High Passes of the Karakoram: Pakistan | Go With Guide
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Fairy Meadows and the accessible peaks of Pakistan

High Passes

Glaciated high passes of the Karakoram

Last updated: · Reviewed by Javeed Iqbal, Founder

The high mountain passes of Pakistan are alpine crossings, not casual treks. The classic high mountaineering pass is the Gondogoro La (5,585 m), a glaciated pass linking the Baltoro and Concordia region to the Hushe valley. It is crossed with fixed ropes, crampons and an ice axe, usually as the dramatic finale of a K2 Base Camp trek, and rewards climbers with a view of four 8,000-metre peaks (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II) lined up in a single panorama.

Unlike valley walks, a glaciated pass trek across the Gondogoro La demands basic glacier skills and a strong head for exposure. Loose moraine, crevassed ice and steep fixed-rope sections mean every crossing is done roped up and led by experienced high-altitude guides and porters. Good acclimatisation, sound footwork on snow and ice, and stable summer weather are all essential, which is why these high passes are treated as mini mountaineering objectives rather than ordinary trekking days.

High Passes of the Karakoram

Glaciated, technical crossings of the high Karakoram, for now headlined by the Gondogoro La, the celebrated pass on the K2 traverse where four 8000-metre peaks line up in a single view.

Gondogoro La, 5,585m passChallenging

Gondogoro La (5,585m)

The famous 5,585m pass on the K2 traverse, the only place on earth with four 8000ers (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II) in a single view.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main high mountaineering passes in Pakistan?
The headline high mountaineering pass in Pakistan is the Gondogoro La (5,585 m) in the Karakoram, which links the Baltoro and Concordia region to the Hushe valley. It is by far the most sought-after glaciated pass, prized for its view of four 8,000-metre peaks. Other Karakoram passes such as the Hispar La and Shimshal-area crossings are also glaciated, but the Gondogoro La is the classic high mountaineering pass most travellers come to cross.

How hard is crossing the Gondogoro La?
The Gondogoro La is a demanding, strenuous crossing rather than a technical climb. The summit push starts in the small hours to cross the snow before it softens, with a steep fixed-rope section on both the ascent and the long descent to Hushe. Climbers use crampons, an ice axe and a harness, and move roped up on glaciated ground at high altitude. Good fitness, solid acclimatisation and comfort with exposure and early alpine starts are all needed.

When is the Gondogoro La open?
The pass is generally crossable only in the short summer season, roughly mid-July to late August, when the fixed ropes are set by local committees and snow conditions are most stable. Outside this window the crossing is usually closed due to unstable snow, crevasse risk and avalanche danger. Exact opening dates vary year to year with snowfall, so the route can only be confirmed shortly before the season.

Do I need technical skills and permits?
You need basic glacier and mountaineering skills: walking in crampons, using an ice axe, and moving on fixed ropes while roped to a guide. Prior alpine experience helps, but many climbers cross with a guided team that provides the technical rope work and safety systems. The route runs through the Central Karakoram National Park, so a park fee and guide arrangements apply, and all crossings must be made with licensed guides and porters who fix and manage the ropes.

Can the Gondogoro La be combined with the K2 Base Camp trek?
Yes. Crossing the Gondogoro La is most often done as the finale of a K2 Base Camp trek. The classic itinerary walks up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, then instead of retracing the same route it exits over the Gondogoro La and descends to the Hushe valley. This creates a spectacular one-way traverse and adds the four-8,000-metre-peak panorama from the pass to the K2 experience, which is why the two are usually booked together.
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