BROAD PEAK (8,047 M) EXPEDITION

Elevation: 8,047 Meters 
Mountain Range: Karakoram 
First Ascent: 1957 by Hermann Buhl / Fritz Wintersteller
Zone: Permitted 
Duration: 47 Days 
Best Time: May - August

 

Broad Peak, one of the four 8000-meter peaks located in a tight cluster of Baltoro Glacier upper reaches with a height of 8047 meters. It is located in the same valley as the mighty K2. Though its majesty may suffer while compared to its big sister, it has its beauty, and it's spectacular in its own right. Broad Peak has its uniqueness, its unusual triple summit (this also accounts for its name).

 

To reach the base camp of Broad Peak, there is a short 2 hours walk from Concordia, nature's version of a highway interchange, which is also a junction for many other glaciers tha merge into the Baltoro. Broad Peak base camp is only a couple hours from the mighty K2 Base Camp, which might be visited in anticipation of future trips.

 

Expeditions to these incredible peaks in the Karakoram invariably start from the capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi's twin city. Once you are done with the government's formalities, your journey will continue to Skardu, located in Baltistan. Two methods can make this trip of your own choice. Usually, people preferred traveling by air (when the weather permits), not only because it is comfort and time-saving but also because you experience flying past Nanga Parbat. Alternately, you can travel by road along the Indus River, first following the Karakoram Highway, then branching through the spectacular Indus River gorge as you approach Skardu. The latter route is long, but this route is recommended at least once if you plan multiple trips to the region.

You will need a jeep safari from Skardu to Askoli, the last village on this trek. After two days you will reach to Paiju, considered as the tongue of the Baltoro Peak. Here you will rest for a day so the porters can prepare their food and other requirements for the glacier. Your next stop will be at Urdukas, a lush grassy knoll located immediately opposite to the Uli Biaho and Trango Tower. Your porters will likely be willing to push the next day to the next destination, Concordia, which has spectacular views of the mighty K2 & Broad Peak and Gasherbrum IV. They will do this because they will have time the next day to reach Broad Camp and return.

 

Broad Peak has the reputation of being one of the more accessible 8000-meter peaks. Though the route is not technically challenging, it is not a mountain to be taken lightly since the route crosses prominent avalanche terrain. Base Camp is at 5000 meters. Sub-camps are typically placed at around 5800, 6250 & 6900 meters. Some expeditions attempt the summit from C3 -- others place an additional camp at 7400 meters. From the summit of this Peak, you will see Karakoram ranges, including the Gasherbrums (I-VII), Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, and Chogolisa.

Depending on the weather, Broad Peak can be completed in as little as six weeks (Pindi-Pindi) or as long as nine weeks. The return trip is often over the 6000-meter Gondogoro La and the beautifully green Hushe Valley from which you return to Skardu.

 

Note :- Although we try to adhere to the schedule listed below, this itinerary is subject to change due to numerous reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights, road washouts, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, sickness, govt. restrictions, & all other unforeseen exigencies.