Hushe Valley Trek: Masherbrum, K6/K7 and Gondogoro

About the Hushe Valley Trek

Introduction as published on the Trekking page.

Key facts

Duration

25 days

Best time

Mid-June to End-August

Range / region

Karakoram

Highest point

5650m

Zone

Permitted

Starts and ends

Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

Tent nights in the itinerary

15

Who it suits

Rather than crossing a pass, the trek links the three base camps through the camp at Shaicho, with fifteen tent nights and four rest days. It suits trekkers who want to spend a long time in one mountain area.

• Best time in the programme: mid-June to the end of August.
• Highest point given: 5,650 m.
• The programme lists a trekking permit from Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism among its inclusions.

How it differs from the Masherbrum base camp trek

Days 1 to 10 are the same as our Masherbrum Base Camp Trek, including the rest day at Masherbrum base camp. Where that trek turns back to Hushe from Dumsum, this one continues to Shaicho, crosses the Charakusa Glacier to the K6/K7 base camp for a rest day, then goes on via Dalsanpa to Khuspang, the Gondogoro base camp.

Day 18 at Khuspang is titled a rest day but describes a very early start to attempt Gondogoro Peak (5,650 m), while the programme introduction gives that height for the Gondogoro Pass. Ask the team which objective that day has and what equipment it needs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 01: Arrival Islamabad

   Arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

2. 02: Islamabad to Skardu (By Air)

   Early morning flight to Skardu (flights are subject to weather); if unable to fly, we will depart for Skardu by road with an overnight stay at Chilas. Overnight stay in a hotel at Chilas.

3. 03: Chilas to Skardu

   In case of flight has operated, we will go for a sightseeing tour of Skardu, and in case of no flight, the day will be used for overland travel from Chilas to Skardu (total drive is 22 – 24 hrs from Islamabad to Skardu). Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.

4. 04: Skardu

   The day is to finalize the trek arrangements. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.

5. 05: Skardu to Hushe

   After breakfast, we drive in jeeps along the Indus and Shyok valleys before turning northwards up the Hushe valley to reaching the road head at the little Village of Hushe. (Tent)

6. 06: Hushe to Farbesang

   After breakfast, trek to Farbesang. Today, we leave the last inhabited village Hushe. Porters are assembled to carry our luggage for the next section of the journey. We rely on our porters, who have our food and equipment and sustain our grand trek for the remaining portion of our trip. After an easy and scenic walk, crossing the Hushe, Homborok, and Aling Rivers takes us to Farbesang, a beautiful spot on the edge of the tamarisk wood forest. En route, the views of Shabas Peak and Aling, valley, etc. (Tent)

7. 07: Farbesang to Burmbarmma

   After breakfast, resume the trek from Farbesang by walking through the dense tamarisk jungle and later cross a bit difficult glacial moraine to arrive at the campsite. Willow bushes and other wildflowers surround the campsite. (Tent)

8. 08: Burmbarmma to Masherbrum Base camp

   After breakfast, trek via Masherbrum Glacier and arrive at the small grassy patch below the cliff face, which serves as the base camp for Masherbrum Peak. (Tent)

9. 09: Rest day at Masherbrum Base Camp

   Today is a rest day at Masherbrum Base Camp to enjoy and photograph the beauty of the surrounding mountains. This rest stop also allows the porters to bake a supply of Balti bread chapattis, and, at night, our potters arrange Balti local music night and bonfire. (Tent)

10. 10: Masherbrum Base camp to Dumsum

    After breakfast, trek back to Dumsum, a beautiful lash green campsite in front of Aling glacier view. (Tent)

11. 11: Dumsum to Shaicho

    After breakfast, Trek to Shaicho. A short trek, about 3 to 4 hours, takes us to the idyllic campsite at Shaicho. This camp lies at the junction of the Charakusa and Gondogoro valleys and is situated on a sandy, tree-shaded area beside a swift-flowing river. There are excellent views of Nameka, the rock pillars of K7, and the trail leading to the camp. (Tent)

12. 12: Shaicho to Uncame

    After breakfast Trek to uncome.Today, we will traverse Wali Changkhalil and cross the Charakusa Glacier with excellent views. (Tent)

13. 13: Uncome to K-6/K-7 Bace camp

    After breakfast Trek to K-6/K-7 Base camp. Down onto the glacier, our path follows the center of the ice river, sometimes walking on moraine and sometimes snow and ice. We get our first views of the K-6/K-7, the stunning spire of Naiza Peak. (Tent)

14. 14: Rest day at K-6/K-7 Base camp

    Today is a rest day at K-6/K-7 Base camp to enjoy and photograph the beauty of the surrounding mountains. This rest stop also allows the porters to make Balti bread and chapattis; at night, our potters arrange Balti local music night and bonfire at camp. (Tent)

15. 15: K-6/K-7 base camp to Shaicho

    After breakfast, trek back to Shaich. Trek about 5 to 6 hrs takes us to the campsite at Shaicho (Tent)

16. 16: Shaicho to Dalsanpa

    After breakfast, Trek to Dalsanpa. We take a path on a wooded moraine ridge, which climbs steeply to the seasonal goat herder’s settlement at Golong. We stop for lunch here before dropping onto the glacier to scramble along its edge to bypass a steep rock section. A final scramble up a rocky gulley leads to the spectacular campsite at Dalsanpa, where there are a couple of tiny lakes and staggering views of a range of rocky summits, culminating in the snow-plastered summit of Masherbrum. (Tent)

17. 17: Dalsanpa to Khuspang (Gondogoro base camp)

    After breakfast, trek to Khuspang. Down onto the glacier, our path follows the center of the ice river, sometimes walking on moraine and sometimes snow and ice. We got our first views of the Gondogoro La and passed the stunning spire of Lila Peak. A long day, walking beneath the beautiful spire of Lila Peak. (Tent)

18. 18: Rest day at Khuspang (Gondogoro base camp)

    A very early start, as early as 4 or 5 a.m. Today, we will attempt to reach the top of Gondogoro Peak (5650 meters). We leave the base camp and climb over rocky ground to ascend the valley’s headwall. The snowfield leads to submit progress in a series of steps, which may require ropes to safeguard the ascent from the summit. There are incredible views of Masherbrum and Laila peaks to the west. (Tent)

19. 19: Khuspang to Shaicho

    After breakfast, trek back to Shaicho. Trek about 5 to 6 hrs takes us to the campsite at (Tent)

20. 20: Shaicho to Hushe

    After breakfast, we will trek back to hushe village. After lunch, we will meet Little Karim and other mountain lions. After the meeting, we will also visit hushe Village. Overnight stay in hotel at Hushe

21. 21: Hushe to Skardu

    After breakfast, we will depart for Skardu en route, with a lunch stop at Khaplu. We will also visit Khaplu Fort and Chaqchen mosque; the Mir Syed Ali Hamadai founded the mosque in the 17th century. Afternoon drive to Skardu. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.

22. 22: Skardu to Chilas

    After breakfast, we will drive for a full day on the Skardu route, and KKH arrive in Chilas and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in hotel at

23. 23: Chilas to Islamabad

    After breakfast, we will drive via Babusar pass to Islamabad. We start early in the morning to cover the 12 hours-long drive. Short stay in Naran for lunch; we shall reach Islamabad by evening. Overnight stay at Islamabad.

24. 24: Rest day at Islamabad

    After breakfast, we will do a full day sightseeing of the twin city Islamabad/Rawalpindi. The rest of the time is reserved for shopping.

25. 25: Islamabad to Flight out

    Transfer to airport for flight back home.

Included and not included

As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.

Places on this route

Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:

• Skardu
• Khaplu
• Hushe Valley
• Naran & Kaghan Valley
• Islamabad & Rawalpindi

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