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Custom treks are available to the Hunza Valley, Fairy Meadows/Nanga Parbat, and Desai Plateau. Extensions of three to seven days can be arranged for after your return from the Baltoro. Please call for details.
This is an exciting, rigorous trek into one of the last
truly wild places on earth. We begin by accompanying the
G2 climbing expedition up the Baltoro Glacier. After establishing
base camp and hanging out with the climbers, we make a
visit to K2 base camp. We return over the Gondogora La
with spectacular views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums.
A panoramic view of four 8000 meter peaks! |
Dates and Cost
(27 Days): To be announced
Single Supplement: $400
Trekking Grade: Strenuous
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 You are invited to trek along with Mountain Madness’ Gasherbrum I and II Expedition. Baltoro Glacier is one of the longest glaciers in the world, over 65 kilometers long. The Gasherbrum peaks are part of Pakistan’s Karakorum mountain range, a remote frontier region where central Asia meets the Indian subcontinent, located amid Pakistan’s incredible rugged mountain scenery in the Baltistan region. This will be truly challenging adventure and the experience of a lifetime.
We will meet in Islamabad to organize our gear, get a pre-trek briefing from the Ministry of Tourism, and enjoy the local sights and sounds before taking a short flight over the mountains to the scenic city of Skardu in the Indus River Valley. From there, we travel by jeep to the village of Askole, the last permanently inhabited location we pass on this trip. From this point on the journey is by foot; first alongside irrigated fields in the high desert and then upward along rivers of ice deep into Pakistan’s Karakoram.
As we reach the Concordia, the junction of the Goodwin-Austin, Abruzzi, and other glaciers, we enjoy spectacular views of some of the world's greatest giants, including K2 (8611m), Broad Peak (8047m), Gasherbrum II (8035m), Gasherbrum IV (7925m), Chogolisa (7665m), and Golden Throne (7240m).
After establishing base camp and relaxing for a couple days with the climbing team, we wish the climbers good luck and farewell and set out for our return trek back to civilization. We return by way of the Gondogora La with spectacular views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums. We trek to the small village of Hushe where we join with our drivers who take us back to Skardu.
Rated one of the most spectacular treks in the world, this adventure is not to be missed!
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General Information on Gasherbrum Support Trek
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INCLUDED IN COST:
- Experienced guides and local staff
- Scheduled restaurant meals in Islamabad and Skardu
- Scheduled hotel nights in Islamabad and Skardu
- Round trip scheduled airport transfers
- Round trip airfare/private van from Islamabad to Skardu
- All meals and overnight accommodations while on the trek
- Porters
- Group cooking gear and group equipment
NOT INCLUDED IN COST:
- International airfare to Islamabad
- Accommodations en route to Islamabad
- Non-scheduled meals or hotel nights while in Islamabad
- Trip cancellation and medical/evacuation insurance
- Visas, excess baggage charges, airport taxes, immunizations
- Staff/guide gratuities
- Items of a personal nature (personal gear, phone calls, laundry, alcohol, etc.)
GUIDES: All of our guides are highly skilled professionals selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, and patient and supportive teaching styles. Mountain Madness guides bring a wealth of natural history, cultural anthropology and linguistic knowledge for their group’s enlightenment. Our guides have a passion for Pakistan and the Karakorum. They truly love helping others experience the awesome beauty of this remote mountain region and its people.
QUALIFICATIONS: The trek into the Baltoro is strenuous although it does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. However, going over the pass on the way out will involve wearing crampons to cross the pass. You should be in good physical condition and able to hike at altitudes between 10,000-18,600 feet for 4-6 hours over hilly terrain with a light daypack. If you have any questions please call the Mountain Madness office at 1-800-328-5925.
FOOD: Mountain Madness guides pride themselves on preparing amazing mountain cuisine, and they have built a reputation for providing the best coffee in the Karakorum! All of your meals are provided on the trek. The meals consist of a variety of both American cuisine and numerous traditional Pakistani dishes.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance.
SIGNING UP! Please fill out an application and mail or fax it to our office along with a deposit. Applications are located in our brochure or can be downloaded off our website. You can call our office with questions at 1-800-328-5925.
PREPARATION: Once you have completed an application and reserved a space with a deposit you will receive a pre-departure packet. This will contain information pertinent to your preparation. It will include information on conditioning, immunizations, visas, necessary clothing and equipment, cultural considerations and other valuable information to assist before you travel.
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Itinerary for Gasherbrum Support Trek
Included in the cost of your trip are scheduled group restaurant meals. Meals provided are listed as B, L, and D at the end of each day. You will be responsible for those meals not listed while in towns and cities. All meals in the mountains will be provided. Porters will be provided on those days listed in the itinerary.
 June 16-18: Islamabad - Mountain Madness representatives meet you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. You have the opportunity to relax in your hotel for the rest of the day. We will have an orientation meeting before dinner. Overnight at the Shalimar Hotel. D
June 19: Islamabad - We wrap up last minute paperwork for our permit with the Ministry of Tourism, organize equipment, and make final trek preparations. Overnight at the Shalimar Hotel. B, D
June 20: Skardu/Chilas - After breakfast, we fly to Skardu (weather permitting). Our group is met in Skardu and transported to the hotel. Overnight at the K2 Hotel. B, L, D
June 21: Skardu - Rest day in Skardu. If we are unable to fly to Skardu on the previous day, then we will drive to Skardu from Islamabad. Overnight at hotel. B, L, D
June 12: Skardu - Today we wrap-up final preparations before heading out to Askole. Team members have the opportunity to hike to Satpara Lake, visit Skardu fort, or do last minute shopping around town. B, L, D
June 23: Askole - After breakfast, we make the seven-hour trip by jeep to Askole, the last inhabited site en route. B, L, D
June 24: Jhola – We leave civilization behind, and rely on ourselves and our porters to carry all our food and equipment for the rest of the trek. Passing through a rocky gap, we continue along the Biaro Glacier and do a cable bridge crossing of the Dumardo River. B, L, D
June 25: Paiyu – We walk the river bed. Clear weather means the first glimpse of K2 and, from camp, the impressive lower Baltoro Massif. Camp at 5787 meters. B, L, D
 June 26: Rest Day - Layover day at Paiyu to acclimatize, reorganize loads, and give the porters and ourselves a well-deserved rest. B, L, D
June 27: Urdukas – We traverse along the side of Baltoro Glacier to Urdukas. Paiyu Peak, Trango Towers, and Uli Biaho Towers rise above the glacier. Camp at 4240 meters. B, L, D
June 28: Goro II - We pass under Masherbrum (7821m) while walking the Baltoro Glacier. Great views of Tower, G-IV, Broad Peak and of the peaks surrounding Concordia. Camp at 4450 meters. B, L, D
June 29: Shagring - A long glacier walk takes us to camp at Concordia and provides incredible views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Mitre Peak, the Golden Throne, and other Karakoram giants. From Concordia it is another two hour hike to our campsite on the glacier moraine. B, L, D
June 30–July 2: GII Base Camp - Today we arrive at GII base camp and establish our camp. For the next two days we will have the opportunity to explore our beautiful and pristine alpine surroundings and relax with the climbing team as they prepare to move up the mountain. We then wish the climbers good luck and farewell and set out for our return trek back to civilization. B, L, D
July 3: Base of Gondogoro La - We begin the return by trekking to the base of Gondogoro La, a high pass we must cross. B, L, D
July 4: Gondogoro La - Cross Gondogoro La, (19,160 ft). From the pass we can see four 8000 meter peaks: K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I and II. Then we descend into the Hushe Valley. B, L, D
July 5: Shaishcho - Our last camp before the village of Hushe. Small cypress and fir trees line the trail. B, L, D
July 6: Hushe - Complete the trek out and spend the night in the small village of Hushe. B, L, D
July 7: Skardu - We are met at the trailhead by jeeps for the ride to Skardu. Overnight at hotel. Hot showers! B, L, D
July 8: Chilas - Overnight in a hotel. B, L, D
July 9: Islamabad - Overnight in a hotel. B, D
July 10: Islamabad – Rest day in Islamabad. Overnight in a hotel. B, D
July 11-12: Fly home.
** NOTE ON ITINERARY: Although we do our best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
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Equipment List for Gasherbrum Support Trek
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A variety of clothing will be necessary for your trip. You will need clothing for dining in Islamabad, trekking in the humidity and heat, and to protect you from the cooler temperatures in the mountains. This list is designed to help you choose the right gear for the demands of this trek and are the minimum required for this trip.
You are expected to provide the following personal equipment. These items are mandatory for survival in the mountains, so make sure you have everything on the list.
The emphasis on equipment necessary for mountain travel follows two simple tenets: Lightweight and Functional. Since you will be carrying all of your gear and a portion of the group gear, the items you choose to take should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of extreme conditions. The quality of the equipment you choose has a lot to do with how warm, dry, and safe you will remain so be critical of quality and the proper fit of clothing. Comfort lends itself to a more enjoyable experience!
The layering system outlined is usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder, bring one extra medium layer such as a vest, which would be ideal for extra warmth around camp. When making the final decision as to what goes into your pack, remember that it's a fine science of taking just enough clothes and accessories to do the job, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably will not use.
Cotton clothing must be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that "wick" the sweat and moisture away from your skin to keep you much warmer.
Mountain Madness guides and staff swear by Patagonia gear and we know that you will too. Besides having a strong commitment to the environment, Patagonia produces some of the finest outdoor gear in the industry. Check "Our Links" on the Mountain Madness homepage for a direct link to Patagonia. Find out what makes them "committed to the core."
Another company that we believe follows our two simple tenets (lightweight and functional) is Outdoor Research. Founded in the NW, our guides have used OR gear again and again because they know it works in the mountains and trust their quality and durability. Check Our Links page for a direct link.
Mountain Madness works closely with Second Ascent, a new and used gear store. If you are looking at trying to save some money, this is definitely the place to call. They are great at answering equipment questions and also ship anywhere in the US. They can be reached at (206) 545-8810.
We also work closely with Feathered Friends, a retailer in Seattle. They will offer a 10% discount on purchases if you are signed up for a Mountain Madness trip. Please feel free to call them at (206) 292-2210.
Upper Body
__ 2 cotton t-shirts
__ 1 polypropylene t-shirt
__ 2 long sleeve polypropylene shirts. Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
__ 2 women sports bras. Synthetic, no cotton!
__ 1 softshell. Marmot Dri-clime Wind Shirt, Patagonia Stretch Zephur or Krushell Jacket (R2 pullover acceptable)
__ Down/synthetic sweater or vest. Patagonia Puffball Jacket or Sweater preferred, R4/300weight Jacket acceptable
__ 1 anorak or other outer jacket with hood (Gore-tex is strongly recommended)
__ 1 lightweight expedition down parka with hood
__ 1 pair liner gloves. Thin wool or polypropylene
__ 1 pair warm gloves Fleece or wool
__ Shell gloves or mitts. Gore-Tex, preferred (OR Cascade gloves or Shuksan mitts)
__ Warm hat. Wool or synthetic that covers your ears
__ Balaclava
__ Shade hat or baseball cap
__ Glacier glasses. 100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (e.g. Julbo or Cebe)*
*If you require prescription glacier glasses, you get your lenses modified to your prescription. Julbo Sherpas glacier glasses works great for prescription lenses. Send the glasses to Opticus along with your PD number with your order. Their number is 1-800-870-5557.
Lower Body
__ 4 pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or Capilene
__ 4 pair lightweight trekking socks
__ 2 pair lightweight long underwear. Polypropylene or Capilene
__ 1 pair softshell pants (e.g.Patagonia Talus/Guide pants or OR Granite Pants. Schoeller fabrics)
__ 2-3 pair nylon hiking shorts. Quick drying type, not cotton!
__ 1 pair hardshell pants. Waterproof/breathable; Gore-Tex or equivalent is best
__ 1 pair light to medium weight trekking boots
__ 1 pair sandals (for hanging around at camp or in Islamabad - optional)
__ 1 pair sneakers (optional)
__ 1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis)
__ 1 full length loose skirt* (good option for women)
*Women should plan to wear skirts or pants when walking around Islamabad
All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large plastic bags.
Sleeping gear
__ 1 down sleeping bag (rated to -5 to 5+ degrees F)
__ 1 full length Thermarest pad (bring repair kit) or closed cell foam pad
__ Thermarest lounger (optional)
Pack
__ 1 large day pack* (approximately 2,400 cubic inches)
__ 1 large (7,500+cu.in.) duffle bag for gear. Must be durable for use on pack animals
__ 1 small duffel bag
__ Small padlocks for duffel bags
*Although we will be using porters, you will want to have everything needed for a full day in your pack. You will not be able to get things from the porters during the day
Misc.
__ 1 first-aid kit with ibuprofen and any other doctor recommended medications
__ Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful to hang around your neck
__ Sunscreen. At least SPF 40
__ Headlamp. Petzl Myo3 or Black Diamond Gemini
__ 2 Water bottles. 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 holster
__ Hydration bladder with drinking tube (optional)
__ Plastic mug w/snap-on lid, 16 oz. or larger
__ Bowl and spoon. Plastic, small Tupperware works well. Lexan spoons are best
__ Pocket knife. Small Swiss-army type
__ Water purification. Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals
__ Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag
__ 3-4 Large plastic bags, for keeping miscellaneous gear dry
__ Nylon stuff sacks. For food and gear storage (OR has a good selection); large Ziplocs are useful also
__ Bandana
__ Camp towel and soap
__ Ear plugs
__ Hand wipes
__ 1 small stainless steel thermos (optional)
__ Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds)
__ Paperback books, cards, Walkman, etc.
__ Binoculars (optional)
__ Camera. 1 lightweight point & shoot or 1 large SLR (optional)
__ Fanny pack or wallet for travel documents, money and passport
__ Passport and passport photos
__ Airline ticket
__ 1 pair adjustable trekking poles
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
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