The Karakoram - Concordia Summer 2018

[bart472]

We're researching possible treks for Summer 2018 to The Karakoram area

We're looking at staring in Askole and taking the route along Baltoro Glacier towards Austen Goodwin Glacier and possibly exiting the area via the Hushe Valley. We have 2 main aims:

1) Get a view of K2
2) Climb a peak 6200 - 6500m. Ideally a PD or possibly AD.

We have been suggested Pastore Peak and Kharut Pyramid.

Has anyone travelled to this area? Any recommendations of other peaks we could consider? Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you!

[Damien Gildea]

Going out to the Hushe Valley via the Ghondogoro La is not guaranteed - many times the pass is closed and you have to retrace your steps down the Baltoro. There is also significant stonefall danger on the east side, so cross it very early. The pass is rarely open before mid-July.

There are no easy PD c.6200m peaks in the area. It's not like Nepal or India - everything is steeper and harder to get to. For something like the Kharut Peaks you would need to factor in an extra 7-10 days at least to have a decent chance. There are some smaller peaks near the Ghondogoro La, but they're not worth going there for.

If you are American, apply for your visa well in advance, as some people have issues getting them.