The Karakoram Mountains 48 tel: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only) international tel: +44 1453 844 400 www.himalayankingdoms.com The K2 Region The mighty Karakoram is a continuation of the 1,500-mile crescent of the Greater Himalaya. It rises in Northern India and spreads north and west across the tip of Pakistan to abut the Pamirs and the Hindu Kush. Its most notable peaks are in Pakistan, along its border with China. Around the giants of K2, Broad Peak and others too numerous to mention, lies the greatest non-polar concentration of ice to be found anywhere. Many huge glaciers lead into its depths, rewarding adventurous trekkers with the finest mountain scenery. Interesting Facts K2 8,611m/28,250ft – not visible from any inhabited place Local name: Mount Qogori Location first recorded: 1856 by Lt T.G. Montgomerie First seen from the north: 1887, 1st European – Lt F. Younghusband First ascent: 31 July 1953 – Italians A. Compagnoni & L. Lacedilli. On the first ascent, the expedition was 700-strong trekking up the Baltoro Glacier. First British ascent: 4 August 1986 – Alan Rouse & Julie Tullis. Both died on the descent Cheerful local Photo: Steve Berry Approx. Statute Miles 0 Approx. Kilometres

49 The K2 Region The K2 Base Camp Trek £2,395 £1,890 Sun 20 Jul – Wed 13 Aug £2,295 £1,870 Sun 27 Jul – Wed 20 Aug, Sun 03 Aug – Wed 27 Aug* land only land only Grade: Strenuous On Trek: 16 days European Leader: Ian Coxan* Nights’ Accommodation: Hotels: 7 Camping: 16 Optional: Single Room £115 Single Tent £140 Insurance: £99 (Standard Policy) Days Itinerary Duration: 25 days 1–2 Depart London, arrive Islamabad 3–5 Drive up the Karakoram Highway to Skardu 6–14 Jeep to roadhead, trek to Broad Peak Base Camp 15–22 Day trek to K2 Base Camp, return to Askole, drive to Skardu 23–24 Fly to Islamabad, at leisure –25 Fly to London Guaranteed to run for a minimum of6clients 250 miles long, the Karakoram in Northern Pakistan is a glittering tangle of granite spires, icy-peaks and wild and savage glaciers. Our trek begins in the village of Askole, a brilliant splash of emerald-green in the otherwise stark Braldu Gorge, and we are immediately assailed by the savagery of the landscape as we follow the route taken by expeditions setting out to try to conquer K2 for over a hundred years. As we head up the Baltoro Glacier the mountains tower above the valley floor, growing bigger and more dramatic every day. The undulating trail is generally of a fair standard and we gain altitude at a steady rate, assisting with the acclimatisation process and helping to ensure that we can enjoy the spectacular scenery. On this trek we camp at Broad Peak Base Camp, (on the Gondogoro-La trek the camp is at Concordia) from where we have the opportunity to visit K2 Base Camp, 5,117m/16,785ft. Capital City Town Airport Major peak International Border Road Railway Pass ] [ K2 from Concordia Photo: John Turner Eric Shipton Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman undertook more prolific exploration of the Himalaya than almost any other early explorers. We are proud that Eric’s son, John, has been leading treks for Himalayan Kingdoms for many years now, often retracing his father’s journeys. Eric was, of course, British Consul-General in 1940–42 in Kashgar, which is our staging post for the Kashgar to K2 Camel Trek. tel: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only) international tel: +44 1453 844 400 www.himalayankingdoms.com