Broad Peak Expedition (8,047m) 2027-28

The Falchan Kangri Challenge

Broad Peak (8,047m), also known locally as Falchan Kangri, is the 12th-highest mountain in the world. Rising above the Baltoro Glacier, it offers an accessible route above 8,000 meters while remaining a physically demanding objective for experienced alpinists.

This expedition follows the classic West Ridge and is designed for climbers with previous high-altitude experience, particularly experience above 6,500m. The journey combines the legendary Baltoro approach, Concordia, Broad Peak Base Camp and a flexible climbing period built around acclimatization and weather windows.

Expedition Highlights

8,047m Summit: Attempt Broad Peak’s True Main Summit via the West Ridge.
Baltoro Glacier: Trek past the Great Trango Towers, Cathedral Peak and Lobsang Spire.
Concordia: Camp beneath the iconic Karakoram 8,000m giants.
Base Camp: Full-service infrastructure with meals, weather updates and communications support.
Skardu Flight: Mountain-view flight from Islamabad, subject to weather.

The Climbing Strategy

The standard route uses three high camps. Acclimatization rotations take the team progressively higher before the final summit window. The West Ridge includes steep couloirs, mixed snow and rock, snowfields, the Col and an exposed ridge traverse toward the summit.

Historical note: Broad Peak was first summited in 1957 by an Austrian team including Hermann Buhl and Kurt Diemberger. The reference itinerary notes that the classic route remains the main objective for commercial expeditions.

50-Day Itinerary

01 Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad

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Touch down in Pakistan. Most international flights arrive in Islamabad early in the morning. Our team will meet you in the arrival hall for a private transfer to the hotel to help you recover from jet lag. Once the full team has gathered, we hold a mandatory expedition briefing to discuss logistics, permit formalities, and the climb ahead.

Overnight: 3/4 Star Hotel | Activity: Gear check, briefing, and optional city tour if time permits.

02 Day 2: The Skardu Flight (or Karakoram Highway Drive)

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We aim for the scenic 45-minute flight to Skardu (2,230m). This flight is weather-dependent but offers world-class views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram giants. If the weather holds, we land in Skardu, the logistics hub of Baltistan. If flights are grounded, we embark on the adventurous drive via the Karakoram Highway to Chilas.

• Key Sight: Nanga Parbat is visible from the right side of the aircraft.
• Contingency: Drive to Chilas (461km / 8–9 hours) if the flight is cancelled.

03 Day 3: Final Preparations in Skardu

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A crucial buffer day for finalizing climbing permits with the tourism department. While we handle the paperwork, you are free to explore Skardu’s rich history. Hike up to the 17th-century Kharpocho Fort for panoramic views of the Indus River, or visit the Organic Village to see traditional Balti farming.

• Acclimatization: Gentle walking around town (2,230m).
• Logistics: Final kit check and packing loads for the porters.

04 Day 4: Jeep Safari to Askole

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We load into 4×4 jeeps for a rugged 7-hour drive through the Shigar Valley. The road narrows as we enter the Braldu Gorge, eventually leading to Askole (3,000m). This is the “end of the road” and the last permanent settlement before the mountains.

• Elevation: 3,000m
• Drive Time: ~7 Hours
• Highlight: The transition from paved roads to the raw Karakoram wilderness.

05 Day 5: Askole to Jula (The Trek Begins)

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The expedition officially starts on foot. We trek out of Askole, leaving the green fields behind for the arid Braldu valley. We cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier and break for lunch at the green oasis of Korofong. The day ends crossing a suspension bridge over the Dumurdo River to reach Jula Camp.

• Elevation: 3,100m
• Trek Time: 5 Hours
• Terrain: Dusty trails, river crossings, and dry heat.

06 Day 6: Jula to Paiju

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We follow the Braldu River upstream. The trail undulates, requiring good footwork. As we approach Paiju (3,380m), the valley widens, revealing the first views of the Baltoro Glacier. Paiju is a traditional rest stop with trees and fresh water—the last green campsite before hitting the ice.

• Elevation: 3,380m
• Trek Time: 6 Hours
• Key View: First glimpse of the Great Trango Tower and Cathedral peaks.

07 Day 7: Paiju to Khoburtse (Entering the Glacier)

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A tough but rewarding day. We climb onto the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The terrain shifts to loose rock and glacial moraine. We traverse the glacier to its south side and hike to Khoburtse (3,760m). The views here are iconic: the vertical walls of the Trango Towers and Uli Biaho dominate the skyline.

• Elevation: 3,760m
• Trek Time: 7 Hours
• Terrain: Glacial moraine (rock on ice).

08 Day 8: Khoburtse to Urdukas

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A shorter day gaining altitude along the lateral moraine. We arrive at Urdukas (4,130m) by lunch. This is a spectacular campsite perched on grassy slopes above the glacier. It offers direct views of the Cathedral Group and Trango Towers across the valley.

• Elevation: 4,130m
• Trek Time: 4 Hours
• Significance: The last campsite with soil/grass; everything after this is ice and rock.

09 Day 9: Acclimatization at Urdukas

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Rest is critical here. We spend the day at Urdukas to allow our bodies to adjust to the 4,000m+ altitude. It’s a perfect day for photography, organizing gear, and washing clothes before the push to the high camps.

10 Day 10: Urdukas to Goro II

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We descend back onto the Baltoro Glacier and head east. The landscape turns icy and dramatic as we pass Masherbrum (7,800m) and Muztagh Tower. We camp right on the glacier ice at Goro II (4,250m). Nights become significantly colder from here on.

• Elevation: 4,250m
• Trek Time: 7 Hours
• Conditions: Camping on ice; suitable sleeping pads are essential.

11 Day 11: Goro II to Concordia (The Throne Room)

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Today, we reach one of the most famous locations in mountaineering history: Concordia. This is the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers. As you arrive, K2 (8,611m) reveals itself, surrounded by Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV and other Karakoram giants.

• Elevation: 4,600m
• Trek Time: 5 Hours
• Highlight: Unobstructed views of K2 and the Gasherbrum Group.

12 Day 12: Concordia to Broad Peak Base Camp

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Rise early to witness one of the region’s iconic sunrises, watching the first light hit K2 and the surrounding Karakoram giants. After breakfast, we leave Concordia and step onto the Godwin-Austen Glacier. The route weaves through ice fins and glacial ridges before reaching the medial moraine where Broad Peak Base Camp is established. Situated directly at the foot of the route, this camp offers an exceptional view of K2 and Broad Peak.

• Elevation: 5,000m (16,404 ft)
• Trek Time: 3–4 Hours
• Highlight: Navigating the ice fins of the Godwin-Austen Glacier and settling into Base Camp beneath Broad Peak.

Accommodation: Full-service Camping | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13–42 Days 13–42: Broad Peak Climbing Period

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For the next 29 days, we engage in the acclimatization rotations and summit strategy required for Broad Peak. The exact schedule remains flexible because weather windows, route conditions, and team acclimatization determine the safest timing for each move.

• Rotations: Move between Base Camp, Camp 1 (approx. 6,000m) and Camp 2 (approx. 6,400m) to adapt to altitude and transport essential gear.
• Route: Follow the standard West Ridge from the steep couloir toward Camp 1, through mixed snow and rock sections to Camp 2, then across snowfields toward Camp 3 (approx. 7,000m), below the Col.
• Summit Push: From Camp 3, climb toward the Col (approx. 7,800m), traverse the ridge, pass the Rocky Summit (Fore Peak), and continue toward the True Main Summit at 8,047m.
• Logistics: Broad Peak Base Camp serves as the command center with nutritious meals, satellite weather updates, and communications support.

43 Day 43: Clean Up & Trek to Goro II

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After the expedition wraps up and the mountain is cleaned of our debris, we begin the return trek down the glacier to Goro II.

• Overnight: Goro II Camp

44 Day 44: Trek to Khorbtuse

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We continue down the Baltoro Glacier, carefully navigating the moraine before reaching Khorbtuse for the night.

• Overnight: Khorbtuse Camp

45 Day 45: Trek to Mon Camp

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Leaving the higher glacier behind, we continue along the return trail to Mon Camp, where we spend the night.

• Overnight: Mon Camp

46 Day 46: Trek to Korphon

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We follow the valley trail to Korphon for our final night in camp, marking the expedition’s safe return with our porters and support staff.

• Overnight: Korphon Camp

47 Day 47: Korphon to Skardu

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We leave Korphon and travel back to Skardu. Arriving in Skardu means hot showers, soft beds, and fresh food at the hotel.

• Drive Time: 7 Hours

48 Day 48: Fly to Islamabad

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We aim for the morning flight back to the capital. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxing or shopping.

• Contingency: If the flight is cancelled, we will begin the road journey via the KKH.

49 Day 49: Reserve Day / Sightseeing

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Used as a buffer for flight cancellations. If we flew yesterday, today is a dedicated sightseeing day in Islamabad, with options such as Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, followed by a farewell dinner.

50 Day 50: International Departure

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Transfer to Islamabad International Airport. End of the Broad Peak Expedition. Safe travels!

Full-Service Expedition Package

Logistics & Transport Round-trip Islamabad–Skardu flights, with road transport via Chilas or Besham if flights are cancelled; all airport transfers and 4×4 Jeep transport between Skardu and Askole or Hushe; luggage allowance of 75 kg each way inward and 50 kg per person return.
Accommodation & Base Camp Infrastructure Stay 3 nights in Islamabad with air-conditioned rooms and 3 nights in Skardu on Bed & Breakfast. Full-board meals during the trek; individual D-4 style tents with mattresses at Base Camp. Mess, kitchen, toilet and shower tents with tables, chairs and fuel are supplied.
Support Crew Wages, insurance, food and equipment for Sirdar, Cook, Assistant Cook and Porters. Liaison Officer salary, insurance, transport and equipment are also covered.
Permits & Administration Official Peak Permit and Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) fees; assistance and coverage for required permits, bridge and road taxes; mandatory Ministry of Tourism briefing and debriefing; Alpine Club of Pakistan certificate upon successful summit.
Staff Wages, Equipment and Insurance Staff insurance, fair wages in line with regional porter welfare guidelines, and food and lodging for mountain staff and porters.
Certified Guide A licensed, government-registered English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Technical Gear & High-Altitude Support Personal climbing gear, High Altitude Porters (HAPs), and high-altitude rations are not included.
Personal Kit & Expenses Sleeping bags, rucksacks, clothing and footwear are not included. Tips, laundry, satellite communication and extra beverages are also excluded.
Meals in Cities Lunches and dinners in Islamabad and Skardu are excluded. Breakfast is included during the Skardu stay.
Safety & Insurance Mandatory helicopter rescue insurance with minimum coverage of $15,000 is required.

Baltoro & Broad Peak Route Map

Regional perspective from Skardu through Askole, the Baltoro Glacier and Concordia to Broad Peak Base Camp.

Expedition Gallery

Broad Peak Trip Information

Experience: Previous high-altitude climbing experience above 6,500m is recommended.

Preparation: Climbers should arrive with strong endurance, glacier travel skills and familiarity with fixed-rope systems.

Conditions: Weather, route conditions and team acclimatization determine the final climbing schedule.

Booking: Contact the operations team for current availability, permit requirements and the full expedition dossier.