Laila Peak Karakorum Range

Baltistan also known as "Little Tibet" for its resemblance in geographic features with Tibet, Baltistan is undoubtedly a trekker's paradise. The world's greatest concentration of lofty peaks is nestled in this region. A 100 km thick wall of majestic mountains separates it from China in the north. To the south is the mysterious Deosai Plateau lying between Kashmir and Baltistan. In the East lies Laddakh and in the west is Gilgit and Hunza. Within an area of 26,000 sq. km lie 60 mountain peaks of above 7000m. Five of these are above 8000m including K-2 (8611m), the second highest peak on earth. These mountain peaks tower over the greatest concentration of glaciers outside the polar regions.

Skardu, (2300m), the capital of Baltistan, is located in an oval shaped desert basin. Very little is known about the origin of friendly Baltis, but their language, physical features and architecture resemble those of Tibet. This region remained under the influence of Buddhism until the 15th century, when Islam arrived. It is a land of many splendors and contrasts, offering the best of trekking and mountaineering opportunities to enthusiastic adventure lovers. Baltistan is a trekkers paradise.

We offer treks of from 5 days to 3 weeks duration in this region, easy climbs of peaks below 6000 meters, and jeep adventures into remote valleys surrounded by breathtaking views of peaks and glaciers.

PILGRIMAGE TO HIGH HEAVENS - K-2 CIRCLE TREK

REF: HTS/221

K-2 and Gasherbrum in Karakorum are the skykissing peaks and produce glacier

Trip Grade D: This trek requires group members to be in good physical condition because weather conditions can sometimes be difficult. The trek should start from Askole to be able to reach Concordia and see Baltoro Peaks. With good weather, the trek is an easy one. The opening of Gonogoro-La makes it possible to return via Hushey valley. If the weather is kind, the view from this pass is fine and one can see an excellent panorama of K-2 (8611m, the second highest peak in the world), Broad Peak (8048m), Gashabrum 1-6, Chogolosa (7665m) and Upper Baltoro.

K-2 CLASSIC TREK

REF: HTS/222

Trip Grade D: The trek to the base camp of K-2 on Baltoro Glacier is considered to be the most spectacular trek in the world. Follow the mountaineers' route to K-2 along Baltoro, the world's second longest glacier outside the polar region. It passes through the world's thickest concentration of high peaks to Concordia, the confluence of Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers. At Concordia, 10 of the 30 highest peaks of the world tower within a radius of few miles including many peaks over 7000-8000m such as K-2 (8611m), Gasherbrum I and II (8068m and 8035m) and Broad Peak (8048m).
Starting from Skardu by jeep on a rough trail, one reaches Askole, the last inhabited village on the route. Here we hire porters and start the trek to Concordia through an incredible wilderness of rocks, ice and snow. After exploring the mountain grandeur for two days, return to Skardu by the same route.
NOTE: For the return trip a new route southwards over the Gondogoro Pass (5550m) to the scenic Hushey valley has also been explored. This alternate route has the double advantage of providing a birds-eye view of the peaks surrounding Concordia and also of exploring another destination rather than retracing one's footsteps. However, one should bear in mind that crossing Gondogoro Pass is subject to glacial conditions and is sometimes not possible.

HISPER PASS - BALTISTAN TO HUNZA TRAVERSE

REF: HTS/223

Trip Grade D: This is the longest glacier (65km) trek outside the polar regions. Starting from Skardu on the route to Baltoro, we turn north shortly after Askole along the Biafo glacier to Snow Lake, a 16 km wide basin of ice which offers excellent views of numerous 6000m peaks. After exploring panoramic Snow Lake, we can either return to Skardu by the same route or cross Hispar Pass (5151m) leading towards Hunza through Hispar glacier. The trek ends at Hispar, an isolated village of the former independent state of Nagar. From here we drive to the Hunza valley on a jeep trail.
Hispar and Biafo glaciers offer panoramic views of the entire surrounding mountain ranges and climbing on numerous peaks below as well as above 6000m.

DEOSAI PANORAMA

REF: HTS/224

A Jeep Safari Deosai

Trip Grade B: This exciting plateau lies between the Karakorum and Himalayan ranges at an average altitude of 3800m. When the snow melts in July, the 45km wide plateau contains the most amazing varieties of wildflowers, as well as providing incomparable views of landslides, lush green meadows, and lakes and snowcapped mountains, including Nanga Parbat (8126m).
The Deosai Plateau is accessible from Skardu via Ali Malik Pass (4082m) and Astor valley over Chachor Pass (4267m). This heavenly plateau can be visited both by jeep and bikes with day hikes. Our jeep journey starts from Skardu and goes over Ali Malik Pass to Kala Pani. Next day is an easy day hike to Deosai lake. From here we drive to Tarishing, which is the jump-off spot for trekkers and climbers to Nanga Parbat. Then on to Rama Lake for a day of hiking in the area. Finally we drive to Gilgit.

MASHARBRUM-PANORAMA AND GONDOGORO PEAK VENTURE

REF: HTS/225

Trip Grade C/D: This trek leads to the base of Gondogoro Peak (5650m) and Gondogoro Pass through the scenic villages of Khaplu and Hushey. On the way, we can observe the lifestyle of the hospitable Baltis. Hushey valley is surrounded by breathtaking views of glaciers and mountains like Masherbrum (7821m), K-6 (7282m), K-7, Laila Peak, etc. This valley offers several short treks with magnificent views. One can also traverse to Baltoro Glacier over Gondogoro Pass. After a memorable jeep journey from Skardu to Hushey, we trek to Gondogoro Base Camp, passing the impressive spire of Laila Peak and walking below the dramatic ice ramparts on the huge north face of Trinity Peak. Those with mountaineering experience can climb Gondogoro La for an excellent birds-eye view of the 8000m peaks of the Baltoro region, or they may wish to attempt Gondogoro Peak (5650m).