani Basa.

Continue the descent from the Hispar Glacier onto dry moraine terrain. Reach Jutmal, a transitional campsite.
Overnight: Camp at Jutmal.

Trek further along lateral moraines and rocky trails to Red Star Camp.
Overnight: Camp at Red Star.

Trek to Bitanmal, a lush green campsite and a welcome change from glacial terrain.
Overnight: Camp at Bitanmal.

Final day of trekking. Cross a suspension bridge over the Hisper River to reach Hisper Village, a remote settlement in the Nagar Valley.
Overnight: Camp at Hisper Village.

Drive to Karimabad, the cultural heart of Hunza Valley. En route, enjoy views of Ultar Sar and Ladyfinger Peak.
Overnight: Hotel in Karimabad.

Explore Hunza at your leisure.
• Visit Baltit and Altit Forts
• Enjoy panoramic views from Duikar (Eagle's Nest)
• Stroll through Karimabad Bazaar
Overnight: Hotel in Karimabad.

Begin the return journey via Gilgit and Babusar Pass (depending on weather and road conditions).
Overnight: Hotel in Naran.

Complete your return drive to Islamabad via Mansehra and Abbottabad.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.

Visit Lok Virsa Museum, Saidpur Village, or indulge in local shopping.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward international flight.
End of Services.

Included/Exclude

All domestic flights and ground transportation, including airport transfers
Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the tour
Dome tent accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during trekking
Single supplement available on request (including for solo female travelers)
Camping gear (member, mess, kitchen, and toilet tents)
Kitchen equipment and cooking utensils
All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hot drinks: coffee, green tea, and hot water
Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
Satellite phone for emergencies
Professional tour guide
Support staff: cook, assistants, helpers, and porters
Insurance for all support staff
Basic First Aid Kit
Trekking permits and paperwork
Waste management fee
Toll and bridge crossing charges
Visa assistance
Briefing at GB Tourism office in Skardu

Visa fee
Personal travel insurance (for foreign participants)
International flight tickets
Personal clothing (shoes, jackets, trousers, etc.)
Personal trekking equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) – can be arranged on request
Extra hotel nights not included in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for staff
Personal or miscellaneous expenses
Anything not listed under “Services Included”

Tour's Location

Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

FAQs

The High Karakorum Passes Trek is ranked as one of the most strenuous hikes in the world and obviously demands a good physical condition. This trek is the combination of Gondogoro La Trek and Biafo Hisper Trek and is suitable for people with great enthusiasm and determination for trekking besides being physically fit. The age is not a limit - it’s the zeal for a high adventure and love for nature besides being physically fit for this ultimate adventure.

Please share your plan, dates and other people planning to travel with you so that we can arrange accordingly.

To easily do this trek, you need to be able to walk along a rugged terrain, including rough, rocky trails and glacial track on an average 8 hours a day while gaining a fair amount of altitude. To get acclimatized, you will be required to go through some hard physical exercises and some expert advice before doing this trek. Running, long walks, hiking, cycling, cardio exercises, and yoga can be a great help.

Starting from an elevation of 2500m in Skardu town, you find yourself at 4700m at Concordia or 5130m at the base camp of K2 in about a week time ascending trek on the dry and glacial terrain of Baltoro Glacier. Since this trek involves doing two of the key passes - Gondogoro La (5450m) and Biafo Hisper (5150m), obviously the maximum altitude is Gondogoro La.

There is a detailed list of must-carry and optional equipment’s which covers the required equipment and baggage to carry. If you have previous trekking experience, you may select your personal requirement.

● Important medicine/first aid kit
● Hiking backpack and sticks
● Head-torch/flashlight with extra batteries
● High altitude sleeping bag
● Sunglasses
● Sunblock and lip balm
● Water bottle
● Glows and warm pairs of socks
● Warm cap, hat, and scarf
● Full sleeves shirt and thermal suit
● Waterproof trousers and raincoat
● Trekking shoes and flip-flops
● Trekking poles
● Warm layers of clothing
● Camera with additional batteries (optional)
● Cell phone with charger and charging bank (optional)
● Binoculars (optional)

Certain basic equipment’s (either brand new or in used condition) can be purchased in Skardu but it’s not guaranteed whether you can get everything you want. The equipment includes tents, mattresses, backpack, hiking rope, sunglasses, crampons, harness, helmet, trekking poles, gloves, socks, jackets, trousers, etc. Price for used equipment is negotiable. Most trekking groups/expeditions sell equipment on their way back instead of carrying back home.

We are a Member Company of Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) and helicopter rescue plan is part of the program we offer.

For any rescue mission we are required to deposit advance payment in favor of PATO out of which a small percentage is non-refundable (will be discussed at the time of confirmation) while rest is refundable (in case service was not availed). This entire amount is required to be paid by the client in advance. If there is any insurance policy on part of the client that can cover the impending bill, that needs to be submitted.

We do. We can organize customized tours/treks for solo trekkers and groups of any volume, but we prefer not more than 12. All we need is the information on the interest, dates, and number of persons with special instructions if any.

The maximum size of our groups is 2 persons and the average size of our groups is 8 members. We can handle any size of group but we prefer between 15 and 20.

During this trek, all three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan. The ingredients for the food will be procured in Pakistan. Breakfasts will have coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, bread/chapatti included. Lunches will be consumed during lunch breaks on the trek with options include canned/tinned meals (meat, fish), pickles, crackers, chapatti, pate, cheese etc. Weather has a very important role in deciding our lunch menu for the day; the participants will begin the lunch with consuming or end it with tea or coffee, juice, soup etc.

The dinner will always be served in the mess tent and the participants will gather to eat the food freshly prepared by the cooks travelling with our group. The first few days of the trekking, fresh vegetables will be served in food if they are fresh and healthy. All the participants who are vegetarian, they must communicate with our office and inform us on advance basis if they need a vegetarian food plan during the trek.

During the trek, Iodized water will be available for the participants throughout the mornings, while taking breaks and camping. Everyone will be consuming spring water every time its available otherwise if we run out of options for the participants may drink glacier water that possibly have silt. The kitchen containers which are very large in size are used to keep the water storage and it is also helpful in settling down the silt particles at the bottom. If any participants have any issue with odor of iodine, they may bring their own supplies of bi-carbonated soda. Traditional methods are effective and work very well for everyone there is no harm in the experimentation of new methods.

While few nights will be spent in the capital city of Islamabad and the town of Skardu, the rest of the nights will consist of camping in tents between the magnificent mountains. The accommodation arrangement is Islamabad is of standard hotels while our hotels selected in Skardu town are among the best. Rooms at our provided hotels will be on twin sharing basis with en-suite amenities.
At the time of camping, the participants will be sharing a tent fit for two persons. If any participant is coming alone on this trek, he/she will be accommodated with one of the other members for tent and room sharing. For strangers and solo trekkers, first preference will be given to same gender stays. Nevertheless, a participant can opt for separate tent of hotel rooms as he/she likes, however additional cost will be incurred for making separate arrangement. Any participants seeking separate accommodation must inform our office in advance.

During the trekking days, our guide will wake up the participants for coffee or a warm cup of tea which we be followed by a decent breakfast inside the mess tent. There will be plenty time before the breakfast to pack the bags. After the breakfast the camps will be closed, and the porters will get back to their work handling supplies and luggage ahead of the participants to reach at the lunch site and make preparation for meals. Porters will repeat the process as they will follow ‘trek earlier’ approach in order to prepare dinner for the participants. Standard trek duration before the lunch will be between 3-4 hours.
Generally, one hour is required for the lunch which makes it a very good time to gain your strength back, relax, write and read etc.
Trekking after the lunch will be shorter as compared to trek before the lunch. Once you arrive at the next camp site, the camps will already be setup or in progress. Upon arrival to the camp the participants will be served a hot beverage and dinner will be served when it’s prepared. Participants can rest, read, write, socialize, film and photograph upon reaching a camp. Temperature decreases at night normally; participants can get comfortable in their sleeping bags and get a good sleep before next day.

All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city. For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/

Portable chargers, storage cards and extra batteries may be required during the trekking holiday. We advise you to make a relevant list of adapters, sockets and any other kind of electrical items you might require keeping your devices function as long as possible.

Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

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