BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP TREK - JUNE 2009

THE GREATEST MUSEUM OF SHAPE & FORM ON EARTH...FOSCO MARAIN

Only superlatives can describe the sheer beauty and grandeur witnessed in this "sublime sanctuary of nature". Known as the most spectacular trek in the world, the expedition route to Broad Peak Base Camp passes through the greatest concentration of some of the highest peaks in the world.

At the confluence of the mighty Baltoro, Abruzzi and Godwin Austin Glaciers is Concordia, lying in the heart of the most heavily glaciated region outside the Polar area - from this vantage point and within a radius of 15 km stand 41 peaks over 6500m, including 4 peaks above 8000m in height.

The Trango Towers, Mustagh Tower, the Gasherbrums, Broad Peak and K2 are just a few of the innumerable mountain vistas to be witnessed on this trek. In addition to tranquil lakes, blossoming fruit orchards, meandering rivers, tumbling water falls and undulating sand dunes one will experience a unique blend of the modest Balti culture marked with distinct language, architecture and dress.

From Islamabad we fly over Kaghan valley, Nanga Parbat and the Karakorams to Skardu - the district head quarters of Baltistan and a gateway to the great Monoliths of Pakistan (flight is subject to weather). Perched at a height of 2300m, Skardu is located amidst an impressive landscape, towering mountains, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, creeping glaciers and quiet lakes. Skardu is in the heart of a towering frontier land. To its north lies the Sinkiang province of China, to the south Kashmir, to the West Gilgit and to the east the district of Ladakh in India. Skardu is the trekker and mountain climbers "paradise".

After taking in the mountain desert, tranquil lakes, bustling Skardu bazaar and a 16th century Khorpocho Fort, we set off by jeep to Askole - the last inhabited village and commence our trek to an incredible wilderness of ice, rock and sky for over two weeks.

This wilderness will be offset by the colourful Karakoram culture - scores of lively Balti staff who are tough enough to sing and dance after the hard day's work. We will be invited to join in. There will be many memorable evenings listening to their songs and watching their dances.

The trekkers will be accompanied throughout the duration of the approach trek to Base Camp by the South African Broad Peak climbing team. We will spend 3 days at BC absorbing the feel of BC living and enjoying the splendour of the surroundings. A hike to the nearby K2 Base Camp should be interesting.

Trekkers will then say goodbye to the climbers and walk out via the Gondogoro Pass which presents a great vantage point for outstanding views from the 5700m pass summit.

Note :- Although every effort will be made to adhere to the schedule listed below, this itinerary is subject to change due to numerous reasons beyond our control eg bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights, road washouts, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, sickness, government restrictions, and all other unforeseen circumstances.

BROAD PEAK BASE CAMP TREK (Baltoro-Gondogoro La)

To download the Itinerary, please click here.

COST

$ 2900 for full services Islamabad to Islamabad

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Interested parties should complete the attached booking form and submit it to Summit Strategies.


• Should the application be accepted, a deposit of $ 300 is payable on request.


• In the event of a cancellation the deposit is non-refundable.


• The balance of payment is due by the 15th of April 2009.


• A minimum group of 5 trekkers is required to proceed with the expedition.


• The group will be restricted to a maximum of 10 trekkers.


• The cost is based on hotel and camping as per the itinerary.


• The above cost is quoted per person based on sharing a double room and a two person tent.


• Each trekker will be entitled to bring a maximum of 20 kgs. of personal baggage on the trip.  Clearance, shipment or portage of any excess baggage will incur an additional cost.


• Seating capacity of jeeps is 4 persons per jeep.

LOCAL PAKISTANI LOGISTIC SUPPORT

Summit Strategies have appointed Jasmine Tours, a local and reputable Pakistani Operator, to assist with logistic arrangements i.e. acquisition of permits and other Government requirements, provision of staff, transport arrangements etc.

ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE COST

• Hotel accommodation where indicated on itinerary


• Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)


• Airport transfers


• Transfer of trekkers to/from Skardu by air or road (van)


• Transfer to/from Askole by 4x4 jeep


• Wages, food and equipment for guide, cook, assistant cook, low altitude porters


• Kitchen equipment
  Best quality camping food


• 2-man tents and sleeping mattresses


• Camping fees, road taxes, parking fees


• Domestic flights and free baggage allowance of 20kg/trekker

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST

• International air flights


• Trekking gear


• Rucksack transportation or portage of excess baggage


• Sleeping bags


• Ground or air rescue


• Medication


• Personal insurance


• Room service, laundry charges, telephone calls and items of a personal nature


• Visas


• Tips
  
  

NORTHERN AREA FLIGHTS

Since all flights to Northern Areas are subject to clear weather and clearance of backlog, Jasmine Tours do not guarantee confirmation on all such flights. If the seats are not confirmed or the flights are canceled, the group will be transferred by road with air-conditioned van without any additional charges.

DELAYS

If the trip has to be delayed due to canceled or delayed flights, sickness, accidents, bad weather, road washouts, Government restrictions, or any other contingency for which we and/or Jasmine Tours cannot make provision, the resulting extra cost for such delays will be charged separately.

LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SUMMIT STRATEGIES

Summit Strategies and/or Jasmine Tours, its agents, employees or any of the affiliates or subsidiary companies shall neither be responsible nor liable for any loss, damage, injury, sickness or death caused to any member or the property of the group directly or indirectly due to any irregularity, delay, accident, theft, acts of God, dangers, fire, vehicle breakdown, machinery failure, declared or undeclared hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays, cancellations or changes in itinerary or schedules, Government restrictions or due to any�other cause beyond their control.