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Over the Baltoro Glacier, the Trek to Broad Peak B.C. and K2 B.C., Part 1

The following is a photo report on a 2024 season excursion to the Baltoro Glacier—titled “Over the Baltoro Glacier to Broad Peak B.C. and K2 B.C.“—carried out by Teppei Kamitani, a guide from Japan who has visited and photographed the glacier many times.

The first part of the blog traces and documents (with photos) the first half of the trek in the following order: [Askole → Jhora → Skam Tsok → Paiju → Khoburtse → Urdukas].

My first step was to take a domestic flight from Islamabad to the town of Skardu, the gateway for trekkers in the area. Weather permitting, it’s possible to get a spectacular view of many mountains—including Nanga Parbat—during the flight, but this time it was cloudy and we could not see it. However, had the flight been cancelled, it would have taken two days to travel there on land, so we considered ourselves lucky that we were able to arrive safely.

Town of Skardu, the gateway to trekkers

The day after arrival at Skardu was also a backup day in case of flight cancellations, as well as for obtaining permits and other bureaucratic formalities. During this time, it was possible to head out to the Deosai Plateau to acclimatize oneself to the altitude of 4,200 m.

The following day, we headed to Askole, the starting point of the trek. The route took us through the Shigar Valley, passing the Sarfaranga Cold Desert and viewpoints overlooking the valley. The road became steeper and steeper as we approached Ascole, with more ups and downs along the riverside slopes.

Heading towards Askole by 4WD

Day 1: Askole-Korophong-Jhola

At long last, the trek began from the lush green village of Askole. On the way, we completed the various formalities at the office in Testay Village, the last inhabited settlement in this vicinity. Beyond this point, a vast, uninhabited path stretched out before us.

Starts in the lush green village of Askole
Walking through desolate land

About four and a half hours after leaving Askole, we had lunch at Korophong, a camp in the end moraine of the Biafo Glacier, which flows from the Latok Mountains. We continued walking along the Braldu River and Jhola Camp came into view on the other side of the Domordo River. Here we crossed the recently opened Snow Leopard Bridge to reach the new Jola Camp.

Lunch at Korophong inside the Biafo Glacier
New Jhora Camp, located along the riverbank

Day 2: Jhola to Skam Tsok

The trail follows the Braldu River with gentle ups and downs, the second half of the day walking along the cliffs. When Skam Tsok comes into view in the distance, we saw Broad Peak (8,051m), the 12th highest peak in the world.

Broad Peak(8,051m) can be seen in the distance

We arrived in Skam Tsok at 11:20, taking about four and a half hours. After lunch, we relaxed with a tea break to keep our spirits up.

Skam Tsok camp and the big rainbow in the sky

Day 3: Skam Tsok to Paiju

This was the day of the half-day walk to Paiju, the camp in front of the glacier. Two and a half hours after we’d passed the gentle ups and downs from Skam Tsok, the Baltoro Glacier began to come into view. The iconic mountains of the Baltoro Glacier, such as Trango Castle and Cathedral, were also visible.

We continued up and down the river bank path
We crossed the log bridge carefully
The Baltoro Glacier finally came into view

The second half of the route followed a traverse path to reach Paiju Camp (3,450m), which was covered with poplar trees. The clean mountain water jabbered around us, and even gave us the opportunity to wash our clothes. We put chairs in front of our tent and had ourselves a relaxing afternoon. We were refreshed for the trek up the Baltoro Glacier…

Before Paiju, the trail enters the cliff path again, with more ups and downs
The campsite at Paiju was delightfully well-shaded. Once up on the glacier, there would be no shade at all

Day 4: Paiju to Khoburtse

At long last, this was the day we’d walk to the Baltoro Glacier—though it would end up being a long one. We walked to the Baltoro Glacier and reached the glacier tongue in ninety minutes.

Finally, the edge of the Baltoro Glacier tongue

There was a bit of sunshine at first, but clouds started to gather from the lower part of the Pailu and it began to rain. We followed the glacier’s outlet, gradually making our way up the mountainside, and had lunch at Liligo. From here, wearing helmets, we crossed a slope where there was a risk of landslides. What awaited us at the end, on the opposite bank of the glacier river, was the camp of Khoburtse (3,940m)!

Thanks to this small wooden bridge, we didn’t have to wade across the river. We crossed the bridge on our way to the Khoburtse campsite
The North Star, Trango Castle, Biale, and the Cathedral …. night photography at Khoburtse Camp site

Days 5 & 6: Khoburtse to Urdukas

We spent four hours trekking to Urdukas (4,050m). The plan for today was not to enter the Baltoro Glacier, but to cross two unnamed glaciers on its tributaries. As we made our way up the gently sloping upper reaches of the glacier, there was a point where we could see Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II, III and IV, but this time they were obscured by clouds.

Morning in Khoburtse. The rocky peak in the foreground is Trango Castle (5753m)
We didn’t enter the Bartolo Glacier, but traversed the side slopes. There was a lot of up and down

Urdukas means “broken boulder,” so it was fitting that there were actually boulders scattered around the campsite. The Baltoro Glacier lay directly in front, and beyond that, the Trango mountain range, the Cathedral, the Biale Glacier flowing down from Biale, and other famous peaks and glaciers could be seen in a panoramic view.

Urdukas camp site where we stay for two nights, is a high vantage point overlooking the Baltoro Glacier.
The Baltoro Glacier and rock peaks as seen from the rock terrace of Urdus camp
The Baltoro Glacier and the famous mountain range in the direction we are heading to

This trip would not have been possible without the support of the local staff.
We stayed at the Urdukas camp, which had running water, for two nights, including a rest day. I think this break probably really helped our guides refresh mentally as well. The local staff who supported the trip also took a break and sang along, following Ali’s lead.

Ali led the porters in singing

 

To be continued in the second half…

 

Photo & text : Teppei Kamitani

Visit : Aug-Sep 2024 Baltoro Galcier- K2B.C.

 

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Youtube : Our baltoro Trek in 1 Min !

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 1) Skardu to Paiju

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 2) Paiju to Khoburtse

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 3) Khoburtse to Urdukas

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 4) Urdukas to GoreⅡ

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 5) GoreⅡ to Concordia

Staying in Concordia, surrounded by the high Peaks of the Karakorum: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Mountain Range

*Contact us, Indus Caravan for more information or to make arrangements for your Baltoro Glacier K2BC trek.

*Please follow us on YoutubeInstagram & Facebook

Category : - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > ◆ Gilgit-Baltistan > ◇ Mountain of Pakistan
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CONCORDIA 360 DEGREE

We stayed at Concordia on a truly cloudless, crystal clear morning in mid-June. The video was rattled by manual paaning, but I made a 360-degree mountain view video from Concordia.

CONCORDIA 360 DEGREE

 

Image by Mariko SAWADA

A big thank you to the the whole Baltoro Glacier trekking team for working with us!

 

Related article

Youtube : Our baltoro Trek in 1 Min !

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 1) Skardu to Paiju

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 2) Paiju to Khoburtse

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 3) Khoburtse to Urdukas

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 4) Urdukas to GoreⅡ

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 5) GoreⅡ to Concordia

Staying in Concordia, surrounded by the high Peaks of the Karakorum: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Mountain Range

★★★★★

*Contact us, Indus Caravan for more information or to make arrangements for your Baltoro Glacier trek.

Category : - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > = Video Clip Gilgit-Baltistan > ◆ Video Breathtaking Views of Pakistan > - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > ◆ Gilgit-Baltistan > ◇ Mountain of Pakistan > - Karakorum Range
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Our Baltoro Trek in 1 min

Here’s a staff-centric video clip of our first post-pandemic Bartolo Glacier trek in June 2022! Well done to all the guides, kitchen staff, sardars, and porters who made the round trip to Concordia multiple times this season!

Our Baltoro Trek in 1 min

Image by  Mariko SAWADA

A big thank you to the the whole Baltoro Glacier trekking team for working with us!

 

Related article

Youtube : CONCORDIA 360 DEGREE

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 1) Skardu to Paiju

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 2) Paiju to Khoburtse

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 3) Khoburtse to Urdukas

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 4) Urdukas to GoreⅡ

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 5) GoreⅡ to Concordia

Staying in Concordia, surrounded by the high Peaks of the Karakorum: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Mountain Range

★★★★★

*Contact us, Indus Caravan for more information or to make arrangements for your Baltoro Glacier trek.

Category : - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > = Video Clip Gilgit-Baltistan > - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > ◆ Video Breathtaking Views of Pakistan > ◆ Gilgit-Baltistan > ◇ Mountain of Pakistan
Tag : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Staying in Concordia, surrounded by the high Peaks of the Karakorum: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Mountain Range

This is Concordia, The end of the Baltoro Glacier trek. It is a sought-after destination surrounded by 360 degrees of high peaks like K2.

In Latin, the word “Concordia” means “confluence and harmony,” and was given this name due to it being a confluence point between the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glacier. From here, climbers will set out for peaks like K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Mountains Basecamp, and the Gondogoro La (Pass).

The first morning after our arrival in Concordia, the camp was covered with fresh snow. With patches of blue sky coming through and since the forecasted weather was clear, I took the opportunity for a photo op, since we made it all the way here.

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 1) Skardu to Paiju

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 2) Paiju to Khoburtse

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 3) Khoburtse to Urdukas

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 4) Urdukas to GoreⅡ

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 5) GoreⅡ to Concordia

K2 emerges from the clouds, just beyond the campground. It was a moment I had eagerly anticipated, finally seeing the mountain break through the clouds.

The view of K2 got even better. At 8,611m it is the second highest mountain in the world, just after Everest. It is a majestic mountain.

This is Broad Peak (8,051m) which came into full view before K2. Broad Peak, as it is aptly named, has a wide peak. It is the 12th highest mountain in the world and is also the first mountain to be scaled for the 8,000m Summit Challenge.

Not a cloud in the sky. A short walk from the campsite, this was taken from a place where we could see Angel Sar (6,858m). Just east of here, we can see the Gasherbrum Group, and to the south, was Baltoro Kangri and Chogolisa.

Angel Sar (6,858m) is a beauty, just Northwest of K2.

Baltoro Kangri, as seen from Concordia. There are several peaks from west to east, and the highest is said to be 7,312m high.

Vigne Peak(6,195m)at left, Khumal Gri(6,851m) at right. Chogolisa (7,668m) is a flat peaked mountain, peeking from behind a wall of ice. Heading west through this valley is the famous Gondogoro-la (Pass), which leads to the Hushe Valley.

During the day, the porters relax at the campsite. They sing, dance and are just having fun. They spend the entire summer going from Askole to Concordia and Base Camp and back, never returning to their village until the end of the season. We have worked with this same crew for years, and I am so grateful to them.

The Balti people make a fried bread called ‘Prantha.’ Do they mean “pratha?” perhaps but, anyway it is a fried bread. When it’s freshly made, it is the best.

The commemorative photo spot is a must. On June 13, 2022, we arrived in Concordia, the first Baltoro Glacier trek made by Saiyu Travel since the Covid-19 Pandemic.

We are filled with appreciation to the guides, porters and for being able to get back to work. We were the second squad to reach the Concordia this season.

Since we are here, made time for Gamow Bag practice.

This year’s Concordia has a 4G network!  The 4G is provided by the SCO (a mobile company in the mountainous regions of Pakistan) you can pick it up from around Gore II and is being sent out from Concordia. Of course, the best part of this is that you can see the weather forecast!

The evening sunlight setting on Gasherbrum Ⅳ(7,925m). These peaks of the Gasherbrum mountain range rise over Concordia.

I grabbed a shot of K2 and Broad Peak, just before the moonrise.

On the third night, we could finally get a scene of the moon and starry sky over K2. The moonlight illuminates K2 just as it gets dark.

Mitre peak (6,010m) is to the south of the campsite. This is the moon rising, not the sunrise.

This is daybreak hitting the Gasherbrum Mountains.

Gasherbrum IV peak shoulders the dramatic sunrise.

Welcoming the sunrise at Concordia.

Today’s weather – Clear.

The fine weather continues, and there was plenty of time for the staff to get commemorative photos. Then it was time to say bye to K2 and leave.
It was like a dream, and we left Concordia the next day.

Image & Text: Mariko SAWADA
Trek Date: Mid-JUN 2022

*The altitudes and distances traveled from site to site that are listed, are based on our own measurements and GPS equipment. Please note that these may differ from other official books or reference materials.

*Contact us, Indus Caravan for more information or to make arrangements for your Baltoro Glacier trek.

Category : - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > ◆ Gilgit-Baltistan > ◇ Mountain of Pakistan
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K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 5) GoreⅡ to Concordia

Finally, we made it the leg of the hike to Concordia. The camp on the glacier of Gore II is cold (in June), so we made early preparations and left quickly.

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 1) Skardu to Paiju

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 2) Paiju to Khoburtse

K2 & Baltoro Glacier Trekking 2022 (Part 3) Khoburtse to Urdukas

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 4) Urdukas to GoreⅡ

K2 & Baltoro Trekking 2022 (Part 5) GoreⅡ to Concordia

Staying in Concordia, surrounded by the high Peaks of the Karakorum: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Mountain Range

We walked about 6 km from Gore Ⅱ (altitude 4,271m) to the 4,400m point stopping for a light meal, and then walked an additional 7.5 km to the campsite of Concordia (4,596m). It is an exciting hike, as the mountains of Concordia get closer and closer with each turn.

Morning at the Gore II camp. It’s going to be a cloudy day today, but the weather forecast says it’s going to be sunny for the entire two days of our stay in Concordia, so I’d like to expect it to be pleasant. Even so, the Masherbrum (7,821m) that emerged between the clouds in the morning sun, was really exceptional.

The porters are in a hurry. The porters and mules who we have contracted to accompany us only upto Concordia, quickly take our luggage back down. The glacier is a very harsh environment for the animals, and it is not a place to stay any longer than necessary.

The exhaled white breath of the hard-working porters.

Leaving Masherbrum behind, we head out from Camp.

A horse with our luggage (not a mule, but a horse). This year, we just redesigned the Saiyu Travel and Indus Caravan logos on the khaki green duffle bag.

Our light meal while on the glacier.

From here, you can see the Muztagh Tower (7,273m), a mountain on the border with China to the north. The name “Muztagh” is often heard in this area, but it means “mountain of ice and snow” in the Turkic language.

The Gasherbrum Mountains get closer as we approach them.

The view of the peaks of the Gasherbrum Group just before reaching Concordia.

We have to go through the campground of the Pakistani Army which is totally littered with trash and the CNKP (Central Karakoram National Park).  Then we finally reached our destination for this leg of the trip, where we can relax a bit for the next 3 nights.

We set up the Kitchen Tent and Dining Tents with Miter Peak (6,010 m) as the backdrop. It started to snow on this first night.

At nightfall, I got one shot as the snowfall subsided. Broad Peak (8,051 m) and K2 (8,611 m) are covered with clouds and the snow covering the ground. I am so looking forward to tomorrow morning!

 

Photo & text : Mariko SAWADA

Trek date : Mid -JUN 2022

*The altitudes and distances traveled from site to site that are listed, are based on our own measurements and GPS equipment. Please note that these may differ from other official books or reference materials.

*Contact us, Indus Caravan for more information or to make arrangements for your Baltoro Glacier trek.

Category : - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > - Baltoro Glacier & Concordia > ◆ Gilgit-Baltistan > ◇ Mountain of Pakistan
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