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Walk on the Biggest Mountain Glacier on Earth: The Baltoro Glacier
The Experience
The Baltoro Glacier runs through the Karakoram range in Baltistan, Pakistan, which has the greatest concentration of peaks over 5 miles high anywhere on earth. Karakoram’s Baltoro Glacier offers a panoramic view of the K2, Trinity, Laila, and some other pinnacles of lesser heights. It is a piece of heaven on earth.
The Baltoro Glacier is 62 kilometers long: one of the longest glaciers outside of the polar regions. The melting ice from the glacier gives rise to the Shigar River—the tributary of the Indus River. Baltoro Glacier is fed by several tributary glaciers, and Concordia is the confluence of the Baltoro and the Godwin Austen. Several people come to Concordia to trek, which starts at the K2 base camp. These are the most popular trekking destinations, and the best way to approach is from Balti in Skardu.
Baltoro Glacier is in the form of a wide trough, and is an environment where dynamic changes are taking place with the melting ice and the formation of new glaciers. However, in order to view these glaciers you should be fit and willing to trek through tough landscapes. Some people train for this kind of trekking holiday in the mountains. If you invest time in strength training before taking a trip to the Karakoram range glaciers, it can be pay off.
The Baltoro Glacier trek is divided into various legs. The first leg takes you to Concordia, which is a spectacle to see in itself. This is where you get to the base camp at K2. From Concordia you reach Ali Camp: a kind of fluted slope that stands like a tower right in front of you. Another name for this glacier is the Bride Peak because it kind of looks like a wedding gown. From Ali camp you can go to Gondogora Lake where you are surrounded by a wall of glaciers. The sunlight that passes through these glaciers at sunset and sunrise is worth the visit. The next destination is Hispang, and as you progress, the weather and the Baltoro trek gets tougher. However, a visitor can drop out of the trek at any time they wish, so this adventure can be easily tailored to personal fitness levels and requirements.
The Baltoro Glacier is 62 kilometers long: one of the longest glaciers outside of the polar regions. The melting ice from the glacier gives rise to the Shigar River—the tributary of the Indus River. Baltoro Glacier is fed by several tributary glaciers, and Concordia is the confluence of the Baltoro and the Godwin Austen. Several people come to Concordia to trek, which starts at the K2 base camp. These are the most popular trekking destinations, and the best way to approach is from Balti in Skardu.
Baltoro Glacier is in the form of a wide trough, and is an environment where dynamic changes are taking place with the melting ice and the formation of new glaciers. However, in order to view these glaciers you should be fit and willing to trek through tough landscapes. Some people train for this kind of trekking holiday in the mountains. If you invest time in strength training before taking a trip to the Karakoram range glaciers, it can be pay off.
The Baltoro Glacier trek is divided into various legs. The first leg takes you to Concordia, which is a spectacle to see in itself. This is where you get to the base camp at K2. From Concordia you reach Ali Camp: a kind of fluted slope that stands like a tower right in front of you. Another name for this glacier is the Bride Peak because it kind of looks like a wedding gown. From Ali camp you can go to Gondogora Lake where you are surrounded by a wall of glaciers. The sunlight that passes through these glaciers at sunset and sunrise is worth the visit. The next destination is Hispang, and as you progress, the weather and the Baltoro trek gets tougher. However, a visitor can drop out of the trek at any time they wish, so this adventure can be easily tailored to personal fitness levels and requirements.
When to Go to Baltoro Glacier
February to April is the best time to visit the Baltoro Glacier.
Odds n' Ends
As a visitor you should take aids like an ice pick, snowboots, warm clothing, hats and gloves. The clothes that you wear are going to be heavy, and along with that you need to carry camping equipment, so make sure to bring a good backpack. Also carry some basic medicines for fever and frostbite. Moisturizer and lotions that help you combat the dry weather are also essential for your trip.
It is best to book your Baltoro trek well in advance, and try to arrange it with at least three other people to make the prices more reasonable. If you do not book in advance you can book in Skardu and possibly negotiate a cheaper rate, but there can be some uncertainty involved in this.
It is best to book your Baltoro trek well in advance, and try to arrange it with at least three other people to make the prices more reasonable. If you do not book in advance you can book in Skardu and possibly negotiate a cheaper rate, but there can be some uncertainty involved in this.
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