Gondogoro La Pass is a stunning high mountain pass located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. At an elevation of 5,585 meters (18,324 feet), it offers an incredible trekking experience for adventure enthusiasts who are looking for an ultimate challenge. The pass is surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum group, making it one of the most scenic and challenging treks in the world.
Location and Accessibility
Gondogoro La Pass is located in the Karakoram Range of Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan. The trek begins in the village of Askole, which can be reached via a long jeep ride from the city of Skardu. Skardu is the nearest major city, which can be reached by air or road from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.
Trekking Route
The trek to Gondogoro La Pass is a circular route, which starts from Askole and takes approximately 16 to 20 days to complete, depending on the trekker’s pace. The trek covers a total distance of around 110 km and involves crossing several high-altitude mountain passes, including the Gondogoro La Pass itself.
The trek begins with a jeep ride from Skardu to Askole village, which is the starting point of the trek. From Askole, the trail follows the Braldu River, passing through several small villages, including Korofong and Bardumal. The trail then ascends to the Baltoro Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers outside the polar region.
The trek continues along the Baltoro Glacier, passing by several high-altitude campsites, including Concordia, which is a popular spot for trekkers to witness some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum group.
After reaching the base of Gondogoro La Pass, trekkers need to cross the pass to reach the other side. The pass is steep and requires technical climbing skills, making it a challenging and thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts.
After crossing the pass, the trek descends towards Hushe Valley, passing through several small villages, including Saicho and Gondogoro. The trek ends at Hushe village, from where trekkers can take a jeep ride back to Skardu.
Best Time to Trek
The best time to trek to Gondogoro La Pass is from mid-June to September when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear. During this time, the temperatures are mild, and there is less chance of snowfall, making it easier to cross the pass.
However, the weather in the Karakoram range is unpredictable, and trekkers should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, snowfall, and storms.
Difficulty Level
The trek to Gondogoro La Pass is considered to be a challenging trek and requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance. The trek involves trekking at high altitudes, crossing several high-altitude mountain passes, and technical climbing skills to cross the Gondogoro La Pass. Trekkers need to acclimatize themselves to the high altitude by spending a few days at the base of the pass to avoid altitude sickness. Trekkers should also carry appropriate gear, including warm clothing, a good quality sleeping bag, and a sturdy pair of trekking boots.
Conclusion
Gondogoro La Pass is a dream trek for adventure enthusiasts who are looking for an ultimate challenge. The trek offers some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, including high-altitude glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and alpine meadows. However, the trek is not for the faint-hearted and requires
