Pakistan Hushe Valley Trek

Hushe Valley, Pakistan · Pakistan

Challenging8 daysAsia~£2,500 est.

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Overview

The Hushe Valley is the Karakoram's beautiful back door: the jeep road from Skardu ends at Hushe village (3,050 m) under the colossal tooth of Masherbrum (7,821 m), and the trail heads north through willow thickets and the rose-briar campsites of Saicho towards two of the range's great sights. First Laila Peak, a 6,096 m spear of granite and ice that may be the most photogenic mountain in Pakistan; then, from Khuspang camp, the pre-dawn climb to Gondogoro La (5,585 m). At sunrise from the pass the Baltoro throne room stands in line — K2, Broad Peak and both Gasherbrums, four 8,000ers at once. The pass is serious: fixed ropes on the steep flank, crampons and ice axe required, and rockfall builds with the sun, so be on top early. Crossing over to Concordia makes it the full circuit and needs the trekking permit and registered guide; an out-and-back from Hushe trims the paperwork. June to August only. Around £2,500 for eight days with guide, porters and Skardu transfers. Balti hospitality in Hushe — apricots, salt tea, mountain gossip — deserves a rest day of its own.