Town or village
Askole
Shigar district · 3,048 m
Askole, at 3,048 m, is the last village before the ice, and the friendly start of every Baltoro trek.
Askole, called Askoli in the guidebook, is the last village in the Braldu valley reached by a jeep road, and it is the base for everyone trekking to K2. The Braldu valley begins some 40 km north of Shigar, surrounded by snow capped peaks and the largest glaciers outside the polar regions. It was once a track joining Skardu with Yarkand and Ladakh, used by merchants on their way to Kashmir.
Kind Town or villageDistrict ShigarElevation 3,048 mPosition 35.681° N, 75.816° E
About Askole
The village is made of traditional Balti houses set close together, with winding paths between them, and it is a joy to wander. The Askoli House Museum explains the history and culture of the area through objects and artefacts, and it is a good way to get to know the people before you set off.
According to tradition, Askoli was founded in the 16th century by three brothers who came from Yarkand. The village tribes take their names from the brothers: Sangar, Goud and Chow.
This is where your trek comes together. The porter team is made up here, loads are weighed and the last shops are visited. The shops sell basic supplies such as flour and kerosene, and some used or left over climbing equipment. On our K2 itinerary, the jeep drive from Skardu takes seven hours, and the first walking day begins from here.
Elsewhere in Shigar
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
Town or village · 2,300 m
Shigar
Shigar is the valley that leads to K2, and its 17th century fort is now a beautiful hotel.
- 2,250 m
Safari ground
Sarfaranga
Sarfaranga is a cold desert on the Shigar river, where the annual jeep rally doubles as a festival of culture.
- 4,000 m
Glacier
Biafo Glacier
The Biafo is sixty seven kilometres of ice from Askole to Snow Lake, a true glacier journey on foot.
- 4,600 m
Base camp
Concordia
Concordia, at 4,600 m, puts four eight thousanders in view from a single camp on the ice.
Summit · 8,611 m
K2
K2 is 8,611 m high, the second highest mountain on earth and one of the great sights of the Karakoram.
- 7,821 m
Summit
Masherbrum
Masherbrum is 7,821 m, called K1 on the original Survey of India sheets, and it is the great view from Khaplu and Hushe.
- 5,585 m
Pass
Gondogoro La
Gondogoro La is a 5,585 m col, crossed at sunrise on fixed ropes, with four eight thousanders behind you.