Description

Trekking in the Karakoram Cicerone Guide

Trekking in the Karakoram Cicerone Guide is your ticket to Explore some of the world’s most spectacular high-altitude trekking terrain in Pakistan’s Karakoram – home to legendary mountains such as K2 and Nanga Parbat. From glacial basins like Snow Lake and the mighty Biafo-Hispar glaciers to the high Gondogoro La pass, the Karakoram combines dramatic scenery with demanding trekking routes.

Written by expert Bart Jordans, this guide is an invaluable companion for planning and undertaking these remarkable journeys.  Covering five of the region’s best trekking experiences, including the Fairy Meadows and Rakhiot Base Camp Trek, and a trek to the Diamir Face, this guidebook combines reliable route descriptions with practical expertise for routes suitable for experienced trekkers.

Includes:

• Detailed coverage of three major high-altitude Karakoram treks: Biafo to Hispar via Snow Lake, the K2 Base Camp Trek, and the Gondogoro La crossing via Concordia, with clear guidance and route description
• Two shorter treks around Nanga Parbat — Fairy Meadows and Rakhiot Base Camp (3 days), and a trek to the Diamir Face (5 days), offering a variety for trekkers in Pakistan
• Practical planning advice, including trek operators and preparation guidance, is provided to support well-informed logistics and safer trekking choices during your trip to South Asia
• Background information on mountaineering history and exploration of the Karakoram, enriching your understanding of the region’s cultural and alpine heritage
• 1:100,000 scale mapping and elevation profiles are supported by GPX files, so you have all navigational tools at your disposal, including for the K2 Base Camp Trek

With opportunities to witness views of five of the world’s 8,000 m peaks as part of the experience, trekking in the Karakoram offers an unparalleled journey for the adventurous hiker. From the brooding icefields of Snow Lake to the jaw-dropping mountain amphitheatre of Concordia and the dramatic prominence of Nanga Parbat, use this guidebook to confidently plan your Karakoram treks and experience Asia’s most iconic high-altitude routes.

Karakoram – Key Facts

Trail/Destination name: Karakoram
Location: Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan region)
Distance: Daily distance range from 5km to 25km
Typical duration: 3–12+ days per trek
Start/Finish: Routes include Concordia (for K2/Gondogoro La), Fairy Meadows, Rakhiot Base Camp, and Diamir Face approaches
Trail type: High-altitude trekking routes; multi-day expeditions; shorter regional treks
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous; suitable for experienced trekkers
Terrain: Glacial basins, high mountain passes, icefields, moraines, valleys, and base camp approaches
Navigation: Step-by-step guide with 1:100,000 mapping; GPX files available for download
Best season: Summer months (June–September)
Accommodation: Base camp camping, local teahouses, and lodges on approach routes (depending on trek)

Author Highlight

“Sky and mountains are one in Northern Pakistan, where the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush challenge each horizon. Within a radius of 180km, there are more than 100 summits above 7000m: two of these are less than 100 metres shy of 8000m, and another 19 of them surpass 7600m. There are also four 8000m peaks within 24km of each other at the head of the Baltoro Glacier, and further to the west, another 8000m peak – Nanga Parbat – can be found. In short, you are walking in an area with the highest concentration of the highest peaks anywhere in the world.”

• Bart Jordans, author of Trekking in the Karakoram

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