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Trango Tower Pakistan 2019-20

Name: TRANGO TOWER PAKISTAN
Brand: Trango Adventure
SKU: 1557
Price: 4000 USD
Availability: instock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Trango Tower is a 6,286 meter high mountain, which is located north of Baltoro Glacier in the Karakoram Mountains range of Pakistan. Trango Tower offer some of the largest cliffs and most challenging rock climbing, every year a number of expeditions from around the world visit Karakoram to climb this difficult granite.

HIGHLIGHTS

One of the world’s top Climbing Adventure.
Spectacular Views of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums.
Walking holiday to Concordia and the Baltoro Glacier.
Experience the picturesque Shigar Valley in Pakistan.
Stunning wild and remote scenery.

OVERVIEW

Trango Tower climbing expeditions registration is now open for 2020. Trango Towers are a family of Solid rock towers in Pakistan. These towers at the Elevation: 6,286 meter offer some of the largest cliffs and most challenging rock climbing in the world. Climbing Trango Tower consider to be tough due to the combination of altitude, total height of the routes, and the steepness of the rock. All climbing routes are highly technical.

Trango Adventures operates a 40-46 days long Trango Tower expedition. We offer all included logistic services until Trango Tower base camp. The Climbing duration may be longer or shorter depending on the client’s experience and ability.

Our Trango Tower Expedition starts from Islamabad. Islamabad is the purpose build capital city of Pakistan. Your guide will meet and Greet you at the Islamabad International Airport. We will transfer you to the hotel and have a group briefing in the afternoon about the Trango Tower expedition. (Subject to Weather) Next day you will catch the (45 minutes) spectacular mountains view flights to Skardu. On route you will have the first glimpse of the great Nanga Parbat, K2 and the other stunning Himalayan & Karakoram Mountain Peaks. After checking in to the Hotel, rest of the day is for sightseeing and preparation for the Expedition. Skardu is the Capital of Baltistan and it is the getaway to Trango Tower Pakistan, K2, Deosai Plato, Mashabrum Peaks and many other famous Karakoram Peaks. In Skardu Trekkers and Climber usually do their Finale purchasing and top ups for their journeys. After a day of final preparation and briefing at the Tourism Department of Gilgit Baltistan you will be driving to Askole (3,000m), along the Mighty Indus, Shigar and Braldu River to reach Askoli. Askoli is the last village of the valley before entering into the wilderness of the Karakorum. After spending your first night in the tent under the starry canvas, you will begin your first day of walking towards Trango Tower Base Camp. At the snout of the Baltoro Glacier the trail divides, you will take the left branch to the Base Camp of Trango Tower. En-route you will enjoy spectacular views and gigantic mountain panorama including Paiyu Peak (6,660 m), Uli Biaho Tower (6,417m), Lillie, Urdukas Peak, Gasherbrum IV (7,925m), Mitre Peak (6025m) and many more. The amphitheatre provides an ideal venue to appreciate some of the world most inspiring and unique mountain vistas. After few days of trekking you will arrive at the base camp where you will spend one month acclimatising and climbing. Your Trango Tower Expedition climbing session will officially starts from here onwards. Our staff will be based at the base camp through out the Trango Tower climbing period. We will be giving you full back up support. After completing the climbing session of “Trango Tower expedition” you will follow the same routes back to Islamabad. You will spend one night in Islamabad then take a flight to your home country.

BRIEF ITINERARY

D-1

Arrival Day In Islamabad, Pakistan:

D-2

Spectacular Flight to Skardu (2,230m):

D-3

Sightseeing & Preparation Day, Skardu:

D-4

Drive To Askoli (3,000 m), 7 Hours :

D-5

Trek To Korfong (3,100m) 4 Hours Walking:

D-6

Trek To Bardumal (3,350m) 6 Hours Walking:

D-7

Trek To Paju (3,380m) 6 Hours walking):

D-8

Trek To Base Camp (4,900m) 7-8 Hours Walking:

9-39

Acclimatisation & Climbing Period:

D-40

Trek To Paju (3,380m) 5-6 Hours Walking:

D-41

Trek To Jhola, (3,170m) 7 Hours Walking:

D-42

Trek To Askoli (3,050 m) 3-4 Hours Walking:

D-43

Drive To Skardu Via Shigar Valey, 7 Hours Drive:

D-44

Fly To Islamabad,

D-45

Contingency day in case of delays - Islamabad:

D-46

Fly Back Home:

Map of Trango Tower Expedition.

Introduction.

Trango Adventure has a long track record of organising Trango Tower Expedition in Pakistan. We have had groups successfully climbed Trango Tower on previous occasions. We designed our itinerary based on over 40 Years of experience, which is the best in terms of acclimatization, safety and enjoyment. It is our intention to keep to the day by day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary in order to minimize your inconvenience.

Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in team is an important aspect of all of our trips.

DETAILED ITINERARY

D-1

Arrival Day In Islamabad, Pakistan:

Most of the international flights arrives at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport, then you will be transfer to the hotel. Rest of the days is free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Trango Tower Pakistan Expedition. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
D

D-2

Spectacular Flight to Skardu (2,230m):

If the flight is cancel, we will drive on KKH to Chilas, Isb to Chilas, 461km. 8-9 H-Drive

Today we travel to Islamabad Airport to take a spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu, the Capital of Baltistan. It’s a 45 minute flight which offers Spectacular Mountains views of Himalaya & Karakoram mountain range, you can also enjoy the breathtaking views of world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8126m), if weather is clear then we might be able to see K2 and Gondogoro Pass as well. Check in to the Hotel, res of the day will be spent visiting the local Bazar, historical forts, scenic lakes or visiting ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who had influence in the area before Islam.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
BLD

D-3

Sightseeing & Preparation Day, Skardu:

In the morning you will walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (builded early 1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If you are into photography then this is a perfect location to take photos of Skaradu Town at sunrise or sunset. (we can arrange this for you). We will then walk to a small village, called Organic village, which grows all its crops organically. The afternoon is free to explore. perhaps you would like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the bazaar.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
BLD

D-4

Drive To Askoli (3,000m) 7 Hours:

Following day you will drive along the Mighty Indus, Shigar and Braldu River to the lush green Shigar Valley towards Askoli. Askoli is the last village before entering into the heart of Karakoram. We will spend our first night under the Stars in Askoli, which is high above the thundering Braldu River. Askole is a single street of wooden houses, backed by irrigated fields of corn, potatoes and groves of apricot trees.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

D-5

Trek To Korfong (3,100m) 4 Hours:

Today will be your first walking day of Trango Tower Expedition. After organising all the equipment and supplies our porters load up for the journey ahead towards Korgong. From our campsite we wend our way through the lanes and fields of Askole which will be the last settlement that we will encounter on our trek to Concordia. Watching the local people go about their daily business is a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the hardy Balti people. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glaciers, we have our first taste of moraine walking, we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to the green spot beside the river at Korofon. We will be in camp by lunchtime we can spend the afternoon relaxing by the river, and also do a short acclimatization walk if we wish. If the weather is clear then it can be a hot day so keep your sun creams and lots of water with you.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

D-6

Trek To Bardumal (3,350m) 6 Hours:

From Korofong we continue our Day by following the path up a side valley to do a detour to cross the fast flowing river by a foot bridge. We then walk for another half an hour or so to reach the Jhola Camp. The views are impressive with Bakhor Das (5,809m) and Paiju Peak’s needles in the distance. From Jhola we continue onto Bardumal campsite.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

D-7

Trek To Paju (3,380m) 6 Hours:

Today we will have an early start from Bardumla. The path runs for a while at the very edge of the river, before climbing to higher ground and allowing us excellent views of the impressive Paiju Peak. We have to negotiate a couple of streams today and depending on the melting of the glaciers above, we may have to ford these (sports sandals or old trainers useful). Paiju is a green oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak (6,611m). From this camp we have the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier, granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups, and if the weather is clear then might see a glimpse of k2.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

D-8

Trek To Base Camp (4,900m) 8 Hours:

From our camp at Paiju, a walk of approximately one hour brings us to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. After viewing the outpouring of melt water from the ice we now climb up onto the back of this great beast. At this point the ice of the glacier is completely covered by rubble and rocks and although we are following a trail used by many expeditions, the going here can be quite tough. The trail undulated as we climb over the swells of the flowing glacier and it is fascinating to think that the stones underfoot could have come from the summit of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum or K2. Gradually we work our way across the glacier to its south side where we can use a path along lateral moraine. Heading roughly east we continue, sometimes on the moraine and sometimes down beside the glacier until we reach a side valley. At the snout of the Baltoro Glacier the trail divides. We will take the left branch to the BC of Trango Tower. En-route we will enjoy spectacular views and gigantic mountain panorama including Paiyu Peak (6660m), Uli Biaho Tower (6417m), Liligo, Urdukas Peak, Gasherbrum IV (7,925m), Mitre Peak (6025m) and etc. The amphitheatre provides an ideal venue to appreciate some of the most inspiring and unique mountain vistas in the world. Finally we are at the Base Camp of Great Trango Tower and hard work has paid off with a sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, the Trango Group and the striking rock tower of Uli Biaho.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

9-39

Acclimatisation & Climbing Period:

Non guided climbing of Trango Tower will start from today onwards. During the climbing period of Trango Tower our staff will be at base camp to help and assist you.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

D-40

Trek To Paju (3,380m) 6 Hours:

After the climbing period of Trango Tower, we will continue our trek on the Baltoro Glacier with spectacular views of the Trango Towers towards Paiju. As on our approach we have to detour to the south in order to cross the Liligo Glacier. This glacier defies world trends in that it is steadily growing. Twenty years ago its snout was half a mile up the valley and now it has collided with the main Baltoro Glacier, with the result that the churning forces have made it impossible to cross without the detour.

Having made the detour and returned to the main Baltoro Glacier, we now cross to its north side, climbing over the huge swells of the glacier towards the ramparts of Uli Biaho. On the other side we then work our way down to the valley where we pick up the main trail and pass by the snout where the underground river which flows through the length of the glacier erupts out in a cascade to become the Braldu. The last hour of the day is an easy walk on a good path although there is a final uphill pull to reach the campsite. On our first arrival here we relished the prospect of a cooler climate ahead. Now we will welcome its warmth! We will spend our night at the green oasis of Paiju.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

D-41

Trek To Jhola, (3,170m) 7 Hours Walking:

Now we are off the glacier and at a lower elevation it is considerably warmer and we may make an early start to use the cool of the morning. Leaving Paiju we walk on a good trail down the valley. Once again it is surprising how different the experience is compared to our ascent. The trail rises and falls as we cross several alluvial fans. We have to cross some side streams today, mostly using makeshift bridges or stepping-stones but it may be necessary also to wade across, especially later in the day. The source of all these streams is meltwater and so they grow bigger as the day gets warmer. At one point the trail passes close to the river beside walls of conglomerate and it is possible to feel its tremendous power. We follow the main Braldu River downstream to its confluence with the Panma River where we turn north-east to reach a camping place beside the toll bridge at the place known as Jhola.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

D-42

Trek To Askoli (3,050m) 4 Hours:

This will be our final day of Trango Tower Expedition climbing period and our return to civilisation after few weeks in the wilderness. Soon we will follow a pleasant trail which leads down to the little ablation area beside the Biafo Glacier known as Korofon, surrounded by sparse grasses and tamarisk bushes. Beyond Korofon we first follow the glacial moraine of the Biafo and then walk beside the river that issues from its snout until we reach a bridge which allows us to cross to its north side. The trail passes through a wide flat area known locally as the ‘King’s Polo Ground’ before climbing to pass through a convenient cleft in a ridge of rock which threatens to bar further progress down the valley. Descending steeply down the other side of this ‘window’, we have a pleasant stroll through a boulder-strewn landscape before climbing once again up onto a shallow plateau. We cross several small side valleys and begin to see various signs of habitation before reaching an irrigation channel bring meltwater to the field of Askole. We follow the channel for a while and can appreciate the tremendous skill of the local people who have harnessed the distant snows to grow their crops in a high altitude desert. Eventually we reach green fields and stone walls which lead us into the village. Most of our porters are from Askole and will be pleased to be home. To reach our campsite at the road head, we must first walk through the outlying fields and then descend from the little plateau on which the village is located.

Today we can celebrate the success of our Trango Tower Expedition with the porters and hand out their tips as a token of our appreciations for their hard work throughout the trek. Also, we often give them any spare kit that we no longer needed which is also a way of saying thank You. Most of our porters are from this village so later on at the campsite we will say goodbye to our crew who are now our friends and we will perhaps have a final party here.

ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
MEALS
BLD

D-43

Drive To Skardu Via Shigar Valey, 7 Hours:

Our vehicles will already be waiting for us in Askole so we make an early start for the return drive to Skardu. Crossing the Braldu on a suspension bridge we follow the remarkable road built through the Braldu Gorge. It is not uncommon for this road to be blocked by landslide and we may have to change vehicles if the road is blocked. If this is the case we will retain some of our porters to transfer the bags while we walk across any landslide areas. Once we have climbed up out of the gorge at the other end the road improves as we travel down the fertile Shigar Valley to its confluence with the Indus. Now we have a faster, smoother journey on a paved road following the great Indus River into Skardu. Arriving in the town we will check in to our hotel and there will be time for a welcome shower and clean up before sitting down to dinner. Tonight we will enjoy the comfort of a real bed.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
BLD

D-44

Fly To Islamabad,

If the weather is clear then will take the flight to Islamabad. Skardu airport is a 40 minute drive from the hotel along a good road lined with poplar trees. Boarding our plane we have an exciting flight out of the valley, once again passing by Nanga Parbat before turning south for Islamabad. Arriving in the Pakistani capital after a period in the mountains is always a strange experience and it takes a little time to get used to the hustle and bustle and especially the traffic. Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to transfer us to the group hotel and once we have settled in it will be time to take lunch (unless we have experienced unusual flight delays). After lunch the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing or to relax at the hotel. Your Guide will advise you on the possibilities for sightseeing. Shopping for hand-made Iranian & Afghan rugs is a usually popular option. This evening we come together again for a celebratory meal at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

In Case of Flight cancellation we will drive down the Karakoram Highway. We will arrive in Chillas late afternoon.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
BLD

D-45

Contingency day in case of delays - Islamabad:

If driving down the Karakoram Highway we will arrive to Islamabad late afternoon. If we managed to fly the day before then we will spend today sightseeing in Islamabad. In the evening we will have a final group meal.

Skardu is a ‘weather dependent’ airport which means the planes will only fly here if the visibility allows line of sight to the runway by the pilot on the approach. Fortunately the weather is mostly clear in the Karakoram but local weather conditions can bring cloud and rain from time to time. If we cannot fly we will travel down to Islamabad by road along the spectacular Karakoram Highway. If we flew up to Skardu this will be an added bonus as it is a fantastic travel experience in its own right. The drive down the Indus River to Islamabad takes two days so this is an important contingency day to allow for this. If we have flown to Islamabad this will be a further day for sightseeing in the capital and your leader will advise the group on the options available for today.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
BLD

D-46

Fly Back Home:

After Breakfast you will be Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the flight back home.

End of “Trango Tower Expedition” .

Trango Tower Expedition Date & Prices 2019-20

Groups – Chose your own Dates

Expedition Starts From Islamabad – Domestic Flight Inc.

BEST SEASON	TYPE	PRICE (USD)	DEPOSIT
JUN-JULY	FULL BOARD	US$4,000	US$ 800
AUG-SEP	FULL BOARD	US$4,000	US$ 800

Trango Tower Expedition dates and prices are for the itinerary based on flight from Islamabad To Islamabad. Group Discounts are available to please contact us before booking. International flights from most cities of the world arrives in Islamabad in the morning, Return flights will depart from Islamabad International airport on the last day of the itinerary. We recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Please note that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE:

The price of our Trango Tower Expedition can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, Trango Advneture have undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee’. Trango Adventure is a Government licensed and bonded tour operator to follow the strict Regulation set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.

We accept Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.

Trango Tower Pakistan 2019-20

Climbing A Mountain In Pakistan.

Pakistan occupies about 880,000 square kilometers of land, it is stretch from the Arabian sea to the high mountains of the Central Asia. Pakistan is a country of contrasts: expansive dusty plains to the high snowy peaks of the Karakoram and the Himalaya in Gilgit Baltistan. Here the world three Great mightiest mountain ranges meet: the Karakoram, the Handukush and the Himalayas. This region is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking mountains. The five of the fourteen highest peaks of the world are here, the mountains of the mountain K2 (8,611), the Magnificent Nanga Parbat (8126), Hidden Peak(8080 ), Broad Peak (8047 ), and Gashebrum II ((8035m ). Gilgit Baltistan (northern areas) has also the largest Glaciers outside the polar glaciers.The scope for Climbing a Mountain in Pakistan is virtually unlimited. Climbing Holidays will depend on what type of climbing you would like to do, how much experience you have, Which season you would like to go, How many days you have available, etc. We have been organizing Expeditions in the Karakoram since 40 years so we have the expertise to help you organizing your next Climbing trip. Our expert Advisers will be happy to assist you. In Pakistan, we have to apply for climbing permits for many Peaks, so if you a know which mountain you want to climb then please let us know in good time so we can arrange this for you.

Climbing & Trekking Permit.

Once you have decided when you want to climb Trango Tower we can start the preparations and apply for the necessary permits. A trekking permit is required to reach Trango Tower because it is in the Central Karakoram National Park area(CKNP). We have extensive details of all peaks, permit fees, rules and regulations regarding climbing in Pakistan. We will take care of everything so you can focus on your Climbing.

Government Clearance.

All particulars with regard to your expedition including the details of all members must be sent to us so that we can get the government clearance for the approval of your climbing permit. Additional members can still be added or changed at a later date if needed but it is best to send everything well in advance to prevent any delays at the start of your expedition. We currently advise to apply not later than 3 months in advance as unfortunately we have noticed that the time for clearance is taking longer each year.

Helicopter Rescue Bond.

Each Trango Tower expedition has to obtain a helicopter rescue bond of US$10,000/- from Askari Aviation in order to be allowed to commence the expedition. If these rescue services are not used, the bond will be refunded after the end of the expedition minus the administration charges from Askari Aviation. We are able to assist with these arrangements if needed.

Expedition Cargo & Climbing Gear.

We will take care of all the formalities to clear your expedition cargo & safely store it before your arrival. Any charges which incur at clearance (during export or import) of your equipment will not be paid by us. All non-consumable equipment that you bring in will be duty-free if you take it back with you. You are not allowed to trade in it. The consumable goods are similarly duty-free as long as they are used for the purpose they have been brought in for. The unconsumed materials have to be re-exported. We have a selection of well-maintained climbing materials which we are renting out to expeditions and items for sale like different variations of climbing rope and gas canisters.

Base Camp Staff

There will be a complete kitchen team to take care of Trango Tower expedition members at your base camp and of course on the trek to and from Base Camp. The number of staff depends on the number of climbers. However, for our normal expeditions ranging from 10-15 members, we provide one head-cook, one assistant-cook and one or two helpers who take care of base camp services. We are also able to arrange experienced high altitude porters to assist you during your climb, kindly inquire well in advance so that we can hire the best High Altitude Porters for you.

Cancellation.

In case you have to cancel your expedition plans or want to postpone your trip, the climbing permit fee will be forfeited. It cannot be carried forward to a future trip or be re-funded. The climbing permit/ trekking fee is refunded if the government cancels a permit for some reason. Cost related to our services will be (partially) refunded based on our Terms & Conditions.

What is Included.

Clearance of cargo before arrival of the team and its storage.
English speaking government licence mountain Guide.
Trekking & Climbing Permits
Arrange Porters and their wages and their food.
Assistance with visa application and provide all the supporting documents.
Assistance upon arrival/departure. Official Briefing/Debriefing.
Hotel accommodation in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas and Skardu. (2 person per room sharing basis on two separate beds) Single room could be arrange at extra $40 per room.
All meals from Islamabad & during trek and at B.C. as per itinerary.
Road transfers between airport/hotel and within city as per itinerary.
Road transfer Skardu – Askoli – Skardu
Flight/Road transfer Islamabad-Skardu-Islamabad
Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees. Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel and related community gear.
Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook and assistant(s).
Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue).
Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes and parking fee etc.
Mail handling/forwarding to BC/overseas except postage charges.
confirmation of air tickets (domestic).
Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s) and any other crew as per requirement.
The team arranges the wages and kit.

What’s not included.

High altitude porters/any crew above BC.
Tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp including high altitude food and oxygen.
Medications, ground evacuations and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills and items of personal nature.
Insurance liability of member (s) and other under force major conditions by Government of Pakistan.

Meal Plan

Fully inclusive of all meals throughout, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on departure day.

Accommodation

During this trip the group will spend 2-3 nights in Islamabad at a good standard hotel. The group will also have a night in a tourist standard hotel in Skardu before and after the trekking. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. Whilst on trek there will be a share base camping in 2-person tents. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same-sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on trek for an additional cost. Please note single tent hire does not include single rooms in hotels. For the hotel nights, single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and single supplement costs please contact our Advisers. Hotels rooms are subject to availability and prices may vary.

Internal flights

SKARDU FLIGHTS

Skardu is a weather-dependent airport. Since the valley is completely surrounded by high mountains, planes can only land here in good visibility and this means flights to and from Skardu are never guaranteed. The planes do fly more often than not, but cancellations can and do occur and in these circumstances we will travel by road. If we did not do this groups would risk being stranded in Islamabad and you should beware of companies that say they will only fly to Skardu as this may mean you have no possibility of trekking. See our ‘Important Note’ about travel on the Karakoram Highway for more details.

Health & Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specific require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK 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 Skardu and in the mountains there is no malaria risk. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transmitted for more than 12 hrs through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

INSURANCE

We highly recommend that you have adequate travel insurance for your trip with Trango Adventure Pakistan. We recognise the complexity and variety of choice in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your own preferred insurer or have annual multi trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Trango Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.

Trango Adventure do not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is Highly recommended that you have travel insurance which covers the activities which you are likely to be undertaking on your holiday.

It is strongly recommended that suitable cancellation insurance is purchased at the time of booking as all deposits (Royalty Fees) for Expedition are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Suggested insurance companies include:

Expeditions or Treks

HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC Tel: +1-800 605 2282
Travelex Insurance Services Tel: +1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Insurance Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Snowcard Tel: +44 (0)1295 660836
The B.M.C. Tel: +44 (0)161 445 6111 (please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag Tel: 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
World Nomads (up to 6000m)
Insure for Less (Australians only)

Treks only:

Campbell Irvine Tel: +44 (0)207 938 1737
Rothwell & Towler Tel: +44 (0)845 908 0161
J S Insurance Tel: +44 (0)844 848 1500

Group Leader & Support Staff

The group will be led by an experienced Mountain Guide. During the trek the group will be accompanied by a full support crew, assistant Guide a cook and kitchen crew, as well as porters to carry all equipment and personal trek bags.

Altitude

Trango Tower Expedition takes you to very high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be spending at least one night above 4,000 metres and/or trekking to 5,000 metres or above. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatize successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude on our website which can be viewed via the link below. Unless you have previous experience of trekking above 4000 metres you should consult one of our trekking experts before embarking on this holiday.

Climate

From mid June to August, we can expect to encounter temperatures as high as 30°C at Skardu and 25°C at Hushe and Askole. In June and early July there will be a good covering of snow on the slopes leading to and from the Gondoro la and we may also encounter snow on the upper part of the Baltoro. Above 4,000 metres snow can fall at any time of the year. At any time of the season the night-time temperature above 4000 metres are likely to drop to freezing or below and at our highest camps may reach minus 10 or 15°C. The weather is generally good throughout the summer season, with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, weather in mountainous areas is difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time of the year.

Books

Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
Karakoram Highway. King.
Top Treks of the World. Steve Razzetti.
In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.

Passport & Visas

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit.

VISA PAKISTAN

All nationalities require a visa. The visa fee is approximately $150 and you must apply for it prior to departure. To obtain a visa for Pakistan you will require a letter of introduction from an approved agency which will be provided by Trango Adventure. For some treks you will also be required to submit a copy of the group ‘Restricted Area’ permit which will be provided by Trango. Visa applications can be made ONLINE or in person at the Pakistan consulate/Embassy in your home country. Fore more information about the visa please visit our Blog & News section.

Equipment List

We will send you a detailed list of items close to your Holiday departure. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Anything not required on the trek can be left at the group hotel in Islamabad or Skardu. Please note that your mountaineering equipment will be packed into additional, communal kitbags at the start of the trekking and this equipment will not be part of your personal 12.5 kgs weight limit.

If you would like to more about the “Trango Tower Pakistan Expedition” then Please contact our advisers at info@trangoadventure.com