K2 GGL trekking: Udurkas Camp - Goro II

I find myself now in the heart of the Baltoro Glacier, and at the beginning of this trek, the scree is still omnipresent. However, after about an hour, the scree gives way to gravel, and something resembling a hiking path begins to emerge. Walking on this day is considerably easier than the two previous ones, which is good news for my feet that have endured less unforgiving rocks.

I've previously mentioned that on certain days, like the two preceding ones, there aren't actual hiking trails. This isn't surprising, as each year the first trekkers must find a new route along the Baltoro Glacier. Annually, a substantial influx of stones, rocks, and moraines from the neighboring mountains requires paths—however makeshift—to be reinvented. On the way to Goro II, this seems less critical, as the environment is more open here, with noticeably fewer rocks. This makes the trek more manageable, and the pace more enjoyable. Nonetheless, the terrain remains rugged, with ample slopes guiding me up and then back down. The highlight of the day is a sort of ice gallery where I traverse an ice bridge with lakes on both sides. Fortunately, this structure is reinforced, as the last thing you'd want is for the ice to collapse.

It appears that there is more ice here compared to the past days, likely due to the altitude. Goro II is situated at approximately 4300 meters, evident in the numerous small icebergs dotting the landscape. This adds a bit of variety to the scenery. Diversity is hardly the word to describe the landscape, but in comparison to the preceding days, there is certainly more to see. Alongside these small ice mounds, the last remnants of greenery can be found at the Goro II campsite, where mules and horses graze.