brentonsearle
Jul 22, 2011, 2:24 AM
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Registered: Jul 21, 2011
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Biafo-Hispar Glacier Traverse Karakorum Pakistan 2011
An international team of trekkers and climbers from Canada, America, Germany, New Zealand and Australia will be completing a stunning world class trek in the Karakorum Mountains in the Gilgit and Baltistan region, known as the Biafo Hispar Glacial Traverse. While it does not have the label of “K2”, this trek is a stunning traverse of the longest glacial system in the world (110km) outside of the polar icecaps with incredible views of the famous Latok and numerous other rock peaks. The glacier runs from Baltistan (Skardu side) to the majestic Hunza Valley (Gilgit side). The start date is 9 September 2011 and you will need 22 days return to Islamabad.
We are looking for two people to fill spots in our team who are reasonably fit, and easy going companions with determination for completing this trek, to help us share this outstanding adventure.
Note that glacial travel and trekking experience is not mandatory, however the trek is very physically challenging. The itinerary has been carefully designed to be carried out at a nice and steady continuous walking pace, with porters carrying 15kg of your personal gear (due to the length of the trek, we have concluded it isn’t as enjoyable carrying your food supplies and gear for two weeks!).
These treks are also listed in a famous book, called "Top Treks of the World": http://www.amazon.com/Top-Treks-World-Steve-Razzetti/dp/1569753024#reader_1569753024 Pages from the rare Lonely Planet guide book, Trekking in the Karakorum and Hindukush, about this treks has been uploaded on http://saad-ali.net/downloads/brenton/biafo-hispar-glaciertrek.pdf
With respect to security concerns, the Gilgit-Baltistan Region is amongst the safest places in the world. As an example of others still traveling to Pakistan’s mountains, refer to a Spanish Women’s Expedition and American Expedition to the region in 2010. The Spanish Women’s National Climbing Team blogspot is: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fproyecto-karakorum.blogspot.com&act=url
The American climbers have posted an article (note the last paragraph) on http://aaj.americanalpineclub.org/climbs-and-expeditions/asia/pakistan/charakusa-valley/2010-pathan-brakk-and-k7-west-by-m-mccormick/ and also this amusing YouTube clip on their opinion of traveling to Pakistan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugd2US4BFxQ
With respect to security risks, foreign service travel advisories refer to regions that are bordering Afghanistan, and while it is safe, one spends very little time in Islamabad. Travel along the Karakorum Highway also has not had any incidents in the history of expeditions that come to Pakistan! There are also a number of American expeditions currently present in the area who have easily obtained climbing permits.
With respect to costs, this trek is expensive, (especially after you include your ticket to Pakistan), due to the unavoidable porter costs and length of the trek, but it is truly once in a lifetime! We have also received a really good deal for this trek for the high quality of services that we have chosen by a company with an outstanding international reputation.
If you are interested in joining our team, please send an email to info@nazirsabir.com and information regarding the costs and services offered to us, itinerary and other details will be forwarded to you.
Carolyn Timms
New Zealand Team Member
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