Hospitality Beyond Borders
The High Karakoram Passes
Tour snapshot
32 Days / 31 Nights
Adventure Tours
Summer
Tours
Learn more
Overview
The Karakoram Traverse is an extraordinary combination of two of the world’s most captivating treks: The Gondogoro La Trek and the Biafo-Hisper Trek. Each of these treks is renowned for its adventure and breathtaking landscapes, making them popular among seasoned trekkers. The High Karakoram Passes trek offers a comprehensive and exciting journey in the mighty Karakoram range, featuring the crossing of two major high-altitude passes Gondogoro La (5,450 meters) and Hisper La (5,128 meters) in a...
Show MoreHighlights
- Explore the capital city of Islamabad and the scenic beauty of Skardu, a gateway to the Karakoram Range.
- Enjoy a picturesque road journey to Skardu, surrounded by towering mountains, rivers, and lush valleys.
- Discover the serene and breathtaking valleys of Skardu and Shigar, known for their natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Balti people and embark on an adventurous jeep safari to Askole, the last village before the trek begins.
- Encounter seasoned mountaineers at the base camps of some of the world's highest peaks, sharing stories of their expeditions.
- Trek along the Baltoro Glacier, the 5th longest glacier in the world and the largest outside the polar regions, surrounded by majestic peaks.
- Visit the base camps of K2 (8,611 meters) and Broad Peak (8,051 meters), where climbers prepare for their summit attempts.
- Camp in Concordia, the "throne room of the mountain gods," surrounded by some of the highest and most dramatic peaks in the world.
- Hike up to the Godwin-Austen Glacier, passing the Gilkey Memorial, a tribute to climbers who lost their lives in the mountains.
- Marvel at the views of towering 8,000-meter peaks, including Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and K2, from key vantage points like Goro II, Concordia, and the base camps.
- Admire the stunning array of peaks between 5,000 and 8,000 meters, including Gasherbrum III and IV, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Bakhordas Peak, Mitre Peak, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Biale Peak, Lobsang Spire, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Cathedral Peak, and Urdukas Peak.
- Witness the grandeur of numerous glaciers, such as Biafo, Vigne, Liligo, Dunge, Muztagh, Biango, Yermanendu, and Mandu, along with stunning glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine mountain streams.
- Explore the powerful rivers that carve through the rugged landscape, including the Indus, Panmah, and Braldu rivers, adding to the region's dramatic scenery.
What's Included
- All domestic flights and ground transportation, including airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the tour
- Dome tent accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during trekking
- Single supplement available on request (including for solo female travelers)
- Camping gear (member, mess, kitchen, and toilet tents)
- Kitchen equipment and cooking utensils
- All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Hot drinks: coffee, green tea, and hot water
- Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- Professional tour guide
- Support staff: cook, assistants, helpers, and porters
- Insurance for all support staff
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Trekking permits and paperwork
- Waste management fee
- Toll and bridge crossing charges
- Visa assistance
- Briefing at GB Tourism office in Skardu
Exclude
- Visa fee
- Personal travel insurance (for foreign participants)
- International flight tickets
- Personal clothing (shoes, jackets, trousers, etc.)
- Personal trekking equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) – can be arranged on request
- Extra hotel nights not included in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for staff
- Personal or miscellaneous expenses
- Anything not listed under “Services Included”
Itinerary
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where you will be welcomed by our team. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Islamabad including Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh. Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.
Early morning departure from Islamabad. Drive north along the legendary Karakoram Highway (or via Naran and Babusar Pass, weather permitting) to reach Chilas. Overnight: Hotel in Chilas.
Continue the journey along the Indus River toward Skardu. En route, visit the ancient Thalpan Rock Carvings and the Junction Point where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush meet. Arrive in Skardu by evening. Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.
Morning visit GB Tourism office for a formal briefing (Mandatory process) Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the Skardu region to acclimatize. Highlights include: • Kharpocho Fort • Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes • Katpana Cold Desert • Manthal Buddha Rock Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.
Depart by 4WD jeep toward Hushe, the last village accessible by road in the Ghanche District. Enjoy dramatic off-road scenery. Overnight: Campsite in Hushe.
Begin trekking through lush meadows and alpine pastures along the Hushe River. Stunning views of the Masherbrum (K1) range. Overnight: Camp at Saitcho.
A gentle trek along grassy slopes and alpine terrain to Dalzampa (“Field of Flowers”), offering majestic views. Overnight: Camp at Dalzampa.
Ascend further to Khuspang, a high-altitude camp offering stunning views of Laila Peak with its striking spire. Overnight: Camp at Khuspang.
An early alpine start to ascend the Gondogoro La Pass. The most technical section of the trek, requiring crampons and rope support. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II. Descend to Ali Camp. Overnight: Camp at Ali Camp.
Trek across Baltoro Glacier to reach Concordia, the “throne room of the mountain gods,” surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks. Overnight: Camp at Concordia.
Make a full-day round trip to K2 Base Camp, passing Broad Peak Base Camp and the memorial of fallen climbers at Gilkey's Memorial. Overnight: Return to Concordia Camp.
Begin the descent from Concordia. Trek down along the Baltoro Glacier to Goro II, surrounded by spectacular ice formations. Overnight: Camp at Goro II.
Descend further along lateral moraines, passing Goro I, and camp at Khuburtze with views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak. Overnight: Camp at Khuburtze.
Hike down to the green oasis of Paiju, where the tree line returns. This is a well-known rest spot with access to fresh water. Overnight: Camp at Paiju.
Continue the descent toward Bardumal, trekking through riverbank paths and dry terrain. Overnight: Camp at Bardumal.
A short trek to Korophong, near the trailhead of Askole the first camp when approaching Baltoro Glacier from the traditional route. Overnight: Camp at Korophong.
Cross the Biafo Glacier and begin the second leg of your adventure. Reach Namla, the first camp on the Snow Lake–Hispar La route. Overnight: Camp at Namla.
Trek along the glacier with occasional green spots. Reach Mango, a scenic campsite nestled beside a stream. Overnight: Camp at Mango.
Continue the glacier journey toward Biantha, a large campsite at the foot of high peaks. Overnight: Camp at Biantha.
Trek along a crevasse-filled section of the Biafo Glacier. The terrain is more technical. Reach Marfogoro for overnight camping. Overnight: Camp at Marfogoro.
Today you arrive at the legendary Snow Lake, one of the world's largest glacial basins surrounded by towering peaks and untouched snowfields. Overnight: Camp at Snow Lake.
Cross the challenging Hispar La Pass, enjoying one of the most stunning views in the Karakoram. Descend to Khani Basa. Overnight: Camp at Khani Basa.
Continue the descent from the Hispar Glacier onto dry moraine terrain. Reach Jutmal, a transitional campsite. Overnight: Camp at Jutmal.
Trek further along lateral moraines and rocky trails to Red Star Camp. Overnight: Camp at Red Star.
Trek to Bitanmal, a lush green campsite and a welcome change from glacial terrain. Overnight: Camp at Bitanmal.
Final day of trekking. Cross a suspension bridge over the Hisper River to reach Hisper Village, a remote settlement in the Nagar Valley. Overnight: Camp at Hisper Village.
Drive to Karimabad, the cultural heart of Hunza Valley. En route, enjoy views of Ultar Sar and Ladyfinger Peak. Overnight: Hotel in Karimabad.
Explore Hunza at your leisure. • Visit Baltit and Altit Forts • Enjoy panoramic views from Duikar (Eagle's Nest) • Stroll through Karimabad Bazaar Overnight: Hotel in Karimabad.
Begin the return journey via Gilgit and Babusar Pass (depending on weather and road conditions). Overnight: Hotel in Naran.
Complete your return drive to Islamabad via Mansehra and Abbottabad. Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.
Visit Lok Virsa Museum, Saidpur Village, or indulge in local shopping. Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward international flight. End of Services.