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Skardu
Skardu
4:21 am, Oct 6, 2024
temperature icon 12°C
overcast clouds
Humidity 83 %
Pressure 1004 mb
Wind 10 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 0 mph
Clouds Clouds: 100%
Visibility Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise Sunrise: 7:10 am
Sunset Sunset: 6:27 pm

K1 Basecamp Trek – The Queen Of Karakoram

0
  • Group : 2-12 pepole
  • Max Elevation 4200 m / 13800 ft (more)
  • Trip Style: Basecamp / Soft / Trekking
  • Walking Distance: 31 km / 19 miles
  • Difficulty Level 6 - Beyond The Valley Adventures
    Difficulty Level:4/10
  • Join in Islamabad
  • Hotel (Nights)06
  • Hiking Mileage
    Camps (Night) 4
  • MealsFull Board
  • Trip Length: 11 days

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the rich cultural heritage of secluded valleys.
  • Witness the spectacular high mountain peaks such as Masherbrum, Haldi Cones, Laila Peak and
    many more
  • Drive along the mighty Indus and Shyok Rivers.
  • Enjoy the traditional food throughout the holiday.
  • Visit forts including the Kharpocho Fort and Khaplu Fort
  • Exploring villages to observe the everyday lives of the locals and engage with their customs, such as visiting Organic Village, Yugo Village, and Hushe Village
  • Immerse in the beauty of nature on this captivating multi-day trek
  • Experience the pleasure of camping in a pristine natural setting.
  • Enjoy trekking to Masherbrum Glacier for a unique walking experience in the heart of nature
  • Experience a profound sense of accomplishment as you reach the Masherbrum Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 4,200 meters. (Masherbrum is the 22nd highest mountain worldwide and the 9th highest in Pakistan.)

Description

Baltistan is a beautiful valley in the Karakoram range and a famous destination for adventure and cultural travels. This region is known as the mountaineers’ paradise. Four of the 14 peaks above 8000m high are situated in the Baltistan region, and hundreds of 7000 m high mountains, along with world-famous trekking routes, are also located in Baltistan. It is also home to several diversified cultures, ethnic groups, and languages. Baltistan has colorful flowers, gushing streams, emerald lakes, lush green pastures, apricot orchids, and the always smiling & and welcoming Balti people.

 

Masherbrum Peak, standing tall at 7,821 meters, boasts a distinctive and awe-inspiring shape, with its snow-capped summit invoking both fear and admiration. Once you venture beyond the tranquil Hushe village, the commanding presence of Masherbrum becomes all-encompassing, setting the stage for a remarkable trek that takes you to the summer pastures of Hushe villagers.

 

The journey to Masherbrum Base Camp offers a relatively gentle trek, commencing from the Hushe Valley and meandering through the village’s lush crop fields. On the initial day, the trekking path remains mostly flat, with the following day presenting a combination of flat terrain and some moderately steep sections leading to Brumbramah. Beyond that point, the trail continues with a mixture of both flat stretches and moderate inclines, ending in a day where you’ll traverse a small glacier.

 

Throughout your expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to set up camp at picturesque sites, positioned in the heart of the natural environment, with towering mountain peaks as your backdrop. Upon reaching the base camp, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking vistas and the presence of alpine flowers adorning the campsite. In summary, this trek is one of the shorter, more accessible, and finest routes within the Karakoram range.

Photos - K1 Basecamp Trek

Trip Itinerary

Day 1Islamabad Arrival

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Participants can use free time to relax and recover from the journey. Following lunch at the hotel, a tour briefing will be conducted. Later in the day, there will be a visit to the market for essential shopping and currency exchange. The itinerary also includes visits to the Lok Virsa Museum and the Shah Faisal Mosque.

 

Islamabad City - K1 Basecamp Trek
Islamabad Airport - K1 Basecamp Trek

Margalla Islamabad - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Hotel

Altitude
540m/1770ft

Driving Duration
1-2 Hours

Meals Included
Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2Islamabad – Skardu

Today, our journey begins with an exciting o 01 scenic flight, where you can enjoy amazing views of the mighty Nanga Parbat and other mountain peaks. Once we land, we’ll be transferred into a local vehicle, travel to Skardu, and check into the hotel. Our exploration continues with a visit to Skardu bazaar for essential shopping and a trip to Mathal Rock Budha. A 50-minute walk leads us to Nansoq village, Baltistan’s first organic village, steeped in history with visits from King Charles and Prince Aga Khan IV. This tranquil settlement, boasting 11 homes and 92 inhabitants, creates a serene atmosphere. Explore the area, enjoy time with a host family, and hike back to Skardu (50 minutes). The evening unfolds with leisure time and an overnight stay.

 

OR

 

In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad to Chilas (10 – 12 hours) via Karakoram Highway with short stops.

 

Skardu Airport - K1 Basecamp Trek
Skardu Flight - K1 Basecamp Trek

Skardu Mountain - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Hotel

Altitude
2250m / 7380ft

Driving Duration
02 hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3Skardu - Hushe

Drive to Hushey (5 hours) through charming Baltistan villages. Get ready to be amazed by the beautiful mountains and rivers like Indus and Shyok on our way to the captivating Ghanche district. Our route boasts captivating highlights, including brief stops at Thorgo Pari (10 minutes), the attractive Shayok River and Indus River meeting point (20 minutes), and a delightful 10–20-minute walk across a suspension bridge at Keris.

 

Once we reach Yugo village, our local guide will lead us through the agricultural sites and the residential area, offering a unique opportunity to engage with their way of life. This village visit will take approximately 2 hours. It will encompass activities like picking fresh fruits, observing the local organic farming methods, and conversing with local people, artisans, and elders to gain insights into their daily routines. We’ll then explore the settlement area and visit a traditional water flour mill. We’ll enjoy some healthy Balti cuisine prepared by local women for our lunch.

 

Next, we’ll head to Hushey Valley, passing through the lovely villages of Sailing, Machulo, and more. Once we arrive, we’ll check into the hotel, and you’ll have some free time in the evening.

 

Balti Kid - K1 Basecamp Trek
Khaplu Road - K1 Basecamp Trek

Hushe valley - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Hotel

Altitude
2950m / 9676ft

Driving Duration
05 hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4Hushe - Dumsum

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, our day will start with a trek towards Dumsum. Along the way, we’ll have short stops at various picturesque spots to take in the overwhelming scenery. Our journey will commence in the Hushe Valley, where we’ll cross a wooden bridge and walk through crop fields, observing the local farmers at work. We’ll then continue on an undemanding path leading to our designated campsite.

 

Our campsite at Dumsum is a beautiful site with lush greenery and juniper trees; we’ll set up our tents. A natural spring is conveniently situated nearby, providing a refreshing water source.

 

Following a satisfying lunch, we can either embark on a trek to the Aling glacier or immerse ourselves in the serenity of the natural surroundings. Our night will be spent in the tranquil ambiance of the campsite.

 

Masherbrum Stream - K1 Basecamp Trek
Aling - K1 Basecamp Trek

Dumsum - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Full-service camping

Altitude
3400m / 11150ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Elevation Gain
450 m / 1476 ft

Hiking Mileage
06 km / 3.7 miles

Activity Duration
03 hours

Day 5Dumsum - Brumbramah

Following a satisfying breakfast at the campsite, our journey towards Brumbramah will commence. We’ll begin our trek from Dumsum, passing through lush juniper trees and a tamarisk jungle, making multiple stops.

 

After about one and a half hours of trekking, we’ll approach a more challenging terrain, the glacier moraine near the snout of the Masherbrum glacier. We’ll then continue to negotiate a steep section, encountering a mix of flat and steep surfaces leading us to our campsite.

 

Brumbramah is a picturesque campsite surrounded by high mountain peaks. To the south, we’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that unveil the rocky spires and sheer cliffs of the Masherbrum Glacier. To the north, the majestic Masherbrum Peak will dominate the landscape, capturing your attention.

 

During the trek, we’ll have the opportunity to engage with the friendly Balti porters and shepherds, immersing ourselves in their local culture. Traditional Balti music and dance by porters will add a touch of festivity to our journey, providing insights into Balti culture. The day will conclude with a delightful dinner, and we’ll spend the night in the camps.

 

Brumbramah - K1 Basecamp Trek
Night Camp - K1 Basecamp Trek

Towards Brumbramah - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Full-service camping

Altitude
3900m / 12790ft

Hiking Mileage
06 km / 4.9 miles

Hiking Elevation Gain
500 m / 1640 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activity Duration
04 hours

Day 6Brumbramah – Masherbrum Base Camp

Today’s trek is notably more manageable and shorter than yesterday. However, we’ll still ascend by 300 meters and cross a small glacier, reaching an elevation of over 4,000 meters when we establish our campsite at 4,200 meters. Reaching this point will be a source of accomplishment and fulfillment.

 

You can relish some leisure time to explore the surroundings and undertake nearby hikes. This area is renowned for its exquisite alpine flora, making it an excellent spot for flower enthusiasts. As the day draws to a close, savor the beauty of the sunset, and you’ll spend the night in your comfortable campsite.

 

Coffee at BC - K1 Basecamp Trek
k1 Base Camp - K1 Basecamp Trek

K1 Summit - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Full-service camping

Altitude
4200m / 13780ft

Hiking Mileage
04 km / 2.5 miles

Hiking Elevation Gain
300 m / 980 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activity Duration
3-4 hours

Day 7Masherbrum Base Camp - Dumsum

We’ll retrace our steps to Dumsum at 3,400 meters, following the same path with brief pauses to capture the picturesque landscapes through photography. Descending is generally less strenuous than ascending, but it does require careful attention to prevent slipping. Our guide will provide instructions before we begin the descent.

 

Returning to the campsite, we’ll have leisure time to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

 

Dumsum - K1 Basecamp Trek
Brumbramah - K1 Basecamp Trek

Dumsum Campsite - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Full-service camping

Altitude
3400m / 11150ft

Hiking Mileage
10 km / 6.2 miles

Hiking Elevation Loss
800 m / 2625 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activity Duration
05 hours

Day 8Dumsum – Hushe - Skardu

We’ll trek back to Hushe following the same route, passing through the village’s crop fields. Once we arrive, we’ll have some leisure time to relax and freshen up at the hotel. Afterward, we’ll resume our journey to Skardu in a jeep.

 

During our drive back to Skardu, we’ll briefly stop at Khaplu Fort for lunch and explore the Khaplu Fort Museum. Our journey will then carry on towards Skardu with short stops at various tourist attractions along the way. We’ll spend the night at a hotel in Skardu.

 

kanday - K1 Basecamp Trek
Hushe valley - K1 Basecamp Trek

K1 - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Hotel

Altitude
2250m / 7380ft

Driving Duration
4-5 hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Mileage
06 km / 3.7 miles

Hiking Elevation Loss
450 m / 1476 ft

Activity Duration
02 hours

Day 9Skardu – Islamabad

Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport in the morning and take a scenic 1-hour flight to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy some leisure time. Explore notable attractions such as the Pakistan Monument and Saipur village after lunch. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at Monal. Drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 

Skardu Airport - K1 Basecamp Trek
Skardu Departure - K1 Basecamp Trek

Nanga Parbat - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Hotel

Altitude
540m / 1770ft

Driving Duration
2-3 hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10Contingency day in case of delays

In the event that flying is not possible due to weather conditions, we will opt for a road journey from Gilgit to Islamabad. However, if we proceed with the flight, we plan to visit Taxila. We will explore the renowned Taxila Museum and various archaeological sites there, including Dharmarajika and Sirkab. With its rich historical significance, Taxila provides a captivating experience as we delve into these archaeological sites, making the most of our time there.

 

Pakistan monument - K1 Basecamp Trek
Islamabad Bazar - K1 Basecamp Trek

Islamabad Mall - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Accommodation
Hotel

Altitude
540m/1770ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration
2-3 hours

Day 11 Departure Day

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.

 

Islamabad Road - K1 Basecamp Trek
Airport Departure - K1 Basecamp Trek

Airport Longue - K1 Basecamp Trek

 

Driving Duration
40 Minutes

Altitude
540m/1770ft

Meals Included
Breakfast

Map - K1 Basecamp Trek

Holiday Information

What's Included

  • Airport transfers (on the first day and last day in Islamabad)
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Internal flights and associated airport transfers
  • All hotel accommodations (twin/double sharing)
  • All meals throughout the holidays (10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners)
  • Licensed professional local guide
  • Sightseeing and all activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • NOC/Trekking Permits/National Park permit fees
  • All entry tickets (forts, parks)
  • Up to 15 kgs of porter services per person
  • Access to the group satellite communication

What's not Included

  • Travel Insurance
  • Pakistan Visa (supporting documents will be offered)
  • International airfare
  • Personal equipment (clothes, boots, etc.)
  • Tips for guiding and supporting staff
  • Activities other than those mentioned in the trip itinerary
  • Miscellaneous expenses – drinks, refreshments/food other than meals, souvenirs, etc.

 

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

All clients arriving on day one will be met at Islamabad airport by the trip leader, who will arrange the transfer to the group hotel. Similarly, transfers will be provided back to Islamabad Airport on the final day of the holidays

Meal Plan

All meals are included in the holiday price from arrival on day 1 to departure on the last day.

Food & Water

Food is a mixture of local/traditional and Pakistani dishes available in the area. We will provide clean drinking water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single-use plastic bottles. On the trek, the food is a mixture of local and international dishes made from ingredients mostly locally purchased and cooked by our highly trained local trek cooks. Breakfasts include cereal, muesli or porridge, eggs, bread or chapatti, tea, and coffee. Lunches will be fresh and may include hot soup/noodles, rice, a curry, and chapati, or sometimes a picnic from a choice of meats, cheese, pickles, crackers, or chapattis, and finished with tea or coffee. Dinner is a three-course meal in a group ‘mess’ tent. We do routinely cater to vegetarians, but you must inform us if you wish your diet to be exclusively vegetarian. The trek kitchen provides drinking water during breakfast, at the lunch stop, and while in camp. While trekking, trail mixes and snacks will also be provided.

Special Diets

We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, non-gluten, and other specialty diets. We customize our menus depending on the group’s preferences. We never use pre-packaged meals – you can expect hearty, delicious meals that will optimally fuel and inspire you during your trip! If you have specific dietary requirements, please speak to our sales team.

Accommodation

During the holiday, the group will spend three nights in Islamabad at the Ramada Hotel or similar. The group will also spend two nights in Skardu (Concordia Motel or similar) and one night in Hushey (Refugio or similar). Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. While on the trek, four nights will be spent camping in a comfy two-person alpine tent. If you travel alone, you will be paired with another client of the same sex. Hiring a single tent while on a trek is possible for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available at an additional cost. In case of flight cancellation, the group will be accommodated in a tourist-class hotel (the best available option) on the way. Rooms will be shared, and a single room will be available at a supplementary cost.

Internal flights

Skardu Airport is weather-dependent. Since high mountains surround the valley, the planes only land here in good visibility. The planes do fly more than not, but cancellations can occur, and in these circumstances, we will travel by road.

Group Leader & Support Staff

The group leader will be a certified professional local guide. During the trek, the group will be accompanied by an entire support crew, including a cook and kitchen crew, and porters to carry all equipment and personal trek bags. This crew is drawn from local villagers who depend on working for trekking groups to supplement their subsistence income. Traveling with these friendly and hardy people is a significant part of the experience of Karakoram trekking.

Altitude

This holiday involves going to high altitudes. During your trip, you will spend at least one night above 4000 meters. You should not worry about this; the human body can adapt to various altitudes, but we follow some simple rules to acclimatize successfully.

Spending Money

Approximately USD200 (or equivalent in Euros, etc.) changed into local currency should be enough for miscellaneous expenses. It is not necessary to purchase local currency (Pakistan rupees) before your trip. Money can be changed reasonably at the airport or with authorized money changers. Since you will be changing most of your spending money into local currency soon after your arrival, we recommend you take it in cash. US dollars, Sterling, and Euros can readily be exchanged at the airport. US dollars will give you more flexibility to exchange in smaller towns or emergencies. Credit cards can be used to purchase many goods in Islamabad or Skardu and are particularly useful for more expensive items such as carpets. It is possible to withdraw cash (rupees only) from cash machines in Islamabad/Skardu using credit and debit cards.

 

Guidance on Tipping

It is usual to tip the supporting staff (guide/drivers/support staff) if you are happy with the services provided. We estimate that USD 80 –100 (in local currency equivalent) will cover this tipping aspect. Toward the end of the trek, the trip leader will help the group determine an appropriate tipping level for each crew member. Usually, this is done as a group’ thank-you’ ceremony on the final day of trekking.

Baggage Allowance

For this holiday, you should take one piece of luggage: a soft, sturdy duffel bag and a daypack. Porters will carry your bag on the trek. The packed weight of your bag while trekking, including your sleeping bag and camping mattress, should be no more than 15kg (32 pounds). It is possible to leave items not required on the trek at the group hotel in Islamabad and also in Skardu.

Equipment List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. You do not have to bring everything on the list and should use your experience and judgment, but we ask you to ensure you have the items on the mandatory list. When selecting clothing for this holiday, please be culturally sensitive. Tight-fitting or revealing clothing is not appropriate. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your bag while trekking, including your sleeping bag and mattress, should be no more than 15 kg. The porters’ limit is strictly enforced, and bags will be weighed before setting off on the trek. Anything not required on the trek can be left at the group hotel in Islamabad and Skardu.

 

You must bring the following items;

 

  1. 1 x backpack (50l+)
  2. Sturdy Hiking boots
  3. Waterproof over trousers
  4. Fleece jacket or warm jumper
  5. Waterproof jacket
  6. Warm jacket (e.g. down)
  7. Scarf or buff
  8. Sunhat
  9. Warm hat
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Gloves or mittens
  12. Headtorch and spare batteries
  13. Sun protection (including entire bloc for lips, nose, etc.)
  14. Water bottle (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single-use plastic)
  15. Sleeping bag (comfort rated -5°C)
  16. Thermarest or similar sleeping mat
  17. Waterproof backpack cover
  18. Sun protection & lip balm
  19. Toothbrush and toothpaste
  20. Antibacterial wipes (biodegradable)

Packing Check List:

 

  1. Socks
  2.  Trainers for camp use
  3. Trekking trousers
  4. Underwear
  5. Base layer shirts
  6. Shirts or T-shirts
  7. Thermal underwear
  8. long-sleeve mid-layers
  9. light down jacket
  10. Waterproof jacket/shell
  11. One pair of gloves
  12. Small towel
  13. Trekking poles (recommended)
  14. Insect repellant
  15. Wash bags and toiletries
  16. Travel clothes
  17. Repair kit – (e.g. needle, thread, or duct tape)
  18. Camera
  19. Travel documents:
    1. Passport with a valid visa
    2. Travel insurance (if available)

Travel Insurance

It is recommended that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment during your trip. When taking out insurance, please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

Health & Vaccinations

Severe Allergies

 

Please inform our office before you travel if you have a severe allergy. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment on the trip. You will need to carry your treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by leaders and staff. You should inform your leader of your allergy upon arrival and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

 

Vaccinations

 

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require vaccinations or other medical preparation before your holiday. It would help if you were up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended, e.g., diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad. However, incidences of urban transmission of malaria are extremely low. In Hunza or Skardu and the mountains, there is no malaria risk.

Passports and Visas

  • It is important to remember that you will need a passport for any BTV Adventure holiday (generally with six months remaining validity after the trip). If you don’t have a passport, apply for one soon. If you do have a passport, check the expiry date.
  • You have to apply online for your Pakistani visa; this can be done via the official NADRA website. We provide visa guidelines, visa invitation letters & required supporting documents to all clients who book a tour with us.
  • NADRA website: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/

Difficulty

  • This is a hiking trip; a good fitness level is essential. There is a small glacier traversing but no technical climbing. You must be able to hike for 4-5 hours daily. Hotel nights exceed camp nights, and trekking is usually limited to a few hours on most days.
  • For those familiar with regular exercise, consider increasing your routine by adding extra laps or taking longer walks, preferably with a day pack. If you’re not exercising regularly (2-3 times a week), starting in the weeks leading up to your departure, ideally 4-6 weeks prior is advisable. Begin with regular walks 2-3 times a week, incorporating at least one extended walk of up to 15 km. If hilly terrain is inaccessible, walking on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs is essential. Enhance your routine with general fitness exercises and other cardio-related classes, and you’ll notice significant progress in your fitness levels.

Electricity Supply & Plug

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

 

https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/

 

Recommended Reads

  • Where the Indus is Young by Dervla Murphy
  • Beyond The Mountain by Steve House
  • Three Cup of Teas by Greg Mortenson
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Max elevation

HYDRATION

There is a correlation between daily fluid intake and successful acclimatization and you must pay particular attention to hydration during trekking at high altitudes. On treks to 3000 meters and above most people will need to drink between 4 and 6 liters each day to achieve suitable hydration levels and you must adopt a responsible approach to achieving this target.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

Before embarking on a trek to high altitude it is important that you familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and that you report any illness to your tip leader straight away. See the links at the bottom of this page for further reading on AMS.

DIAMOX

There are a number of untested herbal remedies which claim to prevent mountain sickness. However, only one drug is currently known to have a useful role in preventing AMS and to be safe for this purpose: acetazolamide (Diamox). We recommend that you carry Diamox in your first aid kit for treks where you spend an extended period above 4000m. Diamox can only be obtained from a medical professional on prescription and it is important that you first consult your own doctor so that you know there are no contra indications with other medicines you may be taking and that you do not have an allergy to acetazolamide. Diamox commonly causes some minor side effects, such as tingling fingers and toes, or a metallic taste in the mouth, but more severe reactions are rare. On trek, the decision whether or not and when, you should take Diamox as with any drug, will rest solely with you. If you intend to take Diamox, you must familiarize yourself with the appropriate dosage and regime prior to coming on the trip. The links at the bottom of this page will provide further information on the use of Diamox as an aid to acclimatization.

Travelling to high altitudes is not something you need to be scared of. Every year thousands of people enjoy the most amazing experiences in the world's greatest mountain ranges. Altitude sickness is entirely preventable if you follow very simple rules and procedures. Please make sure you are aware of these before you travel.

SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs.Hiking

Distances
6-10 miBackpack Weight
25-35 lbsTerrain
Moderately RuggedMax Daily Elev. Gain
1950 ftHeights Exposure
Moderate

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Hiking uphill or downhill with a 25-35 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
  • Hiking uphill off trail with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
  • Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
  • Hiking with moderate heights exposure

To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us

GREEN 1 - 4 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

YELLOW 5 - 7 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

RED 08 - 10 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.

SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs.Hiking

Distances
6-10 miBackpack Weight
25-35 lbsTerrain
Moderately RuggedMax Daily Elev. Gain
1950 ftHeights Exposure
Moderate

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Hiking uphill or downhill with a 25-35 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
  • Hiking uphill off trail with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
  • Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
  • Hiking with moderate heights exposure
DIFFICULTY LEVEL

To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us

GREEN 1 - 4 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

YELLOW 5 - 7 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

RED 08 - 10 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.