BASECAMPS TREK: K2, BROADPEAK & BALTORO

Starting some 60-70 million years ago the subduction of 600 to 700km slab of the Indo-Pakistan Continent under the Eurasian Platform resulted in thousands of meters of vertical thickness of rock that now comprises the Himalayas, Tibet, and the southern region of China.  This deformation is still continuing at a rate of 4cm per year.

The Northern Part of the Country covers an expanse of about 27,188 square miles and is home to the three mightiest mountain ranges, the Karakorams, Hindukush, and Himalayas, it boasts the highest peaks in the world, alpine meadows and serene lakes, and numerous mountain settlements with enchanting diverse cultures.  Of the three mountain ranges the Karakorams contains some of the largest glaciers outside the Polar region (Biafo 62 km long, Hispar 61km, Baltoro 58km, Gasherbrum 38km, ChogoLungma 38km, Siachen 72km and Batura 58km long).  If one compares the proportion of ice covering some of these mountain ranges, the Karakorams 23-25 percent under ice, the Himalayas are 8-10 percent and the Alps are only 2.2 percent

Baltoro Trek into Concordia is strenuous trudging through gorges and scrambling over moraines and glaciers culminating in the fabulous camp at Concordia, the heart of the Karakorum and junction of the Baltoro, Godwin Austin, and several lesser glaciers.  Eight of the world’s 30 highest peaks grace this unusual trek with six peaks over 7,900 meters within a short radius of 11 kilometers –  “K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,047m), Hidden Peak or Gasherbrum I (8,068 m), Gasherbrum II, III & IV (at 8,035 m, 7,952 m & 7,929 meters respectively).