Machulo La Trek
Machulo La trek: A Glimpse of K2’s Majesty, offers a relatively accessible and rewarding trek to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Karakoram Mountains, particularly the majestic K2.
Concordia & Gondogoro La
22 DAYS / 21 NIGHTS
- Trekking
One of the most adventurous and marvelous scenic trek in Karakoram, offers a breath taking view of the highest mountains and longest glaciers out side the polar region. We begin from Islamabad the modern capital of Pakistan, visiting the colorful bazaars in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Driving through the Karakoram Highway, the eighth wonder of the world, the Mighty Indus snakes through three great Mountain Ranges; The Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindukush, under the shadow of Nanga Parbat (8125 meters).
The Mighty River Indus flows in between these Mountain Ranges and scenic villages which form the small settlements on the both sides of the river Indus. We visit the ancient Rock inscriptions of 4th to 6th century ad, at Shatial and Chilas, and enjoy the magnificent view of Nanga Parbat.
After exploring the beautiful city of Skardu, a gateway for the enthusiasts of adventure and nature lovers, we visit the beautiful and impressive Satpara and Kachura lakes. Driving through the scenic mountain villages and snow covered peaks towering above, one can also visit the 17th century Mosque and Shigar Fort, a depiction of Tibetan architecture. Concordia, the confluence of Godwin Austin and Vign glaciers, offers one of the most panoramic view of the four Highest mountains rising above 8000 meters in the Karakoram. K-2 (8611 m), Broad Peak (8048 m), Gasherbrum iv (7935 m), Gasherbrum1 (8045), and Gasherbrum 2 (8035 meters), and many countless peaks above 7000 meters are visible during the trekking excursion.
The trek starts from Askoli, the last permanent settlement on Braldu River in the Shigar valley and after Concordia the trail follows the Vign Glacier with a backdrop view of K-2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group of peaks. We cross over the Ghondoghoro La and enter the Hushe valley, a scenic mountain village in the Khapulo valley.
Itinerary
Morning arrival in Islamabad, meet and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the twin cities, and explore the colorful bazars of Rawalpindi Visit the Shah Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh to enjoy a beautiful view on Islamabad, the modern capital of Pakistan. Overnight hotel.
Morning drive to Chilas passing through the enchanting valleys of Mansehra and Kohistan along the mighty Indus river, enroute visit the ancient rock carvings at Shatial and Chilas. Overnight hotel. (12 hours).
We take the short but spectacular flight to Skardu. The flight time will be 60 minutes. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Masherbrum hotel.
Today we start our first day of our trek. We cross the Chunghphere Glacier and continue an easy, gentle walk on the green slopes of Rupal village. We cross the Bazin Glacier to enter the wide meadows of Latobo and reach the traditional base camp (Herrligkoffer) of Nanga Parbat. Meals and overnight in tents.
Drive 6-7 hrs 129km. Alitude 3000: + 772m.
Today we take the spectacular drive by jeeps to Askoli 129km drive time 6-7hrs, the starting point of our trek. Altitude 3,000m.It is a spectacular drive from Skardu to Askoli, the jeep road crosses the Braldu River three times and passes the villages of Dassu, Apligon, Pakora, Hoto Chongo and Thongal. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Jhola 6-7hrs 12.6km. Altitude 3,200m. + 200m.
The early morning light finds us beginning our K2 Base Camp & Concordia trek as the Loads are distributed among the porters. Walking along the Braldu River. It takes 3 to 4hrs from Askoli to Korofoung. After lunch, continue to trek to Jhola (3-4 hrs) you have a panoramic view of Bakhor Das peak 5809m) also mighty Biafo Glacier. Follow the riverside trail to the confluence of the Biafo and Dumordo rivers. Cross the formidable Domordo River at Jhola which flows from the Panmah glaciers. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Paiyu 6-7-hrs 16.6km. Altitude 3,450m. + 250m.
This is an undulating walk, difficult at times, with the first views of dramatic mountains ahead. There is a rest stop by some tamarisk trees beside the stream flowing down from Paiyu Peak, where we saw ibex tracks and fox spore. The trail climbs to a vantage point from which you see the snout of Baltoro Glacier and, in the far distance, a magnificent panorama of the Cathedral and Trango Towers and left of them, the unmistakable triangle of K2. Overnight in tents.
Walk through beautiful meadows passing through summer settlements of the local villagers before we reach the camp. Meals and overnight in tents.
Trek to Khubertse 5-6hrs 10.8km. Altitude 3,990m: + 540m.
On our way to K2 Base Camp Trek, our clients will have a nice view of Paiyu Peak 6610m, Uli Biaho 6417m, Great Trango Tower 6286m, Lobsang Spire 5707m & the Cathedral Towers.Overnight in tents.
Trek to Urdukas 3-4hrs 5.1km. Altitude 4,050m: + 60m.
Beautiful views of Great Trango & Uli Biaho Towers. The trail traverses the glacier angling gently towards its southeast margin. Exit the glacier into the ablation valley at Liligo. The route alternates between the lateral moraine and the glacier, heading out on the glacier to avoid the outflow from the advancing Liligo glacier. Continue trek to Urdukas, named for the obvious split boulder. Camp with its extraordinary views of Paiyu Peak 6610m, Uli Biaho 6417m, Great Trango Tower 6286m, Lobsang Spire 5707m & the Cathedral Towers. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Goro-II 5-6hrs 12.1km. Altitude 4380m: +330m.
We will have a spectacular view of Masherbrum 7821m, Muztagh Tower 7284m, Biarchedi 6,781 Gasherbrum-IV 7925m. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Concordia 4-5hrs 9.2km. Altitude 4,650m: +270m.
Today it is golden opportunity to see 7000m to above 8000m peaks including mighty K2 (8611m) Broad Peak 8047m, G-I 8068m, G-II 8035m Sia Kangri 7422m, Muztagh Tower 7284m, G-IV 7925m, Miter Peak 6025m Golden Throne 7240m. Overnight in tents.
Day trip to Broad Peak base camp.
Full day Excursion 8-10 hrs (Altitude 5,135m) + 485.
Today it is golden opportunity to see 7000m to above 8000m peaks including mighty K2 (8611m) Broad Peak 8047m, Gasherbrum-I 8068m, Gasherbrum-II 8035m Sia Kangri 7422m, Muztagh Tower 7284m, Gasherbrum-IV 7925m, Miter Peak 6025m Golden Throne 7240m. Afterwards we continue on to K2 Base Camp (5,135m) . Excursion to K-2 base camp and explore the beautiful countless peaks around K-2, in the evening trek back to Concordia for overnight. K-2 is locally known by the name of “Chogori” which means “ The Great Mountain “ 8611m, is the 2nd highest mountain in the world. K2 is placed on the Pakistan-China border in the mighty Karakorum Range. K-2 is rocky mountain up to 6,000m, beyond, which it becomes an ocean of snow. K-2 was firstly discovered and measured by the survey of India in 1856, and first named for English topographer Henry Godwin-Austen, who explored and surveyed the region and it, was firstly climbed on July 31, 1954, by Italian climbers’ team led by Ardito Desio and accompanying him were Lino Lachdelli and Achille Compagnoni. For the night we will returnd to Concordia at camp.
Trek to Ali camp 9.5 km 4 to 5 hrs. Altitude 5,010m. +360m.
The first two hours of the trek are difficult as we leave the Concordia and traverse the Baltoro Glacier and its crevasses. It’s a comparatively easy and gradual walk over snow and ice, Mighty Chogolisa (7665m) stands guard in the south. Ali Camp (5010m) a combination of small rocky platforms between the cliff Face and crevasse. We turn in early, as we have a midnight wake-up call for the departure over the Gondogoro La. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Hispung after crossing the Gondogoro La . 8km. 5,680m. Altitude 4522m 9-10 hrs. Loss: -410m.
We leave camp at about 1:00 am to climb the Gondogoro La (5680m). For the first two hours, we walk on the lateral moraine to avoid crevasses. As we get closer to the pass we shift on snow until the base of the pass. The final ascent involves a steep walk on snow and, depending on conditions, the use of fixed ropes as well as crampons and ice ax. The views from the top of the pass are unparalleled, with K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I to IV, Masherbrum, and many other mountains appearing at our level. The descent on the Hushe side is steeper, requiring good balance on the rocks. Overnight in tents.
Altitude 4600m Loss: -410m.
Today we have the oppertunty to climb Gondogoro peak. This offer is for everyone. If someone in the group member is not interested in climbing Gondogoro Peak, he/ she can enjoy the day at Hispung and relax. Overnight in Tent. Climb Gondogoro Peak (5650m) and returned to Hispung. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Dalsampa 5-6 hrs . 10km. Altitude 4,150m. loss – 450m.
We gradually leave the icy landscapes and descend to the meadow and pastureland at Saicho (3330m). Although we’ve left the icy wilds, we still have tremendous views of the mountains, including Namika Peak and Defokhar (21,464 ft.). Overnight in tents .
Trek to Hushe 4-5hrs 9.3km. Altitude 3,050m. Loss-1100m.
Descend to the Gondogoro River, enjoying spectacular views of K6 (23,881 ft.), K7 (22,744 ft.) and Link Sar (23,094 ft.). We continue to descend, passing through small summer settlement en route to the green irrigated fields at Hushe (10,500 ft.), The Hushe valley runs from Masherbrum Mountains (at 7821 meters) the 24th highest in the world, first climbed by the American in 1960. South to the Shyok River, opposite Khaplu, Hushe, the last village up the valley, is about 140 kilometers east of Skardu and is the starting point for treks to various summer pastures up five glaciers. Overnight in tents
Accordion Content
Drive to Skardu (6-7 hrs) 180 km. Alitude 2,228 m. loss 822m.
Drive on the 4×4 jeeps to Skardu. Overnight at Mashabrum hotel or k-2 concordia motel. Loss:-822m.
After breakfast we will drive to Chilas via KKH. The driving time will be around 7 -8 hrs. Overnight in Chilas.
We will drive to Islamabad via Babusar road, which is shorter than the normal KKH, but this road is only useabale in summer time. The drive will take us Naran Kaghan village where we will have our lunch break.
Transfer to Airport
Please Note:
The above itinerary is not a fixed programme but is intended to give an indication of the likely events during the expedition. Please note that because of the nature of mountaineering on 8,000m peaks, it will be necessary to have a flexible plan in order to take the best advantage of situations as they present themselves. Any changes to the itinerary will be made with a view to maximizing the benefit to the team members and of ensuring their eventual success on the mountain.
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