Broad Peak (8,047 m) is situated in the prestigious Karakoram Range, Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is located next to K2 and Gasherbrum peaks near Bal Toro glacier and rises above the Concordia at the center of Karakoram Range. The peak is one of the renowned 8,000-meter peaks. It is the world’s 12th-highest mountain. The local name of Broad Peak is “Falchan Kangri”. As cleared by the name, it is wide and broad at the top.
Falchan Kangri
Ascending the Broad Peak is not an easy nut to crack. It is an uphill and challenging task. Experience in mountaineering and climbing 6,800 meters is a prerequisite to climbing Broad Peak. As it is a nerve-wracking, physically and mentally tough activity. The first successful expedition of this peak was done in 1957 by Fritz Winter Steller and others. It is interesting to reveal that they completed their task without porters, basecamp support, and supplementary aid of oxygen.
Although the Broad Peak expedition is hectic and tiresome, it is rewarding. One explores the heart of the mighty Karakoram Range. Concordia and the famous Bal Toro glaciers are the most pleasant spots on the way up to the peak.
From Concordia, the Gasherbrum and K2 are seen. This scene is the reward of the whole expedition. Trekking on this peak provides an opportunity to explore the rich culture of ages old Himalayan Kingdom of Gilgit Baltistan. Additionally, the impressive Trango Cathedral and Lobsang towers are in the way of the trek. Therefore, the 60 days expedition is a thrilling journey, instilling long-lasting pleasure and joy in the adventurists.
Itinerary Details of Broad Peak Expedition
Reaching Islamabad
The route to Gilgit Baltistan, either by road or by air, starts from Islamabad. The capital city of Pakistan hosts the International Airport where most International flights are landed. Therefore, the adventurists have to arrive here. After a rest, they are given a detailed briefing of the expedition by the relevant company. Some recreational sightseeing in the exceptional city may be done if the time is available.
Islamabad to Skardu
On the second day, the trekkers head towards Skardu, the capital city of Gilgit Baltistan. The distance between Skardu from Islamabad is covered in 45 minutes via airplane. The flight view throughout the journey is just excellent. The passengers enjoy the breathtaking views of the beautiful mountains of the Himalayas and Karakoram Range.
The scenic beauty of the mountains will not let tire anyone. If the weather is transparent, the gorgeous K2 and the exemplary Gondgoro la pass too are seen from the flight. An awesome view of Nanga Parbat is on this route as well. After 45 minutes, the flight lands at Skardu Airport. Main Skardu city is 7 to 8 minutes away from the airport. The tourists arrive at home the l; put in their luggage and leave to explore the exceptional city. Rocks, lakes, streams, historic forts, and the local bazaar of the Skardu are worth exploring.
Relaxation and Preparations at Skardu
A day is usually reserved for stay, preparations, and some recreation at Skardu. For it is itself a tourist destination replete with ancient sites, cultural attractions, astonishing lakes, and mountains. Skardu bazaar hosts a rich cultural heritage in the shape of subventions, shields, shawls, and indigenous gifts for loved ones. Sunrises and sunsets at Sat Para Lake must be observed. Ancient Buddha rock and the old Skardu Fort ought to be visited. The delicious Balti food of Skardu is strongly recommended.
Skardu to Jhola (3,100 m)
On the 4th day, the tourists leave for Jhola via Askoli. A jeep drops off the trekkers at Askoli, which is a village before the start of Karakoram. At Askoli, the trekkers meet their porters. Interestingly, the jeep from Skardu travels along the Indus, Braldu, and Shigar rivers. The journey becomes so pleasant. Askoli has wooden street houses made of corn and potato fields, and Apricot trees groves.
After Askoli, the trekkers head towards Jhola camp. They pass by the exemplary spot Concordia. Which leads to the most sought-after Biafo Glacier. The tourists trek by the glacier and reach the Korofong River. The whole journey is so pleasant and joyful that fatigue fades away.
The Korofong River is crossed by a jeep bridge. After it, half an hour will take to reach the Jhola camp. Bakhor Das and Paiju Peaks fall in the way and make the trek more awesome. The trekkers have to reach the Bardumal campsite for spending the night. All the arrangements and services are provided at the camp. Food is served as well. The entire traveling from Skardu to Jhola takes 8 hours.
Trek to Paiju
On the 5th day, the porters will lead the trekkers toward Broad Peak. All the equipment and supplies are ensured before heading away. It is the first day of the expedition. Trekkers must carry a huge amount of water with them. Trekkers pass by the river, touch the multiple streams and reach Paiju, which is an oasis at Paiju Peak. From this point, one can view the Bal Toro glacier, Trango Towers, and the mighty K2 (conditioned with weather). This impressive journey of 3,380 m is covered in 6 hours.
Trek to Khoburtse
The next day, the 7 hours walk up to 3,760 meters Khoburtse is done. Bal Toro Glacier is at the distance of just a 1-hour walk from this point. After 6 hours of trekking along the glacier and crossing this fabulous spot, one reaches the campsite of Khoburtse. At this place, one can view the Tango Group, the impressive Cathedral Tower, and the astounding rock tower of Uli Biaho. It should be noted that this trek is not smooth; but difficult, rocky, undulated, and full of rubble. Trekkers stay for the night in the camps.
Trek to Urdukas
On the 7th day, the trek to Urdukas started. This too is not an easy trek. The 4 hours walk on a difficult terrain towards height is an uphill task. However, the final destination Urdukas is awesome. Trekkers have lunch, rest, and relaxation here.
Restive day at Urdukas
The 8th day is reserved for rest, and acclimatization at Urdukas. It is quite helpful for trekkers. Washing and cleaning facilities are available at Urdukas. A walk can be memorable on the grassy slopes of Urdukas along alpine flowers.
Trek to Goro II
On the 9th day, the trekkers head towards Goro II. Muztagh, Masherbrum, and Gasherbrum IV are viewed from this point. The trail and campsite are on the Bal Toro Glacier.
Trek to Concordia
Concordia is truly one of the most magnificent mountain destinations in the world. Its serenity, scenic beauty, and exemplary sublime cannot be described in the words. After this 10th day 4,600 m trek, the next is the main spot: Broad Peak.
Broad Peak Base Camp
On the 11th day, the dreamt destination of the trekkers: The Broad Peak is before the eyes. The spectacular sun-rising view and walk at the Broad Peak make the trekkers forget the hectic journey. Marvelous views of K2 and other Karakoram peaks are the net result of this whole fatigue.
Climbing and Acclimatizing at Broad Peak
The next 41 days are for enjoyment, entertainment, and exploration at Broad Peak. On the 53rd day, the journey back will be started on the same route. In 7 days, the trekkers will arrive back in Islamabad.
Weather In Concordia
In the summer season, the weather is usually pleasant. However, snowstorms can occur at any time. From June to August, the temperature remains between 25 to 30 degrees. However, after 4,000 meters in height, there may be freezing temperatures at camps. Might be Minus 10 degrees at night.
