Itinerary Expand all Islamabad to Islamabad Depart London The group flight usually departs London around lunchtime.Standard Hotel Day 1 Start Islamabad The group flight arrives in Islamabad very early in the morning and we transfer straight to our hotel where rooms will be waiting for you; the rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. Those not flying with the group from London will join us at the hotel in Islamabad during the day. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing. We may also have to visit the Ministry of Tourism for an official briefing.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Arrive Islamabad The group flight arrives in Islamabad very early in the morning and we transfer straight to our hotel where rooms will be waiting for you; the rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. Those not flying with the group from London will join us at the hotel in Islamabad during the day. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing. We may also have to visit the Ministry of Tourism for an official briefing.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 2 Spectacular flight to Skardu This morning we travel to the airport and take the spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu. The rest of the day is free.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Free day in Skardu In the morning we will have a walk up to the remains of Skardu fort, which overlooks the town and has great views of the Indus Valley. We will then walk to a small village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore. You may like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake (US$65 per person) or explore the bazaar. We may have to visit the Ministry of Tourism for an official briefing later in the day and to have our official documents cleared to start the trek.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Drive through spectacular mountain scenery to Askole We set off northwards by jeep up the Shigar valley to Dassu, which used to be the end of the road. The spectacular jeep road which mostly follows the raging Braldu River now extends to Askole, the last village on our route and where we leave the jeeps and start walking. It may sometimes be necessary to start walking before Askole depending on the conditions of the jeep road. The journey may take anywhere from six to twelve hours.Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Trek from Askole and cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier to Jhola After organising all the equipment and supplies our porters load up for the journey ahead to Jhola. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier which flows for more than fifty kilometres from the Hispar La pass to the Braldu. We have our first taste of moraine walking as we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to our lunch spot beside the river at Korofon. Our route takes us to the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers, where the trail used to involve scrambling over a cliff and then crossing the river in a flying fox or box bridge (called a 'jola'). Nowadays there is a newer trail and we go upstream to cross the river by bridge. Once across we descend to the edge of the River Braldu and follow its banks to our camp at Jhola. (Max. altitude: approx. 3150m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Trek from Jhola and follow the Braldu gorge along the river bank to Paiju Today our route mainly follows the Braldu gorge along the riverbank, moving up and down according to the level of erosion and water levels. We start to get views of the fantastic granite rock shapes of Trango Towers and Cathedral. Walking conditions can be very hot and dry, and care must be taken to prevent sunburn. As we approach camp several glacially-fed rivulets flow down into the main valley and we may have to use our river crossing shoes depending on water levels. On a clear day we may be able to spot K2 in the far distance and the vast snout of the Baltoro glacier, the fourth-longest in Pakistan, is also visible but it's hard to gather a sense of scale from here. The day ends with a climb away from the river to our camp at Paiju, set in a clump of trees – the last ones we will see for a while! (Max. altitude: approx. 3400m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Trek from Paiju to Khobursay The walking gets a bit harder today, but the scenery becomes even more spectacular and wild as we climb onto the snout of the Baltoro Glacier, and cross to the south side. The route climbs up and down the glacial moraine and although there is a trail, care needs to be taken at all times. Stunning views are gradually emerging of granite peaks on the north side of the glacier - from Paiju, Uli Biaho, and Trango Towers round to Grand Cathedral. It will take a few hours to cross the glacier to Liligo. From here we follow a rocky trail along the edge of the Baltoro, where shortly before arriving at Khobursay, we will make a decision whether we can safely negotiate the glacier or continue along the side valley before crossing the meltwater stream into camp. (Max. altitude: approx. 3800m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Cross two small side glaciers to Urdukus We cross two small side glaciers and eventually, we can see the Trango Towers soaring up on the north side of the valley. We stop for the night near the army camp at Urdukus, which is perched 100m above the glacier on terraces which were hewn out of the hillside for the Duke of Abruzzi’s K2 expedition in1909. The afternoon aids our acclimatization and gives us time to enjoy the views and catch up on some rest. (Max. altitude: approx. 4050m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Trek to Goro II We strike out into the middle of the glacier and follow the medial moraine, getting our first views of Masherbrum (7821m) to the south. The trail becomes more even and as we get higher, we start to walk past the huge ice seracs which stick out of the glacier-like ice cream cones. Tonight, we spend our first night camping on the Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, where the nighttime temperature will drop quite dramatically. From camp, we have superb views of Masherbrum and up the Younghusband Glacier, named after Sir Francis Edward Younghusband, the well-known explorer and spiritual writer to the impressive Muztagh Tower. (Max. altitude: approx. 4300m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Climb the rocky moraine to Concordia Our final approach day, and our goal is in sight - Concordia! We continue up the rocky moraine as more and more of the big peaks come into view, culminating in the appearance of K2’s summit, rising more than 4,000m above the valley bottom. The views all around our campsite at Concordia are tremendous: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Chogolisa and Sia Kangri are all prominent, as well as dozens of smaller peaks such as Marble Peak, Crystal Peak and Mitre Peak. (Max. altitude: approx. 4600m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Walk to Broad Peak Base Camp; optional trek to Gilkey Memorial (near K2 Base Camp) Today there is the opportunity to walk up the Godwin-Austen Glacier to the Art Gilkey Memorial (an American geologist and mountaineer) just before K2 Base Camp. This is a very long but a spectacular day. We will leave early morning, crossing the glaciers onto the faint trail heading towards K2 (there is a faint rocky trail all the way). As we follow the glacier towards K2 the mountain seems to grow bigger and bigger. Broad Peak rears up to our right and after about 3 hours we pass Broad Peak Base Camp (there is the option to turn back here). We usually have our lunch break here and then those who are continuing carry on with K2 towering above us as we get closer and closer. Just before Base Camp, amongst the boulder and ice strewn landscape is the Art Gilkey Memorial. A short scramble brings us to the place where those whose lives K2 claimed are remembered. Plaques and engraved tin plates are attached to a small rocky outcrop at the foot of this great mountain. There are great views directly above us of K2 and we may see some climbing expeditions. After lunch, we retrace our steps back to Broad Peak Base Camp. (Max. altitude: approx. 5100m. The distances may vary from those given, depending on how the moraine has moved and which trail we can follow) Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 12 Retrace steps to Concordia After a night’s rest at Broad Peak Base Camp, we continue our descent over the Godwin Austin Glacier towards Concordia. We will need to cross back onto the Baltoro Glacier (which might be slightly more challenging due to the rising level of melt water coming from Gasherbrum) before arriving at camp. After enjoying lunch at the “Throne Room of the Gods” you will have time to reflect on this magnificent environment whilst you recharge and prepare for your return journey. Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Retrace our steps down the glacier to Biango/Goro I Unfortunately, we have to leave this magnificent place with some of the best mountain views on earth. However, we have an easy start today as we retrace our steps down the glacier. Today is a fairly easy walk back down to Goro I. (Max. altitude: approx. 4600m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 14 Trek back to Khobursay with views across to Trango Towers We follow the same trail down through the glacier to Goro 1 and on down to the spectacular campsite at Urdukas with great views across to Trango Towers before reaching Khobursay. Although we are retracing our steps down the glacier the views are completely different seen on the way back. (Max. altitude: approx. 4150m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 15 Trek down the side of the glacier back to Paiju We continue our walk down the side of the glacier through Liligo, from where we cross the glacier for one more time before stepping off the moraine onto more stable ground. We head back down to the trees and the relative comforts of Paiju campsite. (Max. altitude: approx. 3800m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 16 Trek back to the campsite at Jhola We retrace our steps along the Braldu Gorge. There may be a couple of river crossings today. We stop tonight at the campsite at Jhola. (Max. altitude: approx. 3400m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 17 Trek back to the main valley and follow the river to Askole We start the day with a walk up the side river to the bridge. After crossing the bridge we head back to the main valley and continue following the river all day through Korofon and back finally to the village of Askole. (Max. altitude: approx. 3150m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 18 Drive to Skardu in our jeeps for a rewarding hot shower We pick up our jeeps for the long but spectacular day’s drive back to Skardu and the luxury of a hot shower.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 19 Morning flight to Islamabad; afternoon to relax We take the early morning flight to Islamabad and the rest of the day is free to relax and unwind after the trek.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 20 Free day in Islamabad A free day in Islamabad or an extra day to fly to Islamabad if the flight is cancelled for any reason on the previous day.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 21 End Islamabad Very early this morning we depart Islamabad for the flight to London arriving in the early evening. Those not flying with us to London will leave the hotel after breakfast. Meals included: Breakfast Fly to London Very early this morning we depart Islamabad for the flight to London arriving in the early evening. Those not flying with us to London will leave the hotel after breakfast. Meals included: Breakfast
Pakistan All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. All nationalities require a visa for Pakistan. For UK residents the cost will be approximately £134, please refer to our Pakistan visa information sheet for further details.
Pakistan There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Travellers who intend to visit Pakistan for four weeks or more should be aware that proof of vaccination (an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis - ICVP), given four weeks to twelve months before departure, may be required on exit. Failure to produce this documentation may result in vaccination on departure, most likely with oral polio vaccine.
Hotels & Campsites 6 nights hotels, 14 nights camping. In Islamabad, we use a standard hotel, which has air-conditioned rooms with en suite bathrooms. In Skardu, we stay in a simple hotel. The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your daypack. Most of the camping on this trek is wild camping amidst the mountains. We stay in two-person tents which have enough room inside for your kitbags. Sleeping mats and bags are not provided – please see the packing section. We also have a dining tent complete with table and stools. For the most part, no running water is available whilst camping however, at Jhula and Paiju there is usually running water.
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Reviewed September 2019 Julie Jones-Boult Trip: Concordia & K2 Concordia & K2 This truly was a trip of a lifetime. Having travelled to Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro (with Exodus) we thought we had a pretty good idea of what to expect on this trip. We were so wrong! This was so much tougher and in many different ways. Firstly, whilst there's an itinerary, it quickly became apparent that there's a lot that's outside the control of Exodus and the on-the-ground operator. We were held up in Islamabad for longer than expected (due to leave on Saturday, left on Wednesday). Our flight to Skardu was cancelled as a result of bad weather and with just one flight a day, it wasn't possible to get re-booked until Wednesday. Once in Skardu, although visa and permits have been granted, there's still a step to complete on the ground and it can't be started until you arrive in Skardu. Here you're at the very of the Authorities and 'it takes as long as it takes'. We weren't granted permission to enter the national park until around 9pm on the day we arrived in Skardu. Sara, our tour guide, kept us informed at every step and went over and beyond, using the local operator and 'connections' to try to get us back on track. She discussed the options with us and as a group, we decided on a plan to try to keep the overall tour intact. This meant combining 2 days of itinerary into 1, twice! The terrain is hard and unpredictable, this is where Sara and the local team were invaluable in their knowledge and expertise. We really were in their hands, finding safe passage and negotiating an ever-changing landscape. This made it feel really natural and exciting. It was one of the most breathtaking places on earth, with a real sense of pure and raw beauty. We worked hard to get to Concordia and even harder to get K2 base camp. The team were unbelievably amazing, we simply could not have completed this trek without their encouragement, support, humour and importantly expertise. This isn't a well trodden path and you need to know the environment. It was obvious from day 1, Sara had an incredible relationship with the local team, she knew the country and local environment well. She had a wonderful nature and approach to the people, the country and the environment, all of which she shared so generously, with true enthusiasm and passion. She's such a modest person, someone that would shy away from the attention or thanks, instead passing it on to others. However, she was at the centre of everyday, every step and for that we are very grateful. An incredible trip and one we'd highly recommend. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The scenery - it's magical and it starts the moment you disembark in Islamabad. We'll never forget it. What did you think of your group leader? Amazing, inspirational, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, kind, generous, passionate and honestly someone who leaves a lasting mark on everyone she touches. Thank you Sara! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This isn't a prescriptive tour, be patient and prepared for unforeseen and unavoidable issues. It's a wonderful country, which ever way the tour plays out, it will be memorable - just enjoy it! Is there anything else you would like to add? Given the nature of the trail and the environment, we wouldn't have taken this tour with anyone other than Exodus. We value and trust their expertise and at all times this made us feel that we were in safe hands, even when we were so far from home.
Reviewed September 2019 John Mitchell Trip: Concordia & K2 Concordia and K2 A great trip that I am very proud to have completed. The remoteness has a unique beauty all of its own. A very good level of fitness is required to enjoy this trek. We were helped by a great team of guides, cooks and general helpers. There dedication to helping us and looking after us was second to none. This trip is a challenge, but a very worthwhile one. You will not regret attempting it. The first look of K2 makes all the hardships of the trek worthwhile. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the base camp at K2. Looking out of my tent at 5am on a snowy morning and seeing K2 looming large, totally clear of cloud in the morning light. What did you think of your group leader? Sarah was excellent throughout. She has vast experience and is able to use that experience to help people through what was a tough trip. She makes time for each person giving them confidence and encouragement. Her team obviously adore her and will do anything to help. We had an issue when our flight back from Skardu was cancelled. Somehow Sarah was able to secure us all seats on the plane leaving the next day, when initially none were available. We all had total confidence that she would try everything possible for us. It took her 4 hours to do it and we all flew out the next day. I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed some fabulous team leaders. Sarah tops the lot. Credit also to the Exodus team back in London who were a great help looking at all the possibilities when our flight was cancelled. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do not miss this adventure. But beware. The trip notes do not give an accurate idea of how tough this trip is. The terrain after the first few days is rocks, rocks and more rocks with little or no clear path. Do not underestimate this trip. Our group was full of experienced trekkers who have been on trips all over the world, yet everyone found this a very tough trip. But, the experience is second to none. If your fit enough and have a positive attitude you will have one of the greatest trekking experiences of your life. Not to be missed. Is there anything else you would like to add? I know hotels in Skardu are few and far between. But one that had hot water and more than one towel between 2 would have been nice. The much vaunted after trek shower is not quite the same in cold water. Food though was very good. More detailed trip notes would give a more accurate idea of what to expect from the terrain. Once again Exodus proved what a great company they are. Good communication throughout the lead up and a true feeling that they will look after you no matter what happens.
Reviewed July 2019 Jan Novak Trip: Concordia & K2 K2 Base Camp The trip brings people into amazing environment by its remotenes and natural beauty and is a huge discovery experience. The difficulties of the trip in terms of the experienced heat and extremely difficult walking terrain catch people slightly unprepared (and the trip notes do not help here). What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Gore II to Concordia day walk. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Try to mentally prepare for the heat and extraordinarily difficult terain to walk on.
Reviewed September 2018 Olivia Ainsley Trip: Concordia & K2 Concordia & K2 Excellent trek in a magnificent landscape. I rated "very good" only because hotel accommodation was disappointing but hopefully this is being addressed for future trips What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many, but reaching Concordia - I didn't go to k2 basecamp but still think Concordia would be the highlight What did you think of your group leader? Sara was brilliant - fun to be with, and gave excellent suppport and advice to trekkers and staff alike Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get as fit as you can possibly be in preparation for the terrain you will be walking on - it's tough, but well worth effort and concentration needed
Reviewed September 2018 Cathy Doyle Trip: Concordia & K2 Memorable trek to the legendary Savage Mountain It takes a large team to support 14 trekkers in their ambition to walk to K2 base camp over the 58km Baltoro glacier. With no habitation and unforgiving terrain everything must be carried in by mule or on the backs of porters. This trek makes it possible for ordinary people to walk in the footsteps of the great mountaineers and experience the magnificence of K2 close up. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting the historic Art Gilkey memorial at the foot of K2 after a long and challenging walk in was unforgettable. So many plaques to fallen mountaineers, in a peaceful yet hostile setting. How many non climbers get to experience this special place? What did you think of your group leader? We were in safe hands with Sara who led from the back in more ways than one. She invisibly managed logistics, liaised with our local team and supported us through illness to help us all achieve our best trek. Her respect for our porters and the environment was also very evident. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is accurately described as a tough trek. Most walking days are long and the glacier terrain is difficult with potential river crossings. You might find it to be the most challenging trek you have ever done so previous similar experience will help. Keep hydrated and take it steady to help acclimatisation. Is there anything else you would like to add? Pakistan has been off limits to trekking groups for many years. This is one of the world’s great treks and it is presently uncrowded and reasonably pristine. Now is the time to go!
Reviewed September 2018 André Lopes Trip: Concordia & K2 The trek of a lifetime It's absolutely amazing that you can walk for 2 weeks in such an unique place without seeing any other groups (there one just another one). Beautiful scenery, tough terrain, good food and amazing local staff. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Urdukus and Concordia What did you think of your group leader? Sara is fantastic. She's always on top of things, which is essential for a tour leader on this trip. Her medical knowledge came really handy for a few people on our group. Her relationship with the locals, and her involvement in local projects is very inspirational. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Book this trip!
Reviewed August 2018 Alan Taylor Trip: Concordia & K2 Tough but worth the effort. This trek is rated as tough and don't under-estimate it. The nature of walking on the glacier makes estimating the route and hence timings difficult so expect long days with tough terrain. Having said that the views are magnificent and the sense of achievement will make it all worthwhile. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving at Concordia and looking down the valley at K2 was awe inspiring and emotional. The weather was very kind to us and K2 was revealed in all it's glory. The welcome we received from the people of Islamabad was also inspirational . People were so pleased to welcome western tourists and went out of their way to do so. What did you think of your group leader? Sara Bull worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a safe and enjoyable trip. She nursed us through 'stomach upsets', encouraged us when self doubt crept in and got us safely across rivers and landslips. The rest of the team deserve mention as well, with excellent food, well managed camping sites and a happy and industrious band of porters. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read the trip notes carefully. You will need stout footwear, the ground underfoot is hard on the feet. You might need warm clothing at some point but take cool loose clothing for most of the walk - it is hot and the trek is strenuous. Is there anything else you would like to add? In my opinion this trek is tougher than Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit but well worth the effort. It's dirty, dusty, hot and tiring, and you might well get an upset stomach. But embrace all of this and enjoy the trek of a lifetime with views that will take your breath away.
Reviewed August 2018 Robert Parkes Trip: Concordia & K2 Hard walks bring great rewards This is a hard but doable walk that rewards you with enough views for a life time. The fitter you are the more you can enjoy. K2 and Concordia are unbelievable. Sara Bull and the guides are professional and as well as ensuring you are safe give lots of encouragement. A trek of a lifetime. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing Gilkey memorial and meeting climbers who reached the summit of K2 What did you think of your group leader? Sara Bull and her team are top guides and all work,from cooks upwards, to make it happen for you. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get as fit as you can. Buy the biggest hand gel you can. Much of the water you will drink is warm. Most streams are full of mica can clog filters. Think about a filter bottle and watertogo bottle. Bring a bottle of coke from Skardu for the first few days. Tummy bugs are usual...try and avoid. Is there anything else you would like to add? Enbrace any problems and enjoy
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