MT. BROAD PEAK MOUNTAINEERING EXPEDITIONS Overview
Expedition at a Glance:
Accommodations: Hotel lodge with camping on treks and climbs.
Trekking Grade: Moderate, Adventurous, and Demanding.
Climbing Grade: A full-fledged Mountaineering expedition.
Activities: scenic flights, treks, and climbs.
Expeditions Duration: 28 Nights & 29 Days (Islamabad to Islamabad).
Total Trip: 34 Nights & 35 Days (arrival to departure)
THE BEST SEASONS FOR MT. BROAD PEAK EXPEDITIONS:
Pakistan, like other Asian countries, has four seasons: spring from March to May and summer with monsoon wet months of June to August.
The autumn/fall season is from September to November, and the winter cold months are from December to February.
The best seasons for Broad Peak Mountaineering Expeditions are late spring and early summer, from June to July. Includes autumn/fall, when days are clear for views, treks, and climbs. Spring starts from late March to May, which is the high season and most favorable for pleasant scenic walks and climbs. During the summer season of June to August, days are longer, with enough sunlight hours.
It gets overcast with light snowfall, sometimes above 3,000 meters high.
But leads to enjoyable walks and climbs, with eye-catching views of the Snowy Mountains throughout the climbing adventure to Broad Peak.
During spring, cold mornings are below -5° to -10° Celsius and in shades, including nights. Most days are fine and clear with strong sunshine and maximum temperatures of + 15° to + 20° Celsius.
The next best season for Broad Peak Mountaineering Expeditions and trek is autumn/fall, from early September to October. Most days are fine, with crystal clear blue skies for excellent views of the surrounding scenery and snow peaks. Gets dark soon by dusk from 5 p.m. onwards and sunrise by 6 a.m. Cold mornings, late afternoons, and nights with minimum temperatures of minus 10° to –15° Celsius, altitude-wise. Daytime has a maximum of 15° to 20° Celsius, a perfect temperature for the climbing and views.
EXPEDITIONS AT A GLANCE:
Mode of Trek, Climb: Hotels in cities and towns, camping on treks, climbing.
Trekking Grade: From Moderate to Adventurous walks.
Climbing Grade: A Full-Fledged Mountaineering Expedition.
Climbing Duration: 32 Nights and 33 Days.
Areas of Trek and Climb: North Pakistan Gilgit-Baltistan.
Trek Climb Duration: 51 Nights and 52 Days Islamabad to Islamabad.
Total duration: 53 Nights and 54 Days from arrival to final departure.
OVERVIEWS:
Mt. Broad Peak is located in the heart of the Karakoram Mountain Ranges of Northern Pakistan around Gilgit-Baltistan. It is close to the famous Mt. K2 and shares the same base camp. It towers 8,051 m/26,414 feet high and is the world’s 12th highest peak. The climb leads to a relatively straightforward route with less technical challenges than other 8,000-meter peaks.
The name Broad Peak is due to its unique flat level summit of 1.5 km wide.
Broad Peak’s first ascent was by the Austrian Expedition on June 9th, 1957, led by
M. Schmuck, F. Wintersteller, and Hermann Buhl. The climb to the summit is attempted from the straightforward Southwest Ridge Route.
Broad Peak also straddles the borders with South-West China, as do other neighboring world’s highest peaks. Broad Peak, due to its less technical,
an opportunity for all mountaineers, from beginners to expert climbers.
Some mountaineers also dare to venture the climb combining Broad Peak before attempting towards K2 of Gasherbrum-I, II.
ADVENTURE ROUTE TO BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP AND CLIMB:
Broad Peak Expeditions starts with a short internal flight to Skardu city and then heading north by surface to Askole. The last village and human settlement for a month or more. Askole is the starting point for week-long adventurous treks to Broad Peak Base Camp. The route leads around isolated and remote corners of Pakistan with few temporary shelters for the cattle herders.
On reaching the mountain wilderness at Base Camp with complete preparations for the exciting climb and ascent of Broad Peak.
The climb to the summit requires time, as there are several routes and fewer technical challenges. The first ascent was by the Austrian Expedition on July 09th.t, 1957, to the summit of the world’s 12th highest peak. It is located on the northern boundary of Pakistan and southwest China. Over the past few decades, the mountain has become popular among hardy mountaineers.
AT BASE CAMP PREPARATION FOR THE ASCENT:
Broad Peak Base Camp is 8 km/ 5 miles from Mt. K2. Climb to the summit of Broad Peak requires a maximum of 3-4 camps from the base camp for safe and successful ascents. At the Base Camp, climbers have ample time to enjoy rest and ferrying the gear to respective higher camps.
Third Pole and Brown Bear Trail has reserved a maximum of 33 days for the final summit bid, with rest days and climbing exercises.
Makes better support with acclimatization before heading towards the higher camps for the summit bid.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Islamabad 666 m/ 2,185 ft. Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Rest and preparation in Islamabad.
Day 03: Fly from Islamabad to Skardu, 2,438 m., an hour’s flight.
Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 04: Rest day at Skardu for final preparation & Expedition Briefing.
Day 05: Drive to Askole (3,040 m) 6-7 hrs. From here, in tented camps until
back to Skardu.
Day 06: Trek to Jhula (3,120m).-06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Paiyu (3,215m). -07 hrs.
Day 08: Rest day at Paiyu for acclimatization.
Day 09: Trek to Khuburtze (3,930m/ 12,894 ft)-05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Urdukas (4,130m). -05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Goro II (4,350m). 06-07 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Concordia (4,690m). -05 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp (5,150m). 02-03 hrs.
Day 14-46: 33 days of Climbing Period.
Day 47: Return trek to Goro II (4,250m).
Day 48: Trek to Khuburtze.
Day 49: Trek to Mundung.
Day 50: Trek to Askole.
Day 51: Drive to Skardu and transfer to a hotel.
Day 52: At Skardu, at leisure to collect the gear.
Day 53: Fly back to Islamabad. Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 54: Transfer to the airport for departure.
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Islamabad 666 m/ 2,185 ft. Transfer to Hotel.
On arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan’s international airport, the group will be received by our local counterpart agents, guides, and staff. Then, get transfer to respective hotels and meet all the group members at the hotel for briefing and introductions.
Day 02: Rest and preparation in Islamabad.
At the Islamabad hotel, rest, prepare packing, and check all the gear and logistic support for the expeditions. To obtain the permits and documents for Broad Peak Mountaineering Expeditions as per the days on the guideline itinerary.
Time permitting, you can enjoy exploring Islamabad to experience the local cultures and customs.
Day 03: Fly from Islamabad to Skardu 2,438 m. and transfer to Hotel.
According to the scheduled time for the domestic flights to Skardu from Islamabad. The flight heads north towards the mountain, a large town of Skardu, located within a scenic country north of Islamabad. An hour’s flight to land at Skardu 2,438 meters /7,999 feet high, with cool, crisp air in the shadow of rolling hills and mountains. It is also a popular tourist mountain destination in Pakistan and the hub of Gilgit, Baltistan. On arrival, get transferred to the best hotels in the heart of Skardu Town and have time to explore the rich cultures. Experience the mixed society with Balti, Shina, and Wakhi with Burushaki, Khowar, and Domaki hill tribes.
Day 04: Rest day at Skardu for final preparation & briefing.
An ideal place and altitude in Skardu for a free leisure day and checking the expedition’s loads, transported by overland. It takes two days or more to cover
318 km or 198 miles by road from Islamabad to Skardu.
At Skardu, check the gear and preparations for the next day’s drive to Askole on a rough, mountainous road. The rest of the day is for a briefing on the Karakoram Mountain regions and the Broad Peak climb.
Day 05: Drive to Askole (3,040m)-6-7 hrs. From here camping.
Morning is an exciting and scenic drive covering 126 km/79 miles from Skardu to Askole. The exciting journey begins in the comfort of a 4WD Jeep or similar towards the last permanent village of Askole. Takes nearly 7 hours on a winding road amidst picturesque scenery to get closer to our destinations.
After a long drive of more than 6 hours to reach Askole for the first overnight in tented camping. Set by our advanced camping crews from Nepal and some native Pakistani tribes of the Karakoram region.
Askole is also spelled as Askoli or Askoly. It is a small mountain town at 3,040 m/
9,970 feet high. Located in the Shigar of Gilgit and Baltistan regions, the last town en route to Broad Peak Base Camp.
Day 06: Trek to Jhula (3,120m).- 06 hrs.
Enjoy your first overnight in a tented camp with an excellent dinner and hearty breakfast served and cooked by our Nepali or local chef. The walk begins from Skole towards the north and follows the rocky trail with winding ups.
Then, walk towards the Karakoram National Park entrance at 3,057m/10,030 ft.
Where all trekkers and mountaineers have to register before heading further,
The trail follows a moderate, gradual path to Jhula. Covering a distance of about 20 km/12.5 miles, it will take more than 5-6 hours of pleasant and scenic hiking.
The camp is set on the best available grassy field or around the meadow, with few shelters for the cattle herders.
Day 07: Trek to Paiju (3,215 m). 6-7 hrs.
The morning following, the dirt trail with beautiful views of Paiju Peak stands near the Trango Towers. It is also a group of rock towers that stand around Gilgit Baltistan. It is located north of the Baltoro Glacier and part of the Baltoro Muztagh, a sub-range of the Karakoram mountain range. On reaching Paigu,
The area is covered with plenty of water and high-altitude shrubs and bushes.
The campsite is set on the best available ground after walking from Jhulu to Paiju, which is 20 km/12.5 miles.
Day 08: Rest day at Paiju for acclimatization.
At Paiju, enjoy a free day to scout the camps en route to Broad Peak Base Camp.
As the course of the glaciers and rivers changes every season, the trekking changes also. The day is meant to be enjoyed by taking short hikes, exploring the scenic views, or relaxing and marveling at the glorious scenery.
Day 09: Trek to Khuburtze 3,930m/ 12,894 feet-05 hrs.
The adventure walks from Paiju to Khoburtse on the route of the Baltoro Glacier, which changes every year. Due to the movement of the glacier, which constantly collapses, the trail might change. It is quite a tough day walking over the rocky moraines of the Baltoro Glacier. For every hard effort, there are rewards with grand views of the Paiyu Peak and the Trango Towers. Covering 14 k.m distance, with more than 5 hours to Khuburtze for overnight camping.
Situated in front of the Trango high ridge, a rocky castle of rocks.
Day 10: Trek to Urdukas (4,130m). -05 hrs.
The trek to Urdukas follows with distant views of the Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum. Compared to the previous day, the distance is about 7 km,
takes more than 4 hours. The trail follows through rocky areas of huge boulders and streams to cross. Then towards Urdukas campsite, on a grassy slope, above the Baltoro and commands. It is one of the most exciting views of the Rocky Mountains, dominated by the nameless rock Tower. It is regarded as the world’s tallest granite wall. The overnight camp is on flat ground with amazing surrounding scenery.
Day 11: Trek to Goro II (4,350 m). 6-7 hrs.
After a short, moderate walk and climb to Urdukas, today’s trek is about
12 km. The trek starts entering the heart of the Concordia area, with ice from the Baltoro glaciers. The route follows up to Concordia through the Golden Throne and Mitre Peak. Then the trail enters an exciting and dramatic zone surrounded by the 8,000-meter Peaks, with Broad Peak at 8,047m/ 26,401 feet. Include Gasherbrum and the towering Mt. K2, a sheer mountain wilderness for overnight camp at Goro II.
Day 12: Trek to Concordia (4,690m). -05 hrs.
After the camp at Goro II around the Baltoro glacier, the morning climb leads towards Concordia. The trail offers grand views of the Gondogoro La as the walk continues, leading towards the mighty Baltoro. The trail is well hidden by the high Muztagh Tower 7,284m/ 23,897 feet and Gasherbrum IV. The walk leads slightly behind the Gasherbrum-I (8,080m/ 26,509 feet). Hence, it is called the “Hidden Peak”. The walk follows higher up on Baltoro. The Broad Peak is sighted until the day the trek ends on reaching Concordia. It faces a breathtaking scenery amidst a wider glaciated area. Enclosed within the 4 eight-thousand-meter mountains.
The camp is set right at Concordia on the moraine. Walking distances of 12 km with 4-5 hours of exciting, adventurous trekking.
Day 13: Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp (5,150m). O/N Camp.
From Concordia, the adventure follows to Broad Peak base camp.
Situated near Mt. K2 or Godwin Austen glaciers, the trail follows the Baltoro Glacier. It is tough and exciting climbs along with dramatic scenery make the trek interesting. The route leads with stunning views of the Trango Towers, the Masherbrum peaks, Broad Peak, and K2.
The walk eventually ends on reaching Broad Peak Base Camp at 5,150 m.
The Base Camp is located close to Baltoro Glacier and the towering peaks of
Mt. K2.
Day 14-46: 33 days of Climbing Period. O/N Camp.
Third Pole and Brown Bear Trail reserved 33 days for the summit bid to the summit of the world’s 12th highest. The Broad Peak, being well-equipped for the last haul to the summit of Broad Peak. The route leads along the west ridge to a small col (Windy Gap), which separates from the Central Broad Peak.
This route is the best and straightforward with high success rates over the decades. After an exciting climb of Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain. Enjoying marvelous views of the surrounding towering mountains of the Karakoram Mountain range. Then descend to Camp II after an exciting morning adventure climb. The descent to Broad Peak Base Camp after having rest and overnight stops at Camp III or II. On reaching the foot of Broad Peak at the base camp, you can enjoy relaxing moments for a few days.
Then, check all the climbing gear, packing on mules or to be carried by porters.
At base camp, preparation for the long journey to Islamabad after spending time at base camp. Regaining the strength and energy after the climb on top of Broad Peak summit. The contingency days allow climbers to check and record the details of the climb. Then, get busy packing, cleaning the base camp, and carrying the garbage to the dumping sites.
Day 47 to 51: Return trek to Skardu, via Goro II via Khuburtze, Mundung and
Askole. It takes 5 days to reach Skardu trek and drive.
Retrace the long journey back to Skardu. Walk downhill with a few ups to reach Askole for an overland journey by 4WD Jeep to Skardu. Then, enjoy the comfort of good hotels or guest houses, with a free day at Skardu to collect and check all the expedition’s gear before heading to Islamabad.
Day 52: At Skardu – Expedition De-briefing
A free day to receive all the gears carried by mules, porters, and on trucks or four-wheel drives. At Skardu for last-minute briefing regarding the climb and health of all the climbers and staff.
Day 53: Fly back to Islamabad. Transfer to the Hotel.
As the time for an hour flight to Islamabad from Skardu small airport.
Transfer to the air terminal, bid farewell to trekking and camping staff,
board the plane. Enjoy the short scenic flight as it lands at Islamabad Airport, and transfer to your hotels.
Day 54: Transfer to the airport for departure.
Then, depart from the country of the high Karakoram Mountain ranges after a wonderful experience. Fond memories of the Broad Peak Expeditions, our counterpart agents from Pakistan, transfer you to the airport on time.
Enjoying an exciting and wonderful adventure to Mt. Broad Peak, the world’s 12th highest peak.
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