Baltoro Trek
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 87.73 mi
- Elevation gain
- 12,854 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Very difficult
- Elevation loss
- 12,822 ft
- Max elevation
- 18,329 ft
- TrailRank
- 56
- Min elevation
- 18,329 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- 10 days 2 hours 9 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1374
- Uploaded
- August 28, 2021
- Recorded
- August 2021
near Laskam, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan)
Viewed 325 times, downloaded 8 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
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The Baltoro trek is one of the most beautiful treks, but also the most demanding in the world. Personally, I have really enjoyed it. The landscapes and experiences are totally unique and unrepeatable. But he has also put me through Cain's. Hence, I classify the trek as "very difficult", based entirely and exclusively on my personal experience.
The trek in general does not present great technical complications, except for the Gondogoro pass, where we will have to climb with a little more care, sometimes by fixed ropes (already in the final part of the climb) and taking into account that it is a night ascent . And especially, the descent, in which we will have to go dizzy on the fixed rope. This part will be the most technical of the entire trek. This is also the reason for classifying it as a Mountaineering activity, since if it weren't for this part, it would be exclusively for Hiking.
On the other hand, as aspects that are a little more complicated to be highlighted, comment that at some points in the first stages it will be necessary to wade some wide rivers and with enough force, although it should not present a major problem.
But mainly, what causes me to classify the trek in this way is the altitude, since to me, despite not "getting the blood to the river", it did affect me a lot in the form of continuous headaches, swelling of the face. and feet, lack of oxygen, and trouble sleeping.
Important note: with the union of the individual tracks into one, the number of coordinates left by the program I used is very low. If someone wanted the individual tracks (about 5000 coordinates more or less each track), ask me and I will gladly send them.
Next, I will detail the technical data of each of the stages, as well as a brief description of them:
STAGES OF THE TREK
Technical characteristics (with the data reflected by the gps of the watch):
Stage 1: Bardumal - Paiju -> Kms: 15.74. Elevation gain: + 439 / -222. Time spent: 5h55 '. Max height: 3403
Stage 2: Paiju - Khorbutse -> Kms: 16.59. Elevation: + 615 / -195. Time spent: 7h02 '. Max height: 3844
Stage 3: Khorbutse - Goro I -> Kms: 14,16. Elevation gain: + 653 / -301. Time spent: 6h53 '. Max height: 4197
Stage 4: Goro I - Concordia -> Kms: 16.60. Elevation: + 512 / -147. Time spent: 6h29 '. Max height: 4587
Stage 5: Concordia - Memorial K2 - Concordia -> Kms: 23.60. Elevation: + 479 / -479. Time spent: 9h22 '. Max height: 4960
(Rest Day)
Stage 6: Concordia - Ali Camp -> Kms: 10.85. Elevation: + 444 / -99. Time spent: 5h02 '. Max height: 4953
Stage 7: Ali Camp - Gondogoro Pass - Hispung -> Kms: 10.52. Elevation: + 645 / -928. Time spent: 8h54 '. Max height: 5611
Stage 8: Hispung - Shaitcho -> Kms: 17.78. Elevation: + 59 / -1327. Time spent: 6h30 '. Max height: 4685
Stage 9: Shaitcho - Shaitcho (optional route around the surroundings) -> Kms: 5.34. Elevation gain: + 234 / -234. Time spent: 2h15 '. Max height: 3598
Stage 10: Shaitcho - Hushe -> Kms: 10.69. Elevation: + 40 / -265. Time spent: 2h07 '. Max height: 3396
Description
Stage 1: Bardumal - Paiju
Beginning of the trek. At all times already moving above 3000 meters. The route is not very complicated, beyond its own height and a small step in which we will certainly have to help ourselves with a cable placed in the rock to be able to get around a few meters from the river, as there is no path as such. But it happens quite well. We will also have to, in another step, take off our shoes to wade a river, because the bridge that had previously been destroyed. We will take off our shoes and, although the water is freezing, in a little while we have it done.
Practically at all times we will move along the left bank of the spectacular Braldu River. In the final part, you will have to climb a hill to reach the Paiju Camp, a beautiful wooded oasis in the middle of such arid terrain. It will be the last vegetation we see in days. From the camp we will have spectacular views (although still distant) of the Towers of Trango and the Cathedrals.
Stage 2: Paiju - Khorbutse
At this stage we enter, shortly after leaving, the Baltoro glacier. It is a bit misleading, since although it seems that we have not entered, since there is paved terrain at all times, it is clearly observed at several points that it is only the "surface" layer and that under it is pure ice. In fact, as we advance along the route, we will clearly see the aforementioned ice sheet, and it will be common to hear small, unimportant landslides on it.
Personally, I was already beginning to suffer the effects of the altitude, with a frequent headache. On the other hand, we will increase the accumulated unevenness a bit compared to the previous stage.
This stage does have a notable complication. As in the previous one, we will have to wade rivers. We will go through the first one again taking off our shoes, but we are already noticing that the current is strong, it carries large stones that hit us, and some will cause small injuries. At the next point, already very close to the end of the stage, the width is greater and you have to wade through it 3 times. Here we decided to directly cross them with shoes to avoid those blows. The decision was the correct one, because the force at this point was greater than at the previous one if possible. The downside of this is that I couldn't get the shoes to dry, and the next day I had to wear the semi-rigid boots. But it was a lesser evil.
We will pass through several surrounding glaciers, such as the Uli Biaho, the Trango or the Liligo. We will enjoy some of the most impressive views of the entire trek, especially as we approach the Towers of Trango and the Cathedrals. We can also see the Nameless Tower.
Already at the Khorbutse camp, we can enjoy a magnificent sunset, also with the view of Paiju Peak and Uli Biaho.
Stage 3: Khorbutse - Goro I
Stage also without technical difficulties, with a positive slope similar to the previous one but somewhat shorter. Here we will already exceed the 4000 meter barrier.
During it, we will pass through the beautiful Urdukas camp, where we will see some dishes in the form of memories of fallen mountaineers (some Spanish). We will have the cathedrals very close, and we will continue crossing several glaciers, such as the Dunge, the Mandu or the Yermenedu. We will also enjoy for much of it the first vision of one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth: Gasherbrum IV. In addition, we can also see another imposing peak such as Masherbrum, or K1.
Already very close to Goro I we will begin to see the first "penitents", spectacular small ice formations that will flank our way to the camp. From here, we will enjoy a beautiful sunset over all the aforementioned mountains.
Stage 4: Goro I - Concordia
Uncomfortable stage due to bad weather (rain and fog), although technically without problems. The altitude continues to affect me personally, with continuous headaches, in addition to some swelling in the face, which denotes that I have some of the usual symptoms of altitude sickness, although without being severe at any time.
Back in Concordia, we could barely see anything of K2 due to the clouds, but we did get a glimpse of the other 8000 "in the area": Broad Peak.
Penitents in this stage become habitual, reaching several meters in height.
Stage 5: Concordia - Memorial K2 - Concordia
It is, together with the stage of the Gondogoro pass, the hardest stage. It is the longest of the trek by far, and it reaches almost 5000 meters on it. We will tour a large part of the Godwin Austen glacier. As this day I suffered especially from a headache due to the altitude, I was quite tired and that I could not take too long in the return due to the fact that it could be late, I did not reach the memorial, but I stayed a few meters from it. The plaques and memorabilia are located in the first foothills of K2. My trek partner Sirjoux did reach the memorial, so you can check his route for more details.
Despite everything, as the day was quite good, we were able to enjoy spectacular views of K2 (we practically reached its skirt), as well as the Broad Peak and the G IV (among others). During the route we also passed by the base camp of the Broad (which the truth is that it is a dirty thing). We will also see the 4G station that has been installed near the Concordia settlement. In addition, very close to the camp, we will find spectacular ice formations caused by the passage of a river.
Stage 6: Concordia - Ali Camp
It is a short and comfortable route. Initially we will have to climb a small hill, from which we will have a really impressive view (perhaps the best of the trek) of K2 and the entire Godwin Austen glacier). After a long time taking photos, as the day also dawned quite sunny (although then it got quite cloudy), we continued along the Vigne glacier. We practically did the second part of the day on icy terrain or with snow. At Ali Camp we will all rest in a single tent. This break will be of very few hours, since at 00h we will have to wake up to get going for the "decisive" stage of the Gondogoro pass.
Stage 7: Ali Camp - Gondogoro Pass - Hispung
As we mentioned before, perhaps the hardest stage along with the K2 memorial. Technically it is also the most complicated, since we will have to use fixed ropes both in the final part of the climb, and in much of the descent.
Personally I consider it the hardest because I noticed a lot the lack of oxygen on the way up the hill. As we said before, it is done at night, in order to avoid avalanches. In the final part of the climb, when the dawn starts slightly and we begin to see something, we will be able to observe the great seracs that we are crossing, as well as the steep slope that there is in that last part of the ascent.
At the top of the hill, at 5600 meters, we will already have an incredible view of the Gondogoro glacier. Among the mountains, the unmistakable Laila Peak stands out above all of them for its beauty.
The descent, getting dizzy on the rope, I enjoyed it quite a bit, despite it being a great effort to have to hold on tightly to the rope all the time and "semi-trapping" by it.
Once the part of the fixed ropes is finished, we will initially travel through the glacier and then through a moraine where we will see a path, until we reach the beautiful Hispung camp. It is located in a small oasis where, after several days, we will see vegetation again. The views will always be marked by the presence of the Laila. It should be noted that the night we spent in Hispung we heard avalanches on many occasions in the mountains of the Laila area. But there is nothing to fear, since in no case can they reach the camp, having a moraine in between.
Stage 8: Hispung - Shaitcho
Route in which we will make the greatest descent of the entire trek. More than 1300 meters of negative elevation that will be done phenomenally. I found it to be one of the most beautiful and spectacular stages of the entire trek. We started out with a lot of fog, leaving through the completely frozen terrain of the Gondogoro glacier. In a short time, we will reach one of the most spectacular points of the entire trek: to our right, we will see an authentic wall of ice. It is about the convergence of the Masherbrum glacier on the Gondogoro glacier, on which we are walking.
After this point, we can leave the frozen terrain and start a path to the left of the glacier that will gradually descend until we reach a small area, already surrounded by some vegetation, where there are some huts and herds of goats. After resting for a while, we will continue the vertiginous descent, with more and more vegetation, until we reach the Shaitcho camp without further ado.
This camp is truly idyllic. It is very well located and surrounded by a lot of vegetation. In addition, quite well conditioned, with even a small hut from which a large jet comes out and that will serve as a shower.
Stage 9: Shaitcho - Shaitcho (optional route around the surroundings)
It is a day of rest, taking advantage, as we have said, that the place deserves it. In order not to be stopped all day, I took the opportunity to do a very short and simple route through the area. To do this, we continue east along a marked path at all times. Just follow the initial sign in the camp that says "K6 & K7".
After an initial flat terrain, we will have to climb a small hill, after which we will be surprised by the spectacular views: a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, and where the Hushe river ends up converging with the Charakusa glacier. The walk up to the hill is worth doing just for the views from there.
In any case, I continued a little more along the perfectly marked path, although at a certain point, I decided not to advance much further because the fatigue of the accumulated days already weighed on me and I did not want to risk beating myself to finally get to where I started the glacier. Some of my fellow trekkers dared to get to it, but a bit further on from where I arrived, they observed that the path was cut off, so they couldn't get to that glacier either.
The return is done by the same way of the outward journey.
Stage 10: Shaitcho - Hushe
Final stage, prior to taking the jeeps that will take us to Skardu. It is a short and comfortable stage, where there is no longer a lot of terrain to descend. It is a stage of total enjoyment. The views that we will leave behind are very beautiful, as well as those offered by the beautiful orchard on arrival at Hushe.
The trek in general does not present great technical complications, except for the Gondogoro pass, where we will have to climb with a little more care, sometimes by fixed ropes (already in the final part of the climb) and taking into account that it is a night ascent . And especially, the descent, in which we will have to go dizzy on the fixed rope. This part will be the most technical of the entire trek. This is also the reason for classifying it as a Mountaineering activity, since if it weren't for this part, it would be exclusively for Hiking.
On the other hand, as aspects that are a little more complicated to be highlighted, comment that at some points in the first stages it will be necessary to wade some wide rivers and with enough force, although it should not present a major problem.
But mainly, what causes me to classify the trek in this way is the altitude, since to me, despite not "getting the blood to the river", it did affect me a lot in the form of continuous headaches, swelling of the face. and feet, lack of oxygen, and trouble sleeping.
Important note: with the union of the individual tracks into one, the number of coordinates left by the program I used is very low. If someone wanted the individual tracks (about 5000 coordinates more or less each track), ask me and I will gladly send them.
Next, I will detail the technical data of each of the stages, as well as a brief description of them:
STAGES OF THE TREK
Technical characteristics (with the data reflected by the gps of the watch):
Stage 1: Bardumal - Paiju -> Kms: 15.74. Elevation gain: + 439 / -222. Time spent: 5h55 '. Max height: 3403
Stage 2: Paiju - Khorbutse -> Kms: 16.59. Elevation: + 615 / -195. Time spent: 7h02 '. Max height: 3844
Stage 3: Khorbutse - Goro I -> Kms: 14,16. Elevation gain: + 653 / -301. Time spent: 6h53 '. Max height: 4197
Stage 4: Goro I - Concordia -> Kms: 16.60. Elevation: + 512 / -147. Time spent: 6h29 '. Max height: 4587
Stage 5: Concordia - Memorial K2 - Concordia -> Kms: 23.60. Elevation: + 479 / -479. Time spent: 9h22 '. Max height: 4960
(Rest Day)
Stage 6: Concordia - Ali Camp -> Kms: 10.85. Elevation: + 444 / -99. Time spent: 5h02 '. Max height: 4953
Stage 7: Ali Camp - Gondogoro Pass - Hispung -> Kms: 10.52. Elevation: + 645 / -928. Time spent: 8h54 '. Max height: 5611
Stage 8: Hispung - Shaitcho -> Kms: 17.78. Elevation: + 59 / -1327. Time spent: 6h30 '. Max height: 4685
Stage 9: Shaitcho - Shaitcho (optional route around the surroundings) -> Kms: 5.34. Elevation gain: + 234 / -234. Time spent: 2h15 '. Max height: 3598
Stage 10: Shaitcho - Hushe -> Kms: 10.69. Elevation: + 40 / -265. Time spent: 2h07 '. Max height: 3396
Description
Stage 1: Bardumal - Paiju
Beginning of the trek. At all times already moving above 3000 meters. The route is not very complicated, beyond its own height and a small step in which we will certainly have to help ourselves with a cable placed in the rock to be able to get around a few meters from the river, as there is no path as such. But it happens quite well. We will also have to, in another step, take off our shoes to wade a river, because the bridge that had previously been destroyed. We will take off our shoes and, although the water is freezing, in a little while we have it done.
Practically at all times we will move along the left bank of the spectacular Braldu River. In the final part, you will have to climb a hill to reach the Paiju Camp, a beautiful wooded oasis in the middle of such arid terrain. It will be the last vegetation we see in days. From the camp we will have spectacular views (although still distant) of the Towers of Trango and the Cathedrals.
Stage 2: Paiju - Khorbutse
At this stage we enter, shortly after leaving, the Baltoro glacier. It is a bit misleading, since although it seems that we have not entered, since there is paved terrain at all times, it is clearly observed at several points that it is only the "surface" layer and that under it is pure ice. In fact, as we advance along the route, we will clearly see the aforementioned ice sheet, and it will be common to hear small, unimportant landslides on it.
Personally, I was already beginning to suffer the effects of the altitude, with a frequent headache. On the other hand, we will increase the accumulated unevenness a bit compared to the previous stage.
This stage does have a notable complication. As in the previous one, we will have to wade rivers. We will go through the first one again taking off our shoes, but we are already noticing that the current is strong, it carries large stones that hit us, and some will cause small injuries. At the next point, already very close to the end of the stage, the width is greater and you have to wade through it 3 times. Here we decided to directly cross them with shoes to avoid those blows. The decision was the correct one, because the force at this point was greater than at the previous one if possible. The downside of this is that I couldn't get the shoes to dry, and the next day I had to wear the semi-rigid boots. But it was a lesser evil.
We will pass through several surrounding glaciers, such as the Uli Biaho, the Trango or the Liligo. We will enjoy some of the most impressive views of the entire trek, especially as we approach the Towers of Trango and the Cathedrals. We can also see the Nameless Tower.
Already at the Khorbutse camp, we can enjoy a magnificent sunset, also with the view of Paiju Peak and Uli Biaho.
Stage 3: Khorbutse - Goro I
Stage also without technical difficulties, with a positive slope similar to the previous one but somewhat shorter. Here we will already exceed the 4000 meter barrier.
During it, we will pass through the beautiful Urdukas camp, where we will see some dishes in the form of memories of fallen mountaineers (some Spanish). We will have the cathedrals very close, and we will continue crossing several glaciers, such as the Dunge, the Mandu or the Yermenedu. We will also enjoy for much of it the first vision of one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth: Gasherbrum IV. In addition, we can also see another imposing peak such as Masherbrum, or K1.
Already very close to Goro I we will begin to see the first "penitents", spectacular small ice formations that will flank our way to the camp. From here, we will enjoy a beautiful sunset over all the aforementioned mountains.
Stage 4: Goro I - Concordia
Uncomfortable stage due to bad weather (rain and fog), although technically without problems. The altitude continues to affect me personally, with continuous headaches, in addition to some swelling in the face, which denotes that I have some of the usual symptoms of altitude sickness, although without being severe at any time.
Back in Concordia, we could barely see anything of K2 due to the clouds, but we did get a glimpse of the other 8000 "in the area": Broad Peak.
Penitents in this stage become habitual, reaching several meters in height.
Stage 5: Concordia - Memorial K2 - Concordia
It is, together with the stage of the Gondogoro pass, the hardest stage. It is the longest of the trek by far, and it reaches almost 5000 meters on it. We will tour a large part of the Godwin Austen glacier. As this day I suffered especially from a headache due to the altitude, I was quite tired and that I could not take too long in the return due to the fact that it could be late, I did not reach the memorial, but I stayed a few meters from it. The plaques and memorabilia are located in the first foothills of K2. My trek partner Sirjoux did reach the memorial, so you can check his route for more details.
Despite everything, as the day was quite good, we were able to enjoy spectacular views of K2 (we practically reached its skirt), as well as the Broad Peak and the G IV (among others). During the route we also passed by the base camp of the Broad (which the truth is that it is a dirty thing). We will also see the 4G station that has been installed near the Concordia settlement. In addition, very close to the camp, we will find spectacular ice formations caused by the passage of a river.
Stage 6: Concordia - Ali Camp
It is a short and comfortable route. Initially we will have to climb a small hill, from which we will have a really impressive view (perhaps the best of the trek) of K2 and the entire Godwin Austen glacier). After a long time taking photos, as the day also dawned quite sunny (although then it got quite cloudy), we continued along the Vigne glacier. We practically did the second part of the day on icy terrain or with snow. At Ali Camp we will all rest in a single tent. This break will be of very few hours, since at 00h we will have to wake up to get going for the "decisive" stage of the Gondogoro pass.
Stage 7: Ali Camp - Gondogoro Pass - Hispung
As we mentioned before, perhaps the hardest stage along with the K2 memorial. Technically it is also the most complicated, since we will have to use fixed ropes both in the final part of the climb, and in much of the descent.
Personally I consider it the hardest because I noticed a lot the lack of oxygen on the way up the hill. As we said before, it is done at night, in order to avoid avalanches. In the final part of the climb, when the dawn starts slightly and we begin to see something, we will be able to observe the great seracs that we are crossing, as well as the steep slope that there is in that last part of the ascent.
At the top of the hill, at 5600 meters, we will already have an incredible view of the Gondogoro glacier. Among the mountains, the unmistakable Laila Peak stands out above all of them for its beauty.
The descent, getting dizzy on the rope, I enjoyed it quite a bit, despite it being a great effort to have to hold on tightly to the rope all the time and "semi-trapping" by it.
Once the part of the fixed ropes is finished, we will initially travel through the glacier and then through a moraine where we will see a path, until we reach the beautiful Hispung camp. It is located in a small oasis where, after several days, we will see vegetation again. The views will always be marked by the presence of the Laila. It should be noted that the night we spent in Hispung we heard avalanches on many occasions in the mountains of the Laila area. But there is nothing to fear, since in no case can they reach the camp, having a moraine in between.
Stage 8: Hispung - Shaitcho
Route in which we will make the greatest descent of the entire trek. More than 1300 meters of negative elevation that will be done phenomenally. I found it to be one of the most beautiful and spectacular stages of the entire trek. We started out with a lot of fog, leaving through the completely frozen terrain of the Gondogoro glacier. In a short time, we will reach one of the most spectacular points of the entire trek: to our right, we will see an authentic wall of ice. It is about the convergence of the Masherbrum glacier on the Gondogoro glacier, on which we are walking.
After this point, we can leave the frozen terrain and start a path to the left of the glacier that will gradually descend until we reach a small area, already surrounded by some vegetation, where there are some huts and herds of goats. After resting for a while, we will continue the vertiginous descent, with more and more vegetation, until we reach the Shaitcho camp without further ado.
This camp is truly idyllic. It is very well located and surrounded by a lot of vegetation. In addition, quite well conditioned, with even a small hut from which a large jet comes out and that will serve as a shower.
Stage 9: Shaitcho - Shaitcho (optional route around the surroundings)
It is a day of rest, taking advantage, as we have said, that the place deserves it. In order not to be stopped all day, I took the opportunity to do a very short and simple route through the area. To do this, we continue east along a marked path at all times. Just follow the initial sign in the camp that says "K6 & K7".
After an initial flat terrain, we will have to climb a small hill, after which we will be surprised by the spectacular views: a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, and where the Hushe river ends up converging with the Charakusa glacier. The walk up to the hill is worth doing just for the views from there.
In any case, I continued a little more along the perfectly marked path, although at a certain point, I decided not to advance much further because the fatigue of the accumulated days already weighed on me and I did not want to risk beating myself to finally get to where I started the glacier. Some of my fellow trekkers dared to get to it, but a bit further on from where I arrived, they observed that the path was cut off, so they couldn't get to that glacier either.
The return is done by the same way of the outward journey.
Stage 10: Shaitcho - Hushe
Final stage, prior to taking the jeeps that will take us to Skardu. It is a short and comfortable stage, where there is no longer a lot of terrain to descend. It is a stage of total enjoyment. The views that we will leave behind are very beautiful, as well as those offered by the beautiful orchard on arrival at Hushe.
Waypoints
Overnight
10,312 ft
Mountain pass
Waypoint
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