BROAD PEAK EXPEDITION

Day-1  ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:

Most of the international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport. Then you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the days is free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about Broad Peak Expedition. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as Pakistan’s new capital.

Day-2  SPECTACULAR FLIGHT TO SKARDU, 45 minutes, (2,230m):

If canceled, Drive KKH to Chillas, Isb to chillas, 461km. 8-9 H-Drive

Today you will travel to Islamabad Airport to take a spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu, the capital of Baltistan. It’s a 45-minute flight that offers Spectacular Mountain views of the Himalaya & Karakoram mountain range. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the world’s 9th highest Peak, Nanga Parbat (8126m). If the weather is clear, then you might be able to see K2 and Gondogoro Pass as well. Check in to the hotel. The rest of the day will visit the local Bazars, historical forts, scenic lakes, or seeing ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th-century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who influenced the area before Islam.

Day-3  SIGHTSEEING & PREPARATION DAY, SKARDU:

In the morning, you will walk up to Kharpocho Fort’s remains (built-in early 1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If you are into photography, this is a perfect location to take Skardu Town photos at sunrise or sunset. (we can arrange this for you). We will then walk to a small village, called Organic town, which grows all its crops organically.

Day-4 DRIVE TO ASKOLI (3,000m) 7 HOURS:

Following day, you will drive along the Mighty Indus, Shigar, and Braldu River to the lush green Ascoli. Ascoli is the last village before entering into the heart of Karakoram. You will spend our first night under the Stars in Ascoli, high above the thundering Braldu River. Askole is a single street of wooden houses, backed by irrigated fields of corn, potatoes, and groves of apricot trees.

Day-5 TREK TO KORFONG (3,100m) 4 HOURS WALK:

After organizing all the equipment and supplies, your porters load up for the journey ahead towards Korgong. Today will be your first walking day of the Broad Peak Expedition. From your campsite, you went our way through the lanes and fields of Askole, which will be the last settlement that we will encounter on our trek to Concordia. Watching the local people go about their daily business is a fascinating insight into the hardy Balti people’s lifestyle. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glaciers; we have our first taste of moraine walking, we cross the glacier’s snout and descend to the green spot beside the river at Korofon. You will be in Camp by lunchtime we can spend the afternoon relaxing by the river and do a short acclimatization walk if we wish. If the weather is clear, it can be a hot day so keep your sun creams and lots of water with you.

Day-6 TREK TO BARDUMAL (3,350m) 6 HOURS WALK:

From Korofong, you continue trekking by following the path up a side valley to make a detour to cross the fast-flowing river by a footbridge. You then walk for another half an hour or so to reach the Jhola Camp. The views are impressive, with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s needles in the distance. From Jhola, you continue onto Bardumal campsite.

Day-7 TREK TO PAJU (3,380m) 6 HOURS WALK:

Today you will have an early start from Bardumla. The path runs for a while at the river’s very edge before climbing to higher ground and allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak. You have to negotiate a couple of streams today, and depending on the melting of the glaciers above, we may have to ford these (sports sandals or old trainers useful). Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this Camp, we have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier, granite peaks of the Trango tower Pakistan, and if the weather is clear, then we might see a glimpse of k2.

Day-8 TREK TO KHOBURTSE (3,760m) 7 HOURS WALK:

Another early start today. From your Camp at Paiju, a walk of approximately one hour brings you to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. After viewing the outpouring of meltwater from the ice, we now climb up onto the back of this magnificent beast. At this point, the glacier ice is entirely covered by rubble and rocks, and although we are following a trail used by many expeditions, the going here can be quite severe. The trail undulated as we climb over the swells of the flowing glacier, and it is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, or K2. Gradually we work our way across the glacier to its south side, using a path along lateral moraine. Heading roughly east, we continue, sometimes on the moraine and sometimes down beside the glacier until we reach a side valley. At this point, it may be possible to stay more or less directly by climbing up onto the glacier. If the glacier is not easily accessible, we will turn off into the valley for approximately half an hour to reach a point where we can cross the meltwater stream (sandals or old trainers required). Finally, getting the camping place at Khorburtse (3,760m), we have sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, the Trango Group, and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho. A great day of trekking over mixed and challenging terrain.

Day-9 TREK TO URDUKAS (4,130m) 4 HOURS WALK:

Today is a short day but quite hard work as we walk up the undulating moraine and gaining height all the way. You continue east beside the Baltoro Glacier either along the lateral moraine or sometimes on the glacier itself, passing the ship-like prow of Great Trango Tower and the isolated pillar of the ‘Nameless Tower’ to your next Camp at Urdukas. It has genuinely sensational views of the Trango Towers to the west and directly opposite and almost a mile away across the valley. The massive rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang rise like ramparts above the glacier. You should reach here in time for a late lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free to camp, relax and soak up our extraordinary situation.

Day-10 ACCLIMATISING DAY AT URDUKAS (4,130m):

From many years of experience, we have learned that taking a rest day at Urdukas has worked well for the Broad Peak Expedition teams. The advantages of spending an extra night here are beneficial. It helps the acclimatization process and has proved to be more effective than a rest day at Paiju.

Urdukas is the last campsite on grassy slopes off the main glacier; it also has facilities for washing and cleaning. There is a pleasant walk behind the Camp through green hills full of alpine flowers. Climbing high & sleeping low is the best way to help the acclimatization process.

Day-11 TREK TO GORO II (4,250m) 7 HOURS:

Leaving Urdukas behind, you follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The Baltoro trail goes past the Yermanandu glacier, which flows from Masherbrum, and there are views of Muztagh (7,270m), Masherbrum (7,800m), and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. You are relatively high now and camping on one of the giant ice pieces outside the polar regions, so we will make sure to wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier where ledges have been leveled out for the tents.

Day-12 TREK TO CONCORDIA (4,600m) 5 HOURS:

Today you Trek to Concordia. It will take you through what must arguably be the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world! Our approach to Concordia continues along with the Baltoro Glacier’s heaving swells as we pass Mustagh Tower (7,284m). Ahead of us, Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) acts like a beacon drawing us on, while at some points on today’s walk, we can also see Gasherbrum ll (8,035m), which peeks out to the right of Gasherbrum lV. As we make our way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad Peak (8,051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left. K2 keeps itself hidden until the very moment we reach Concordia when suddenly its full height is revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4000 meters from the valley floor to the summit – a site that will never be forgotten. Concordia is a vast area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on the planet, and here you can stand within 24 kilometers of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks! We make our Camp at approximately 4500 meters on a moraine ridge surrounded by jagged mountains, including Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak, and K2.

Day-13 TREK TO BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP (5,000m) 4 HOURS:

After Breakfast, you will walk to the Base camp of Broad Peak. From Concordia, the route passes through some jumbled ice fins and moraine ridges before gaining the medial moraine of the Godwin Austen Glacier. Broad Peak Base Camp is located on this moraine near the base of the climbing route on Broad Peak. One of the best views ofK2 is from Broad Peak Base Camp. Enjoy the unusual situation of Karakoram.

Day- 14-54 CLIMBING & ACCLIMATISING PERIOD:

Non guided climb of the Broad Peak expedition will start from today onwards. During the Broad Peak Expedition period, our staff will be at base camp to help you. Our professional Chef will make delicious and most nutritious food, which we believe plays a significant role in climbing mountains.

Day-55 TREK TO KHOBURTSE (3,560m) 7 HOURS:

After the Climbing season of the expedition, you will start descending on Baltoro Glacier. It is amazing how different everything looks in descent with our constant field of vision now filled with an entirely different view. The drop in altitude becomes more noticeable as the granite walls and spires lining the glacier, which yesterday looked almost lower than us, now tower to lofty heights above. It is also a little warmer, and there is more oxygen in the air. Passing through the campsite of the Duke of Abruzzi at Urdukas, we can marvel at the tenacity of those early pioneers who endured untold hardship simply to get to their base camps. After taking lunch on the Duke’s terrace, sensational views across the glacier to Biale Peak remain hidden except from this vantage point. We continue trekking down this vast valley, sometimes on the glacier and sometimes along the moraine or the valley sides until we reach Horbose, our first off-glacier Camp, for some days. Ahead now, we can make out the end of the glacier and the start of the valley of the Braldu. We can even see the patches of green on the lower slopes of Paiju Peak, which mark the spring water camp’s location.

Day-56 TREK TO PAJU (3,380m) 5-6 HOURS:

Today you will continue your trek on the Baltoro Glacier with spectacular views of the Trango Towers towards Paiju. As for our approach, we have to detour to the south to cross the Liligo Glacier. This glacier defies world trends in that it is steadily growing. Twenty years ago, its snout was half a mile up the valley, and now it has collided with the main Baltoro Glacier, with the result that the churning forces have made it impossible to cross without the detour.

Having made the detour and returned to the main Baltoro Glacier, you now cross to its north side, climbing over the glacier’s huge swells towards the ramparts of Uli Biaho. On the other hand, we then work our way down to the valley where we pick up the main trail and pass by the snout where the underground river that flows through the glacier’s length erupts out in a cascade to become the Braldu. The last hour of the day is an easy walk on the right path, although there is a final uphill pull to reach the campsite. On our first arrival here, we relished the prospect of a colder climate ahead. Now you will welcome its warmth! We will spend our night at the green oasis of Paiju.

Day-57 TEAK TO JHOLA (3,170m) 7 HOURS:

Now you are off the glacier and at a lower elevation, it is considerably warmer, and we may make an early start to use the cool of the morning. Leaving Paiju, we walk on a good trail down the valley. Once again, it is surprising how different the experience is compared to our ascent. The trail rises and falls as we cross several alluvial fans. We have to pass some side streams today, mostly using makeshift bridges or stepping-stones, but it may be necessary also to wade across, especially later in the day. The source of all these streams is meltwater, and so they grow more prominent as the day gets warmer. At one point, the trail passes close to the river beside the conglomerate walls, and it is possible to feel its tremendous power. You follow the main Braldu River downstream to its confluence with the Panama River, where you turn northeast to reach a camping place beside the toll bridge at the site known as Jhola.

Day-58 TREAK TO ASKOLI (3050m) 3-4 HOURS:

This will be our final trekking day of the Broad Peak Expedition and our return to civilization after two weeks in the wilderness. Soon we will follow a pleasant trail that leads down to the little ablation area beside the Biafo Glacier known as Korofon, surrounded by sparse grasses and tamarisk bushes. Beyond Korofon, we first follow the glacial moraine of the Biafo glacier and then walk beside the river that issues from its snout until we reach a bridge that allows us to cross to its north side. The trail passes through a wide flat area known locally as the ‘King’s Polo Ground’ before climbing to pass through a convenient cleft in a ridge of rock, threatening to bar further progress down the valley. Descending steeply down the other side of this ‘window,’ we have a pleasant stroll through a boulder-strewn landscape before climbing once again up onto a shallow plateau. We cross several small side valleys and begin to see various signs of habitation before reaching an irrigation channel to bring meltwater to the field of Askole. We follow the track for a while and appreciate the tremendous skill of the local people who have harnessed the distant snows to grow their crops in a high-altitude desert. Eventually, we reach green fields and stone walls, which lead us into the village. Most of our porters are from Askole and will be pleased to be home. To reach our campsite at the road ahead, we must first walk through the outlying fields and then descend from the little plateau on which the village is located.

Today you can celebrate your success of Broad Peak Expedition with the porters and hand out their tips as a token of our appreciation for their hard work throughout the trek. Also, we often give them any spare kit that we no longer needed which is also a way of saying Thank You. Most of our porters are from this village, so later on at the campsite, we will say goodbye to our crew who are now our friends, and we will perhaps have a final party here.

Day-59 DRIVE TO SKARDU VIA CIGAR VALLEY, 7 HOURS:

Our vehicles will already be waiting for us in Askole, so we make an early start for the return drive to Skardu. Crossing the Braldu on a suspension bridge, we follow the remarkable road built through the Braldu Gorge. It is not uncommon for this road to be blocked by a landslide, and we may have to change vehicles if the road is blocked. If this is the case, we will retain some of our porters to transfer the bags while walking across any landslide areas. Once we have climbed up out of the gorge at the other end, the road improves as we travel down the fertile Shigar Valley to its confluence with the Indus. Now we have a faster, smoother journey on a paved path following the great Indus River into Skardu. Arriving in the town, we will check in to our hotel, and there will be time for a welcome shower and clean up before sitting down to dinner. Tonight, we will enjoy the comfort of a real bed.

Day- 60 FLY TO ISLAMABAD:

If the weather is clear, then I will take the flight to Islamabad. Skardu airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel along the right road lined with poplar trees. Boarding our plane, we have a new flight out of the valley, once again passing by Nanga Parbat before turning south for Islamabad. Arriving in the Pakistani capital after a period in the mountains is always a strange experience. It takes a little time to get used to the hustle and bustle, especially the traffic. Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to transfer us to the group hotel, and once we have settled in, it will be time to take lunch (unless we have experienced unusual flight delays). After lunch, the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing or to relax at the hotel. Your Guide will advise you on the possibilities for a tour. Shopping for hand-made Iranian & Afghan rugs is a usually popular option. This evening we come together again for a celebratory meal at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

In Case of Flight cancellation, we will drive down the Karakoram Highway. We will arrive in Chillas late afternoon.

Day-61 CONTINGENCY DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS-ISLAMABAD:

If driving down the Karakoram Highway, we will arrive in Islamabad late afternoon. If we managed to fly the day before, then we would spend sightseeing today in Islamabad. In the evening, we will have a final group meal.

Skardu is a ‘weather dependent’ airport, which means the planes will only fly here if the visibility allows a line of sight to the pilot’s runway on the approach. Fortunately, the weather is most apparent in Karakoram, but local weather conditions can bring clouds and rain from time to time. If we cannot fly, we will travel down to Islamabad by road along the spectacular Karakoram Highway. If we flew up to Skardu, this would be a bonus as it is a fantastic travel experience in its own right. The drive down the Indus River to Islamabad takes two days, so this is a critical contingency day to allow for this. If we have flown to Islamabad, this will be an additional day for sightseeing in the capital, and your leader will advise the group on the options available for today.

Day-62  DEPARTURE DAY-FLY BACK HOME:

After Breakfast, you will be Transferred to Islamabad.

Services Included:

• Liaison with Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad for climbing permit process, providing the appointed Liaison officer’s measurements for his prescribed kit.
• Process of import/export permit from the ministry of tourism.
• Clearance of cargo before arrival of the team and its storage.
• Assistance upon arrival/departure.
• Official Briefing/Debriefing.
• Hotel accommodation in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas.
• All meals during Trek and at B.C. as per itinerary.
• Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food etc. to the B.C. and 50 kg per person on return from B.C.
• Road transfers between airport/hotel and within the city as per itinerary.
• Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen, and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees.
• Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear.
• Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook, and assistant(s).
• Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue).
• Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes, and parking fees, etc.
• Mail handling/forwarding to B.C./overseas except for postage charges.
• Reconfirmation of air tickets.
• Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s), and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team).

Services not Included:

• International & domestic airfare, airport tax, excess baggage charges.
• High altitude porters/any crew above B.C.

Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not use, it is now US$15000/-

• High altitude tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp, including high altitude food and oxygen.
• Medications, ground evacuations, and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
• Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills, and items of personal nature.
• Insurance liability of member (s) and other under force majeure conditions.
• Climbing Permit, Pollution and Environmental fee, or any other payment required to be paid to Pakistan’s Government.
• Clearing agent charges.

Members any climbing gears

4. Member personal insurance
5. High altitude tent
6. High altitude food
7. High altitude porter

• Any other service not mentioned in the above list

Our Broad Peak Expedition price is without the Royalty and High-Altitude Porters Fees. High Altitude Porters and Liaison Officer Fees will provide upon request. The above price is for our services from Islamabad To Broad Peak Base camp and returns to Islamabad.

Broad Peak Expedition prices are for the itinerary based on flight from Islamabad To Islamabad. International flights from most cities of the world arrive in Islamabad in the morning, and return flights will depart from Islamabad International airport on the last day of the itinerary.

Our Experience and License Guide will Meet and Greet you at the Islamabad International Airport, will stay with you throughout the journey, and see you off at Islamabad Airport. To avoid paying for flight supplements, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times.

Please note that you may ask to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE:

The price of our Broad Peak Expedition can change depending on a variety of factors. Still, unlike some other tour operators, we have undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. When you book is the price you will pay, whether you are looking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices, and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee.’ Visit in Pakistan Treks, Tour & Expeditions is a Government licensed and bonded tour operator to follows the strict Regulation set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan. 

We accept only Bank Transfers