Summit
Masherbrum
Shigar district · 7,821 m
Masherbrum is 7,821 m, called K1 on the original Survey of India sheets, and it is the great view from Khaplu and Hushe.
Masherbrum is a mountain of the Karakoram that rises across the valley from Khaplu, and its icy peaks give Khaplu much of its character. The Survey of India first labelled it K1, which shows how early in the mapping of the range it was measured.
Kind SummitDistrict ShigarElevation 7,821 mPosition 35.643° N, 76.308° E
About Masherbrum
In the Hushe valley it is visible without any trek at all, which is a treat for a peak of this size. That makes Hushe a wonderful place to sit with a cup of tea and simply look at it.
If you want to go closer, the guidebook lists a Masherbrum Base Camp trek from Hushe, by way of Wesuk, Dumsum, Paarbisan, Pashuka, Brumbrama and Chogospang. It takes four days, covers 19.2 km one way, and tops out at 4,280 m. It is graded moderate.
On the Baltoro approach, you see Masherbrum again from Urdukas, which our itinerary calls the classic Masherbrum camp.
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.
- 3,048 m
Town or village
Askole
Askole, at 3,048 m, is the last village before the ice, and the friendly start of every Baltoro trek.
- 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.
- 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.