General
Karakoram Grand Traverse (2024-25) – 35 days
Karakoram Grand Traverse is another popular trekking holiday for international trekkers that visit Pakistan. Including Karakoram Grand Traverse, we offer the following K2 holiday options given in the table below.
Snow Lake Trek (17 days) - TREK ONLY | US$2,290 | €2,020 |
Snow Lake Trek (21 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$2,890 | €2,550 |
Snow Lake Trek & K2 Base Camp (35 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$4,690 | €4,135 |
Karakoram Grand Traverse (35 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$6,475 | €5,710 |
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Dates & Cost – Karakoram Grand Traverse (USD 6,590)
The start and end dates in the table below are your dates of arrival and departure from Pakistan. These months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year that operate in summers. Our costs for different dates are given below.
Holiday Information
Inclusions for both International & local trekkers
- All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
- All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
- All camping site fees and bridge fees
- All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
- All meals in Pakistan, except those specifically mentioned under "What's Not Included" section.
- Snacks, including dry fruits and tea/coffee, during the trek
- Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Waste Management Fee (USD 150) for Central Karakoram National Park (mandatory)
- Islamabad and Skardu city tours including all entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porterage -personal luggage (14kgs) and mountaineering equipment (8kgs)
- Storage service for baggage in Skardu (for leaving a bag behind before going on the trek)
- First aid medicine kit (basic)
- Satellite phone for emergencies only
- Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Exclusions for both International & local trekkers
- International Airfare & Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be provided)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- All Hotel/Restaurant Meals (5 Lunches & 6 Dinners) (Price range per meal US $4 to $9)
- Government Permit Fee of USD 300 for Gilgit Baltistan Council's GB Adventure (increased in 2024) - View Document
- Bottled water & beverages (e.g., 1.5L bottled water costs approximately USD 0.30)
- Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
- Personal mountain equipment (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
- Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additionalUSD 67 per night
- Excess or additional weight/baggage during the trek:USD 11 per kg
- Storage service for baggage in Islamabad:USD 18 per bag/piece
- Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
- Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
- Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)
Why Register Now?
1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost us less than peak-season.
2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. We have restricted one group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
3. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.
4. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: We appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.
5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change according to the late deposit schedule above. The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals
The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 100,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable in all cases too.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.
Highlights – Karakoram Grand Traverse
This adventure has a lot to offer. Given below are the main highlights:
Snow Lake Trek
- Hispar La Pass (5,149m)
- Snow Lake - high altitude glacial basin - 16kms wide (also known as Lukpe Lawo
- Trek along Biafo Glacier (3rd longest outside polar region) and Hispar glacier
- Circular trek to scenic Hunza Valley from Braldu Valley
- Views of dozens of peaks between 5,000m to 8,000m including Latok group, The Ogre, Kanjut Sar, Kunyang Chishh, Pumari Chhish, Disteghil Sar, Trivor Sar, Lupghar Sar, Sosbun Brakk, etc.
- Views of Glaciers (e.g. Kani Basi, Kunyang and more) , glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
- Meadows of Falaling Chhish
- Karakoram Highway
K2 Gondogoro Trek
- Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m). View four 8,000m peaks (K2, Gasherbrum I & II, Broad Peak) and other peaks (Gasherbrum 4, Laila, Gondogoro Peak etc) from one point.
- Base Camps of K2 and Broad Peak
- Night Stay at K2 base camp
- Circular/Circuit trek to scenic Hushe Valley
- Concordia – Throne Room of the Mountain Gods
- Trek along Vigne and Gondogoro glaciers from Concordia after trek to Godwin Austin glacier via Baltoro Glacier (5th longest and world’s largest outside polar region).
- Gilkey memorial
- View 8,000 m peaks including Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m) and K2 (8,611 m) from Goro II, Concordia & base camps.
- View of other peaks between 5,000m to 8,000m including Gasherbrum 3 and 4, Chogolisa, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marbel Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, Urdukas Peak etc.
- View of Glaciers (e.g. Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, Mandu and more) , glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
- Indus, Panmah, Braldu, Hushe and Shyok rivers
- Valleys of Shigar, Hushe and Ghanche
- Balti porter life, jeep safari etc
- Meet mountaineers at base camps
Itinerary – Karakoram Grand Traverse
The itinerary for this adventure is given below.
Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram (2,498m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free.
Day 03 Spend Free day in Skardu (2,598m) - official documentation
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. The participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.
During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the trek incase of any delays.
Day 04: Drive to Hushe Valley (3,050m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,050 m
Distance: 127 km drive
Time: 6-7 hours drive
We make a reasonably early start from Skardu, crossing the Shyok River to begin an exciting 6-hour jeep ride up to Hushe, through a number of small and picturesque villages in the lower Hushe Valley. En route we must cross a number of 'nullahs' or small tributary valleys. These nullahs are fed by meltwaters from the glaciers high above the valley and can become impassable by the afternoon as the hot sun goes to work. Our early start from Khaplu means that we should not have any problems in this respect. Hushe is the highest village in the area at 3050 metres and we set up our camp in a field just below the village with the huge bulk of Masherbrum (7821m) dominating the valley to the north.
Day 05: Trek to Saicho (3,348m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,348 m
Distance: 10 km
Time: 2.5 hours
Today, we begin our approach to Gondogoro Peak, trekking up above the village on a rocky path through very impressive scenery. Immediately above the village is a farmed area with some bare grazing, fields of corn and turnips, flowering shrubs such as oleander and a few sparse trees. Towering rocky peaks line both sides of the valley. The valley opens out and splits, as we turn towards the north-east alongside the river that has its source in the Gondogoro Glacier. We cross the tributary Charakusa River on a wooden cantilever bridge to reach the idyllic campsite at Saitcho. This camp lies at the junction of the Charakusa and Gondokoro valleys and is sited on a sandy, tree-shaded area beside a swift-flowing river. There are excellent views of Namika (6325m), the rock spire of K7 and from the trail leading to the camp there is a sighting of the impressive Charakusa Spire. This is a short and easy day of trekking, good for acclimatization.
Day 06: Trek to Dalsampa (4,150m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Altitude: 3,350m
Today's short stage to Dalsampa skirts the eastern side of the Gondogoro Glacier. We hike up above our camp with increasingly impressive views of the glacier and of Masherbrum beyond. At a point where the glacier cuts directly into the steep valley side, we are usually obliged to drop down almost onto the glacier itself and for a further hour we scramble along its edge (there is a path above the moraine cliffs and this may be used instead, if it is in good condition).
A final scramble up a rocky gulley leads to the campsite at Dalsampa (4150m) tucked into a grassy ablation valley with a couple of tiny lakes and staggering views of a range of rocky summits, culminating in the snow-plastered summit of Masherbrum.
An impressive icefall sits below the peak and guards the access to the Masherbrum La which (theoretically) links Hushe with the Baltoro system to the north. Snow leopards still inhabit this rarely visited corner of the Karakoram.
Day 07: Trek to Khuispang (4,590m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Distance: 6.1 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 4,590m
Just above our camp the valley turns more towards the east and we have great views up-valley to the Gondogoro La and to Gondogoro Peak itself, although the latter is tough to pick out against the headwall of the valley. Once again, we have to drop down onto the glacier and this time we head out into its centre. At this point the angle of the glacier is not steep and we are walking on a mix of moraine and sometimes on snow or bare expanses of ice.
This is a great glacier experience, walking between ice pinnacles, some of them capped with boulders, and easily avoiding any crevassed areas. This glacial traverse is not technically demanding and there is usually no need to rope-up. We pass beneath the striking spire of Laila Peak (6096m) and amongst a stunning array of mountain scenery. We gradually cut across to the north side of the glacier at the place called Khuispang, a grassy terrace beside a small meltwater lake.
Day 08: Acclimatization/rest day at Khuispang (4,590m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,590m
Khuispang is a spectacular place at the heart of the Karakoram. The views of Laila Peak are breath-taking and the huge bulk of Trinity Peak is right across the glacier from camp. Seracs regularly break off high above the complex north-west face of this mountain, causing avalanches which can come right down to the glacier, though, thankfully, not this side of the glacier.
This is a day for rest and acclimatization. We will also spend part of this day practicing the straightforward safety techniques required for ascending fixed ropes and walking roped-up on the approach to Gondogoro La.
Day 09: Cross the Gondogoro La (5,585m) to Ali Camp (4,800)
On this Day
GPS Data
Distance: 8.1 km
Time: 9-12 hours
Max Elevation(Pass): 5,585m
While, ascending to the top, fixed ropes will be utilized to the full extent. At the top of the pass, you get to see and experience a breathtaking of all four 8000ers in the Baltoro region (K2, G1, Broad Peak, G2).
The members will have to be extra careful while ascending and watch out for every step they take to avoid jolting stones on their teams members. Upon ascending the slope, the trails becomes easy and the participants will move on the snow, and use of crampons becomes vital for the safety of the members.
Day 10: Contingency day (in case of bad weather)
On this Day
This day is allocated for any potential delays in case of bad weather at Gondogoro La.
Day 11: Trek from Ali Camp to Concordia (4,500m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Distance: 12.1 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 4,500m
Here we are at the junction of the Baltoro, the Goodwin Austen and the Broad Peak glaciers. Within sight to the north and east are four of the world's 8000m peaks, and a further 37 peaks above 6,500m, a paradise for mountain lovers.
Day 12: Trek to Broad Peak BC, Gilkey Memorial and K2 Base Camp (5,125m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Time: K2 BC (5,155m) + Gilkey (5,230m)+ Broad Peak (4,844m): 6-7 hours
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 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. We usually have our lunch break here and then 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 life 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. We spend the night at the base camp of K2.
Day 13: Trek back to Concordia and rest
On this day
Time: 4-5hours
On this day, we retrace our steps back to Concordia and rest for next day's walk.
Day 14: Trek to Goro I/Biango
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,010 m
Distance: 15.9 km
Time: 6-7 hours
On this day of the K2 base camp trek, the participants will have to leave this camp and move back towards Goro I. The trek on this day will be quite easy and you will be descending down.
Day 15: Trek to Khoburtse with views of Trango Towers
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 13.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day the participants will make their way to the campsite of Urdukas, they will follow the same trail down via the glacier to Goro I. They will experience great views of Trango Towers before their arrival at Khurburtse. Even though the participants will be going on the same trail, however the views on the way back will be completely different.
Day 16: Trek back to camp Paiju
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
The participants on this day of the K2 base camp trek will be walking down on the side of the glacier via Liligo, this will be last area where they will be shifting their trail from the moraine on the relatively stable ground. The participants will have the opportunity to find themselves in the trees after a break and enjoy their stay at Paiju camp site.
Day 17: Trek to Korofon campsite via Jhola
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,075 m
Distance: 24.8 km
Time: 6-8 hours
The walking on this day will be quite easier as the participants will be following the same trail to the Bradlu gorge. However there may be some river crossings this day. The camp site will be made at Jhola.
Day 18: Rest at Korofon
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,075 m
Korofon is at the foot of Biafo Glacier, world’s 3rd longest glacier outside polar region and which also is a door leading to the Hispar pass (and snow lake) connecting Baltistan region to Hunza Valley.
The snow river at the glacier’s foot is stretched 63 km which has a bridge, without which we would have to cross the glacier which is boulder and rubble at the bottom. Our campsite Korofong (3,075 m) lays across the glacier’s other foot. The trees here are habitat to a variety of beautiful birds.
Day 19: Trek to Namla (3,571m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,571m
Time: 7-8 hours
The trek starts by following the K2 Base Camp trail and then turns north-west onto the Biafo Glacier. The trail ascends over a shoulder to reach the left moraine and descends on to the glacier then back on to the left bank where the grassy camping site called Namla is located behind a lateral moraine.
Day 20: Trek to Mango (3,715m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,715m
Time: 5-6 hours
After crossing a fracture zone on the glacier we reach the centre of the glacier where we follow moraine ridges, underfoot there is loose rock making this a challenging day. We set up camp on the left bank of the Biafo in a grassy area.
Day 21: Trek to Baintha (4,041m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,041m
Time: 5-6 hours
The route continues up the centre of the glacier on a broad highway of ice making the walking easier than yesterday. We cross to the right and come off the glacier to a grassy area where Baintha camp is located.
Day 22: Rest at Baintha (4,041m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,041m
This is a rest day for you and the porters. You can relax in camp or if feeling energetic walk up a ridge behind camp with fine views of Latok group and The Ogre. Look out for Ibex that can often be seen grassy slopes above.
Day 23: Trek to Morfogoro (4,298m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,298m
Time: 5-6 hours
The trail is steep and loose to get onto the glacier however once there we follow the flat glacier making relatively straightforward walking. Further along the glacier there are some crevasses to be aware of where depending on the conditions we might rope up to safeguard our passage. There are superb views of many peak including The Ogre (7,813m) and also we will get the first views of the Hispar La and Snow Lake.
Day 24: Trek to Hispar La Base Camp (4,585m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,585m
Time: 5-6 hours
Today we walk to the south end of a large snowy flat area known as Snow Lake finding our way through a network of crevasses. Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial basin over 16km wide at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor, gave Snow Lake the name in 1892 and described this area as "beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold, nor do I believe the world can hold a finer.”
Day 25: Cross Snow Lake and trek to Hispar La (5,149m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 5,149m
Time: 5-6 hours
Today we traverse across the vast Snow Lake area and make the ascent to Hispar La. The climb to Hispar La is not too steep although it always feels quite strenuous at this altitude, we also have to be aware of the crevasses in this area. The views at Hispar La are fantastic looking down Biafo glacier to Snow Lake and The Ogre and other side down Hispar glacier to peaks in Hunza.
Day 26: Trek to Kani Basa (4,468m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,468m
Time: 6-8 hours
After an early start we descend from Hispar La crossing a crevassed area and then later on the glacier flattens out. We have to cross Kani Basa glacier which is facture zone where the two glaciers collide. Shortly afterwards we reach our camp located in a grassy ablation valley with good views of Kanjut Sar (7,760m).
Day 27: Trek to Jutmal (4,168m)
On this day
Altitude: 4,168m
Time: 6-7hours
This is a challenging day as we have to find our way through a series of moraine ridges; climb a loose scree slope then cross several glacial streams. Jutmal camp is on a grassy area along the side of the glacier.
Day 28: Trek to Bitanmal (3,765m)
On this Day
Altitude: 3,765m
Time: 7-8 hours
After an hour we descend down a steep bank to cross another side glacier then back to the valley as before where the walking is good. Camp at Bitanmal is in a large meadow often used by herders from Hispar village.
Day 29: Trek to Falaling Chhish (3,605m)
On this Day
Altitude: 3,605m
Time: 4 hours
We make the last side glacier crossing over the Kunyang Glacier, then walk up by a steep path and cross a stream to get to the meadows at Falaling Chhish.
Day 30: Trek to Hispar Village (2,297m)
On this Day
Altitude: 2,297m
From our camp at Falaling Chhish we cross a bridge to reach Hispar village. You will certainly notice the vibrant green of the orchards and terraced fields after the black and white scenery of the Hispar Glacier. Depending on the condition of the road we may meet our jeeps in the village if the road is broken then we have a further walk followed by a short drive to our last camp on this trek.
Day 31: Drive to Karimabad (2,440m)
On this Day
GPS Data
We take a jeep for a couple of hours to Nagar village along a rather narrow track before reaching the Karakoram Highway. We drive up the road to Karimabad where we check into a hotel and the rest of the day is free to wash up, relax and explore the town.
Day 32: Contingency day/sightseeing - Karimabad
On this Day
This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flight due to delays. These delays can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) road blocks. This time can be utilised for sightseeing of Hunza valley.
Hunza valley is very beautiful and today we have the chance to explore Karimabad, it is an interesting town spectacularly situated on a hillside to the north of the road with views of the fertile valley below (due to their extensive irrigation system) and a glimpses of snowy mountains. We will visit the forts of Alti and Baltit dating from the 13th century the Baltit fort, once the home of the ruling Mir, guards the valley and is now a museum and the Alti fort is even more dramatic perched above the Hunzariver. In the afternoon we drive to Gilgit.
Day 33: Fly to Islamabad (590m) from Gilgit
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 590 m
On this day the participants will drive to Gilgit and take a flight from the airport in Gilgit to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. Incase of flight cancellation, you will drive to Islamabad for overnight. It takes ten to twelve hours by a vehicle.
Day 34: Contingency day for flight cancellations/road blocks
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m
This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Incase of flight cancellation, our guests will depart by road from Gilgit airport to Islamabad which can take between ten to twelve hours. This day can also be utilized in case there are temporary road blocks. However, it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for resting in Islamabad.
Day 35: Fly to home country
On this Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.
Extra nights/time in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 59 per night
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You might also want to check out our K2 Base Camp & Snow Lake Trek which is the same trek with a different itinerary.