K2 BASE CAMP (CONCORDIA TREK)

The American climber and photographer Galen Rowell described it as the ‘Throne Room of the Mountain Gods’, and when you stand at the glacial junction known as Concordia and survey the phenomenal array of summits which include four of the world’s 8000 metre peaks, it is difficult to disagree with him.

At last we reach Concordia (4650m) where we are surrounded by a plethora of peaks including four of the world’s 8000m peaks- K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II and Hidden Peak. And others no less spectacular including the mighty Chogolisa, Golden Throne, and Gasherbrum IV. From our camp at Concordia we can trek up the Godwin Austen Glacier to K2 Base Camp and visit some of the expedition teams attempting to climb this formidable peak. This trek is undoubtedly one of the Great Walks of the World- the Karakoram’s. Although this trek takes us into relatively remote and rough terrain, the walking days are not excessively demanding, and it is well within the capabilities of the regular hill walker wanting to experience wilderness trekking at its finest.

Our route follows a stunning trail along the mighty Braldu river to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The spectacular rock walls of Trango Towers, Lobsang Spires and Uli Biaho stand like monolithic stone sentinels, guarding our route. As we progress up the moraines of the vast Baltoro Glacier, the Muztagh Tower (7273m) and Masherbrum (7821m) slowly reveal themselves and in the distance Gasherbrum IV stands tall, providing a taste of what is to come.