General
Gondogoro Peak Expedition (2024-25) – 17 days
Gondogoro Peak Expedition is another popular trekking peak holiday for aspiring climbers/trekkers. Including Gondogoro Peak Expedition, we offer the following K2 holiday options given in the table below.
Trekking Peaks Options | Price (USD) | Euro (EUR) |
K2 Base Camp & Khosar Peak Climb (29 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$3,490 | €3,490 |
Khosar Peak Expedition (15 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$2,790 | €2,790 |
Khosar Peak Expedition (9 days) - CLIMB ONLY | US$1,890 | €1,890 |
K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro Peak Climb (23 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$3,190 | €3,190 |
Gondogoro Peak Expedition (17 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$2,780 | €2,780 |
Gondogoro Peak Expedition (13 days) - CLIMB ONLY | 1990 | €1,990 |
K2 Base Camp & Pastore Peak Climb (25 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 4990 | €4,990 |
K2 Base Camp & Khaiyrut Peak Climb (25 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 5390 | €5,390 |
View all K2 TREKKING HOLIDAYS | - | - |
View all SNOW LAKE TREK HOLIDAYS | - | - |
Trekking Peaks Options | Price (USD) | Euro (EUR) |
Dates & Cost – Gondogoro Peak Expedition (USD 2,890)
The start and end dates in the table below are your dates of arrival and departure from Pakistan. These months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year that operate in summers. Our costs for different dates are given below.
Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Register |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
17-Jul-2025 | 02-Aug-2025 | US$ 2,880 | Limited Space | US$ 340 | BOOK NOW |
27-Jul-2025 | 12-Aug-2025 | US$ 2,780 | Limited Space | US$ 340 | BOOK NOW |
Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Register |
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)
- Mountain guide (on climbing days) for equipment orientation, rope fixing & guiding to summit
- High altitude group gear (rope, ice crew, snow bar, EPI gas, twin-sharing tent, cooking pots, etc.)
- 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 13 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 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 our group size to a maximum of 12 participants. 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: In these unusual times, 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. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 3 years.
6. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:
- 1st October: USD 190
- 1st November: USD 290
- 1st January: USD 350
- 15th February: USD 400
- 1st March: USD 450
- 1st May: USD 490
Note: 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 but valid for 3 years according to our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 3 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. In the case of visa rejection, a refund/partial-refund (if costs incurred) will be considered. In such cases, a valid proof of visa rejection must be submitted to our office within 72 hours of rejection. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 3 years) in all cases.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international participants 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 – Gondogoro Peak Expedition
This adventure has a lot to offer. Given below are the main highlights:
- Climb an easy trekking peak (6,000m plus) in Karakorams, Pakistan - a unique offering by Apricot Tours
- Panoramic views of Mashabrum, Hidden Peak, Chogolisa, Trinity Peak, and Laila Peak, etc, from the summit.
- A good opportunity to feel the air at 6,000m for aspiring mountaineers with minimal experience using crampon and ice axe.
- Flexibility of resting at base camp in case participant doesn't feel like climbing.
- Valleys of Hushe and Ghanche
- Indus, Hushe and Shyok rivers
- Jeep safari to Hushe from Skardu
- Experience life of porters in the Karakorams
- View life of local communities in the Pastures
- Meet mountaineers and trekkers on the trail
Itinerary – Gondogoro Peak Expedition
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.
Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel (see pictures), Mountain Lodge (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu. |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 03 Spend Free day in Skardu (2,598m)
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.
Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel (see pictures), Mountain Lodge (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu. |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 04: Drive to Hushe Valley (3,050m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,050 m
Distance: 127 km drive
Time: 6 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.
Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
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.
Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
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.
Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
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.
Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
Day 08: Acclimatization 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.
Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
Day 9-11: Climb Gondogoro Peak (5,748m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Time: Summit (5,748m): 10 hours
Gondogoro peak is for aspiring mountaineers who want to tackle a first Karakoram trekking Peak with minimal previous crampon and ice axe experience. It is located north of camp Khuispang. The climb to the summit can be done in around 10hrs from base camp.
Ascent of Gondogoro Peak (5,750m) is technically straight forward. The summit gives a panoramic view of Mashabrum, Hidden Peak, Chogolisa, Trinity Peak, and Laila Peak, etc.
If we are able to cross Gondogoro La on time (subject to weather) according to our itinerary, we will have three days for the climb. The exact plan for the three climbing days will be formulated by our climbing guide upon reaching Khuispang camp. His decision to rest, acclimatize, or push for summit will depend on timely crossing of Gondogoro La, weather conditions, health of participants, etc. Those participants who do not wish to attempt the peak at this point can relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery from camp Khuispang, while the remaining participants will attempt the peak. Depending on the overall team spirit of participants, time constraints, and other conditions, our guide will decide whether high camp will be set or a direct summit push (9-10hrs) will be opted for. A direct summit push from base camp starts around 3am and around 1pm, motivated participants can make it to the summit with our guide.
The decision to return to base camp or setting up high camp after a successful summit also depends on our mountain guide who will again consider all the factors mentioned above.
Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
Day 12: Trek to Saicho
On this Day
The participants will continue hiking down, Since the hike downwards would be a comparatively easy hike so the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, crampons will be packed while descending. The mountainous and rocky terrain will be taken over the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley.
After lunch, the participants will continue hiking to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, upon reaching the edge they will find a trail which will lead them to the beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass.
At the end of the valley there are 02 different routes to the destination. Our guide with the consent of local porters will decide the trails they are being frequently used.
The trek gets easy when the two trails meet. The members will see the huts made of stones by herders and local settlers. On this day the participants will experience the sign of the settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to big trees and lower altitude. Camp will be setup at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water steams.
Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
Day 13: Trek to Hushe and drive to Skardu town
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive
Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive
On this day the participants have to trek down for only 3-4 hours, the river stream of glacier melted water of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum and Gondogoro Glaciers. The participants will start see the signs of residences, shelter, fiels and signs of people living.
The participants will experience the 02 storey shelters of the Hushe village, where the ground floor is for cattles and the first floor is for the family to live. After setting up the camp the participants can explore the beautiful hushe valley and interact with the locals. This would be the last camping day of the Gondogoro La Trek.
Upon reaching Hushe, the participants will depart for Skardu town from Hushe and the journey offers a lot of beautiful scenes of the different small village of the Hushe Valley. The participants will cross a suspension bridge above Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India) to get to the other side.
In the past traditional rafts which were made of goat skin fill with air were use to cross the river. The suspension bridge which is use now to cross was built in 1990’s. Upon crossing the bridge, the participants will the reach Khaplu.
The drive from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smooth and the route to be followe is the paved road along the shayok river which leads to the confluence with Indus River. Upon driving along Indus River the Participants will reach Skardu in 4 hours. The participants can have the facilities which they did not have for 02 weeks. The first on that list would be taking a hot shower and secondly having a good meal.
Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
Day 14: Contingency day/rest in Skardu
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,400 m
This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking/climbing. We do not want our guests to miss their return flights/other arrangements due to delays that can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) road blocks.
Note: All expenses in Skardu (e.g. hotel, meals, transportation after hotel drop) on this day will be incurred directly by our climbers/guests and is not part of the adventure package. Your adventure with Apricot Tours ends upon returning in Skardu.
Day 15: Fly to Islamabad (590m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 590 m
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu 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 Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by a vehicle.
Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 16: Contingency day for flight cancellations
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. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. 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 sightseeing in Islamabad.
Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 17: 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
You might also want to check out our Khosar Gang Expedition which is also a 6,000er but comparatively more interesting.