Trango Towers - The world's tallest vertical rock
Duration:
47 days
Next Departure:
June 2022
Airport:
Islamabad
Reference:
TT100A
Summary:
The Trango Towers are a group of dramatic granite spires located on the north side of the Trango Towers Base Camp on Baltoro Glacier in Baltistan, a district of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan (formerly Northern Areas). They are part of the Baltoro Muztagh, a subrange of the Karakorum Range. The Towers offer some of the largest cliffs and most challenging rock climbing in the world. The highest point in the group is the summit of Great Trango Tower, 6,286 m (20,608 ft). The east face of the Great Trango Tower features the world’s greatest nearly vertical drop.
Highlights:
A Fantastic 6,000m Peak with Great Views of Karakoram Mountains.
Karakorum Highway as the locals like to call - “The Eighth Wonder of the World”.
A favourite of climbers training themselves for Higher Elevation.
The world’s greatest nearly vertical drop.
Itinerary:
Day 1: ISLAMABAD
On arrival transfer the group to hotel in Islamabad. You will meet your guide in the afternoon at the hotel for a trip briefing and gear check.
Day 2: Fly to Skardu or Drive to Besham/Chilas from Islamabad (Mini Van 480 km)
Incase flights are delayed due to weather conditions we will drive 10-12hrs by air conditioned car to Chilas (480km)/ Besham on the Karakoram highway. Overnight at Shangrila Indus View Hotel or Panorama hotel. Meals :(Incl: Breakfast) O/N Hotel/Guest House
Day 3: Drive to Skardu from Chilas/Besham (Jeep 275 km/500km) or In Skardu
Preparations for our Expedition and depending on our time of arrival into Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus and Basha Rivers. Meals: (Incl: Breakfast) O/N Hotel
Day 4: Drive to Askoli (3000m) Approx 7-8 hours
We will travel by jeep with our crew and supplies along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole. Villages in Shigar have changed little in over five hundred years; farms with fields of barley, wheat and vegetables surrounded by stone walls and stands of poplar, willow and apricot trees. The apricot is a very important crop in the north, having a multitude of uses to the Balti and Hunzakut people. Villagers greet us as we pass through on the rugged dirt and stone road that leads to Baltoro. As we approach, the landscapes become desert like and once within the sheer valley of the Braldu, it is necessary to cross the river several times by suspension bridges. At various points the road may have collapsed due to erosion and we will transfer the gear across on foot to a vehicle on the other side. Meals: (Incl: B-L-D) O/N Camping
Day 5: Trek to Jula (3200m) Approx 6 hours
After considerable organisation of equipment, supplies and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Jhola. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier flowing for more than fifty kilometres from the Hispar La pass to the Braldu. We have our first taste of moraine walking as we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to our lunch spot beside the river. We also experience the harsh, stark environment that forms the base of these great mountains. Our route takes us to the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers where the infamous flying fox or 'jola' is located. It is still there, however a footbridge has now been built making the passage much easier by every perspective. (Consider individual passage of 50 to 70 people with loads, compared with walking straight across a steel bridge!). In past years it was necessary to make a high traverse across a rocky face and descend steeply to the riverside of the Dumordo to gain the flying fox. There is now a safe and pleasant pathway above the river. It is this valley, fed by the Panmah Glacier that was once a passage between Baltistan and Yarkhand across the West Mustagh Pass (5370m) into China. Once across, we
descend beside the river to the Braldu and then follow along its banks to our camp. Meals: (Incl: B-L-D) O/N Camping
Day 6: Hike to Payu (3450m) Approx 7-8 hours
The route is mainly at riverside throughout the day, switching up and down somewhat according to the level of erosion and water levels of the Braldu. The Masherbrum Group may be glimpsed to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The range is a vast array of peaks that extend almost the full length of the southern side of Baltoro. Walking conditions are hot and dry and care must be taken to prevent sunburn, especially when most members will have come from a southern winter! As we approach camp several small glacially fed rivulets flow down from the north and the first peaks of the Trango and Uli Biaho group appear on the distant ridgeline. The vast snout of the Baltoro glacier, the fourth longest in Pakistan, is also visible but it's hard to gather a sense of scale from here Meals: (Incl: B-L-D) O/N Camping
Day 7: Trango Tower Base Camp (4100m)
Approx 5-6 hours trek to base camp: (Incl: B-L-D) O/N Camping
Day 8: Rest Day at Base Camp
A day to get established at base camp and to sort out personal and group equipment. We prepare for the next day climb. Meals: (Incl: B-L-D) O/N Camping
Day 9-40: Trango Tower Ascent
We have up to 15 days to climb the peak. Three camps will be established above BC: Initially gear needs to be moved up the mountain to form our camps as well as the route opened. A steady shuttle approach works the most effectively, with everyone contributing to achieve these two goals
Day 41: Depart Base Camp to Jula Approx 7-8 hours
Together with our staff, we will dismantle base camp and retrace the trekking trail down the Baltoro Glacier. Meals: (Incl: B-L-D) O/N Camping
Day 42: Depart Base Camp to Jula Approx 7-8 hours
The second day of the walk out from Base Camp. A further 6-8 hrs walk will take us to Askoli village where we camp. Meals: (Incl: B-L-D) O/N Camping
Day 43: Drive to Skardu Approx 5-7 hours
An early start from Askoli will enable us to reach Skardu in time for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at Hotel. Meals: (Incl: B-L-D) O/N Camping
Day 44: Drive to Chilas/Besham (1280m) Approx 8-12 hours
Drive to Chilas or Besham and overnight at the Chilas or in Besham on the banks of the Indus. The road is good for most of the journey but occasionally subject to landslide breaks which can delay us. We follow right beside the Indus from Skardu and view the incredible force of the river by the deep gorges it has carved out. We then join the Karakoram Highway (KKH) which was built by the Chinese over twenty years and runs from Kashgar to 'Pindi. As we wind our way southwards down to the plains, we cross several passes thickly forested in pine and birch. The hills open out to the vast plains and deltas of Punjab province. The traffic becomes more chaotic as we approach Rawalpindi and one feels the temperatures of the plains once again. Should we be able to fly, the additional time will be well spent in Islamabad shopping and sightseeing. The Bazaars have endless numbers of streets to explore and traders to bargain with. Meals: Breakfast O/N Hotel
Day 45: Drive from Chilas/Besham to Islamabad
An adventurous drive back from chilas will stop for meals in local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast O/N Hotel
Day 46: Islamabad
Contingency Day in Islamabad or for Road Travel
Meals: Breakfast O/N Hotel
Day 47: Islamabad
Expedition Concluded in Islamabad. After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your return flights
Important Information:
The above schedule should be taken as a guide only. Inclement weather may cause delays in our journey, whether we are on foot or travelling by vehicle. Our schedule has been planned to allow for variations and where necessary, spare days will be used to compensate for these changes. Our guide reserves the right to make modifications or alterations to the trip schedule in the best interests and safety of all involved. A flexible approach will allow us to efficiently and effectively achieve trip objectives.