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Three of the most popular high-altitude treks in Pakistan's Karakoram, among some of the world's highest mountains: Snow Lake and the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers; the K2 Base Camp Trek; and Gondogoro La via Concordia. Also includes two shorter treks in the shadow of Nanga Parbat: Fairy Meadows and Rakhiot Base Camp Trek; and a trek to Diamir Face.

Seasons
Late spring, summer and early autumn is the best time for walking in the mountains, but do expect it to be hot. During the rest of the year snow could cause problems.

Centres
Gilgit and Skardu are the main access points for the Karakoram. The three Karakoram treks start from Askole.

Difficulty
With the exception of the Fairy Meadows trek, all the routes are strenuous. In general, expect long hours of hiking on trails covered with unstable rocks and scree, minimal shade and high temperatures during the day. Crampons are needed for some of the glacier travel.

Must See
K2, the second highest mountain in the world, along with other 8000m giants (Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I and II and Broad Peak) and many 7000m+ peaks, embedded in long glaciers, located in a region with a rich cultural, religious, political and historical past

Furthermore:
- Route description illustrated with 1:100,000 mapping and elevation profiles
- Advice on planning and preparation, including trek operators
- Safety considerations
- History of mountaineering and exploration in the Karakoram
- Offers views of 5 of the world's 8000m peaks

Trivia:
The author is a close friend of Leon Receveur, owner of De Noorderzon ;)

Overview
A guidebook to 3 high-altitude treks in Pakistan's Karakoram mountains, plus 2 shorter routes on the flanks of Nanga Parbat in the neighbouring Himalaya. With the exception of the Fairy Meadows trek, all the routes are strenuous and are recommended for experienced trekkers.

The guide includes 3 treks of 12 days each (excluding rest days): Biafo to Hispar via Snow Lake; a K2 Base Camp Trek; and a crossing of Gondogoro La. The Nanga Parbat routes visit Fairy Meadows (3 days) and Diamir or West Face (5 days).

Route description illustrated with 1:100,000 mapping and elevation profiles
Advice on planning and preparation, including trek operators
Safety considerations
History of mountaineering and exploration in the Karakoram
Offers views of 5 of the world's 8000m peaks

By Bart Jordans
Originally from the Netherlands, Bart Jordans has been guiding and exploring treks and (trekking) peaks in the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, European Alps, Kilimanjaro, Simien Mountains of Ethiopia, Moroccan Atlas Mountains and Damavand in Iran since 1984. Most of his guiding experience is in Bhutan,